From Participant to Creator: How Retreats Became an Important Part of My Life

The first retreat, called Silenzio, I attended was organized by Luca in a forest house in the Netherlands. It was pure magic—deep winter, yoga three times a day, hearty Italian meals cooked by Luca, a crackling fire, and candles lighting up the evenings. Joanne guided us with yoga nidra, helping us explore the depths of our subconscious.

There was journaling, tarot, forest walks, and even a small sauna. This magical escape, shared with a group of women, planted a seed in me: 

I wanted to experience this magic every year.

Another pivotal moment came during a business trip to the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria. While hiking, I paused to admire the lakes. Wolfgang, a life coach and business owner, passed by and asked, “What are you doing?”
“Marveling,” I replied.
That single word sparked a vision.

Wolfgang recorded a video and declared, “Let’s organize our first Marveling Retreat.” Weekly meetings followed to brainstorm ideas, find the perfect yoga teacher, and handle all the preparations. The result was a retreat unlike any other.

We rented a luxurious house atop a hill in the Rhodope Mountains. The group we gathered was unexpectedly diverse, including many men over 50. We completely disarmed them with yoga, nature, and the magic of the land. A private chef prepared nourishing meals, and a young anthropologist shared enchanting tales of the region, including the story of the Orpheus flower. 

We hiked, practiced yoga, and immersed ourselves in the Wim Hof Method. The breathing sessions took us deep within ourselves—there were tears, screams, and visions of our ancestors. The ice bath pushed us to our limits, and when it was over, we erupted into a euphoric celebration: fire, candles, guitars, drums, and dancing late into the night, high on nothing but life.

The Marveling Retreat was a great success. The following year, we continued the journey in Slovenia with a retreat called Nurture Your Growth. We refined our formula: yoga, coaching, Wim Hof experiences, nature hikes, and what we like to call “barefoot luxury.” Our retreats are always cozy yet special, grounding yet indulgent. Guests can walk barefoot, stay in yoga clothes all day, and reconnect with their core.

This summer, I took a leap and opened my own home, in Rotterdam suburbia, for a one-day retreat. Liya and I wanted to create something special since we didn’t have time to go abroad, and everyone was busy preparing for the summer holidays. I moved out all the furniture and personal belongings so guests would feel like they were stepping into a space created just for them.

We cooked a delicious lunch, made smoothies, and offered Yin-Yang yoga sessions. We delved into our values and life domains, and of course, there was an ice bath in the garden. I’m pretty sure the neighbors are still talking about how we were all half-naked in the ice bath, followed by a Tai Chi breathing session on the grass. 😄 It was a fantastic, unforgettable day.

Retreats transform me, recharge me, and bring magic into my world. Every year, I either organize or attend at least one retreat, fully immersing myself in the experience.

It’s a ritual I hold close to my heart, and one I wanted to share with you. If you’ve never been on a retreat, I encourage you to try—it just might change your life as it has changed mine.