Costa Brava, Spain

Our retreat begins at Casa Vilá Reyes. Once you’ve settled in and had a chance to look around, we’ll get together for our first teaching and discussion and meet the women we’ll be sharing this experience with. 

Later, we’ll get together by the pool for drinks and appetizers before sitting down to a farm-to-table dinner prepared by our private chef. One of my favorite things about the first night of a retreat is watching a group of women who arrive as strangers start talking, laughing, and getting to know one another. Add great food and a beautiful evening in Spain, and I think we’re off to a pretty good start!

We’ll start the day with breakfast, then spend some time learning and talking together. Sharon and I will get things started with some teaching, followed by time to ask questions, talk things through, and hear different perspectives.

After a workout and lunch at the villa, we’re off to the Mediterranean! We’ll grab kayaks and get out on the water for a fun way to see the coastline, then head into town to wander around and check out some of the local shops and boutiques.

We’ll return to Casa Vilá Reyes for dinner and an evening hanging out together at the house.

We’ll start the morning with a workout and breakfast, followed by another teaching session and time with our small groups. Then after lunch, we’re heading to Alella wine country for what I think is going to be a really fun afternoon.

We’ll spend our time at Bouquet d’Alella, surrounded by vineyards with views toward the Mediterranean. We’ll tour the vineyard and winery, taste some of their wines, and then get in the kitchen for a hands-on cooking experience with a local chef.

We’ll make paella and tapas, do a little grilling, enjoy some wine, and eventually sit down to eat everything we’ve made. 

It’s our final day at Casa Vilá Reyes, so we’re going to make the most of being this close to the Mediterranean. After breakfast, we’ll spend some time teaching and talking together, get in a workout, and then the afternoon is yours to relax by the pool, go for a beach walk or whatever is best for you. 

We will have special multi course dinner with wine and mocktails. It will be a chance to enjoy our last evening together and talk about some of what we’ve learned over the past few days, before the trip changes gears and our four days of walking begin. We will have dinner back at the villa. 

Tomorrow, we pack up and hit the trail!

Today we begin making our way along the Mediterranean coast on foot, giving us a chance to experience Costa Brava in a way most visitors never do. We’ll cover some good miles, but we’ll take our time, stop when we want to, enjoy the views, and have plenty of time to talk along the way. Our first destination is the lively seaside town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where we’ll check into the Elke Hotel and have some time to relax.

The rest of the afternoon is yours. Walk along the waterfront, explore the old town, spend some time by the sea, or put your feet up at the hotel. We’ll meet back up for dinner and compare notes on how everyone’s feeling after day one!

Today is our longest walking day, but there will be plenty to keep us entertained along the way. We’ll make our way toward Palamós, passing beautiful coves, beaches, and some pretty amazing stretches of coastline.

Once we reach Palamós, we’ll check into Hotel Casa Vincke and have time to explore. Wander around the harbor, check out the shops and old streets, or find some of the seafood Palamós is known for. We’ll meet up again for dinner, and I’m guessing no one will mind sitting down for a while!

Today we’ll make our way to Calella de Palafrugell, one of the most charming coastal villages on our route. It still holds onto the feel of an old Catalan fishing village, with beaches, coves, and whitewashed buildings. We’ll check into Hotel Sant Roc, which sits above the water with beautiful views of the coast.

Once we arrive, there’s no itinerary. Hang out at the hotel, wander through the village, stop for a swim, grab a drink by the water, or walk a little farther along the coastal path. That evening, we’ll get together for our final group dinner and enjoy one last night together on the Costa Brava.

Our final walking day is shorter, so we can take our time on the coastal path from Calella de Palafrugell to Tamariu. When we arrive, we’ll check into Hotel Hostalillo, right on the waterfront, with most of the day still ahead.

We’ll have most of the afternoon to enjoy Tamariu, and after four days of walking, I think we’ll be ready for it. Find a spot for lunch along the waterfront, cool off in the Mediterranean, explore the little village, or put your feet up and enjoy the fact that we made it. I can’t think of a better place to finish!