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
Extend your retreat with a 4 day pilgrimage to the Valley of Silence
Optional Part 2: August 13 - 17, 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.
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.
In a truly unique and inspiring way, we will immerse ourselves in the sacred landscapes of this rich and storied land, uncovering humanity’s ancient connection to the skies and the earth.
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.
Delve into how ancient communities were captivated by the movement of celestial bodies and imbued them with meaning.
Immersive visits - where heaven & earth meet
Witness the setting of the sun through a prehistoric dolmen, an alignment happening only at midseason (6th August).
Visit 5,000-year-old ancient petroglyphs where cosmic designs carved in stone light up at sunrise.
See how these cosmic patterns continue to be expressed throughout different epochs, with a visit to 4th century exquisite Roman mosaics and a stunning 7th century Visigothic chapel.
Sacred geometry. Using the timeless tools of compass and ruler, create stunning designs inspired by our visits and explorations.
Earth pigments. Forage for earth pigments in stunning landscapes, prepare them through an outward and symbolic process, and bring ancient designs to life with these stunning colours of the earth.
Map out some of these designs on the ground, like the classical labyrinth and the dance of Venus.
Experiential practices
Ancient crafts and practices tell us a profound story that celebrate the rhythms of the land and the patterns of the cosmos.
Engage in hands-on practices and celebrate a sacred cosmos through our ancestors’ art:
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.
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 times through to the 16th century. Enjoy stunning views at every turn. The retreat centre is a lovingly renovated old building with heart and soul.
Enjoy:
Gorgeous creative workspaces nested around a courtyard, shaded by fruit trees.
Charming ensuite rooms at Flores, or at the nearby hotel we work in partnership with stunning views overlooking the village, church and rural landscape.
Delicious meals homemade with fresh ingredients.
Optional Part 2: pilgrimage to the Valley of Silence
August 13 - 17, 2026
During this mini pilgrimage, you will be invited to walk one of the most beautiful stretches of the Way on a mini pilgrimage to the breathtaking Valley of Silence.
Walking is spacious, allowing you to set your own pace and amount of walking. Those who are unable to walk can stay at the retreat centre for a further two nights to continue with their creative pilgrimage. All participants will spend the final two nights at the breathtaking Valley of Silence - a place of great beauty awe and wonder. (* More information on the Camino at the end of this webpage).
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 this Retreat
On site retreat
August 4 - 13, 2026 - 3,850€
Retreat + 4 day pilgrimage to the Valley of Silence.
August 4 - 17, 2026 - 5,200€