Run village-to-village along the Mediterranean Sea, explore Medieval castles and enjoy traditional gourmet Spanish tapas every day!
Join us for an amazing week of wellness, wisdom (and wine!) as we run along the Mediterranean Sea in the Costa Brava region of Catalonia. If you've never considered trail running in Spain, then picture this: running from historic village to village in the warm sun, while a refreshing sea breeze keeps you cool.
If you're curious about what mindfulness can do for your health, anxiety and sense of wellbeing, but can't stand sitting on a meditation cushion, then this retreat is for you!
Staring from the ancient walled city of Girona, we'll explore one of Spain's most beautiful regions on foot in a way that leaves you plenty of time to tune in to what drives you in running and in life. This is your opportunity to indulge in what feeds your soul: travel, adventure, fun, mindfulness and great food. You'll explore Medieval villages, castles and learn about this region's rich, multicultural history and cap the week soaking in serene, mineral-rich pools inside an 2,000-year old Roman bathhouse.
"What a truly beautiful experience running Costa Brava in Catalonia, Spain. Our retreat leader, was able coordinate us, the time, and our absolutely amazing local guide, Pablo very well. I loved being able to completely disconnect from a hectic and busy schedule, to focus on my running abilities, learning about a new culture and getting to know some amazing ladies."
--Rebecca A.
"The accommodations, the food, the guides are all top notch. After two retreats in the US, I was excited to try an international retreat and my expectations were met a hundred fold. I loved the running and mindfulness workshops, the views, the food...but my favorite parts are the human connections. From the connections I made with the amazing and supportive women I was running with, to the fabulous local guides who shared their enthusiasm of their culture and country."
--Mary C.
This retreat is rated Level II. This means it's suitable for you if:
Mindful Running is this retreat's defining experience. Your dedicated Retreat Leader will lead you through experiences on and off the trail that are designed to help you discover how to run with more ease and flow. And if you've never run trails before, you'll learn how to adapt your road running technique for this new terrain. And if you're an experienced trail runner, you'll take your running to a whole new level of efficiency and joy. Connect more deeply with nature, yourself and other women through this powerful practice that provides you with skills and insights to maximize the stress-reducing effects of running.
This retreat can be the kind of vacation that truly transforms your state of mind and body, if you're open to it. Our retreats are designed to support you as a whole woman, not just a runner. That means you can expect free time to yourself, away from the group. It means that there are wellness experiences included in your retreat package to support your nervous system reset. This is your chance to heal from the effects of stress and focus on doing the things that energize you, inspire you and feed your soul.
Our daily mileage may be short (runs are typically 4 - 8 miles), but these trails present some challenges! Previous trail-running experience isn't necessary, as your retreat leader will provide you with important tips and tools for navigating technical terrain and pacing yourself on these hilly trails. We'll run on all kinds of surfaces, from rocky trails to smooth dirt forest paths, along cobblestone streets and short sections of dirt road. We'll stop frequently along the way to take photos, have a snack and sip our water.
This region's cuisine in renowned throughout Europe, as Catalonia boasts the greatest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in all of Europe. And you'll see why, even at the casual, family run restaurants at which we dine. Local dishes feature locally grown and harvested ingredients such as fish and seafood with fresh vegetables, olives, olive oil and rice. The most famous dish is Paella (pictured here), a deeply seasoned baked rice dish featuring seafood or vegetables. Most special dietary needs can be easily accommodated.
Meal Times: We will adopt the Spanish meal times, meaning that breakfasts start at 8 am and dinners at 8:30 p.m. For this reason, our daily runs usually begin around 10 or 11 a.m., and end around 2 p.m. in time for a casual lunch.
On a cliff-top overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this relaxed hotel is a three-minute walk from the beach, situated on a hill overlooking the quaint beach town of Calella de Palafrugell and bay, on the Costa Brava. Enjoy is laid-back atmosphere, sunny terrace and excellent chef-prepared meals.
Hotel Sol Ixent is a new design hotel concept in Cadaqués . The establishment has managed to maintain the traditional forms of Mediterranean constructions, where white and stone stand out, and has combined them with elements of modernity, comfort and personality, details that make Hotel Sol Ixent one of the best hotels with charm of the Empordà. Its location makes it a unique hotel in Cadaqués and away from the busy streets of the center.
Don't want to be rushed getting to the retreat? Want a day to adjust to the time zone? This is for you!
Enjoy one additional night (April 20th) at the Cuitat de Girona prior to the retreat (no need to move rooms when the retreats starts)! You'll have a private room at the same hotel where we begin our retreat in Girona, and access to all of its on-site amenities. Included in your pre-retreat stay is a complimentary breakfast the following morning.
Catalonia, Spain
Our program begins at 3:00 p.m., when we gather at our hotel in Girona for our official Retreat Opening Meeting. After introductions and a retreat orientation, we’ll meet our local guide, Pablo, for a sightseeing running tour of the city that includes the historic Jewish Quarter, the medieval wall protecting the city from invaders, a magnificent cathedral and castle turrets. Then we return to the hotel, where you have plenty of time to check in and freshen up before we visit one of Girona’s gourmet restaurants for dinner at 8:00 p.m.
After breakfast at the hotel, we take a short drive outside the city to Les Gavarres forest, where we will begin today’s run that begins in the late morning on a soft-dirt forest trail and takes out to the spectacular stretch of rugged coastline that is Costa Brava.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast overlooking the sea, we’ll begin today’s run along the stunningly beautiful coast line, rocky pathways and past the village of Tamariu.
After breakfast at El Convent, we drive one hour to the nearby town of Roses, situated on the edge of the Parc Natural de Cap de Creus. This wild region of Costa Brava features numerous hidden coves and cliffs, forming a rugged yet beautiful landscape shaped by the elements.
ring route out into the Cap de Creus, aiming to reach the lighthouse (weather permitting). After enjoying a refreshment on the cafe patio at the lighthouse, continue on rocky trails through a unique landscape that inspired some of Salvador Dali’s famous artwork.
After breakfast at the hotel, we start our final run of the retreat, a rewarding climb along a ridge overlooking the port town of Port de la Selva, situated on the north cape of Cap de Creus. Now a fishing and tourism destination, Port de la Selva has been inhabited for over a millennium, and is home to numerous archaeological remains.
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure at our hotel, followed by our final sharing circle and official Retreat Closing Meeting before our staggered spa appointments at the Aqua Banys Romans Spa, a short walk from the hotel.
.JPG?fit=crop&crop=faces&h=150&w=150)
