4 Day Queer Retreat | Shaping Our Stories

Join WE CREATE SPACE and UNLOCK for a 4-DAY QUEER RETREAT outside BARCELONA with DR. PAUL TAYLOR-PITT.

The 'Shaping our Stories' retreat is a 4-Day experience to unlock your creativity and reclaim your narrative in a supportive, vibrant community space.

What's included?

• Bespoke workshop sessions to unlock your creativity

• Opportunities to share your work in a supportive space

• Time and space to write

• Daily yoga, movement & meditation

• Nature and forest hikes

• Group workshops and activities

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Time to rest and relax (pool & sauna)

• On-site support from our team

• Pick up and drop off from Sants Estació to Casa de Colors

  
  

Accommodation

Nestled in the stunning Catalan countryside and surrounded by majestic vineyards and mountains, our charming 16th-century Masia is a relaxing escape just 50 minutes away from the vibrant city of Barcelona. Its serene environment, modern comforts, and beautiful natural backdrops provide the perfect retreat setting.

Workshops & Activities

With a focus on practical tools for your projects, thematic exploration, and celebrating our queerness, this retreat is your chance to connect, reflect, and create. Facilitated by author and change-maker Dr. Paul Taylor-Pitt. 

Unleash your creativity and reclaim your narrative in a safe, supportive space designed specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals

.• Day One: Looking Back - Reflect on your past and set intentions.

• Day Two: Looking Around - Explore your role as a writer in today’s world.

• Day Three: Looking Inward - Dive deep with somatic experiences and storytelling techniques.

• Day Four: Looking Forward- Shape the future through your writing.

Evening Salons: Enjoy salon suppers and share your work in a nurturing environment.

Plan Your Next Steps: Leave with a clear plan and a strong network of peers to continue your journey.

Why Join?

• Practical Focus: Advance your ongoing projects, whether it’s a memoir, novel, play, professional paper, or TED Talk.

• Thematic Exploration: Journey through themes from the past, present, and future with fellow LGBTQ+ creatives.

• Community and Safety: Experience the power of being with a like-minded community, celebrating each other’s stories and supporting one another.

The Team

Our experienced team will guide you through your retreat journey:

Dr. Paul (he/him), Facilitator

Paul’s career began in the 1990s as a care worker in a residential home for people with HIV-related brain impairment and volunteering for the Terrence Higgins Trust. Since then, his work has spanned roles in the public, voluntary and private sectors where he developed his specialism in people and organisational development. Paul launched his consulting practice in 2022 where he partners with individuals and organisations in support of authentic growth, drawing on his three decades of professional expertise in navigating change. Paul is a facilitator, mentor, coach and writer. He belongs to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the Society of Authors and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. You can find out more about him, including his published work, at www.drpaultaylorpitt.com 

Jano San (he/him), Co-Facilitator

Jano has been practicing yoga from an early age, training in India as a teacher specializing in Hatha, supported by Asthanga Vinyasa. He  approaches  yoga as a holistic discipline, beyond the asanas. 

Veronique Charlotte (she/her), Chef 

Veronique seamlessly blends her expertise with her passion for design, offering a unique combination of culinary artistry and design sensibility, ensuring every experience is both visually stunning and gastronomically unforgettable.

Michael Stephens (he/they), Host

Michael is a community builder and connector. His mission is to create spaces that allow and encourage people to forge meaningful relationships to their work, themselves, and each other.

Food

Mealtimes will be a time to come together, connect as a group, and nourish our bodies. We'll be serving three healthy, delicious 'flexitarian' meals each day; incorporating a wide selection of locally sourced ingredients.

Arrival & Departure Info

We've arranged group transport to and from the retreat centre. Please aim to get to the pick up point in Barcelona City Centre at least 15-30mins before scheduled departure so we can leave on-time. If you plan to make your own way there or back please let us know in advance so we can share more details of the location. 

BCN PICK UP:

Thursday 26th June @ 12:00am

Exact Location tbc (Barcelona City Centre)

BCN DROP OFF:

Sunday 29th June @ 12am

Exact Location tbc (Barcelona City Centre)

Please note that any other transport is not included. We suggest you that if you're coming from out of town by plane, better do it the day before or same day in an early flight. If you miss our transport you'll have to get to the retreat venue by yourself. 

More Information & Recommendations

WHAT TO BRING:

• Comfortable attire for yoga, workshops, and outdoor activities

• Personal toiletries (e.g., sun cream, insect repellent)

• Personal wellness items (e.g., water bottle)

• Sunglasses and a hand-fan in summer

• Casual clothing for group meals and free time

• Swimwear if you plan to use the pool and sauna

• A pair of trainers or walking shoes for hikes

• A sweater for the evening as it can get cold

• An open mind and readiness to connect

LUGGAGE:

Please try not to travel with large suitcases. We have limited storage space in the private bus and at the masía. 

PHONES & INTERNET:

Phone reception and wifi available but please do not expect to be online much or sending or receiving files.

BUGS:

We do have mosquitos sometimes so bring insect repellent with you. 

SHEETS AND TOWELS:

Your rooms all have sheets, towels and blankets. There are also pool towels provided, however, they should not be removed from the property and should be used more than once. Sarongs are highly recommended for use by the pool, at the beach and on excursions. 

MONEY:

There are no ATM machines in the village so please bring a bit of cash with you if you want to buy something during an excursion or activity.

SECURITY:

There is a master safe in the house, where you can lock away your passports, money and valuables, which you will not need during your stay. All the bedroom also have locks. We recommend not travelling with unnecessary items of value, such as jewellery, watches, excess currency and laptops / tablets.

