This Retreat Offers Transformation in a Stunning Caribbean Destination
September is National Recovery Month, and here’s a travel experience that celebrates resilience, community, and renewal in one of the Caribbean’s most stunning destinations.
State of Gratitude, founded by New York–based entrepreneur Chris Bilyk, began as a personal sobriety journey and has since grown into a movement of intention, connection, and second chances. The brand is best known for its bestselling Gratitude Intention Wrap Bracelets—handmade by women rebuilding their lives after incarceration—but its most powerful expression lives in its immersive retreats.
The upcoming 6th Edition Retreat will take place February 26 – March 1, 2026 at Zel by Meliá Punta Cana—a AAA 4 Diamond lifestyle resort created with Rafa Nadal. Designed as a haven for sober travelers and wellness seekers alike, the experience is both grounding and luxurious:
- Daily yoga, sound healing, and meditation on the beach and in lush gardens
- Guided ice bath + breathwork sessions for breakthrough resilience
- A private catamaran excursion exclusive to attendees
- Suite-style accommodations at Zel by Meliá, blending Mediterranean design with Caribbean soul
- Welcome reception + farewell beachfront dinner to celebrate connection and community
For National Recovery Month, Chris’s story—and this retreat’s unique positioning at the intersection of sobriety, wellness, and luxury travel—offers a fresh lens on how travel can truly transform.
