⬆️ THIS is where the magic happens! Skytop Lodge, Pocono Mountains, PA
94% Success Rate - Comparible Results to 6 Months of Traditional Couples Therapy
We saw instantaneous results and we definitely weren't expecting that since we literally had a fight on the drive over. I think what worked for us was the combination of being away from our kids and the breakout exercises forced us to talk about things in a much better way.
~ L and P (Skytop Retreat 2024)
"My husband and I attended Laura and Michael's retreat because we were having communication problems. We tried couples therapy but that didn't work for us because we felt like we were just re-hashing old fights. The retreat was a breath of fresh air and exactly what we needed. They are warm and funny and upbeat and have a way of making you feel like your problems are normal. We thought we needed new communication skills, but what we realized at the weekend was that we actually needed more than anything else was to remind each other how much we love each other."
~ K and S (Himalayan Retreat 2024)
"We had a bunch of "aha" moments throughout the weekend. Our biggest takeaway is that we tend to "listen to respond" instead of "listen to understand." We had heard this before but didn't think we were doing it 🙂 Laura helped us see what to do instead, and we still have our worksheets from the retreat and pull them out when we start to argue."
~ P and C (Bryn Mawr Couples Workshop 2023)
Laura Explains What a Real World Couples Retreat is Actually Like
Laura Explains What a Real World Couples Retreat is Actually Like A Science-Backed Couples Retreat Taught by Married Relationship Experts is Nothing Like the Movies!
Why are Couples Choosing Retreats More than Ever?
Dr. Michael and Laura Silverstein have a combined 60 years of experience helping thousands of couples communicate better, feel more loved and have more fun.
A weekend getaway retreat in the Poconos is a fast effective way to revive, reignite and rediscover your love while you are far away from stress and obligation.
- Romantic therapeutic getaways work faster and are more fun than traditional couples therapy
- Prevention is always better than crisis management (it's cheaper, more pleasant and brings better results)
- Smart couples know they need to get away more anyway, so it just makes sense to learn some skills at the same time
“The global wellness retreat market was valued at $180.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to nearly double—reaching $363.9 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.4%.” (Allied Research Group)
Not Sure If this Is Right for You? Set up a Call with Laura
We understand that this is a big expense and you probably have more questions.
Our Intake Coordinator can set up a tele meeting between you, your partner, and Laura so you can decide whether this couples retreat is a good fit for your needs.
Couples Package Early Bird Price (expires July 15th)
- 2 Nights Luxury Accommodations at the Skytop Lodge
- Semi-Private Skill-Building Seminars
- Private, Individualized Support from Expert Facilitators
- Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
- Ample Free Time for Rest, Relaxation and Exploration of the Grounds
- Price increases $2,700 July 16th and $2,900 September 15th
Escape the Routine and Have a Healthier Happier Relationship in 3 Days and 2 Nights (Your Relationship Deserves it)
Friday: How to Have a Happy, Healthy Relationship
Saturday Morning: Communicating with Kindness and Waterfall Walk
Saturday Afternoon: Picnic Lunch, Stress Management and Intimacy
Saturday Night: The Not-So Newlywed Game
Sunday Morning: Planning Session for Success at Home, and Goodbye Gift
The Love Is an Action Verb Couples Retreat is based on real science and years of experience:
- 50 Years of Research by the Gottman Institute (Laura was part of their team)
- Millions of couples worldwide are helped by the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy
- Michael and Laura combine 60 years of experience helping couples find happiness
- 7 Years of trial and error recreating Gottman lecture-based workshops into small, experiential retreats
- Outcome studies show 94% success rate for Gottman-informed weekend workshops
The Skytop Lodge is a 5,500-Acre playground complete with hiking trails, golf, and zip-line adventure courses. Michael and Laura encorporate the grounds into your weekend experience, and you can extend your stay for even more fun.
A couples therapist will tell you that your issues are normal, but there is nothing more powerful than a room full of people all supporting one another. Brand new couples learn from those who have been together for decades and vice versa. Everyone wants to feel loved, and everyone can relate to how hard it can be to maintain a healthy relationship amidst a busy world with lots of obligations.
People often worry that a romantic weekend is all well and good, but expect it to all go out the window as soon as you return back to the regular routine.
Michael and Laura understand that and send you home with resources so that you can keep up the great work you started. You'll leave with Love Is an Action Verb Couples Therapy Workbook, with over 70 exercises to do with your partner. Sunday morning is a planning session for implementation.
How Laura and Michael Built This Program Together
If you’re starting to feel more like roommates than romantic partners, Laura and Michael are here to help.
They met in 1995, fresh out of grad school and instantly bonded as two psychology nerds passionate about making a difference. Laura, the ever-hopeful social worker, was determined to change the world. Michael, a clinical psychologist with an academic bent, shared her deep commitment to understanding and strengthening human connection.
They fell in love, built a life together, and raised a family—learning firsthand just how beautiful and challenging real love can be outside the ivory tower of relational psychology.
Laura began training with Drs. John and Julie Gottman nearly two decades ago and joined their research team in 2017 for a clinical trial on infidelity. Before the pandemic, the Gottmans led The Art and Science of Love weekend workshops, gathering 500 couples in massive hotel ballrooms. Laura supported these events by offering one-on-one help during couples’ exercises.
Seeing the profound impact of these retreats, Laura and Michael were inspired to create something just as transformative—but with their own unique style.
They designed a more intimate experience: fewer lecture hours, more time for romance and real-life practice. The biggest change they made was to turn the workshop into a retreat, which means hosting the event in a romantic and luxurious environment.
Like all couples, Michael and Laura navigate conflict, and the very real challenges of staying connected in a busy time of life. They are very open and honest about what has worked (and not worked) for them so that you won't feel like you're the only ones who struggle.
In other words, they practice what they preach to help you do the same.
