The Story
The Vision
I believe that travel is one of the most powerful ways to see the world through a new lens.
It deepens our understanding of ourselves, expands our compassion for others, and reminds us of our shared humanity.
The connections formed on retreat create ripples: moments of kindness and clarity, that extend far beyond the trip itself.
I believe those ripples have the power to change the world.
That’s why I’m not only committed to creating transformative retreats but also to building a collaborative community of highly trained instructors.
Together, we’re raising the bar in travel by offering experiences where people can truly rest, embrace adventure, and most importantly, connect: with themselves, with nature, with other cultures, and with one another.
My promise is simple: to create spaces where you feel safe, supported, and free to be yourself (while also having fun and embracing the adventure)!
I’m passionate about building community, connecting with people across cultures, exploring new places, and weaving movement into each experience.
With a balance of detail-oriented planning and the ability to “ride the wave” of travel, our instructors ensure each retreat feels seamless, flexible, and deeply meaningful.
-Lindsay Eldridge
The Details
The path that began decades ago has grown into Away Retreats: a place where all those years of exploration, learning, and connection now shape experiences for others.
1994 – Had my first big experience with other cultures at age 10, at a World Cup soccer game!
2002 – Traveled abroad for the first time and studied Recreation & Tourism Mgmt in New Zealand.
2002 – Took my first steps into leading adventures for others, in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
2003 – Spent 75 days in the Alaskan wilderness with NOLS, an outdoor leadership immersion that pushed my limits, strengthened resilience, sharpened my leadership skills, and forged a profound connection to nature.
2003–2012 – Spent nearly a decade designing and leading adventure programs across the U.S. and abroad. This chapter of my life allowed me to live, work, and explore around the world. Some of my favorite experiences were as a sea kayaking guide in St. John (USVI), an English teacher in South Korea and an adventure guide in Ecuador and the Galapagos.
2012 – Began a 7+ year journey with Broadreach, a leading study-abroad organization, where I directed international programs and supported thousands of students in experiencing the world through travel and education.
2014 – Discovered Pilates and started what has become a lifelong practice and teaching journey, adding another layer of movement, mindfulness, and body awareness to my work.
2015 – Started dreaming of starting a retreat company "one day".
2024 – Brought the dream to life!
The Moments
I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to explore so much of the world.
Some of my most cherished travel memories include:
-Trekking and drinking tea in villages in Nepal
-Dancing to ring in the New Year with my river guide's family in Chile
-Attending a celebratory feast with monks in Thailand
-White water rafting the Karamea in New Zealand
-Watching my then-toddlers perform in the Dia de Guanacaste ceremony at their school in Costa Rica