A Weekend of Connection and Gratitude: Inside xBaby Surrogacy’s First Community Retreat
Last weekend, from January 16–18, xBaby Surrogacy hosted its first-ever in-person community retreat, bringing together team members, surrogates, and trusted partners for a weekend dedicated to connection, rest, and appreciation.
For many in the xBaby family, relationships are built through phone calls, video chats, and shared milestones across states and even countries. This retreat marked a meaningful step forward—creating space for those relationships to deepen in person. Fully hosted and paid for by xBaby, the weekend welcomed 11 attendees to San Diego for an experience that balanced relaxation, shared learning, and celebration.
More than an event, the retreat reflected what xBaby stands for: caring for the women who make surrogacy possible, fostering genuine community, and recognizing that support extends well beyond the clinical or contractual aspects of the journey.
(Photos throughout this post were taken by members of the xBaby team and attendees during the weekend.)
A Warm Welcome to San Diego: Friday, January 16
The weekend began with arrivals in San Diego and a shared sense of excitement as attendees gathered for the first evening together.
Dinner at Il Fornaio
The group officially kicked off the retreat with dinner at Il Fornaio, a beloved Italian restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere and classic cuisine. Over shared plates and conversation, team members and surrogates—some meeting in person for the first time—had the opportunity to connect beyond emails and intake calls.
The evening set the tone for the weekend: relaxed, thoughtful, and rooted in mutual respect. Stories were shared about surrogacy journeys, families created, and the different paths that brought each woman into the xBaby community.
Check-In at The Views at Hotel del Coronado
Following dinner, the group checked into The Views at Hotel del Coronado, a stunning coastal resort offering sweeping ocean scenery and a peaceful environment. The setting provided the perfect backdrop for rest and reflection after travel.
Upon arrival, attendees received xBaby goodie bags, thoughtfully prepared to make the weekend comfortable and memorable. Each bag included:
- A reusable water bottle
- A backpack for weekend outings
- A selection of snacks for convenience and travel
While simple, these small details reflected xBaby’s ongoing approach: anticipating needs and showing appreciation in practical, meaningful ways.
A Day of Care, History, and Shared Experience: Saturday, January 17
Friday was the heart of the retreat, intentionally designed to honor both self-care and shared experience—two values central to the surrogate journey.
Morning Relaxation at The Spa at the Del
The day began with a spa morning for the women at The Spa at the Del. Surrogacy is both physically and emotionally demanding, and this time was set aside specifically to encourage rest, relaxation, and restoration.
For many attendees, this was a rare opportunity to fully unplug—to pause from responsibilities and enjoy quiet moments focused entirely on themselves. Conversations continued organically between treatments, reinforcing bonds built on shared understanding and mutual support.
Brunch at Seaport Village – Mike Hess Brewing
After the spa, the group met for brunch at Seaport Village, dining together at Mike Hess Brewing. Over brunch, laughter and conversation flowed easily, with discussions ranging from everyday life to reflections on the surrogacy process.
The casual waterfront setting offered a refreshing contrast to the structured nature of medical appointments and schedules many surrogates are accustomed to—an intentional reminder that community can be joyful and relaxed.
Visiting the USS Midway Museum
In the afternoon, the group explored the USS Midway Museum, one of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks. Walking the historic aircraft carrier together provided a shared experience rooted in reflection, perspective, and appreciation.
For many attendees, the visit sparked meaningful conversations about service, sacrifice, and strength—qualities that resonate deeply within the surrogacy community. Experiencing this piece of history together added depth to the day and created memories that extended beyond the retreat itself.
Dinner at Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill
The evening concluded with dinner at Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill, where the group gathered once more to enjoy fresh seafood and views of the harbor.
By this point in the weekend, connections felt easy and familiar. What began as introductions had evolved into genuine friendships, grounded in trust and shared values. Dinner conversations reflected that growth—less about logistics, more about stories, humor, and mutual encouragement.
A Thoughtful Farewell: Sunday, January 18
The final morning of the retreat was intentionally unhurried, allowing attendees to enjoy the surroundings before returning home.
Breakfast at Cocina 35
The group met for breakfast at Cocina 35, a local favorite known for its comforting, home-style dishes. It was a fitting way to close the weekend—simple, warm, and centered around being together.
Exploring the Resort & Departures
After breakfast, attendees had time to explore the resort grounds, take final photos, and say goodbye at their own pace. Departures were staggered, but the sense of connection remained strong.
While the weekend officially ended, the relationships built during these few days will continue—through ongoing journeys, shared milestones, and future xBaby gatherings.
Why This Weekend Mattered
This retreat was never about luxury for its own sake. It was about recognition, connection, and community.
Surrogates give an extraordinary gift, often while balancing families, careers, and personal commitments. Bringing people together—without obligation, pressure, or expectation—was xBaby’s way of saying thank you and reinforcing that surrogates are never just participants in a process. They are valued members of a growing family.
For the xBaby team, the weekend also offered perspective. Meeting surrogates in person, hearing their stories directly, and sharing everyday moments strengthened the foundation of trust that defines how the agency operates.
Looking Ahead: Growing the xBaby Community
This first retreat marks the beginning of more intentional in-person connections within the xBaby community. As the agency grows, so does its commitment to creating spaces where surrogates feel supported not just medically and legally—but personally.
Events like this are part of a larger philosophy: that surrogacy should feel informed, supported, and human at every step.
Considering Becoming a Surrogate?
If you’re a woman who has thought about surrogacy—or is just beginning to explore the idea—this weekend offers a glimpse into what being part of the xBaby family can look like.
It’s about more than compensation or timelines. It’s about working with a team that values transparency, prioritizes your well-being, and builds real relationships along the way.
We invite you to learn more, ask questions, and see if surrogacy might be right for you.
Join the xBaby family—and be part of something meaningful, supported, and truly connected.