Spend a Day with Curvora: An Insight into the 2026 CAFW Model Retreat

On a sunny Sunday in February, Curvora and California Fashion Week held their first ever Wellness Retreat at the Twelve Senses Retreat in Encinitas, California. This retreat was intended to showcase the importance of wellness and how it is taking over the fashion industry. Come spend a day with me through this immersive experience as the PR and Marketing Director Intern. 

Once I arrived, the models had already gotten into their matching sets from AYAT and received a complimentary wellness bag placed on their designated yoga mat. They proceeded to take a yoga flow class with Salt n Sun and afterwards, it was time for the Curvora workout. 

To begin the Curvora section of the retreat, the models received Curvora journals to go over their affirmations and thoughts before the workout. Following a quick hydration break, it was time to start the 45 minute workout. 

Once all eight models were sitting on their mats, Mia began by explaining the science behind the workout-how your hips hold the power and the overall health benefits the workout provides. Knowing that the moves are intentional makes the purpose behind the workout greater. This immediately shifted the energy in the room to excitement from the models. It followed with some snaps of appraisal after hearing that the workouts were specifically designed by a woman for women. 

After the warm-up there was a noticeable difference. With movements that once started off as unknown, became intriguing and celebrated. For instance, sinking deeper into the body rolls and hip movements, moving the hips side to side along with the beat of the music, and smiles starting to form as models built a groove. In real time I saw confidence grow from every individual as the workout progressed. Rightfully so, the heat of the sun was beaming down on them and their sweat became more and more prevalent as the workout challenged them physically. A feature that deserves recognition because in that moment you are choosing yourself. It’s an act of self-love to show up and challenge yourself. It’s not solely a physical gain but it challenges your mental strength and capacity to persevere too. 

Once it was time to move onto the mat, the models got a water break. For the final stretch, Mia led them into the leg portion of the workout. “Strong legs, strong breathing…we’re in this together" Mia announced as the winces on their faces made it clear this final stretch was a challenging portion. The models would look at each other, a reminder that they are in this together. As the workout came to an end, Mia emphasized and took her time with the cool down portion. Stretching on the mat, the women put their hands at heart center to focus on their breath. With every deep inhale and exhale as a group, Mia guided them, “let the sun hit your face…be present”. Taking their time and taking up space, the women finished the workout just as they had started, together. Applause and high-fives all around concluded the workout along with all tension that was once stored, released. 

Following the Curvora section, everyone took a restorative break. This included lunch, spa treatments, and pool time. Our lovely esthetician was Irene Faciones who provided the spa treatments. Every model received a facial and could be seen walking around with a face mask on to replenish their skin from their efforts prior in the day. 

To end our day, models and myself included participated in a Fashion as Art Experience. One of our Curvora Queens, Vickelly, guided us through a paint experience. Closing our eyes we were told to picture our body from head to toe. Each section of the body represented a color, this color was associated with a mental stimuli you would like to put more focus towards. For example, the color red being grounding, which meant being present with yourself or the color yellow being self-love, doing things for yourself and making your own needs a priority. We then opened our ideas and painted a women’s body with the coordinated colors we felt strongest towards. Personally, I have never participated in an activity such as this before, and that is exactly why I loved it. With a never-ending list of to-dos, we don’t typically think to reserve time for a mental check in. Being able to slow down and look inward felt like a reward. A reward in the sense of getting to know myself better and do something I wouldn’t usually do. 

While letting our paintings dry, we then moved back to the mats to participate in a sound bowl healing exercise. We laid down on our AYAT yoga mats and let stillness overcome us. With only the sound bowls and chimes making noise, we took this as a moment for a sound and sensory reset. I felt my muscles let go of their usual tension and focused on my breathwork, taking this time for myself. After this 30 minute exercise, I was the most relaxed I’ve been all day. With that, the retreat concluded. 

Overall, the Curvora and CAFW Wellness Retreat was such a memorable experience. Mixing wellness and fashion is not only the current trend, but the future for fashion. Being able to capture and immerse myself in the events of the day gave me an even deeper understanding of the importance and uniqueness of the Curvora workouts. I challenge you to understand the same. 

Curvora workouts & more found here: https://www.youtube.com/@CurvoraFitness/videos