Sacred Space & Living Patterns
Join us for an 8 - day spirituality retreat this autumn
Oct 27 - Nov 4, 2025
Add a 4 day pilgrimage to the Valley of Silence ~ Nov 4 - 8, 2025
Gentle and spacious walking over one of the most beautiful stretches of the Way
Rooted in the Celtic late-October festival of Samhain, this retreat invites you into temenos and a rich threshold time.
As the season turns towards winter, together we’ll pause for slow seeing, deep listening, creativity, ritual and experiential practice in support of your life’s pilgrimage.
What to Expect
Ancient Rhythms: explore the Celtic view of a sacred cosmos, attuned to the deep patterns woven through nature and your own journey of transformation.
Meditation and Creative Contemplation: experience different forms of meditation and ancient contemplative practices, following the ones that resonate most with you.
Visits: Connect with place, ancient sites, the sacred stories of the land and those within at this seasonal time of year.
Sacred Community: find companionship and spacious times of reflection.
“Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain.”
Carl Jung
Our Daily Rhythm
1. Dawn gathering for guided meditation ~ 7.30am (optional)
Silent breakfast 7.45 - 9 am
2. Morning Session ~ 9.30 am - 12.30 pm: creativity & contemplation or visits to sacred sites
Silent lunch 1pm
3. Afternoon Session ~ 2 pm: centering prayer and sharing circle
Followed by self directed time
Dinner - in conversation 6pm
4. Dusk poem ~ after dinner
Enter the devotional rhythm of lectio divina and contemplative journaling. Reflect on words, short texts and poetry in our circles of sharing.
Scriptio & lectio divina
Engage with symbol and image as an invitation to contemplative gazing and deeper reflection through the imaginal.
Visio divina
Explore the beauty of the circle, and draw labyrinths, Celtic knotwork and other timeless designs with traditional tools of ruler and compass.
Imago divina
Co-create with the earth as a sacramental practice. Connect with the land as you adorn your words and images with foraged earth pigment colours.
Terra divina
Sacred sound
Chant (or listen to chant) within the stone harmonies of a 7th-century monastery.
Build and walk a labyrinth in a beautiful setting embraced by a river, an old oak grove and a secluded hermitage.
Body prayer
Experience old landscapes and ancient petroglyphs come to life at midseason alignment.
Feel how the ancients witnessed the meeting of heaven and earth as a sacred dance — that weaves through the fabric of time and unfolds through our own experience.
Afternoon Sessions
In sacred community listen deeply to the wisdom—both in your own voice and in the voices of others. Beginning with centring prayer, this is a space to share your inner life and reflections gleamed from the day’s experiences.
The afternoon then opens into gentle silence and self-directed exploration: painting, writing, walking, deep resting, reading or whatever soul needs.
You will be staying in one of the most beautiful villages in all of Spain as voted by National Geographic.
Castrillo de los Polvazares dates back from Celtic time through to the 16th century. Enjoy stunning views at every turn. The retreat centre is a lovingly renovated old building with heart and soul.
Location & Accommodation
An intentional space dedicated to pilgrimage and depth work - arrive in a place where beauty matters. Enjoy delicious home cooked meals and charming ensuite rooms at Flores, or at the nearby hotel (150m away) with stunning views overlooking the village, church and rural landscape.
This will be your opportunity to experience of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino on a mini pilgrimage to the breathtaking Valley of Silence. Walk as little or as much as you want. This pilgrimage is about being in place.
A space of breathtaking beauty and deep stillness, our pilgrimage concludes with two nights in the Valley of Silence, in the heart of the mountain village of Peñalba—celebrated as one of the most beautiful in Spain.
Surrounded by ancient, sacred peaks, this valley has long drawn seekers, hermits, and monks since the 6th century. Its name echoes the Tebaida desert of Egypt, where the first Christian mystics lived in communion with nature and the Divine.
*More information and itinerary for the Camino at the end of this page.
Optional 4 day Pilgrimage to the Valley of Silence
Your Facilitators
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Bertrand Gamrowski Phd is an experienced retreat facilitator and educator, teaching on creative and contemplative practices. He finds joy in inspiring others through his knowledge and passion for the local land and its stories. He is dedicated to sharing the spirit and rich history of the Camino. He specialises in sacred architecture and teaches on sacred geometry - sharing it as a contemplative, hands on practice.
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Basia Goodwin MA is co-founder of Flores del Camino, an artist, educator, pilgrimage guide and passionate retreat facilitator she is dedicated to crafting intentional spaces for creative and contemplative journeys. An alumnus of the Kings School of Traditional Arts, she specialises in traditional and sacred arts, craft & philosophy and is currently co writing a book on Sacred art and architecture on the Camino. In her creative practice she forages & paints with local natural pigments as a spiritual practice and takes inspiration from the land and its stories.
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Anne Miner - Pearson MDiv, DMin is an ordained Episcopal priest for almost 40 years, serving a number of congregations in the United States. She holds a BA in education as well as seminary & doctorate degrees. She has worked in various spirituality materials, leading individuals & groups through transformational experiences. With deep passion & personal commitment to the spiritual journey for herself & others, her interest in people & what makes “their heart sing” forms a foundation for her retreat leadership style.
What People Are Saying
“This retreat exceeded all my expectations. What a profound time. Seeds that will continue to take root. ”
— Francesca, Milan Italy
“It was an amazing life changing retreat for me. I felt welcomed, cared for and held as we journeyed to the sacred lands of the area and shared the sacred stories of our lives. I left as a transformed person and pray that I will be able to attend another retreat in the near future”.
— Kathleen, Seattle US
Is this retreat for me?
No prior skills or artistic abilities are required—only a curious and open mind.
If the following describes you, then you are a perfect fit for this retreat:
I appreciate moments of quietness & times of reflection.
I give space to others and can listen.
I value community experiences as well as my own individual journey.
Rooted in ancient Christian practices, our approach carries a wide embrace to the wisdom that flows through many traditions. Whether you come with a faith or none at all, all are welcome.
What’s included
Private transport from & to Madrid airport
See times & pick up point details.
If you prefer to arrive independently to the retreat centre, see how to get here.
Accommodation
All accommodation consists of individual ensuite bedrooms. On the Camino, you may have to share a room if there are no availabilities.
Food
All meals are included except 3 lunches on the Camino.
Dietary requirements
On-site, we cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarian, gluten-free, carb-free, dairy-free. On the Camino, options are available with advance notice.
Sessions & outings
All equipment, materials, site entries and transport fares for visits are provided.
What’s not included
Flights
Insurances (travel, health, etc.)
Lunches on the Camino
Since everyone walks at their own pace, you will have to buy 3 lunches on the Camino. There are cafés along the way where you can get a coffee, sandwich or a menu. Budget 10 - 20 € per day.
Extra taxis on the Camino
If you wish to take a taxi to shorten your walking day, the cost would be around 20-50€.
Sacred Space & Living Patterns Retreat
On-site 8 day retreat Oct 27 - Nov 4, 2025 2,700 €
Retreat + 4 day pilgrimage Oct 27 - Nov 8, 2025 4,100 €
Please note you will be redirected to wetravel our booking platform