Connection, Play & Nourishment: A Pickleball Wellness Retreat in the Red Rocks of Southern Utah
September 24th - 27th 2026
Join us in St. George, UT to ignite your game and awaken your body with this 3-day, plant-based pickleball retreat.
Can you feel it?
A three-day reset where holistic health meets nonstop improvement in your play. Hosted by Dr. Niki Davis and coach Lucas Matelich M.Ed., this immersive weekend blends expert pickleball coaching, adventure, whole-food plant-based nourishment, and the regenerative power a connected crew. Come ready to elevate your game, reset your habits, and remember just how alive you can feel.
Guided by the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, and a large dose of fun, this camp will leave you feeling:
More alive
With no screens, healthy eating, hiking, bike cruising, and more pickleball than you can dream of, we promise rejuvenation, invigoration, and an increased zest for life.
More confident
With expert coaching in the kitchen (both pickle and chef’s), this intensive will have you at the top of your game.
More connected
With ample exercise, communal eating, connection activities, personal pool, and a plethora of play, we promise more connection to your body, mind, food, bike, people, kitchen, and paddle.
CAN YOU FEEL IT?
Who: 2.5 - 4.0 pickleball players interested in holistic health and lifestyle medicine
What: 3-day pickleball retreat with plant based, whole food nutrition and guided adventure.
Where: St. George, UT
When: 9/24 - 9/27
Group size: 8-15
Cost: dependent upon room selection…
This extravaganza is for you if…
“I want to level up my pickleball game with real coaching and good people.”
“I want to eat in a way that supports how I move, feel, and perform.”
“I love the idea of a weekend where I can focus on my body, mind, and game.”
“I’m ready to learn real kitchen skills that make healthy eating easier.”
“I’m craving a reset and a break from my routine.”
“I just want to have fun, play, and ride my bike.”
“I want some fresh ideas on spicing up my kitchen to bring back to my family.”
“I’m working on my third shot drop… and want it to finally click.”
“I want more confidence both on the court and in the kitchen.”
“I’m excited by the idea of a plant-powered, bike-centric, performance-focused weekend.”
“I’m excited about connection, community, bikes, and deep conversation.”
“I want a space where I can show up as myself—curious, open, and ready to learn.”
“I can’t get enough pickleball, and I want to play as much as possible.”
“I want to feel energized, strong, and supported.”
“I value kindness, inclusivity, fun, and growth— and I want a retreat built around those things.”
Meet your facilitators
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Niki Davis, MD, made a shift from a career in rocket science to become a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician. Her journey began as a young teen when she conscientiously started eliminating animal products from her diet due to health concerns. Despite earning bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering and contributing to the space shuttle program, her true passion was rooted in health and nutrition.
Dr. Davis redirected her path, leaving her engineering career to pursue medical studies. She graduated from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 2017 and completed a Family Medicine residency program in 2020. During her residency tenure, she not only served as Wellness Chief but also co-founded Plant Based Montana, an advocacy group dedicated to educating healthcare providers and the public about the advantages of a plant-based diet.
Dr. Davis is a sought-after speaker at national and virtual plant-based events and has had the privilege of learning from esteemed mentors such as Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Michael Klaper, Dr. Anthony Lim, Dr. Laurie Marbas, and Dr. Alan Goldhamer, among others. She is a regular guest on Chef AJ’s YouTube channel, holds a certificate in plant-based nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies via eCornell, and is certified in The Starch Solution. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Plant Based Support.
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Expert coach and facilitator of fun, Lucas has developed his career teaching middle school school science, high school health and PE, coaching soccer, pickleball, alpine ski racing, and guiding adventures for adults in the backcountry. As a former professional skier and NCAA collegiate athlete,
What else is included?
Pickleball clinics; nutrition clinics; guided adventure; expert coach, facilitators and workshop leaders; all communal meals; strong coffee; lodging; guided warm-ups; pool & hot tub; performance-based mindfulness workshop & guided visualization; tips, tricks & tools to bring home to your kitchen.
** Guests are expected to get themselves to and from the retreat.
BYO:
pickle ball paddle
water bottle
day pack
hiking footwear
pickleball footwear
notebook and pen/pencil
weather appropriate athletic wear
comfortable clothing
We have multiple bedrooms to choose from, with options ranging from private king size bedrooms to shared bunk rooms. Price is adjusted accordingly.
Where will I sleep?
Shake the mundane
What are some of the pickleball skills we will cover?
3rd shot drive, drop, and when to use which
mid court reset
dink
overheads, lobs, forehand & backhand roll/slice
court awareness & defensive positioning
on-court decision making
reflex training
performance mindset
growth mindset