A 3-night, research-informed nature-based retreat to slow down, reconnect, and reimagine how you live. 9-12 October 2025 (Spain)
Have you ever felt like life’s moving too fast – and you’re craving a moment to pause?
Not just to rest, but to remember who you are and what moves you deep down?
Maybe you feel the tension between what the world demands – and what your body, heart and the earth quietly ask of you.
Maybe you miss that feeling of shared adventure: being outside, sleeping simply, laughing deeply, learning without even realising it.
I know that feeling too. That’s why I created Wild(er) Paths.
Why I created Wild(er) Paths
It’s inspired by the experiences that shaped me – summer camps, expeditions, and years of living, studying, and exploring across Europe, Australia, and Africa. I didn’t grow up surrounded by wild nature; I’ve had to find my way into it slowly, curiously, piece by piece.
And what’s stayed with me through all these experiences is the power of simplicity: being in nature, trying something new, sharing honest conversations, and being given permission to just be. Wild(er) Paths carries that spirit – of curiosity, connection, play, and introspection – into a space for those of us longing to reconnect with what excites us, grounds us, and makes our days feel meaningful.
Whether you’re experienced in nature or just beginning to build that relationship, this retreat invites you to pause and come back to yourself.
Come as you are. Leave with a clearer heart, a few new stories, and a renewed sense of direction.
What’s Wild(er) Paths?
Wild(er) Paths is a 3-night, off-grid retreat, grounded in evidence-based practices from positive psychology, transformative and nature-based learning, and systems-informed approaches. It’s designed for those feeling the weight of complexity – the constant pull between what the world demands, and what your body, heart, and the earth are asking of you.
This retreat weaves together movement, reflection, nature connection, and shared presence. It offers a rare chance to slow down and feel again – to breathe, question, and reorient in the face of systems that often keep us disconnected or overwhelmed.
It’s wilder than your everyday life, but not so wild that it feels out of reach. We’ll be outdoors, unplugged, moving both gently and meaningfully – individually and together.
Whether you’re arriving fresh or continuing from the Wild Paths online journey, Wild(er) Paths is an invitation to pause and realign – held with care, grounded in experience, and designed with intention.
Wild(er) Paths isn’t a typical wellness weekend
Why this retreat is different
It’s grounded in academic research and real-world experience – drawing on evidence-based practices from positive psychology, transformative and nature-based learning, and complexity thinking.
The design is shaped by ongoing research in social-ecological systems and complex adaptive systems – recognising that personal transformation is inseparable from the complex, interconnected world we live in.
This isn’t about quick fixes or trends. It’s a meaningful, carefully held space to return to yourself – in good company and in deep connection with nature.
You’ve probably felt it...
Life moves fast. Sometimes too fast.
You move from one task, one role, one demand to the next – with little space to breathe, feel, or even
notice where you’re headed.
Maybe you’ve noticed:
- The weight of complexity – trying to live with care in a world that pulls you in many directions
- The pressure to keep going, when what you long for is real rest
- A quiet ache for deeper connection – with yourself, with others, with the natural world
- That something needs to shift… but you’re not sure where or how to begin
Wild(er) Paths invites you...
…to slow down, to listen deeply, and to reconnect with yourself, others, and the land.
This retreat might be for you if…
- You’re longing to slow down and reconnect
- You’re seeking more clarity, direction, or creativity
- You’re tired of the constant noise and pressure of daily life
- You feel at home in nature – or curious what that could feel like
- You’re drawn to honest reflection and meaningful connection
- You’re holding big questions or feeling pulled between fast-paced systems and your deeper values
No specific background or experience is needed – just curiosity and presence.
Flow of the journey
Wild(er) Paths isn’t just a retreat – it’s a carefully held journey, designed to guide you through meaningful themes while leaving space for rest, nature, and emergence.
Over our time together, we’ll move through a gentle arc: arriving, listening, deepening, and emerging.
Day 1 (9 October) – Arrival and Landing
Theme: Intention
Arrival and settling in.
We begin by arriving fully – to nature, to ourselves, and to the group.
Day 2 (10 October) – Listening and Exploring
Theme: Inner and outer nature
Movement with the land, guided reflection, and time in nature.
We open our senses and curiosity – listening deeply to ourselves and the world around us, and noticing how wellbeing is shaped by the systems we’re part of.
