Jana Hocking, a sex and dating columnist for the Mail Online, recently shared her experience attending a $15,000 orgasm retreat in Joshua Tree National Park, California. Speaking on the Just Between Us podcast, Hocking explained that the Back to Body Sex Retreat focused on helping women reconnect with their sexual pleasure.
Contrary to her expectations of an extroverted crowd, Jana found that many attendees were processing trauma or healing from unfulfilling relationships. “They were either getting divorced… or needed to learn how to enjoy sex again,” she shared, describing the experience as emotionally intense but eye-opening.
The retreat began with a group discussion about each participant’s reason for attending. It quickly transitioned into more intimate sessions, including tantric meditation led by retreat founder Pamela Madsen and her team.
In one exercise, women were encouraged to “hold their vulvas” while affirming personal goals and desires. Jana explained that her intention was to reclaim her sexuality and stop “performing” orgasms. “I realized I was performing… but am I having a real orgasm?” she asked.
One particularly controversial session involved Madsen receiving half an hour of foreplay from a male assistant in front of the group. Another involved a hands-on anatomy demonstration by a urologist, using Madsen as a model.
Despite being the only participant who didn’t climax, Jana said she left the retreat feeling more self-aware and confident in her sexuality. “I’m more equipped to reach climax on my own terms,” she concluded.
The retreat stirred a mix of reactions online, but Jana emphasized that the experience helped many women prioritize their own pleasure—a topic often overlooked in traditional discussions about intimacy.
While not for everyone, the retreat shed light on the emotional complexities of female sexuality and the importance of personal empowerment.
