7 Times Refinery29’s 29Rooms Was a Much-Needed Escape From Reality
Getting my palm read, relaxing under the desert sky, taking an art lesson and hitting up a nightclub all sound like quite the week in the making, amirite?
Hard to believe, but I kind of did all of that today. Yep, and it's not even 6 p.m.
I was one of the lucky VIPs invited to attend Refinery29's fourth annual immersive 29Rooms experience before it opens to the public Dec. 5-9 (tix are $39.99 for general admission and $69.99 for VIP).
The popular lifestyle site teamed up with a handful of celebs and organizations to not only bring guests 29 Insta-worthy photo opps, but also a chunk of true escapes from reality.
While each room tickled my fancy, I was especially fond of the spaces that allowed me to decompress and transport my mind to an alternate reality. I was surprised by how many opportunities there were to get in touch with my spiritual side or to embrace my creativity. I thought the whole experience would be solely limited to making me look cool on Insta Story, but it was, in fact, a full day of hands-on activities.
Keep reading for seven times 29Rooms was a much-needed escape from reality:
Love Letter to the World (in collaboration with Cocovan)
The world could use a little (no, a lot) of TLC right now more than ever, and this room provides an endless stream of white paper and colored pens, made for spreading the love. I just so happened to run into fellow Sweety High writer Ashley, who gave humanity a big hug (via pen and paper). Seeing everyone's positive words and wishes instantly uplifted me. It feels good knowing that caring people do exist.
Star Matter (in collaboration with Nicole Richie)
Palm Springs is one of my favorite places ever, and I seriously felt like I was transported from Downtown Los Angeles straight to the special California desert city in the blink of an eye. Complete with lights to resemble a night sky, and Fleetwood Mac filling my ears from a record player, this room epitomized the perfect reprieve from reality.
You Are Magic (in collaboration with The Hoodwitch)
Just one step into this mystical mini cave and you breathe in the aroma of calm. Yeah, whatever calm smells like, this is pretty much it. From there, you're greeted by The Hoodwitch, who will help you explore the deepest part of yourself and tap into your own inner magic. Everyone's experience is different, so don't leave it to me to tell you how yours is going to go down.
Artists in Residence (in collaboration with Sage Adams, Carolyn Suzuki, Stephanie DeAngelis and Mary Margaret Groves)
I'm creative when it comes to writing, but art has never quite been my forte. It's a shame because it's such an expressive outlet and I have so many things I want to communicate through images. Well, I had my very own mini art lesson at the hands of some incredible experts in the field. Seeing unique objects melded together and interpreting them from my eyes to paper with some guided assistance was a wonderful distraction from everything else going on.
Blind Date With Destiny
Another spiritual room for the win! Whether you believe in palm readings or not, the idea of it is such a fun little escape. This special room guides you into the hands of a stranger (but, like, you can't even see their face!). In the dim lit space, the person who determines your destiny is all but a mystery.
Claim the Stage (in partnership with Amazon Prime Video)
I've never seen The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, but I sure loved taking advantage of its themed space! My fellow Sweety High coworkers and I had a blast belting out tunes and watching our names (and our company's name) shine bright behind us, reminding us of the superstars we are.
Deep Sea Galaxy: Welcome to My Mind (in collaboration with Kesha)
Okay, this room constitutes as a straight-up photo-opp, but Team Sweety High spent so much time exploring the space and getting lost in the surreal subaquatic wonderland that it was surely an escape from reality. And because our girl Kesha is behind this one, it was even more of a reason to retreat to this space!
In need of additional 29Rooms content? Click HERE for our review of last year's experience!