NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, departed for an Islamic “spiritual wellness” retreat in Spain this week, foregoing the United States’ 250th-anniversary celebrations. Duwaji was observed at Newark International Airport on Monday boarding a flight to Palma, Mallorca, the capital city of Spain's Balearic Islands.
The retreat, titled “Plants Of The Quran,” is hosted by The Women’s Sanctuary, an organization for which Duwaji serves as an artist in residence. The event, which began on Wednesday and concludes Monday, focuses on sacred flora mentioned in Islamic texts through art, botanical workshops, and spiritual reflection. The cost for attendees is $3,400.
Duwaji is also scheduled to co-host another retreat in Corsica, France, from July 9-14, titled “Mary In The Quran,” which aims to explore the legacy of Mary as depicted in the Quran. This event is also sold out.
Conservative commentator Arynne Wexler posted images on X, formerly Twitter, of Duwaji at the airport gate, accompanied by the remark, "Funny how when @ZohranKMamdani was telling New Yorkers to lower their AC his wife Rama Duwaji was boarding a flight to party in Mallorca." Wexler stated that a friend on Duwaji's flight shared the photos. Duwaji’s social media accounts have since been made private.
Critics have voiced disappointment over Duwaji’s absence from the national anniversary events. Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) stated, “Nothing says ‘America 250’ quite like skipping the celebration for a Mediterranean vacation, but I am not surprised because she has made her hatred for America very evident.” Councilman Frank Morano (R-Staten Island) added, “It’s disappointing that the First Lady chose to be overseas instead of taking part in one of the biggest civic events our city and country will mark this year.”
The Mayor’s Office stated that Duwaji was not accompanied by police assigned to their detail during her trip. Previously, Duwaji’s now-deleted social media posts, which included comments critical of U.S. service members and praise for Palestinian groups, resurfaced in March, leading to widespread criticism. She has since apologized for some of her past remarks.
Mayor Mamdani remained in New York City during the heatwave and faced scrutiny for advising residents to set air conditioners to 78 degrees, while City Hall temperatures were reportedly kept as low as 54 degrees. His own participation in the America 250 celebrations included an address at City Hall and attendance at a parade and lighting ceremony.
IMAGE10: ![A cruise ship is docked in the port of Palma, Mallorca.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/04/us-news/mandanis-wife-rama-duwaji-ditches-america-250-bash-for-islamic-spiritual-wellness-retreat-in-spain/688?quality=75&strip=all "TUI Cruises ship "Mein Schiff Flow" docked in the port of Palma on Mallorca.")