About This Retreat
“The most powerful thing anyone can say to us is what we say to ourselves”.
Christine D’Ercole’s Wordswork retreats combine powerful storytelling, compelling experiences, and writing experiments designed to reveal our unconscious use of language.
We all talk to ourselves and in doing so, we become storytellers.
Unwittingly we listen to and live by the stories we invent, about who we believe we are and who we believe are capable of being, or not. Left unchecked, these narratives become ingrained belief systems that may not serve us.
Christine’s straightforward simple process teaches us to:
-recognize habitual negative narratives
-cultivate the ability to catch ourselves
-develop the skills to edit our self-talk and course-correct our actions
-create new, more productive, and empowering narratives for our lives
Wordswork retreats offer practical and profound tools for navigating the terrain of deprecatory self-talk to change the way we think. It is, in effect, to practice the art of agency.
Spend five days overlooking the white sandy beaches and rocky coastline, with Christine in the Algarve, Portugal, followed by two days in an 18th century Hacienda in Seville, Spain with endless views of the Andalusian plains. Explore the fascinating work of self-talk while enjoying silent photo walks and bike rides, wine tasting and a cooking class, painting Azulejo tiles, and exploring Seville. And perhaps, learn a little Flamenco!
Participants leave the experience having punctuated a turning point in their lives, confident in their ability to navigate self-talk, and with a powerful sense of community support.
5-night accommodation at Vila Vita Parc, Portugal | 23 – 28 April, 2025
2-night accommodation at Hacienda De San Rafael, Spain (optional) | 28 – 30 April, 2025
Starting from
About the Retreat Leader
Christine is a public speaker whose work is rooted in self-talk: the story we all tell ourselves about who we believe we are capable of being. Her Wordshops™ are workshops in managing our often unkind inner monologues. Wordswork™ is a deeper dive into her Wordshops in a retreat setting.
Through story-telling and interactive writing experiments, participants edit their self-talk in real time, developing the skills needed to move their lives from where they are to where they want to be.
Christine’s very down-to-earth authentic style puts participants at ease, creating a comfortable space for self-recognition. Wordshop is a practical and profound tool for change. Christine is sought after by major organizations for the personal and professional impact of her work on mental health and well-being. As a decorated competitive track cyclist, a Masters World Champion, and a multiple-time National Champion, Christine brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as one of the original cycling instructors at Peloton. Her classes are grounded in the science of cycling and the power of words. Her unique style of mindful motivation inspires members of the Peloton community, reaching thousands of devoted riders every day.She is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years.
You can learn more at @iamicaniwillido on Instagram and at her website Christinedercole.com
About the locations
The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region and is known for its Atlantic beaches and golf resorts. The relentless coastline, crystal-clear waters, and golden sand set the perfect scenery to gaze at the endless blue, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean Sea.
As a year-round destination, the Algarve region is ideal for those in search of a perfect fusion of captivating landscapes and delightful weather. In addition to its natural beauty, the Algarve boasts a rich cultural heritage, with charming towns and villages showcasing traditional architecture, vibrant markets, and delectable cuisine.
Seville, one of Spain’s most captivating cities, is a sensual, mysterious, and flamboyant destination where the traditions of bullfighting and flamenco are fiercely honored. Known for its stunning architecture, vibrant monuments, and world-renowned tapas scene, this Andalusian gem oozes rich history through its charming neighborhoods, historic churches, and grand palaces.
The lively streets and bustling squares of Seville’s historic quarter make it a place where the past and present beautifully intertwine, offering an unforgettable experience.
About the hotels
Nestled in the heart of the Algarve, Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa is a five-star haven and a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World,” ranking among Portugal’s pre-eminent resort properties. Vila Vita Parc combines tranquil beauty with modern luxury, offering a glamorous escape where privacy and relaxation are paramount.
Spanning 22 hectares (54 acres) of lush, sub-tropical gardens, the resort’s distinctive Algarvian architecture, inspired by Moorish design, provides a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable stay. Guests can enjoy direct access to a secluded white sandy beach, framed by the dramatic rocky coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, ensuring a serene and private retreat.
The award winning Hacienda de San Rafael, once a thriving olive estate, has been meticulously restored and converted into a heavenly hideaway, striking a balance between rustic charm and modern sophistication.
The timeless elegance of the 18th century Hacienda has a generosity of spirit and a soul that captures all five senses; the endless views of the Andalusian plains with your olive and almond groves, the sea of sunflower fields, the scent of the lavender and jasmine in the gardens, nothing but blue skies and the sun shining so bright, the soothing breeze off the Atlantic ocean as you wake from your siesta, the singing cicadas, the gentle running water from the pools, the albero sand under your feet and a dry manzanilla sherry to reminisce about the good times.
