Sober in the City Scottsdale Recap 2025: Desert Magic + Emotional Sobriety
If you’ve ever wondered what an alcohol-free wellness weekend in Scottsdale feels like… let me just say this:
Sober in the City Scottsdale 2025 was pure, sparkling, zero-proof Experiences MAGIC. ✨🌵
From May 16–18, 2025, we gathered at the gorgeous Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows by Hyatt for a weekend that delivered everything I love most about a Sober in the City experience: real connection, belly laughs, mocktails that deserve a standing ovation, and the kind of “I feel like I can breathe again” nervous system exhale you can’t fake.
And this recap wouldn’t be complete without saying the quiet part out loud:
Nothing was missing without alcohol.
Not the fun. Not the depth. Not the celebration. Not the glow.
My Favorite SITC Ritual: the Welcome Bag Unboxing 🎁📸
Kicking off every Sober In the City weekend by diving into the Welcome Bag and snapping a photo of all the goodies inside is one of my favorite little rituals.
I love seeing what’s in there (because honestly… it’s always DELIGHTFUL). But even more than that, I love what it represents: a community of women who show up for themselves and each other, and who come prepared with generous hearts and fun surprises.
This time, I switched up my usual contribution. I often bring pens and postcards with a yummy mocktail recipe (because obviously), but for Scottsdale, I tucked in something that felt extra meaningful: an editorial print of my Voyage Phoenix feature. A little “Hi, this is me” moment in paper form. 📰💛
Because I’m deeply grateful for the vibrant alcohol-free life I’ve built over the past few years, and it’s still surreal (in the best way) to share that story with women who get it.
Because if you’re sober-curious, gray-area questioning, or simply craving a life that feels more YOU… I think it’ll be meaningful for you.
Why Scottsdale was the perfect backdrop for a zero-proof SITC wellness weekend
Scottsdale has this special kind of energy—sun-drenched, grounded, expansive. And the Andaz Scottsdale is total desert oasis vibes! Mid-century modern design, palms and mountain views, and those “I’m going to heal something just by sitting here” corners everywhere you turn.
It was the ideal setting for a sober women wellness weekend in Arizona. Equal parts luxury and down-to-earth, like a permission slip to slow down, tune in, and actually receive the goodness we’re always giving away to everyone else.
The kickoff night that set the tone: “Kaftan & Quesadilla: Art of Connection” 🌅💃
Before the main event officially began, we kicked things off with one of the most memorable gatherings I’ve experienced in a long time:
“Kaftan & Quesadilla: Art of Connection”, hosted by my dear friend Heather Lowe (founder of Ditched the Drink).
It had everything:
delicious mocktails (the fancy kind)
a palo santo welcome ceremony
a friendship bracelet exchange (yes, I cried a little inside)
a heartfelt presentation on connection
a photo booth + a killer playlist
and a desert sunset with a view of Camelback Mountain
Heather said it perfectly: alcohol was NOT on the guest list…
and we didn’t miss it.
That night wasn’t just “fun” (it was), it was also this beautiful embodied reminder of what I say all the time:
Connection is the real high.
And it’s available to us fully without numbing, buffering, or shrinking ourselves.
My workshop highlight: Emotional Sobriety (aka your ultimate sober superpower) 🧠💖
One of the biggest heart-expanding moments for me at SITC Scottsdale 2025 was co-leading a hands-on workshop with my friend and fellow Gray Area Drinking Master Coach, Susan Larkin.
Our session was called:
“Your Ultimate Sober Superpower: Emotional Sobriety”
And we went deep—in the most practical, empowering way.
We talked about the nervous system, explored Dr. Dan Siegel’s hand model of the brain, and learned how to recognize dysregulation in ourselves and others so we can respond with skill instead of spiralling into shame.
Then we brought it to life with tools you can actually use in real life (not just in a workshop chair):
grounding exercises (simple + powerful)
breathwork for regulation
active listening (the kind that builds safety)
validation (without fixing or rescuing)
and a loving-kindness meditation that felt like a soft reset for the whole room
And let me tell you… the energy was ELECTRIC. ⚡️
Since the weekend, attendees have reached out to tell us how impactful it was and how they used the tools in hard conversations, in social settings, in moments where they would’ve previously reached for a drink.
We’ve even been invited to present in other sober spaces, which feels like such an honor, and also such a reminder that this work matters.
A personal moment I’ll never forget
Reflecting back, my SITC journey started in Portland, Maine (Sept 2023), where I led a sunset grounding activity that attendees called “the weekend highlight.” 🌅
Fast forward to Scottsdale, and a dear friend said something that honestly made my heart burst:
She noticed my growth across the SITC events I’ve attended and shared that this presentation was hands down my best—that I really knocked it out of the park.
I’m not sharing that to brag. I’m sharing it because it’s proof of something I want you to hear:
You can grow. You can heal. You can become more you—year after year—one brave choice at a time.
