Safe Mode (Tech Wellbeing Retreat)
13-19th March 2026, Barcelona Spain
In partnership with
Safe Mode the term for the technical setting that strips a device down to its essential files + functions, by disabling all third-party programs. This mode allows you to better locate + repair internal issues within the device.
This is exactly the work we’ll be doing on our retreat. Stripping away the layers of distortions + distractions fueled by technology, our goal is to reconnect with a more essentialist view of our inner + outer worlds.
Through a blend of teaching, movement, community, time in nature, and creative practice- we’ll find our way back to things that truly light us up , and learn how to sustain them in our daily lives.
It’s not a detox, more a lifestyle level-up and a chance to develop a healthier relationship with your tech, with the ultimate goal of helping you…
Rediscover awe!
Highlights
Visit to natural springs & waterfalls with option to wild swim • Wine tasting and local vineyard tours • Swim in the saltwater pool • Playful creative workshops • Mindfulness workshops, including both movement & stillness • Open fires and conversation • Silent Disco • Lots of space and time for yourself • 121 creative sessions • Time to connect with others, and let go of tech
Your Retreat Leader
Amy is a therapist in training, professional graphic designer, and amateur artist - she has also explored wellbeing both personally and professionally for over a decade, and may have found a new approach.
Growing up in the 80s, boredom was a common occurrence, but it was never something that was as feared as it is nowadays. Remembering this time fondly, she shares “Most of my childhood I was faced with boredom. But it was this time in my life that I started drawing - and I’d spend HOURS doing so. Most of all, my imagination was totally WILD, and I saw the world through a very inspiring lens.
I know I wouldn’t have found my creative streak without that 'boredom', and it made me think what we might discover if we dare to venture away from constant stimulation today…”
The retreat will include optional 121 sessions with Amy throughout the week, if you’re interested in exploring person centred therapy, alongside your creative expression.
What to Expect
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![Photography workshop]()
Embracing boredom
A much needed element of creativity is time alone, introspection and a good dose of doing nothing at all. But we know it isn’t always that easy! We will explore this together, and give you take away tools to support you beyond the retreat.
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![Person on lake]()
Time to daydream
This is not a digital detox, but we would love you to use this as a chance to simply experience how it feels to be less attached to your tech. The decision is always yours, but we will encourage less screen time, and unnecessary external stimulation. Let your mind wander in the nothing…
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![Creative workshop]()
Creative Expression
Every session will start with a discussion on a creative theme, & we’ll provide guidelines on how to explore that with your chosen medium. However if you feel inspired to do something else, the decision is always yours. We provide ideas, you take them where you want to.
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![Creative workshop]()
Exit your echo chamber
Creativity can also build connections with others, by allowing us to explore our different perspectives as we express them through art. It gets us out of our echo chamber and creates positive cross pollination, and a chance to see things in new ways, opening your mind to other possibilities.
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![Creative workshop]()
Get to know yourself
Knowing yourself means removing all external factors, possessions and labels, and seeing what’s there. Instead of trying to present a particular idea of ‘you’ to the world, creativity means expression without purpose, and being who you would be without any audience in mind.
The Venue
in the rural Spanish countryside, near Barcelona
Mas els Igols is a traditional 18th century Catalan farmhouse, transformed into a beautiful art-filled retreat and holiday home for 15 people. An oasis-like estate surrounded by the Pènedes vineyards near Barcelona.
Switch on your senses in this quieter situated Masia, that breathes warmth and understated luxury. We are inviting you to ‘Live Light’ and unwind; sit back and come to yourself in the lushness of this rural setting.
Shuttles from Barcelona airport will be provided on arrival and departure days, or you can arrange your own transport if you prefer.
Past Retreats
“One of my most valuable takeaways was rediscovering the importance of play and fun in adult life. Stepping outside my comfort zone to connect with the group opened up new perspectives and enriched my experience in unexpected ways. The retreat reminded me of the power of solitude, connection, letting go and wonder.”
Colette Burroughs-Rose • Retreat Attendee
A Day on Retreat
We want you to know, this is your retreat, we are providing a framework, but you can always take what you need.
8.30am • Every day will start with a mindfulness practice. This might be a walking meditation or a simple silent creative task
10.30am • Creative workshop where we will start with a discussion on a creative theme, then offer you ways to explore that idea
2pm • Your time to continue to create, rest or introspect.
5pm • Talk, share, connect (somedays in the sauna). Join the group for some reflection on the day, and what you’re creating.
3x meals are included at set times each day.
Spend your evenings however you wish…a glass of wine by the fire getting to know your fellow retreaters, or luxuriate in a silent sauna and star gaze
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