We will not take responsibility for any lost or stolen items. 

MEDICAL:

Please ensure you have travel insurance and/or medical emergency cover. We have a small first-aid kit but we recommend you bring the ‘usual’ medicines such as paracetamol, band aids, etc. Please inform us if you have any allergic reactions to food or insect bites. If you do, please bring an antihistamine or any other medication you may need. 

LAUNDRY:

We do not provide laundry services.

YOGA EQUIPMENT: 

We provide yoga mats, cushions and blankets but no blocks, straps or bolsters.

Inclusion & Safety Policy

We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and non-sexualised environment for everyone. Our space is designed to promote mutual respect. Any form of harassment or discrimination is strictly unwelcome, and we reserve the right to ask anyone who does not adhere to these values to leave.

Cancellation Policy

• Full Refund: Available for cancellations made at least 90 days prior to the retreat start date.

• Partial Refund: A 50% refund is provided for cancellations made at least 45 days before the retreat.

• No Refund: Cancellations made within 45 days of the retreat start date are non-refundable.

Please review our full cancellation terms during the booking process.

FAQs

• Who is this retreat for? This retreat is ideal for LGBTQ+ community members who are ready for an immersive experience in personal growth, wellbeing and community connection.

• What if I need to cancel? Please see our cancellation policy above for details.

• Do I need any prior experience to come to a retreat? No, there is no prior experience needed to participate in our retreats.

• How do I get to the retreat venue? We'll pick you up in Barcelona city, or if you drive we’ll let you know how to get there. 

• If I drive, can I park? Yes there are parking slots. Also let us know if you are open to car-sharing with other guests. 

• Will I be sharing my room with someone? Unless you book a private single occupancy room, yes. You’ll be sharing with other participants. But bedrooms are big, comfortable, and each has a private bathroom!

• What is the bathroom situation? There are private bathrooms inside each bedroom, as well as a few others in various parts of the house.

• Can I choose who I share my room with? If you choose a private 'twin' or 'double' room you can book for yourself and either your partner or friend. If you choose a shared 'dorm' or 'twin' you'll be allocated a room with another guest. If you'd prefer to share with someone of a specific gender we will do our best to accommodate to make things as comfortable as possible.

• Can I bring my pet? We’re animal lovers but no pets are to be brought to the retreat centre please.

• Will there be alcohol? We might share a glass of natural wine during dinner, but rather than this do not expect alcohol to be around. 

• What if I have food intolerances or allergies? No problem. We'll ask you about all this as part of the booking process. 

• Do you offer any subsidies? We want to make our retreats accessible to people who feel a strong call to do the process, and whose financial situation currently prevents them from paying full price. Each request for financial assistance is assessed in terms of the specific need and availability. If this applies to you, please reach out to us at hello@createspaceretreats, and we will gladly explore the options available. 

• How is the payment processed? To secure your spot, a 50% deposit of the total amount is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due at least one month before the retreat begins. 

  
  

Any other questions?

Please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

Email: hello@createspaceretreats

What’s included

• Retreat Accommodation

  3 nights exclusive mountain accommodation

• Group Travel

  All ‘group’ travel to and from Barcelona

• Food

  All healthy 'flexitarian' meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

• Beverages

  Fresh fruit juices, teas and coffee

• Yoga and Movement

  All classes

• Workshops

  All workshops

• Excursions

  Any guided hikes and specified tours

  
  

What’s not included

• Travel

  International flights and Individual transfers

• Drink

  Alcoholic beverages

• Additional Costs

  Optional activities, services and tours

• Bank fees

  Bank transfer and Paypal fees

• Insurance

  Travel and Health Insurance

• Tips

  Added staff gratuity

• Credit Card Fees

  Online Payment Credit Card Fees

  
  

Available Packages

Shared Dorm (with Private Bathroom)

Shared occupancy 'dorm' room with private bathroom. You'll be sharing with two or three other guests across a split mezzanine bedroom. 

€950

Deposit: €500

Shared Double (with Private Bathroom)

Private occupancy 'double' or 'twin' room for two people with private bathroom. Perfect for either a couple or friends. You can let us know how you want the beds set up.  Price is for the whole room for two pleople.  

€2,100

Deposit: €1,000

Shared Twin (with Private Bathroom)

Shared occupancy 'twin' room with private bathroom. You'll be sharing with one other person. 

€1,050

Deposit: €500

Single Occupancy (with Private Bathroom)

Private single occupancy room with private bathroom. Perfect if you'd like your own space.  

€2,100

Deposit: €1,000

Retreat Schedule

4 Day Creative Queer Retreat

Thursday 26th - Looking Back

1pm to 3pm - Arrivals & Check-in

3.30pm - Introduction & Orientation

4.30pm - Networking with Aperitif

5.30pm - Workshop

7pm - Dinner

8pm - Free Time, Sauna, Rest

Friday 27th - Looking Around

7am - Sunrise Yoga & Meditation

8.30am - Breakfast

10am - Workshop

1pm - Lunch

4pm - Workshop

6pm - Free Time

7pm - Dinner

8.30pm – Special night activity

9.30pm - Free Time, Sauna, Rest

Saturday 28th - Looking Inward

7am - Sunrise Yoga & Meditation

8.30am - Breakfast

10am - Workshop

1pm - Lunch

4pm - Workshop

6pm - Free time

7pm - Dinner

8.30pm – Special night activity

9.30pm - Free Time, Sauna, Rest

Sunday 29th - Looking Forward

7am - Sunrise Yoga & Meditation

8.30am - Breakfast

9.30am - Closing Session

11.00am to 12pm - Departures

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