Keynote love: Anika Sawni (Grüvi) brought the inspiration 🔥🥂(zero-proof)
A highlight of the weekend was the keynote from Anika Sawni, CEO and cofounder of Grüvi a non-alcoholic beverage brand that’s helping reshape the way we socialise.
Her story was such a beautiful blend of modern sobriety energy: intentional, confident, and grounded in the belief that you don’t need alcohol to belong.
Movement, mindfulness, and the “body exhale” moments 🧘♀️🌵
Another Scottsdale favorite? Sober yoga and mindful movement woven throughout the weekend.
Alex McRobert (Sober Yoga Girl) brought the kind of energy that makes you feel calmer just by being near her. It was the perfect pairing with all the nervous system work happening in the rooms, the hallways, and the quiet moments between sessions.
That’s what this weekend did so well: it didn’t just fill your mind with inspiration, it helped your body believe it’s safe to change.
The signature SITC magic: mocktails, mingling, and “new friend for life” energy
Beyond the workshops and keynote moments, the weekend was packed with the kind of experiences that make Sober in the City feel like a true sober lifestyle conference (but without the stiff conference vibe):
a welcome reception with gorgeous zero-proof drinks and easy conversation
beautiful dinners and shared meals (hello, connection!)
creative and wellness activities that invited play and presence
spontaneous “wait, you too?!” moments that turn into real friendships
This is why I love alcohol-free social events like SITC.
They don’t just remove alcohol… they replace it with something better.Belonging.
The best part: the connection doesn’t end when the weekend ends
One of the most meaningful things about this community is what happens after you go home.
You keep texting the women you met.
You keep sharing wins.
You keep practicing the tools.
You keep choosing yourself.
And if you want ongoing support between events, this is where ZPE Connect comes in.
ZPE Connect: the “I’m alcohol-free… now what?” community
ZPE Connect is the online community created by Zero Proof Experiences, with recurring connection calls and facilitated gatherings designed to help you build confidence, friendships, and real-life support in an alcohol-free lifestyle.
I’m honored to be one of the rotating Thursday facilitators, and I’d genuinely love to see you in there—especially if you’re craving community that feels uplifting, practical, and real.
What’s next: yes, there’s more SITC on the horizon 👀✨
If reading this recap has you thinking, “Okay… I need this,” you’re not alone.
The next Sober in the City adventure already has a save-the-date:
Sober in the City: Colorado Springs — May 15–17, 2026 at Cheyenne Mountain Resort.
(And yes, I’m already excited. Like… calendar-blocked excited.)
Want to learn about all the fun ahead?
Want to stay connected?
Here are your next steps 💜
1) Join my newsletter
If you want updates on future SITC events, alcohol-free inspiration, and practical nervous system + cravings support, hop on my email list (link in the post).
2) Explore ZPE Connect
If you’re craving community between events, ZPE Connect is such a beautiful place to land.
3) Work with me (if you’re ready for real change)
If you’re navigating gray area drinking, feeling stuck in the “start again Monday” loop, or craving a calmer, more confident alcohol-free life, my coaching is designed to help you heal what’s underneath the cravings and build a life you don’t want to escape from.
If you were at SITC Scottsdale 2025, tell me your favorite moment in the comments. And if you weren’t, I hope this recap is your sign that you belong here too. 🌵✨
As always…
I’m rooting for you. 💖
Kristin 🫶
How I Can Help You 🌅
FREE RESOURCES PAGE FOR LOVED ONES OF THOSE STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER!
In my ongoing commitment to supporting not only those facing substance use challenges, but also the loved ones standing by their side, I’m excited to provide a FREE Resources page on my website.
This page is filled with valuable information, recommended books, and services designed specifically for friends and family of individuals struggling with substance use disorder. My hope is to provide you with the tools, understanding, and support you need during such a challenging time, all in one accessible place.
You are not alone on this journey, and these resources are here to guide you with compassion and care.
VISIT MY FREE RESOURCES PAGE VIA THE BUTTON BELOW. 💜
If you want to explore an alcohol-free life or would like to improve your health, it would be my greatest pleasure to help you on your journey.
I have two different coaching options:
Health Coaching Program
Are you experiencing sickness, fatigue, depression, pain or weight issues?
If so, then your body isn’t working as it should.
There are many reasons for these health issues, and sometimes working with a Health Coach can help.
As your Health Coach, I support you through diet and lifestyle changes to help you feel the best you can and live a brighter, happier life.
Gray Area Drinking (GAD) Program
It’s challenging to change your drinking habits - especially when they’ve crept up and have been happening for a long time.
That’s where I can help you. I work holistically, focusing on your gut health, neurotransmitters, and dysregulated nervous system to calm, soothe, and get everything back in balance. I teach you coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and give you all the tools you need to live an alcohol-free life.
Take the first step to brighten your life!
Book your FREE consultation to learn more about my Health Coaching and Gray Area Drinking Coaching programs and how I can help you.
Remember…
EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY TO BE ALCOHOL-FREE, and SUNSETS ARE THE NEW HAPPY HOUR! 🌅
Kristin ❤️ x
