“Experiencing Art as a Meditation”
A Retreat to Revive your Creative Potential
with Melissa and Robert Wolfarth
Penedès Region of Catalonia and Barcelona, Spain November 10-17, 2024
Why is time spent in nature a universal catalyst to relax and return an overwhelmed, noisy mind to peace, stillness and inspiration?
Let us consider how and why we long to create…
The word “inspiration” comes from the Latin word “inspiratus,” which essentially means “breathe into.”
Consider inspiration as the occurrence of both “breathing life into” and as something ethereal. When we are inspired, a renewed sense of energy, motivation, and resolve to endure and persist is “breathed into” us, sometimes quite serendipitously. At times it can feel otherworldly, as if from a universal source. It is also more accessible to experience when we maximize the circumstances and sacred space within us to encounter it.
Join Melissa and Robert for a Renaissance of the Soul retreat and renew your creativity by Exploring Art as Meditation. For 7 days, you'll enjoy an all-inclusive tranquil getaway, featuring soul singing, inspirational activities and daily yoga and meditation. We will feed our senses, and immerse ourselves in the idyllic landscapes and diverse artistic treasures of the Penedès region near Barcelona in beautiful Catalonia, Spain.
Soul Farm Mas els Igols, is a traditional 18th century Catalan hacienda, lovingly transformed into an elegant pastoral, art-filled villa; carefully selected as the ideal place to serve the intentions of our retreat.
In this unique, serene environment, you can come home to yourself and connect with others. Your retreat guide, Melissa, has designed the program to cultivate inspiration, transformation, and soul renewal as you relax in the warm and inviting accommodations and tranquil atmosphere.
The focus of this exclusive retreat will be a unique exploration of using the creative arts as a meditation by tapping into the inherent artistic talents already resident in your soul. We will discuss and experiment with several artistic outlets, some of which you may already be well familiar with, but we will examine and enjoy them in a new light. The light of meditation.
Relax and take in the richness of each moment as you nourish your body and mind, inspire your soul, and heighten your awareness of the power of being present!
Accommodations
This Mas els Igols villa offers seven clean, elegant, and luxurious 7 bedrooms. The décor reflects the surrounding colors of the flora and land and has been meticulously designed to create the most stunning retreat atmosphere.
Enjoy elegantly furnished, shared bedrooms with a double or two single beds, each with a private bathroom
Full access to atrium, salt water pool and terrace, with pastoral views of the surrounding vineyards, groves and hills
Floor heating makes your stay extra cozy, with the use of facilities including: kitchen, common lounge areas, orangery, yoga studio, laundry room and Wi-Fi
Included in Your Retreat
All retreat-related transportation once you arrive is included. The logistics are in our hands.
We will pick you up from the airport or hotel upon your arrival in Barcelona, and deliver you back after the retreat.
At the conclusion of our time together, you will feel recharged to enjoy any extended stay that you have planned or return home inspired.
Art, meditation, yoga, and you are the four cornerstones of this retreat. You will experience:
Two expressive “art as meditation” painting experiences to awaken your inner creativity
Daily guided meditation, yoga, breathwork and mindful movement
A half-day ceramics workshop to craft a personal project
Activities to Inspire
You may choose to include additional leisure activities for a minimal additional expense
A half day wine tasting tour to 3-4 neighboring wineries
Optional visits to a local farmers’ market, pubs, shops, restaurants, and more are all within walking distance
Optional excursion to the wine capital Vilafranca del Penedès or other scenic and historical locations
Upon checking out on the last day, a tour to Montserrat monastery where Catalan culture has been preserved from the ravages of time.
To complement our exploration of using the creative arts as a meditation, a thoughtfully curated menu of activities awaits you.
Scheduled leisure time for relaxing by the saltwater pool, reading or journaling, creative artistic activities, or simply taking in the breathtaking pastoral vineyard landscape.
Guided walking or biking tour is included by our local host to orient you with the unique spots of the area including natural springs, a waterfall, caves, and nearby castles of by-gone eras
E-bike or regular bike 1-day rental to go around the forests and/or vineyards in the area
A guided forest walk, and if lucky, we will forage mushrooms to add to pizzas baked in an outdoor stone oven
A 15-minute walk will transport you to ancient Roman ruins
An excursion to a local monastery, castle, or similar location
A possible cooking observation by our onsite chef for our evening traditional paella meal.
A memorable farewell outdoor celebration feast presented with table-scaping designed by an award-winning artist set to flamenco guitar music
Delicious Spanish and Catalonian Food and Drink to whet your appetite...
Mas els Igols is situated in an amazing culinary environment, known as “the food barn of Barcelona”. Your retreat includes:
Delicious gourmet tapas and meals prepared by our private chef - wine included
Entrees with sun-ripened, fresh seasonal ingredients from small-scale, regional farms are crafted to present an abundant menu of Mediterranean meals
Plenty of vegetarian selections with an eye towards organic sources
Multi-sensory biodynamic wine tasting of 5 wines with local wine expert
Enjoy traditional Catalan style pizzas cooked on an outdoor stone oven
Indulge our palates tasting a sampling of premium Spanish chocolate
Optional Prelude Retreat in Barcelona
Thursday-Saturday, November 7-9, 2024
If you decide to arrive a few days early to explore the world’s 12th most visited city, with its 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, we have a schedule of activities to show you the town! Barcelona is home to countless plazas, patisseries and crêperies, unique stores, chocolate shops, museums, parks, handmade craft shops, tapas and paella restaurants, and gelaterias, all nestled within a city of stunning architectural design—not to mention Europe’s largest fútbol stadium.
