With a focus on practical tools for your projects, thematic exploration, and celebrating our queerness, this retreat is your chance to connect, reflect, and create. Facilitated by author and change-maker Dr. Paul Taylor-Pitt.
Unleash your creativity and reclaim your narrative in a safe, supportive space designed specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Day One: Looking Back - Reflect on your past and set intentions.
• Day Two: Looking Around - Explore your role as a writer in today’s world.
• Day Three: Looking Inward - Dive deep with somatic experiences and storytelling techniques.
• Day Four: Looking Forward- Shape the future through your writing.
Evening Salons: Enjoy salon suppers and share your work in a nurturing environment.
Plan Your Next Steps: Leave with a clear plan and a strong network of peers to continue your journey.
Our experienced team will guide you through your retreat journey:
Dr. Paul (he/him), Facilitator
Paul’s career began in the 1990s as a care worker in a residential home for people with HIV-related brain impairment and volunteering for the Terrence Higgins Trust. Since then, his work has spanned roles in the public, voluntary and private sectors where he developed his specialism in people and organisational development. Paul launched his consulting practice in 2022 where he partners with individuals and organisations in support of authentic growth, drawing on his three decades of professional expertise in navigating change. Paul is a facilitator, mentor, coach and writer. He belongs to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the Society of Authors and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. You can find out more about him, including his published work, at www.drpaultaylorpitt.com
Jano San (he/him), Co-Facilitator
Jano has been practicing yoga from an early age, training in India as a teacher specializing in Hatha, supported by Asthanga Vinyasa. He approaches yoga as a holistic discipline, beyond the asanas.
Veronique Charlotte (she/her), Chef
Veronique seamlessly blends her expertise with her passion for design, offering a unique combination of culinary artistry and design sensibility, ensuring every experience is both visually stunning and gastronomically unforgettable.
Michael Stephens (he/they), Host
Michael is a community builder and connector. His mission is to create spaces that allow and encourage people to forge meaningful relationships to their work, themselves, and each other.
We've arranged group transport to and from the retreat centre. Please aim to get to the pick up point in Barcelona City Centre at least 15-30mins before scheduled departure so we can leave on-time. If you plan to make your own way there or back please let us know in advance so we can share more details of the location.
BCN PICK UP:
Thursday 26th June @ 12:00am
Exact Location tbc (Barcelona City Centre)
BCN DROP OFF:
Sunday 29th June @ 12am
Exact Location tbc (Barcelona City Centre)
Please note that any other transport is not included. We suggest you that if you're coming from out of town by plane, better do it the day before or same day in an early flight. If you miss our transport you'll have to get to the retreat venue by yourself.
WHAT TO BRING:
LUGGAGE:
Please try not to travel with large suitcases. We have limited storage space in the private bus and at the masía.
PHONES & INTERNET:
Phone reception and wifi available but please do not expect to be online much or sending or receiving files.
BUGS:
We do have mosquitos sometimes so bring insect repellent with you.
SHEETS AND TOWELS:
Your rooms all have sheets, towels and blankets. There are also pool towels provided, however, they should not be removed from the property and should be used more than once. Sarongs are highly recommended for use by the pool, at the beach and on excursions.
MONEY:
There are no ATM machines in the village so please bring a bit of cash with you if you want to buy something during an excursion or activity.
SECURITY:
There is a master safe in the house, where you can lock away your passports, money and valuables, which you will not need during your stay. All the bedroom also have locks. We recommend not travelling with unnecessary items of value, such as jewellery, watches, excess currency and laptops / tablets.
We will not take responsibility for any lost or stolen items.
MEDICAL:
Please ensure you have travel insurance and/or medical emergency cover. We have a small first-aid kit but we recommend you bring the ‘usual’ medicines such as paracetamol, band aids, etc. Please inform us if you have any allergic reactions to food or insect bites. If you do, please bring an antihistamine or any other medication you may need.
LAUNDRY:
We do not provide laundry services.
YOGA EQUIPMENT:
We provide yoga mats, cushions and blankets but no blocks, straps or bolsters.
Thursday 26th - Looking Back
1pm to 3pm - Arrivals & Check-in
3.30pm - Introduction & Orientation
4.30pm - Networking with Aperitif
5.30pm - Workshop
7pm - Dinner
8pm - Free Time, Sauna, Rest
Friday 27th - Looking Around
7am - Sunrise Yoga & Meditation
8.30am - Breakfast
10am - Workshop
1pm - Lunch
4pm - Workshop
6pm - Free Time
7pm - Dinner
8.30pm – Special night activity
9.30pm - Free Time, Sauna, Rest
Saturday 28th - Looking Inward
7am - Sunrise Yoga & Meditation
8.30am - Breakfast
10am - Workshop
1pm - Lunch
4pm - Workshop
6pm - Free time
7pm - Dinner
8.30pm – Special night activity
9.30pm - Free Time, Sauna, Rest
Sunday 29th - Looking Forward
7am - Sunrise Yoga & Meditation
8.30am - Breakfast
9.30am - Closing Session
11.00am to 12pm - Departures