Does this sound familiar?
Have you been holding everything together for so long that you've forgotten what it feels like to truly rest?
But who has time for a break, right?
Maybe you've been navigating change – whether by choice, or not – and you're quietly asking what comes next.
Maybe you remain committed to the humanitarian-development sector, yet unsure how to keep serving without burning out.
This in-person retreat is a break from everyday life, a time to unwind and recharge your batteries.
It is not about going back to how you used to operate. It is about discovering what supports you now.
What you'll take home
Rest and Relaxation
Sleep, nourishing food, movement, sunshine, laughter.
Sense of Belonging
Connect with peers who truly understand what you're going through.
Clarity
Space to think about what's sustainable, what still fits, what no longer serves you.
Reconnection
With nature, with your values, with yourself beyond your job title.
Renewed Energy
That you can sustain over time.
Sense of Agency
Leave with a real sense of choice about your next steps.
Is this retreat right for you?
Answer 3 quick questions to find out.
The R&R Retreat Experience
A retreat does not force a breakthrough. It makes room for one. The retreat includes:
Facilitated by experienced and certified coaches
During and after the retreat
For all levels
Pool, nearby beach, salt flats, and palm grove walks
Prepared by the local cook at Biovives
Space to absorb and settle
Ongoing support throughout the retreat
What makes this retreat special
Designed for people in the sector, by people in the sector who are also experienced coaches and yoga teachers
Grounded in the sector
- For people working in, or transitioning from, humanitarian and development work.
- Facilitated by professionals with many years of experience working with the UN, NGOs and academia.
- Informed by real coaching practice in the current funding crisis.
Wellbeing, embodied
- An integrated approach: mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
- A deliberate slowing of pace to support rest and clarity.
- Wellbeing as a foundation, not an optional extra.
Process and flow
- A balanced daily rhythm: guided sessions, free time and integration.
- Small group format: depth, confidentiality, real connection.
- Facilitation that supports reflection without forcing outcomes.
Community and meaning
- A shared experience with peers who understand the sector from the inside.
- Collective reflection that normalises uncertainty and reduces isolation.
- Hosted in an eco-conscious and community-built retreat centre, immersed in nature, sunshine and the Mediterranean way of life.
Your facilitators
Maite Irurzun
Certified Coach & Mentor (ICF ACC)
With 25+ years working as a health economist across UN agencies, NGOs, and universities (14 countries, 5 continents), Maite brings first-hand understanding of both the lights and shadows in the sector. She helps clients recover from burnout, set healthy boundaries, and navigate transitions with clarity.
Olivia Collins
Certified Coach (EMCC) & Yoga Teacher
With 20 years in the humanitarian sector focusing on cash assistance for refugees, Olivia truly understands the challenges of our work. Since 2021, she has been coaching humanitarians navigating career transitions. She offers yoga practices accessible to all, combining gentle movement with breath to encourage rest and relaxation.
linkedin.com/in/oliviamacollins
Our facilitators work with:
What coaching clients say
"My goal was to better understand some workplace dynamics I was navigating… The coaching process with Maite helped me do exactly that… I gained clarity about these dynamics, my own reactions, and the impact they were having on me… it brought clarity and movement."
"I found our sessions incredibly helpful, and really appreciate the support Olivia provided during my decision making. The coaching has definitely been the most beneficial thing I have done for myself from a career perspective and I actively recommend the process to others."
"I felt safe and supported, and I looked forward to each next session… Maite is highly professional; she knows and shares techniques and methods that allow you to stay flexible without losing sight of your objectives. I didn't feel judged, but guided."
"It was a life changing experience to work through my values with Olivia and to understand what is important for me, not only in my personal life but also in my professional life… my experience with Olivia helped me truly move forward with life."
"At the start of the process, I felt overwhelmed, full of self-doubt… I'm deeply grateful that you helped me realise how important it is to make space for myself, to celebrate my small wins, to learn to set clear boundaries, and to strengthen my perception of myself."
"Olivia is a consummate professional, she transmits calm and vision and is able to help you work through your challenges, develop realistic plans of action and achieve the goals you set yourself. She helped me in a critical point in my career, the sessions with her made a real difference."
Ready to invest in yourself?
Discover if this retreat is for youThe setting:
Biovives, Alicante, Spain
Biovives: an authentic, eco-friendly, community-built retreat space in southern Spain, with a family history that goes back generations.
Rooted in community, ecology and a deep relationship with nature, this beautiful retreat space aligns perfectly with our values. People find that staying at Biovives is an inspiring experience, and come away with a renewed sense of the importance of simplicity.
The accommodation is down-to-earth, but comfortable. Most of the rooms are shared, with a few single rooms.
Surrounded by palm trees, close to the Mediterranean Sea and the salt flats of Santa Pola where flamingos are often spotted.
- 15 mins from Alicante airport
- Mediterranean climate
- Pool, beach nearby, nature walks
- Vegetarian meals by local chef
Investment
An intimate group of just 20 participants for depth and real connection.
Includes: 3 nights accommodation, all meals, daily yoga practices, group sessions, 1 coaching session during + 1 follow-up online.
Not included: Travel to Alicante
200 € deposit to secure your spot, balance due by April 15th, 2026
Not sure yet?
Take the quiz firstCommon questions
I can't take 3 days off right now
That's exactly why you need this. If stepping away for 3 days feels impossible, it's a sign your system is running on empty. This retreat isn't about adding another thing to your plate - it's about creating the space you need to make sustainable decisions about your work and life.
Will my employer pay for this?
Many organizations have Staff Care, Duty of Care, or professional development budgets that can cover this type of retreat. We provide official invoices and certificates of participation. After you sign up, we'll send you a template letter you can adapt to request funding from your HR department.
I'm not into yoga or "wellness" stuff
Neither were many of our coaching clients before they tried it. The yoga and somatic practices are optional and adapted to all levels - including people who've never done yoga before. They're tools, not the point. The point is helping you think clearly and make better decisions about your future.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that plans change - especially in our sector. Our cancellation policy will be included in your booking confirmation. We aim to be fair and flexible while ensuring the retreat can run for all participants.
Is this for people who want to leave the sector?
Not necessarily. This retreat is for anyone questioning their relationship with their work - whether you want to stay and work more sustainably, transition to a different role, or explore other options entirely. We don't push any agenda. We create space for you to find your own clarity.
My English isn't very good. Can I still join?
Yes, absolutely. The retreat is held in accessible English and in a supportive space. What matters most is your willingness to be present – not perfect language skills. We are also happy to offer additional support in Spanish, French or Portuguese if that helps.
Can I use my mobile phone or is this a “digital detox” retreat?
We encourage participants to put their phones away to fully enjoy the retreat and the rare calm of being offline for a weekend. However, we leave this up to you. If you do need to send a message or make a call, please find a quiet place to do so, ideally away from the group, so as not to disturb others.
Ready to take the first step?
Join a small group of 20 humanitarian professionals for 3 days of rest, reflection, and reconnection.
Take the 30-second quizThank you to our collaborators
We are grateful for the support of our collaborators:
Founders of the R&R project in its online version:
Supporting us in putting this retreat together: