Men’s Retreat: Suniai, near Valencia, Spain - March 2027
Being Authentic: How to find and become your true self
Four-day retreat from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th March 2027 amidst an orange grove near the beach in Spain
Know yourself better
Learn the difference between needs and wants - and how to communicate effectively.
Discover the four functions
Understand your dominant way of being in the world and why the change will come from somewhere else.
Become better balanced
Learn to be more open and aware of your feelings rather than always getting stuck in your head.
Gallery from the venue
Photography © Suniai Oliva.
An Unforgettable Experience
"Wonderful group dynamic helped me on my journey." KFM, 60, Hamburg
"I immediately felt at home. The beginning of a journey I should have started a long time ago." R, 50, Netherlands
I am offering a men’s retreat over four days in a converted Valencia farmhouse and outbuildings. The classic Spanish thick stone wall estate has been refurbished to the highest international standards.
Sandwiched between majestic mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, and surrounded by the original orange and lemon groves, the Suniai Oliva is the perfect environment for introspection and self-discovery.
- Arrival: mid-afternoon on Thursday 11th March 2027
- Departure: after lunch on Sunday 14th March 2027
We have a deep fear of rejection and being judged. Add to that a biological need to belong, it all means that we learn from childhood to show-up as our parents, teachers and the world around us demands.
No wonder, it is easier to put on a mask than be our authentic self. If you don’t know who that is, you’re not alone. Very few of us were asked ‘how do you feel?’ (beyond when running a temperature), ‘what makes you happy?’ (our parents thought they knew best) or ‘what do you really want to do with your life?’ (rather than being successful, rich and admired).
A supportive group is the best way to monitor unhelpful habits.
It is often easier to spot our problems in other people and if we can have compassion for them, it helps us be kinder to ourselves. If you tend to people-please (and agree in order to be liked), you can experiment with speaking your truth. If you think you are ‘too much’ or ‘not enough’, you can get honest feedback and learn how to stop interpreting everything as an attack.
Becoming your authentic self is the key to lasting transformation
Knowing what you want from your one precious life will deepen your relationships with all your significant others – because deep down they know when you are acting and would much rather meet your authentic self (in all his complexity)”
In this four-day workshop you will:
- Learn about the four functions (rationality, emotionality, sensation and intuition) and how they can unlock change.
- Discover the difference between picking up a mask – when it is appropriate – and having it stuck permanently to your face. For example, your work mask is helpful for navigating a business meeting but should not be how you deal with your partner or your children.
- Start to answer the questions: what are my values; how do I want to show up in the world, and who am I (beyond my roles as husband, father, employee etc).
- Feel more at ease with other men and forge better connections.
- Return feeling refreshed and motivated for the challenges ahead.
Every day will start with a choice of a movement class or a session discussing your dreams followed by a healthy breakfast and a morning workshop or ritual. After a break for lunch, and maybe a walk though the orange grove, there is an afternoon workshop and exercises to open up your voice for communal singing.
After some free time for personal reflection and supper, we will continue working round an open air fire, where we will unpack a myth together.
On the final night, we will eat on the beach listening to the Mediterranean Sea lap against the shoreline.
Andrew G. Marshall
I am a marital therapist based in Berlin with over forty years helping couples and individuals make better relationships.
I am the author of twenty-plus self help books, translated into twenty languages including I Love You But I’m Not In Love With You and the host of the award-nominated podcast The Meaningful Life with Andrew G Marshall.
I decided to offer the retreat because many of my male clients long for better and deeper friendships with other men. There are skills I can only teach within a group environment, not in the intimacy of the one-to-one session. The group allows us to learn from each other – it is often easier to spot our own issues in other people. In addition, I have also benefited myself from the immersion of a retreat – away from everyday life – to recharge and go deeper.
Ignacio Jarquin
I am a teacher, performer and workshop facilitator.
I was born in Mexico but trained at the University of Performing Arts in Vienna. In a varied career, I have been an Orchestra Conductor, Musical Director and an International Events Creator and travelled the world. As a performer, I have appeared on stages all over the UK and three times at the Edinburgh Festival.
Today I focus on vocal coaching and voice training and have created a system called Archetypical Singing which combines mythology, theatre practice and Jungian philosophy to create a somatic practice suitable for everyone interested in finding their own voice.
I have led workshops and retreats in German, United Kingdom and Ireland.
Gallery from previous Retreats
Photography: Carlos Saba
"My second retreat in this unique place. Beautifully designed and done. Mind and body refreshed." A, 61, UK
"Supportive environment to understand you are not alone and create new friendship." EC, 56, Italy
What are the benefits of the retreat?
Personal growth and self-discovery
- A supportive space within nature and within a group to reconnect with yourself
- A chance to challenge society’s expectations and gain a greater understanding of what it means to be a man
- Express vulnerability without feeling judged
- Break free from limiting beliefs
- Develop better awareness of the present moment
- Please see my article on Personal Growth in Men’s Retreats
"Deep, transformative and emotional." H. (44, Germany)
Improve your mental and emotional support
- Experience a like-minded and encouraging community
- Develop better and deeper relationships with other men
- Discover strategies for managing stress
- By learning to open up to others in the group, you will find it easier to do the same with the significant people in your life
- Achieve emotional authenticity and deeper self-confidence
"A year's worth of therapy in four days." K. (50, Sweden)
Benefit from a holistic approach
- Immersion in nature
- Vegetarian food and an alcohol-free space
- Digital detox
- Psychological work – the key male archetypes of King, Warrior, Lover, Magician
- Spiritual work – I will be using Jungian tools like Active Imagination to guide you on a vision quest
- Connect with eternal truths at the evening firepit– since the beginning of time, men have gathered round fires to tell stories and share wisdom
- Access your creativity through a guided practice to access physical movement and unleash your singing voice within the group
"An absolute must for inquiring minds - emotionally, mentally and spiritually" S. (42, UK)
Improve your relationships with women
- Balance your male (animus) and female (anima) energies within
- Not only will you find a more authentic, balanced male power but also draw on traditionally feminine qualities like compassion, empathy and seeing the bigger picture
- Open up to your real needs and learn how to communicate them effectively
- Instead of rescuing or fixing, start to truly listen
- Heal emotional wounds by learning to spot unhealthy patterns and approach your relationship with greater emotional awareness
"A journey to the inner self to shine a light in the shadows and clear some cobwebs from the past." H. (44, Germany)
Costs, Directions & Booking
"Feels like coming home to family." M, Germany, 42
Costs
Full pension, lodgings with en-suite bathroom and full active participation to all activities of the seminar (no passive or partial participation possible). Travel to the seminar location is not included.
Pricing
- Single Room: £970 (Early Bird rate £830)
- Twin Room: £845 (Early Bird rate £720)
- Triple Room: £720 (Early Bird rate £610)
Early Bird Discount: 15%
- First 5 bookings only
- Full payable within 7 days of booking
- Cannot be combined with any other offers
- Transferable (not refundable)
- £300 deposit (non-refundable)
- Offer closes when 5 slots are filled or on January 15th 2027
- Applies to all room categories
Included in the price of the Retreat:
- 3 nights accomodation in a spectacular high-quality venue with premium amenities amidst an orange grove such as a 20-meter pool, 10 min walk to a vast golden-sand mediterranean beach, entirely off-grid and fully sustainable.
- All rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and underfloor heating.
- Full board: exquisite plant based (vegan), gluten-free food made with locally sourced ingredients, Ayurveda-based cooking.
- Our traditional story-telling around the fire at night.
Not included
- Transport (Flights/Transfers)
Available extra services
- Airport transfer from either Valencia International Airport Manises (VLC) or from Alicante International Airport Elche (ALC).
Cancellation Policy
For Participants
1. Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of £300 is required to secure your place.
2. Cancellation by Participant
- More than 8 weeks before retreat: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit.
- Between 8 and 4 weeks before retreat: 50% refund of the total retreat cost (deposit retained).
- Less than 4 weeks before retreat: No refund.
3. Transfer Option
You may transfer your booking to another person at no cost, up to 7 days before the retreat begins. Please notify us in writing.
4. Cancellation by Organiser
In the unlikely event that we must cancel the retreat for reasons beyond our control (e.g., venue closure, force majeure, insufficient numbers), you will be offered:
- A full refund of your payment for the retreat, or
- A transfer to a future retreat of your choice.
5. Insurance
Participants are required to have their own comprehensive travel and medical insurance. We strongly recommend arranging this at the time of booking.
Insurance Recommendation
For Participants
We strongly recommend that all participants arrange comprehensive travel and medical insurance at the time of booking. This is not a legal requirement, but it is essential protection for you.
Your insurance should cover:
- Emergency medical treatment: The GHIC/EHIC card gives access to state healthcare in Spain, but does not cover private treatment, mountain rescue, or repatriation.
- Medical repatriation: Returning to the UK for medical reasons can cost thousands without insurance.
- Trip cancellation or curtailment: Covers you if you cannot attend due to illness, bereavement, or other eligible reasons
Lost, stolen, or damaged belongings Includes luggage, cash, passport, and travel documents. - Personal liability: Covers you if your actions injure a third party or damage their property.
- Travel delays and missed departures: Protection if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
Important notes:
- A GHIC or valid EHIC card gives access to state healthcare in Spain, but does not replace travel insurance.
- Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared to your insurer, or your claim may be rejected.
- Incidents involving alcohol or drugs are typically excluded from cover.
- Insurance should be arranged at the time of booking to cover cancellation from day one.
"A great opportunity to reflect on how to show up as a man in the modern world." PA, 37, Brazil
Directions
Venue Location
Suniai Oliva Retreat Center
Camí Pont de Bolo Sector-2,
46780 Oliva,
Valencia, Spain.
Flying to Spain
To reach Suniai Oliva Retreat Center, you can fly to either Alicante or Valencia.
The transfer times are as follows:
- Alicante Airport (ALC): Transfer time approximately 75 minutes.
- Valencia Airport (VLC): Transfer time approximately 50 minutes.
Transfer Options from Alicante or Valencia Airport to Suniai
Taxi Transfer:
- Cost: Approximately 110 – 180 euros.
- Capacity: Maximum of 4-6 people per taxi.
- Booking: There is a taxi rank at the airport, but you could also try: Oliva´s Taxi +34 609 180 044.
We will help you coordinate your itinerary with other participants to facilitate taxi sharing.
"A journey to the inner self to shine a light in the shadows and clear some cobwebs from the past."
H. (44, Germany)
H. (44, Germany)
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Book your Space
If you would like to book your space on the “Being Authentic” Men’s Retreat from 11th-14th March 2027 in Oliva, Valencia, Spain then please complete the form below.
