The retreat is built around noble silence, which here means more than not talking. Participants are asked to avoid eye contact, physical contact, books, music and social media for the duration, and to follow the schedule for sessions, meals and rest. The point is to cut external input far enough that you notice what your mind does when nothing is filling it. The facilitator frames this as training attention rather than emptying the mind: when you notice you've drifted, you bring your attention back to the breath, and that returning is the practice.

A typical Saturday starts at 07:00 with 30 minutes of yoga, then a 45-minute guided meditation that includes a short explanation of the neuroscience behind meditation. At 08:15 there's self-practice, then breakfast and a break at 09:00. The late morning is the longest stretch: an hour of guided meditation split into two 30-minute blocks, an hour of walking meditation, then self-practice before lunch at 13:30. The afternoon has a session on readings, questions and written reflection at 15:30, another guided meditation and reflection at 16:30, a break, a light dinner at 19:00, and a final guided meditation at 20:30.

The method mixes seated and walking meditation with gentle yoga and mobility work, so you're not sitting cross-legged for hours on end. There are short educational pieces on what happens in the brain during meditation, daily readings to reflect on, and time outdoors to observe your surroundings without needing to do anything with them. The name Samatha comes from a Pali word for calmness and mental stability, and refers in Buddhist contemplative traditions to practices that build concentration and steadiness of attention.

The retreat is explicitly not therapy. It's described as an educational and contemplative experience, and the organisers ask about your previous experience and any needs before booking. If you're in a psychological or emotional crisis, or have health circumstances that make several hours of meditation a day unsuitable, they ask you to speak to a healthcare professional first. Silence never blocks you from asking for help — there are designated times to raise questions with the facilitator, and a procedure for urgent matters while phones are held.

The setting is a venue in the countryside around Madrid, chosen for quiet and access to nature. The exact address and facilities are sent once you get in touch. Group sizes are kept small, though the page doesn't state a number.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation - Meals for the duration (vegetarian, simple and balanced) - Full programme of guided and self-practice meditation - Walking meditation sessions - Daily yoga and mindful movement - Short educational sessions on the neuroscience of meditation - Daily readings, written reflection and question time with the facilitator - Guidance and support throughout, including for first-timers

What's not included

- Travel to and from the venue - Personal toiletries and personal expenses - Meditation cushion (you may bring your own) - Travel insurance - Any medical or psychological care

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