Totality Retreat - where heaven & earth meet
An 8 day retreat on the Camino de Santiago for the total solar eclipse
Part 1: August 4 - 13, 2026
Optional opportunity: make a pilgrimage
Following this retreat, walk a guided Camino to Santiago. August 13 - September 3, 2026
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime retreat in an ancient village along the Camino de Santiago, as we witness the celestial wonder of the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.
Daily Rhythm
We will immerse our bodies and spirits in daily rituals and movements designed to connect us with the land, the cosmos, and each other.
This extraordinary alignment of heaven and earth, time and place, movement and stillness invites us to pause, reflect, and connect deeply with the rhythms of the cosmos and our place within it.
The Way of Stars
Immerse yourself in the sacred landscapes of this rich and storied land and delve into how ancient communities were captivated by the movement of celestial bodies and imbued them with meaning.
Discover why the Camino is called "The Way of Stars"
Explore how pilgrims journeyed West with the sunset and returned home East facing the sunrise.
Sacred Cosmos
try your hand at tactile ancient hands-on ancient craft practices
Sacred geometry: Using just a compass and ruler, create beautiful designs inspired by our explorations.
Earth pigments: Forage and prepare natural pigments from the land, then bring your designs to life with these earthy colours.
Map some of the designs on the ground—like a classical labyrinth or the dance of Venus - a celestial planetary geometric pattern.
Immersive visits
Prehistoric dolmen - witness an alignment happening only at midseason (6th August).
5,000-year-old ancient petroglyphs - experience labyrinth designs carved in stone light up at sunrise.
7th century Visigothic chapel - see how these cosmic patterns continue to be expressed throughout different epochs.
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, lovingly restored in recent years, maintains its traditional architecture with heart and soul.
Enjoy delicious home cooked meals under the pergola shaded by an old vine and fruit trees. You will be staying in charming ensuite rooms at Flores, or at the nearby hotel (150m away) with stunning views overlooking the village, church and rural landscape.
Optional pilgrimage to Santiago
August 13 - September 3, 2026
Have you dreamt of walking the Camino but need some support?
Do you want the best of an individual journey and group companionship?
Are you looking to walk the Camino in a soulful and meaningful way?
Your Facilitators
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Basia (MA) is an artist, educator, experienced retreat facilitator and pilgrimage guide, living and working on the Camino. Trained at the King's School of Traditional Arts, she specialises in the use of geometry in traditional arts, craft & philosophy. Her creative practice spans various mediums, including foraging, preparing and painting with natural earth pigments.
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Bertrand (PhD) is an experienced retreat facilitator and educator, teaching on creative and contemplative practices.Based on the Camino he finds joy in inspiring others through his knowledge and passion for the spirit, rich history and architectural treasures of the the pilgrimage. He specialises in sacred architecture and teaches sacred geometry as a contemplative, hands on practice.
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Sharon (MDiv) is a United Methodist pastor, certified spiritual director, retreat leader and author. She is the founding director of Belly of the Whale Spiritual Direction & Retreat Ministries and has led spiritual renewal retreats widely including through Spiritual Director’s International and a local women’s prison. She delights in companioning those who seek to nurture contemplative creativity and spiritual vitality in their daily lives. Sharon has published several books including Praying with Mandalas: a colorful, contemplative practice. She is currently working on her next book Praying with Jonah: how to be still enough to know and bold enough to go where ever God is calling.
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Ruth (PhD) is a cultural anthropologist, a former diplomat, a university professor, and a coach for executive leaders. She has a passion for helping people move beyond constrictive cultural and belief systems to find liberation in how they choose to live. Ruth’s study and practice currently have her exploring how movement is a sure-fire route to transformative experiences of embodied Spirit.
As a guide, leader, and teacher, Ruth blends spiritual practices with cultural insights, ritual, play, and stories to create a space where participants can explore, heal, and awaken through movement.
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€.
Book
To register you will be requested to pay a non-refundable deposit. Please ensure you read the Terms & Conditions.
Totality Retreat
Aug 4 - 13, 2026 3,850 €
* Unique offer *
Totality Retreat & Pilgrimage to Santiago
Aug 4 - Sep 3, 2026 10,750 € 9,675 €