a retreat for your second act

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Girona, Spain: Where culture & clarity collide

view of retreat garden from inside barn
Circular Text PathBOUTIQUE RETREAT SPACE IN GIRONA  

We're doing it again!

With so much overwhelming interest in our last retreat, we've decided to do it another one in the medieval city of Girona. This is a place of dualities. The ancient streets are peppered with modern refinement. Tucked within its medieval walls is Palau Fugit, a boutique retreat space of stillness and sensory delight. We're going to be steps away from the cobbled streets but protected by the old palace walls. There's an intentional contrast here.

This retreat is for those seeking inspiration in both the silence of a garden and the buzz of a Catalan plaza. With the Costa Brava to the east and the Pyrenees to the north, this is the perfect crossroads to let something new begin.

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Meet your hosts

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Richard Banfield

Entrepreneur. Author. Father. Explorer. Richard is a "recovering CEO" who has built companies, launched 100's of products, helped teams find purpose, and now helps people design the second act of their lives with intention and creativity.

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Devon McDonald

Venture capitalist turned catalyst for connection, clarity, and courageous living. Devon brings grace, energy, and a gift for creating space where real transformation can happen. She’s raising three kids and building a life rooted in authenticity.

Together, they bring real-life experience, warmth, and wisdom to every part of this retreat. As Richard says, "Our approach is to create a classroom where everyone is the student. No gurus, nor masters, just curious minds that are open to possibility."

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More than a getaway—

this is a turning point.

Workshops & Rituals

Thoughtfully guided outdoor sessions, daily reflection practices, and a cacao or mushroom ceremony at a nearby valley retreat.

Cultural Adventures

Dali Museum. Cooking experiences. Roman ruins. Catalan beer tastings. Historic hikes to hidden restaurants.

Restorative Moments

Garden journaling. Wine at sunset. Spa soaks. A catamaran ride on the Costa Brava.

Optional Experiences

Village road trips, skydiving, kayaking, or a day cruise to the exquisite Cap de Creus.

What others are saying

"You couldn’t ask for a better guide to reinvention than Richard. He’s brilliant, curious, empathetic, and a great friend. He constantly challenges himself and those around him to do better, to be better, and anyone lucky enough to attend this retreat will leave renewed."
— Martin
"HOLY SHIT, I’d love to be there. We were just talking about going to Europe. The kids will be at camp that week too!"
— Tracey
"The conversation we had the other day was one of the most impactful convos I’ve had in a long time. Thank you again for taking that time. I’ve been in such a better place since our call."
— Jeremy
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Second Harvest Retreat:
5-Day Journey to Your Next Chapter

Location: Palau Fugit, Girona, Spain
Next Date: October 9–13, 2025

This retreat is for you if:

You’re navigating a major transition—career, relationship, identity—and want to find what comes next

You’ve succeeded by traditional standards but crave creativity, calm, and clarity

You want more than a break;
you want a breakthrough

Day 1: Arrival & Setting Intentions

Theme: Meet and reflect

Throughout the Day: Arrivals and check-in (optional helicopter and classic car transfers)

7:30 PM: Welcome Dinner

  • Informal introductions, retreat overview, getting to know the venue, and setting intentions for personal and professional transformation
  • Guided conversation: “What chapter are you closing, and what do you hope to begin?”

Day 2: Grounding & Exploration

Theme: Solidifying Your Foundations

8:00 AM: Morning walk, yoga or guided meditation (optional)

9:00 AM: Breakfast together

10:30 AM: Workshop: “Taking Stock of Your First Harvest”

  • Reflect on the wisdom, skills, and experiences you've cultivated so far
  • Projecting forward exercise
  • Rewriting our stories

12:00 PM: Lunch

1:30 PM: Guided nature walk or ride in the surrounding hills

3:30 PM: Fireside Workshop: “Reframing Challenges as Opportunities”

8:00 PM: Dinner

9:00 PM: Wine Tasting & Fireside Chat

Day 3: Designing What's Next

Theme: Planting New Seeds

8:00 AM: Walk, yoga or meditation session (optional)

9:00 AM: Breakfast together

10:30 AM: Workshop: “Design Thinking for Life”

  • Explore possibilities for your next chapter using creative problem-solving tools
  • Practical ways to design your life and live your plan

12:00 PM: Transfer to Costa Brava location followed by scenic picnic lunch

1:30 PM: Workshop: “Experimentation: Designing Small, Actionable Steps”

  • Craft “thin-slice experiments” to test your ideas for the future

4:00 PM: Leisure Activities (choose one):

  • Standup paddle boarding, kayaking or just chilling on the beach

8:00 PM: Dinner and conversation

Day 4: Reclaiming Creativity & Purpose

Theme: Fueling Renewal

8:00 AM: Morning hike or foraging in the countryside

9:00 AM: Breakfast together

10:30 AM: Workshop: “Creativity as a Tool for Renewal”

  • Build your Creative Blueprint for integrating growth, purpose, and action

12:00 PM: Lunch

1:30 PM: Dali Museum in the town of Figueres

4:30 PM: Group Reflection Session: “Harvesting Insights”

8:00 PM: Farewell Dinner at a local venue with live music. Reflect, connect, and celebrate your next steps.

