Matt & Rachel (the owners of Retreat Outside) have built their lives based upon a shared passion for the outdoors and philanthropy. Prior to launching Retreat Outside, they backpacked across the globe exploring over 50 countries combined. In the early days, they pursued work that was spiritually (not financially) rewarding. They clocked long hours doing jobs that they loved: Ski Instructor, Trek Leader in the National Parks, & Charity Event Producer just to name a few. Then, they pursued their dream to build and operate a Zipline Tour in Alaska. When they were looking for land to build the tour on, they camped for an entire summer in Alaska, and they chose to live on food they could forage, so they ate mostly wild-caught salmon and blueberries. They celebrated good days with glacier-itas made with ice that they paddled out to retrieve theirselves. Once they built the tour and opened for business, they decided to raise money each year for a different charitable organization. Even as a small, seasonal business, they learned that they could make a difference. For example, they funded a well that was built in Ethiopia that provides clean drinking water to a village of over 250 people, and they raised over $7000 for a non-profit organization in Alaska that provides outdoor education programs for children. After the birth of their daughter and nearly a decade in Alaska, Rachel was diagnosed with Breast Cancer that spread to her lymph nodes. After she completed the grueling treatments, they decided to pursue their ultimate dream of living in Hawaii. They now live on a picturesque farm on the island of Kauai with their daughter where they continue to enjoy getting outside and enjoying nature together whether that’s swimming or paddling at the beach or hiking local trails.
OUR MISSION
We want to share our passion for the outdoors by helping others enhance their trip to Kauai. We take pride in keeping our cars, beach equipment, and outdoor gear clean and well-maintained for you so you can fully enjoy your time on the beautiful island we call home.
RECOGNITION
We were thrilled to receive an award for Coolest Small Business in America with our previous business, Alaska Zipline Adventures. Check out the video here:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”