Sacred Space & Living Patterns
Join us for an 8 - day spirituality retreat this autumn on the Camino de Saniago.
Oct 27 - Nov 4, 2025
… with the possibility to add a 4 day pilgrimage to the Valley of Silence ~ Nov 4 - 8, 2025
Enjoy 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 meaningful threshold time for depth work.
As winter’s mystery unfolds gift yourself a spacious and intentional pause for slow seeing and deep listening in support of your ongoing life pilgrimage.
What awaits you
Immerse yourself in poetic presentations, experiential practices, creative contemplation, meditation and time for sharing in sacred community.
Connect with place, ancient sacred sites and the sacred stories of the land and those within.
Experience the Celtic reverence for a sacred cosmos, attuned to the deep patterns woven through nature and your own journey of transformation.
Our Daily Rhythm
1. Dawn gathering for guided silent meditation 7.30am. optional.
Silent breakfast till 9 am
2. Morning Session ~ 9am: creativity & contemplation / visits.
Silent lunch 1pm
3. Afternoon Session ~ 2 pm: centering prayer and sharing circle.
Followed by self directed time continuing your creative explorations / resting
Dinner - in conversation 6pm
4. Dusk poem ~ after dinner
“Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain.”
Carl Jung
Creative & Contemplative Practices
Throughout the week, ground yourself in tactile, nature-based practices and discover ancient contemplative crafts.
Create a simple handmade wild book of “prayer,” woven from nature’s gifts—leaves, lichen, and earth pigments—foraged from the stunning autumnal landscapes around you.
Draw timeless patterns—like Celtic knots and other geometric designs—rooted in local ancient manuscripts, and the natural world.
Alongside symbol and image enter the devotional rhythm of lectio divina, letting free-flowing words or poetry find their place on the page—if they call.
Immersive Visits
Build and walk a labyrinth by a hermitage held in nature by a wild oak grove and boundary river.
Chant (or listen to chant) within the harmonious proportions of a 7th century Visigothic sanctuary,
Discover ancient petroglyph designs and dolmens come to life in alignment at sunrise at Samhain’s midseason.
Afternoon Sessions:
Starting with centring prayer this will be a sacred space to share insights emerging from reflections and experiences of the day.
This time invites you to listen deeply and discover wisdom—both in your own voice and in the voices of others.
The remainder of the afternoon will be self-directed—an open space in gentle silence and personal expression to what truly calls: painting, writing, walking, deep resting etc.
Location & Accommodation
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.
An intentional space dedicated to pilgrimage and depth work - arrive in a place where beauty matters and holds you. 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.
Optional 4 days Pilgrimage to the Valley of Silence
This is your chance to experience one of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino on a mini pilgrimage to the breathtaking Valley of Silence. Walk as much or as little as you like—this journey is about being in place. Over four symbolic days, we’ll support you in an deep experience of pilgrimage.
You’ll spend two nights in the mountain village of Peñalba, a place of stunning natural beauty, long honoured as holy ground. Since the 6th century, these peaks have drawn monks and mystics seeking silence, solitude, and communion with nature and the Divine.
More details and itinerary at the end of this page.
*More information and itinerary for the Camino at the end of this page.
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 sacred geometry as a contemplative, hands on practice.
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Basia Goodwin MA is an artist, experienced educator, retreat group facilitator and pilgrimage guide. She is dedicated to crafting intentional spaces for creative and contemplative journeys and depth work. An alumnus of the Kings School of Traditional Arts, she specialises in traditional arts, crafts & 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 devotional practice and takes inspiration from the land, its treasures and 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.
Is this retreat for me?
No prior skills or artistic abilities are required, only a curious and open mind. Rooted in the Christian and perennial tradition and a love of nature we welcome people of any faith or none at all. What matters is your own voice and authentic way of experiencing and seeing.
If the following describes you, then you are a perfect fit for this retreat:
I am curious about depth work, contemplative and experiential practices and deepening my spiritual life.
I appreciate quiet & times of reflection.
I value the importance of both shared community experiences and my own individual journey.
What People Are Saying
“This retreat exceeded all my high expectations. What a profound time. Yes — transformational. Seeds that will continue to take root. ”
— Camilla, Bologna Italy
“A rich and replenishing experience. I am also so grateful I got to walk the Camino in such a meaningful way.”
— Gayle, Minnesota US
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 €