Day 5: Integration & Departure

Theme: Bringing It All Home

8:00 AM: Final coffee and breakfast

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Departures and transfers to the airport

  • Option to extend your stay at I AM ESCAPE or explore nearby cultural activities.

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.”

— Joel Arthur Barker Ratcliffe

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Reserve your place in Girona

We’re limiting the group to 20–24 people for this retreat. Applications are open now. Once we receive yours, we’ll reach out for a short alignment conversation. If it feels like the right fit, we’ll send you the private payment link to finalize your spot.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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FAQs

Why Girona? Why this location?

Girona is a living paradox, in the best way possible. Medieval stonework meets modern design. Hidden gardens sit just steps from Gothic cathedrals. And all of it is wrapped in the golden light of northern Catalunya. We chose Palau Fugit as our base because it’s more than a hotel—it’s a sanctuary with a story. The name literally means, Palace Where Time Flies. Within its walls, you’ll find an oasis of calm and stillness. Just beyond these Roman walls, cultural treasures and wild coastlines.

This retreat blends creativity, reflection, and adventure. From the ancient ruins of Empúries to a slow cruise up the Costa Brava, Girona invites reinvention with every cobblestone and sea breeze.

What are the dates and location again?

We’ll gather from October 9–13, 2025, in Girona, Spain. The retreat is hosted at Palau Fugit, a boutique hotel located inside the walled city, walking distance to world-class cuisine, art, and nature. Girona is 35 minutes from Costa Brava and 40 minutes by train from Barcelona.

What's included in the retreat?

Just about everything except your plane ticket and your curiosity.

  • 4 nights in a beautifully appointed room at Palau Fugit
  • All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks
  • All scheduled group workshops, experiences, and adventures
  • Ground transport to any off-site activities
  • Optional add-ons like yoga classes, private coaching or guided sessions with expert facilitators

We take care of the logistics so you can focus on the transformation.

How do I apply?

Click the Apply Now button on this page or go directly to secondharvest.co/apply. Once we receive your application, we’ll set up a short conversation to ensure there’s a great fit—for you, and for the group. If it feels right on both sides, we’ll send a private link for payment to secure your spot.

What if I’ve already attended the Austria retreat?

You’re more than welcome. While the structure is familiar, the Girona experience is wholly unique. New rituals, new adventures, and new scenery to inspire fresh reflection. Many Second Harvesters choose to come back as part of a seasonal rhythm of personal growth. This retreat builds on, but doesn’t repeat, what came before.

Do I need to be a spiritual person or an extrovert?

Definitely not. Just bring a willingness to slow down and pay attention. You won’t need to share more than you want, and we’ll never force a group hug (unless you initiate). Whether you process quietly or out loud, this space is built for how you move through the world.

What are the physical demands of this retreat?

We’ll be walking through medieval alleyways, biking or hiking scenic trails, paddleboarding, and lounging on Mediterranean boats. Most activities are gentle and optional. If you’re up for something bolder—like skydiving or cold plunges—we’ve got those too. Just let us know your comfort level.

What should I pack?

Think light layers, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and something you feel good wearing to dinner under the stars or in one of the many chef approved restaurants. Bring a journal. Bring curiosity. And maybe a little room in your suitcase—you’re probably leaving Girona with more than you arrived with (emotionally and maybe local crafts).

Can I bring a friend or partner?

Yes, but we ask that everyone attending the retreat apply individually—even couples. This helps us ensure everyone is aligned with the experience. If your partner isn’t planning to participate in the retreat but wants to join you in Girona, we recommend booking accommodations separately. This retreat is designed to be immersive and distraction-free.

What’s the cost?

Pricing is shared once you’ve applied and we’ve had a short alignment call. This helps us keep the experience tailored, intimate, and intentional. That said, pricing is similar to our Austria retreat and includes lodging, food, programming, and local experiences.

Is it possible to finance the retreat with 0%?

Absolutely! By partnering with Affirm, we're able to offer you $0 down and 0% interest financing for up to 24 months. Simply choose Affirm at checkout to benefit from this fantastic opportunity.

What’s your cancellation policy?

We know life happens. If you need to cancel 30 days or more before the retreat, we’ll refund your payment minus a small admin fee. If you cancel within 30 days of the retreat start, we’ll do our best to transfer your spot or offer a partial refund, depending on circumstances. We’re human—we treat you like one too.