
About This Event
Embark on a transformative retreat designed for those ready to invest in themselves and create meaningful change. Self-transformation expert Niki Smirni will empower you with the tools to master self-leadership, guiding you to take control of your life and become the CEO of your own journey. Francesc Miralles, author of Ikigai, will help you discover your unique purpose, equipping you with the insights and strategies to craft a personalized action plan for lasting fulfillment.
Set against the serene backdrop of Hospes Puerta de Alcalá, this retreat is the perfect space to reset, recharge, and realign your personal and professional priorities. Drawing on the Japanese concept of Ikigai—the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for—this experience is ideal for anyone seeking clarity, transitioning careers, or looking to deepen their sense of purpose and well-being.
As you embrace the journey of self-discovery in the captivating city of Madrid, each day will provide opportunities to explore new paths and uncover your true purpose.
Key Highlights & Experiences:
– Master Self-Leadership: Niki will guide you in taking control of your life, offering transformative strategies to help you lead with purpose and intention.
– Discover Your Ikigai: Uncover your unique purpose with Francesc, gaining clarity on how to align your passions and talents with your goals.
– Create an Action Plan: Develop a personalized step-by-step strategy that integrates Ikigai principles into your life, ensuring lasting fulfillment and balance.
“When you combine a group of like-minded people, a coach and mentor of Christine’s caliber, a willingness to participate fully, and a beautiful environment which lends itself perfectly to introspection, engagement, and fun, you end up with this one of a kind experience of a lifetime. I cannot recommend this adventure more highly. It is so worth it! YOU are so worth it!.“
Blair N.
“I don’t have adequate words for what you have done to transform my life. I will continue to work to find those words through my actions, intentions and work as I make the world a better place.”
George
“If you're looking to gain clarity, craft an actionable plan, and connect with a wonderful network of people, I couldn't recommend this retreat more highly. It's a rare chance to pause, reflect, and set yourself on a path that truly aligns with who you are.”
Maria
“I went in seeking connection with myself, with others, and with nature and I left not only with connection in all these areas, but also with a much-needed sense of direction"
Mark
“The retreat enabled me to create a personal action plan and, even more importantly, accountability buddies to help me stay on track. It was a perfect opportunity to step away from the everyday hustle, recharge, and reflect clearly on what truly matters to me.”
Pixie
“Working with like-minded people in a safe place where vulnerability is welcome to achieve a common goal of living a purposeful life.”
Lorie
"Each nugget of wisdom we shared felt like a key unlocking new layers of understanding. It was as if all the inner work we’d been doing became amplified and clearer, making the experience not just enlightening but deeply rewarding."
Haris
About the retreat leaders
Niki Smirni: Niki is a lifelong student of humanity, entrepreneur, and transformational leadership expert with over 20 years of experience in corporate strategy, psychology, and personal development. She is the founder of Travelgems, Europe’s leading well-being company. Academically, she holds two MSc degrees: one in Transformational Leadership from NYU and another in International Marketing from Strathclyde University. This foundation as well as her love for philosophy and spirituality has allowed her to combine academic insights with timeless wisdom. Niki’s focus is on building communities that thrive together, rooted in her belief that growth is collective, not just individual. Her mission is to help people see clearly, evolve authentically, and live lives of purpose and connection.
Francesc Miralles: Francesc is a lecturer and award-winning author of bestselling books in the areas of health and spirituality. Born in Barcelona, he studied journalism, English literature and German philology, and has worked as a translator, editor, art therapist and musician. Along with Hector Garcia, he is the author of the bestselling Ikigai: the Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.
About the location
Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, is a dynamic and culturally rich city where history, art, and modern life blend seamlessly. Known for its grand boulevards, royal palaces, and world-class museums, Madrid captivates visitors with its elegant architecture, lively plazas, and an unrivaled culinary scene. From the majestic Royal Palace to the renowned Prado Museum, the city is a haven for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
The energy of Madrid is palpable in its bustling markets, trendy neighborhoods, and legendary nightlife, where traditional flamenco bars coexist with chic rooftop lounges. Whether strolling through the charming streets of La Latina, shopping in Salamanca, or relaxing in the serene Retiro Park, Madrid offers a mix of timeless charm and contemporary flair, making it an unforgettable destination.
About the hotel
Hospes Puerta de Alcalá is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Madrid, known for its elegant blend of historic charm and contemporary sophistication. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, the hotel offers stylish rooms and suites, a serene Bodyna Spa, and the acclaimed Malvar Restaurant & Terrace, where guests can enjoy exquisite Mediterranean cuisine with views of the iconic Puerta de Alcalá. Its prime location next to Retiro Park and Madrid’s top cultural and shopping districts makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both comfort and exclusivity. As a member of Design Hotels, it upholds a commitment to exceptional hospitality and refined aesthetics, providing a truly immersive and luxurious experience.

