Gwyneth Paltrow’s Fancy New Retreat Has People Talking—And Not in a Good Way

Okay, so Gwyneth Paltrow is at it again. You know, the Goop lady? The one who’s always selling us something—whether it’s vagina-scented candles or $300 sweatpants. This time, she’s rolled out an “immersive retreat” inspired by Korean culture, and let’s just say the internet isn’t exactly thrilled. But hey, when has that ever stopped her?

What’s the Deal With This Retreat Anyway?

Right, so here’s what we know. It’s supposed to be this fancy experience mixing Korean traditions, nature vibes, and—of course—design. Because nothing says “authentic cultural immersion” like Instagrammable interiors, right? The details are kinda vague, but let’s be real—this thing’s probably gonna cost more than my rent. Goop’s whole brand is basically “luxury wellness for people who don’t check their bank balances.”

Why Korea, Though?

Paltrow’s been into Korean wellness stuff for a while—like hanbang, which is traditional herbal medicine. And look, I get it. Korean skincare alone has saved my face more times than I can count. But here’s the thing: slapping “heritage” on a retreat for rich people feels… off. It’s like when someone wears a kimono for fashion and calls it “appreciation.” Where’s the line, you know?

The Internet Has Thoughts (Obviously)

Oh man, Twitter went in. One tweet called it “cultural tourism in a silk robe,” and honestly? Spot on. People are asking if any actual Koreans were involved in planning this thing—or if it’s just Paltrow’s team picking and choosing what looks cool. And let’s not forget Katy Perry’s geisha moment. Celebrities never learn.

But hey, not everyone’s mad. Some folks are like, “It’s just appreciation!” A few influencers—shocker—are already raving about how ~life-changing~ it is. Paltrow herself hasn’t said much, but Goop’s throwing around words like “deep respect.” Sure, Jan.

Bigger Picture: Celebs Love a Retreat

This isn’t new. Oprah’s got her mindfulness thing, Gisele’s doing eco-retreats—everyone wants a piece of the wellness pie. But here’s the kicker: when you’re making money off someone else’s culture, you’d better do it right. Talk to the right people. Pay them. Don’t just take the aesthetic and call it a day.

Dr. Mina Park, a cultural anthropologist, put it well: “It can be educational if done right. But too often, it’s just surface-level.” And that’s the problem. Is this really about sharing culture, or is it about giving wealthy folks a new Instagram caption?

What’s Next?

Media’s having a field day. The Cut joked about “cultural ambiguity at a premium,” which—ouch. Memes are everywhere (Paltrow serving “ancient Korean kombucha” is my favorite). Will this hurt Goop? Probably not. But it’s definitely another chapter in the “celebs vs. cultural sensitivity” saga.

At the end of the day, Paltrow’s retreat is what it is: another high-end experience that’ll sell because her name’s on it. The backlash? Just part of the package. But maybe—just maybe—it’ll make the next celebrity think twice before turning someone’s heritage into a spa weekend.

Or am I being too optimistic? Yeah, probably.