Indicative Schedule
DAY 1: April 23, 2025 (Portugal)
- Arrival / Check-in at Vila Vita Parc Algarve, Portugal
- 6:30pm - 7:30pm: Welcome Wordshop with Christine & Start of Retreat
- 7:30 pm: Community Dinner with Christine
DAY 2: April 24, 2025 (Portugal)
- 9:00am - 10:00am: Breakfast
- 10:00am - 12:00pm: Wordshop
- 12:00pm - 2:00pm: Silent Photo Walk on the gardens and sandy beach of property of Vila Vita Parc
- 2:00pm - 6:30pm: Free Time (*15 min writing experiment)
- 6:30pm - 7:30pm: Small Group Mantra Mentoring with Christine
- 7:30pm: Community Dinner
DAY 3: April 25, 2025 (Portugal)
- 9:00am - 10:00am: Breakfast
- 10:00am - 1:00 pm: Wordshop
- 1:00pm - 3:00pm: Activity Time (tba)
- 3:00pm - 6:30pm: Free Time (*15 min writing experiment)
- 6:30pm - 7:30pm: Small Group Mantra Mentoring with Christine
- 7:30pm: Community Dinner with Christine
DAY 4: April 26, 2025 (Portugal)
- 9:00am - 10:00am: Breakfast
- 10:00am - 12:00pm: Wordshop
- 12:00pm - 4:00pm Historical Walking Tour of the city of Faro
- 4:00pm - 6:30pm: Free Time (*15 min writing experiment)
- 6:30pm - 7:30pm Small Group Mantra Mentoring with Christine
- 7:30pm: Community Dinner
DAY 5: April 27, 2025 (Portugal)
- 9:00am - 10:00am: Breakfast
- 10:00am - 1:00pm: Wordshop
- 1:00pm - 4:00pm: Free time
- 4:30pm - 6:00pm: Wine Tasting and Cooking Class
- 6:30pm - 7:30pm: Small Group Mantra Mentoring with Christine
- 7:30pm: Community Dinner with Christine
DAY 6: April 28, 2025 (Portugal to Spain)
- 8:00am - 9:00am: Breakfast
- 9:00am - 12:00pm: Transport to Hacienda de San Rafael, Spain
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm: Free Time
- 1:00pm - 3:00 pm: Wordshop
- 3:00pm - 6:00pm: Flamenco class
- 6:00pm - 7:30pm: Free time (*15 min writing experiment)
- 7:30pm: Community Dinner
DAY 7: April 29, 2025 (Spain)
- 9:00am - 10:00am: Breakfast
- 10:00am - 4:30pm: Day Trip to Seville with Silent Photo Walk 2
- 4:30pm - 5:30pm: Final Wordshop
- 6:00pm - 7:30pm: Small Group Mantra Mentoring with Christine
- 7:30pm: Final Community Dinner with Christine in the garden of Hacienda de San Rafael
DAY 8: April 30, 2025 (Spain)
- 8:30am - 10:00am: Farewell Breakfast
- Check-out / Departure | Retreat Ends
Disclaimer: This schedule is indicative and is subject to change as we move closer to the retreat date.
Start your
journey
Event Highlights
Transformative Workshops: Engage in Wordshops to enhance self-talk and inner dialogue.
Guided Writing: Participate in storytelling and writing exercises to rewrite your life narrative.
Nature Activities: Enjoy silent photo walks and bike rides in beautiful surroundings.
Cultural Experiences: Explore local culture through Azulejo painting, Flamenco dancing, and city tours.
Wine Tasting: Savor regional wines in a delightful tasting session.
Culinary Class: Learn to prepare authentic dishes in a local cooking class.
Supportive Community: Connect with like-minded individuals focused on personal growth.
Luxury Accommodations: Stay 5 nights at Vila Vita Parc in Portugal and 2 nights at Hacienda De San Rafael in Spain.
Mindful Reflection: Experience quiet moments for reflection on insights gained during the retreat.
Empowerment: Leave with practical tools for managing self-talk and owning your story.
Price range: 5.100€ – 6.600€
in Double Occ. Room
Price range: 6.100€ – 8.600€
in Single Occ. Room
Flexible payment
plan
what’s included
Portugal
- 5-night accommodation at Vila Vita Parc
- All sessions with Christine D’ercole
- All breakfast meals
- All dinner meals
- Wine tasting
- Faro walking tour
- Cooking class
Spain (add-on)
- 2-night accommodation at Hacienda De San Rafael
- All sessions with Christine D’ercole
- All breakfast meals
- All dinner meals
- Seville day trip
- Flamenco class
Transfer
- Transportation from Portugal to Spain
what’s not included
- Airtickets to/from Portugal – 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 per room per night payable by the guests directly to the hotel
- Airport and Land Transfers
- Soft drinks, water, beverages
- 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
Language: English
Non-participants / Accompanying Guests: Specific rates are available—please contact us at info@travelgems.com for more information
Private Transfer: Available upon request – kindly contact us at info@travelgems.com
Cancellation Policy: The Deposit amount is non-refundable | Should you wish to cancel your participation two month or less before the start of the retreat, 100% of cancellation fees are applied.
Important Information: In case there are Covid-19 restrictions or restrictions related to any other pandemic that prevent guests from traveling, the total amount will be refunded.
Dietary Needs: Should you have a special dietary need/allergy, kindly let us know in advance in order for us to accommodate you in the best possible way.
Transport: For Christine D’ercole’s retreat in Portugal, you can fly into Faro Airport (FAO). From there, you can book a transfer to the hotel (duration: 40min). Please contact info@travelgems.com for further information or assistance.
Transport from Portugal to Spain: A pre-arranged transfer service will smoothly transport you from Vila Vita Parc to Hacienda De San Rafael in Spain