This is one city that you do not mind walking through! Watch a flamenco guitar and dance performance. Stroll down the sandy beach at sunrise to pick up shells. Enjoy world-class cuisines at lower-than-US prices. View hundreds of original Picasso works up-close. Marvel at Roman-era and medieval ruins. It is nearly impossible to turn a corner without beholding more amazing possibilities.
The price for the 3-day optional pre-retreat activity is $600. This covers personally guided tours and entrance fees as we show you the beautiful streets and gems of this city, and it saves you the headache of researching and purchasing tickets to various sites. We organize all transportation. You will be responsible to pay for your own food, lodging, and any discretionary extras. We will plan the day and have the entry passes ready for you. We recommend a hotel with a group rate, so book early, or you are welcome to book your own lodging.
Among Top Sites to See:
the breath-taking Sagrada Família designed by Antonio Gaudí, UNESCO heritage site
Park Güell, designed by Gaudí (pictured above overlooking the city)
La Pedrera (Casa Milà) and Casa Batlló, also by Gaudí
walk amidst a labyrinth of Medieval streets and Roman Ruins in the historic Gothic Quarter with 14th century cathedrals, quirky graffiti art, quaint shops and Museo Picasso
must see Palau de la Música, modernist concert hall and UNESCO heritage site
stroll by the sandy picturesque beach and take a Sail Boat Cruise with our own skipper
take in a traditional Flamenco concert (dance, guitar, vocals and Sangria)
Enjoy tapas and meals at favorite locals’ choice restaurants and cafés along La Rambla, Plaza de Cataluña, Plaça Reial, and the Eixample
Retreat Guides
Melissa and Robert Wolfarth
Melissa Wolfarth, Creative Director, founder of Soul Renaissance, and the leader of this retreat, hails from a diverse background in the American West founded in the visual arts, the study and teaching of yoga, and meditation practice. Holding a bachelor of arts degree in art history, she has over 30 years of combined experience teaching expressive art and art history and various traditions of yoga and meditation. Sharing her love of art and mindful awareness with her three children, and students of all ages has been a spring of joy and inspiration. Melissa has practiced and trained with various master yoga teachers since 2003, and has studied canvassed arts in the United States, Italy, and Spain.
Melissa curates expressive painting classes over the foundation of yoga and breathing exercises, kinesthetic movement, ambient sound and mantra to create a unique experience, conducive to entering a meditative heightened state of awareness. She believes that creative magic begins as we transition from our yoga mats and cushions, pick up a paint brush, and observe color and light. From this space of explorative play with perception, consciousness can fuel authentic artistic expression of the soul.
Robert M. Wolfarth, is the strategic schemer and maestro behind the curtain for our retreat. A past Grand Master of Freemasons and a proponent of philanthropy, Robert is a practicing Buddhist but studies various religions and philosophies and sees no boundaries. In particular, he is fascinated with structures of ethics as influenced by cultures. He has practiced meditative techniques since his formative days of Transcendental Meditation in the 1970s. Robert holds a double bachelor of arts degree in international economics and Russian language from the University of Texas. He worked for six years in foreign policy, defense, and intelligence in Washington. He now owns a private consulting firm in the field of medical device regulations, and has taught at the university graduate level. Before sinking to bended knee before Melissa, Robert adopted a girl and a boy in China and has traveled to over 30 countries. He is fond of diverse music, ethnic foods, laughter, walks in the forest, good deeds, dinner with friends, and fine port.
Melissa and Robert live in both Washington, DC, and Barcelona, a Mecca of Art Nouveau and Modernism.
All Inclusive “Art as Meditation” Retreat $2995
Sunday-Sunday, November 7-17, 2024 (7 nights, 6 full days, 2 half days)
All rooms are shared occupancy. Our group will consist of 15 people including your hosts. REGISTER EARLY to reserve your preferred room configuration! The following options are available on a first-come, first-serve basis:
3 rooms for two persons (2 single beds, for two persons, can be joined or separated)
2 rooms for two persons (1 double bed for two persons to share)
1 room for three persons (3 beds for three persons)
You are responsible for your airfare and travel insurance, if desired. If you choose to undertake any optional additional excursions or decide to explore this beautiful city beyond our scheduled activities, those costs and logistics will be borne by you, although we are happy to assist and offer suggestions. More detailed itineraries will be provided with your reservation and upon your arrival.
Barcelona Retreat Prelude $600
Thursday-Saturday, November 7-9, 2024 (3 days and nights)
Suggested arrival on Wednesday, November 6th to settle in and orient
We provide instructions for taxi or subway service from Barcelona Airport to a hotel of your choice. A taxi for 1-4 people to your hotel will be approximately 35 dollars. We recommend a hotel with a group rate, so book early, or you are welcome to book your own lodging.
Deposit and Cancellation Policy
Please note that $500 of your payment is non-refundable. You may cancel and receive refund (without your non-refundable deposit) prior to August 1, 2024. You may also sell or give your spot to someone else in the event that you cannot come. If we have a waitlist, we can help you find someone else who may want your spot, however it is not guaranteed.
After registering below, you can conveniently pay through…