Day 3 (11 October) – Deepening and Integration
Theme: Navigating complexity
Creative sessions, meaningful dialogue, evening circle and celebration.
We explore transformation with honesty – holding questions and patterns with care, and drawing on nature and community to make meaning in uncertain times.
Day 4 (12 October) – Emergence and Return
Theme: Returning
Morning reflections, integration practices, gentle movement, farewell and departure.
We return with fresh clarity and grounded tools to navigate our day-to-day with more presence, purpose, and connection.
Throughout the retreat, you can expect:
- Daily yoga and embodied practices
- A mix of guided group sessions and solo time
- A hike led by a certified mountain guide
- Thoughtfully prepared, nourishing food
- Spaciousness and care – with room for spontaneity and rest
Whether you’re seeking clarity, rest, or simply a reset, Wild(er) Paths offers a grounded, high-quality space to reconnect – with yourself, with others, and with the more-than-human world.
About your facilitator
Hi I’m Elsa Selva!
Wild(er) Paths is something I’ve been dreaming into being for years. It brings together many threads from my life – my love of nature, my curiosity about people and transformation, my belief in the quiet power of slowing down, and a growing urge to respond meaningfully to the complexity of our times.
I grew up in the city, slowly finding my way into nature through summer camps, explorations, and learning how to be outdoors piece by piece. That journey – of reconnection, reflection, and learning to move differently – has shaped everything I now offer.
Professionally, I’ve spent the last decade holding space for individuals and groups to reconnect – with themselves, with each other, and with the more-than-human world. I’m an experienced and accredited coach and facilitator, a yoga teacher, and I hold an MSc in Wellbeing Science. I’m currently pursuing a PhD exploring how nature-based, immersive experiences can support personal and collective transformation in the context of the polycrisis.
Beyond the titles, I’m someone who believes we need new ways of gathering – spaces that help us slow down, reflect deeply, and reimagine how we live, relate, and lead. Wild(er) Paths isn’t a wellness escape or a productivity hack. It’s a pause. A remembering. A spacious, gently held invitation to come back to what matters most – for yourself, and for the world.
I’d love to welcome you.
Investment
890€ per person
(includes retreat + accommodation)
To keep things simple, this total will be split into two payments:
One payment to Wild Paths (for the retreat experience)
- One payment directly to La Mandorla (for your off-grid accommodation)
- Once you register, you’ll receive clear instructions for both
Discounts and Extras
- Early Bird rate: 750€ if booked before 31st July 2025
- We believe how you get here matters. If you choose a lower-impact journey – by train, shared car, bicycle, or on foot – you’re eligible for the Early Bird price anytime, no matter when you book
What’s included
- 3 nights’ off-grid accommodation at La Mandorla
- All plant-based meals and snacks
- Daily yoga and embodied practices
- Guided group sessions and reflective practices
- A mountain hike with a certified guide
- Creative materials and resources
- Support from an experienced, research-informed coach/facilitator
- Standard insurance covering liability and personal accidents
You’ll also receive a suggested packing list and detailed guidance ahead of time.
What’s not included
- Transport to and from the retreat space
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Why this price?
We’ve done our best to keep Wild(er) Paths accessible, while honouring the depth, care, and professionalism behind it.
This isn’t just a wellness long weekend – It’s a research-informed, nature-based experience designed to support meaningful reconnection with yourself, others, and nature. Set in an off-grid space in the Montsant Natural Park, the retreat is intimate by design (max 14 participants) and guided by an experienced and accredited facilitator.
Your investment supports:
- A research-informed programme rooted in positive psychology, systems thinking, and transformative learning
- Daily yoga and a guided mountain hike with a certified local guide
- Nourishing plant-based meals and simple off-grid living
- Creative, thoughtfully designed materials to support your experience
- Fair compensation for the team and liability insurance for all participants
- A welcoming, off-grid venue that honours a regenerative way of living
As this is the first in-person edition, we’re offering a one-time price of 890€ – a gesture of appreciation for those joining us early. Future retreats will reflect the full value of the experience.
You’re not just paying for a few days away – you’re investing in something that’s been years in the making. If you feel the call to join us, we’d love to welcome you.
How to book
- Step 1: Fill out the registration form. Share a few details about yourself so we can hold your spot and send you all the info you need
- Step 2: Receive payment instructions. You’ll get an email with two simple payment links – one for the retreat fee (to Wild Paths), and one for accommodation (to La Mandorla)
- Step 3: Confirm your place
Once both payments are received, your spot is confirmed! We’ll send you a welcome pack, including packing list, and travel tips to help you prepare. Spaces are limited to 14 participants.
Want to talk it through first?
If you’re unsure whether Wild(er) Paths is the right fit, or just want to connect before booking, you’re welcome to book a short 1:1 call with Elsa. No pressure – just a friendly space to explore and ask questions.
Frequently asked questions
Will I fit in if I come alone?
Absolutely. Most people come solo. The group is small, kind, and open – you’ll be gently welcomed, and many leave with meaningful new connections.
What is the accommodation like? Will I have my own room?
You’ll be sharing a cozy, beautifully simple yurt with 4-5 others. Shared space fosters warmth and community, and we also respect personal boundaries and quiet time. If you’re unsure about sharing, rest assured the group is small and the space gently held. You can also bring your own tent if preferred.
Will I be able to shower?
Yes – though part of the experience is embracing simplicity. There’s one shared shower onsite, mostly reserved for emergencies. We invite you to try a low-impact, back-to-nature lifestyle during the retreat as part of how we honour the land and reduce water use.
What kind of toilets are there?
Clean, private compost toilets. They’re simple, thoughtfully maintained, and often more comfortable than people expect – and fully aligned with our sustainability values.
Will there be internet or phone signal?
Signal is very limited and there’s no Wi-Fi. This is intentional – Wild(er) Paths is an invitation to unplug and reconnect. An emergency contact number will be provided, and we encourage you to embrace the rare gift of being offline.
Do I need yoga or meditation experience?
Not at all. All sessions are accessible and optional. Whether it’s your first time or a daily practice, you’ll be invited to participate in ways that feel good for you.
Will we hike or walk? Is this retreat active?
Yes, but gently. You’ll be invited to join mindful walks and a guided hike in the surrounding mountains – nothing extreme, just enough to feel your feet on the ground and your breath in your body. If sitting still is hard for you, this retreat may be just right.
What should I bring?
You’ll get a full packing list before the retreat. Think: comfortable layers, sturdy shoes, biodegradable toiletries, and whatever helps you feel grounded – but keep it light and simple.
Is transport included?
No, but we’ll help coordinate. Most people take a train from Barcelona to Borges del Camp (~1.5h), then share a taxi. We’ll set up a group chat or spreadsheet to support carpooling and shared travel.
What’s included in the price?
- The retreat fee includes:
3 nights’ off-grid accommodation at La Mandorla - All plant-based meals and snacks
- Daily yoga and embodied practices
- Guided group sessions and reflective practices
- A mountain hike with a certified local guide
- Creative materials and resources
- Support from an experienced, research-informed coach/facilitato
- Standard insurance covering liability and personal accidents
Do you have any discounts?
Yes! We offer both an Early Bird price and a Conscious Traveller discount. If you book before 31st July 2025, you’ll receive the Early Bird rate (750€). But even if you book later, you can still access it by choosing a lower-impact way of travelling – like coming by train, shared car, bicycle, or on foot. To keep it fair and in line with our values, we just ask you to complete a short form letting us know how you plan to travel. It’s a small step that helps us support more mindful ways of arriving.
Can I join if I’ve never done the online Wild Paths programme?
Absolutely. This is a standalone experience, open to anyone who feel the call to slow down and reconnect. If you have done the online journey, this will deepen and ground it.
I’m travelling from far – what else can I do nearby?
You’re in luck! Cornudella de Montsant is a beautiful, lesser-known gem in Catalunya. It’s known for hiking, climbing, vineyards, and its proximity to Siurana, Tarragona and Barcelona. We’re happy to help you plan a longer stay if you’d like to make a fuller journey of it.
How do I reserve my spot?
Spots are limited to just 14 participants. To secure yours:
- Fill out the registration form
- Receive two payment links (one to Wild Paths, one to La Mandorla)
- Once both are paid, your place is confirmed!
Early bird discounts are available until 31st July 2025 – and if you travel by train, you’ll get the Early Bird price no matter when you book.
Still unsure?
Book a free 1:1 call with Elsa to explore if it’s a good fit for you.