Brit’s “Recess” Retreat to Santa Fe Might Just Inspire Your Next Girls’ Trip

Hi y’all! Brit Morin, founder of Brit + Co, here. Last year, my husband Dave and I decided to go to photography school together in Santa Fe for our anniversary. (We choose a new adventure each year and yes, we count “school” as an adventure!) Inspired doesn’t even come close to how we felt that week. The colors, the mod desert vibes, the creative artistry — basically, I never wanted to leave.

So instead, I decided to return with a group of my most inspiring friends. I chose 20 ladies who are all taking on the world in different ways: venture capitalists, fashion designers, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives. Many of them work like crazy, and many are also young moms as well A.K.A they hardly ever take time for themselves… does this sound familiar to anyone you know? :)

Thus, I knew exactly what they needed: a weekend of creativity, play, and relaxation. So I gathered them for a 3-day creative experience co-hosted with the nation’s top photography school, the iconic Santa Fe Photographic Workshops. We called it Recess: a weekend of creative play for the world’s most creative women.

And we did it in style. First, we took JSX hop-on jet service. It’s basically a much more affordable private jet with routes all along the west coast. Prices can literally be as low as $100 each way! You can show up 10-15 minutes before the flight at a private airport and get to skip the hassle of security lines and baggage claim. Plus, there are hardly ever those annoying airport delays. It’s personally my favorite hack for flying to and from LA to be back home to SF by the kids’ bedtime. Comfy leather seats, dog and baby friendly service, tons of legroom, outlets for all my tech, free snacks/booze, super-friendly staff — need I say more?

When we arrived to Santa Fe (with no delays!), we checked in at the Inn of the Five Graces — think maximalist style and comfort with a Santa Fe twist.

We kicked off the weekend by exploring the rich cultural and art scene of Santa Fe in all its adobe glory (the city has the highest per capita of artists outside of NYC).

Yoga, sunrise hikes, a slew of photography classes (from landscape to portrait), and a painting class by our very own Brit + Co watercolor instructor Jenna Rainey at the Georgia O’Keefe’s Home at Ghost Ranch followed.

Oh and bongo drums:

Some of my personal highlights: We soaked in the Japanese-inspired tubs at Ten Thousand Waves spa and shot cowboy photos at Mortenson’s Ranch where celebs like Tom Hanks have filmed movies. We packed in quite an adventure taking in the art, color, food and natural beauty of the city, all while upping our Instagram game. I cannot wait to go back.

This was one of my favorite photos. You can take the girl outta Texas... (yep, I’m a Texan!) but you can’t take the Texan out of the girl. Thanks to my gal pals for the shot and all the memories.;)

Think we should do this again next year!? Maybe make this a bigger event in many different cities? My mind is spinning with the possibilities, so if you have any feedback, hit me up on the Instagram dms: @brit

Until next time,

Brit