The Story of Us: A Valentine’s Weekend in Nature

February 13, 14, and 15, 2026

A Fun Couple Retreat in

the Heart of Nature

Wild Rice Retreat

Nestled amongst the hugging pines and lapping waters of Lake Superior outside Bayfield, Wisconsin, Wild Rice is a vibrant retreat destination founded on the pillars of nourishment, expression, and movement. Realizing the desire for holistic experiences immersed in nature, Wild Rice created a haven for peace and connection.

Dina and Michael, facilitators of couple retreats at Wild Rice, are offering a unique Valentine's Day experience at Wild Rice. This retreat will blend valuable education on key relationship areas—communication, connection, emotional safety/vulnerability, and intimacy—with exciting activities, including a special food and wine pairing.

David Devere, a wine educator, will lead the food and wine experience. David and his wife, Sara, bring years of experience hosting wine tours in France, promising a fun and distinctive addition to the retreat.

Beyond the structured sessions, ample opportunity for play and rejuvenation is integrated into the schedule. The retreat aims to provide a perfect balance of relationship connection and leisure, ensuring you leave feeling more centered in yourself and deeply connected with your partner.

Aerial Photo of Retreat Center

A special opportunity to sneak away
with your sweetheart for a weekend
of good food and wine, connection,
education, and rejuvenation.

Nestled in the serene beauty of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, Wild Rice Retreat offers the perfect backdrop for reconnection and renewal. During your stay, you’ll experience:

Immersive Learning

Thoughtful programming designed to strengthen your bond through guided workshops and hands-on activities.

Tranquil Surroundings

Modern Scandinavian-inspired accommodations are surrounded by forest and lake views, creating a peaceful escape from daily life.

Personalized Connection

Opportunities to explore and practice relationship tools in a supportive and confidential group setting.

Unwind and Recharge

Enjoy nourishing meals, rejuvenating amenities like the sauna, and ample downtime to process, rest, and reconnect with your partner.

Included in Your Weekend Registration:

» Wild Rice Retreat’s most luxurious lodging, The Nest

» Meaningful education and programming from The Connecting Couple, with ample opportunities to break and be on your own

» All meals, absolutely delicious and locally sourced

» A very special food and wine pairing experience with wine expert, David Devere, from The Savvy Nomad


» All Wild Rice Retreat amenities including 24/7 sauna and daily yoga


» The Connecting Couple’s special curated welcome bundle of items for you and your partner (A value worth $200)

» All taxes and fees

A luxury experience in nature and with two seasoned guides:

$2,600 per couple

$750 non-refundable deposit.

Full balance due 60 days prior to retreat.

  • "We learned how to appreciate each other more and to repair most effectively and it has stayed with us!

    Our number of positive connections grows every day!! This is everything!!"

  • "A beautiful surprise! So intimate, safe, packed full of intense emotional connections.

    A great prescription for relationships at any stage."

  • "I found the connections so meaningful...

    The lodging/retreat center itself was beautiful - the setting overlooking Lake Superior, the woods, the quaint cabin, the food, and most importantly the community of couples...

    I enjoyed the materials, the yoga, the dialogue, and the box of gifts- a special touch."

  • "The retreat has given us many new tools to move our relationship forward in positive ways."

    Imago dialogue, a repair toolkit, and so much more.

  • "My only request is for a follow-up retreat experience."

  • "The tools are great and so are the insightful quotes. Just the right amount."

  • "Thoughtful programming that built a great balance of scheduled and free time."

  • "Wild Rice is magical and the Nests were perfect. Food is excellent!"

    Every meal was an experience.

  • "Couple yoga is a great way to start a full day."

    One mat per couple (provided by WRR) and zero yoga experience required.

  • "We love how Dina and Mike connect with the couples by being vulnerable and sharing their own stories."

    We laughed and cried with them.

  • "Great content. Just the right amount of programming vs. open time."

    Just wished for one more day.

  • "Wild rice was lovely."

    A hidden gem in the woods.

  • "We would love phase 2 and continuation of group sessions as a second retreat."

Invest in one of the most important relationships of your life

Are you and your partner looking for a unique and special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend? Join us for a weekend full of fun, education, connection, and play. You will walk away reconnected and recharged, with tools to enhance your relationship and the relationships around you.

Curved Dotted Line

Your Guides: Dina & Michael

Dina and Michael Clabaugh bring years of experience helping couples strengthen their relationships and discover new and deeper connections. Dina, a licensed clinical social worker, combines her expertise in attachment, neuroscience, and relational therapies with a compassionate, practical, and fun approach. Michael, a couple therapist with advanced training in relationship dynamics and myriad modalities, offers deep insight into the challenges and growth opportunities within intimate partnerships.

Together, they create a supportive, enriching, and lively environment where couples can explore, learn, and have so much fun.