Indicative schedule
Day 1: Welcome Dinner & Introduction
- Check-in / Arrival
- 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Introduction: discussion on the theme "An unexamined life is not worth living," emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's purpose in life.
- Purpose Overview: A brief talk on why discovering and pursuing a purpose is key to a fulfilling life.
- 7:30 pm: Welcome Dinner and Introduction: Participants gather for a warm welcome and dinner.
Day 2: What The Word Needs
- 7:00 am - 8:00 am: Optional Morning Yoga & Meditation
- 8:00 am - 9:30 am: Breakfast
- 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Morning Session with Niki & Francesc: Together, they will explain the concept of Ikigai, the Japanese secret to a long and happy life, and its parallels.
- 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Free Time to Reflect & Explore
- 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Afternoon Session with Francesc: Francesc will lead an interactive workshop on how to metaphorically "write the book of your life," helping participants explore their personal purpose.
- 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm: One-on-One Sessions: Francesc will hold individual interviews to assist participants in further clarifying their personal purpose and aligning it with their life goals.
- 7:30 pm: Community Dinner
Day 3: Discovering Your Unique Human Qualities
- 7:00 am - 8:00 am: Optional Morning Yoga & Meditation
- 8:00 am - 9:30 am: Breakfast
- 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Workshops & Individual Exercises
- 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Free Time to Reflect & Explore
- 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Afternoon Session: Through group exercises, Niki will guide participants in discovering their **UHQ (Unique Human Qualities)** that will help them identify their Ikigai. By the end of the day, participants will have a clearer understanding of their unique path.
- 7:30pm: Commuity Dinner
Day 4: Creating Your Action Plan
- 7:00 am - 8:00 am: Optional Morning Yoga & Meditation
- 8:00 am - 9:00 am: Breakfast
- 9:00 am - 11:00 pm: Morning Session with Niki: Niki will guide participants through the creation of a personalized action plan, designed to turn their newfound purpose into a reality. The focus will be on practical steps to integrate Ikigai into daily life, ensuring both success and fulfillment.
- 11:00 Check-Out
Disclaimer: This schedule is indicative and is subject to change as we move closer to the retreat date.
Start your
journey
Event Highlights
Purpose and Values: Engage in workshops and personalized coaching to clarify your life’s purpose and identify your core values, ensuring alignment in all aspects of your life.
Actionable Strategies: Develop a clear roadmap and actionable plan to incorporate Ikigai principles into your daily routine, empowering personal growth.
Immersive Learning: Participate in reflective exercises within an intimate group setting to leverage your strengths.
Holistic Wellbeing: Begin each day with revitalizing yoga sessions and mindfulness practices, nurturing your mind, body, and soul in the serene environment of Hacienda de San Rafael.
Leisure and Exploration: Enjoy ample time to relax, explore, and savor local delights in the captivating city of Seville, where each doorway symbolizes opportunities for self-discovery.
Prices
2900€/per person
in Double Occ. room
Prices
3900€/per person
in Single Occ. room
Flexible payment plan
available
what’s included
- 3-night accommodation at Hospes Puerta de Alcalá
- All sessions with Francesc Miralles
- All sessions with Niki Smirni
- All breakfast meals
- All dinner meals
what’s not included
- Airtickets to/from Spain – We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets and flights with fewer carbon emissions to contribute to environmental protection, as it is our responsibility to safeguard our environment
- Accommodation Tax of per room/ night payable by the guests directly to the hotel
- Airport and Land Transfers
- Soft drinks, beverages, water
- Lunch meals
- Whatever is not mentioned clearly in the inclusions
more info
We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets and flights with fewer carbon emissions to contribute to environmental protection, as it is our responsibility to safeguard our environment
Flexible Payment Plan: Available – contact us at info@travelgems.com for details
Language: English
Private Land Transfer: Available upon request – contact info@travelgems.com
Non-participants / Accompanying Guests: Specific rates are available—please contact us at info@travelgems.com for more information
Cancellation Policy: A 10% deposit secures your spot and is refundable within one week. An additional 20% payment is required within one month (non-refundable). The remaining 70% balance can be paid in flexible installments, with full payment due no later than 45 days before the retreat start date. Cancellations after this point will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
Important Info: In case there are Covid-19 restrictions or restrictions related to any other pandemic that prevent guests from traveling the total amount paid will be refunded.
Dietary Needs: Should you have any special dietary needs/allergies, kindly let us know in advance in order to be able to better accommodate you in the best possible way.
Transport: For the Ikigai Retreat, you can fly into Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD). MAD is located approximately 13.7 KM from the hotel.