Finding Ourselves in God – A Spanish Retreat/Holiday

One of my favorite events of the year! I love leading these intimate retreat/holidays at the fabulous El Palmeral in Elche, near Alicante – here’s a write-up that originally appeared in Woman Alive that will give you a flavor of this wonderful week away. This will be my sixth retreat, and I’m delighted to explore a new topic this year:

We all face changes in life – we lose or gain a job, we experience a bereavement, if we’re parents our kids grow up – and these changes may lead us to wonder, ‘Who am I? With a different role, what’s left of me?’ When this search for faith, home and identity lands on God, we find our true home and true self. Join Amy for inspiring sessions with plenty of time for guided prayer exercises.

We spend the mornings (from 10 til 1 or so) in a group session, with lots of time for individual exercises, and then the rest of the day is free for swimming, resting, feasting, reading – and talking, dancing, movie-watching, and enjoying the group according to your personality preferences.

The grounds are lovely, with gardens to soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere, an outdoor chapel that particularly comes alive during Compline at night (guests are welcome to join in the communal morning and evening prayer), a pool that I simply adore, and lots of space in the house for being on one’s own if preferred. Hosts are the British couple Julie and Mike Jowett, who engage fully in Spanish village life. Julie prepares sumptuous fresh Spanish meals – you won’t go hungry, and she’s happy to cater for dietary restrictions.

I’d love it if you could join us.

The sunsets are captivating.

The pool at dusk. And breathe.