Our Accommodation on the Camino Santiago Retreats

The Pyrenees

Your Camino Retreat in Valcarlos

The Pyrenees are the perfect starting point for your Camino de Santiago journey. Nestled in the lush greenery of these ancient mountains is Valcarlos, a village steeped in tradition and history, just a 10-minute drive from the historic starting point of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France.

Here, you’ll find our retreat venue, an old albergue that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries. This house has a history that runs deep—back in the 13th century, before there were marked trails, pilgrims were guided here by the sound of a bell ringing through the mist.

This is more than just a place to stay; it’s a piece of the Camino’s soul, woven into every stone.

Imagine arriving at this cozy mountain retreat in Valcarlos, surrounded by the soothing sounds of a nearby waterfall and the gentle flow of a river.

Horses graze peacefully on the hillsides, and a sense of calm settles over you. The albergue has a timeless Basque charm, its stone walls holding the stories of countless pilgrims who’ve started their journey here, just like you.

This is a place where you can feel the weight of the world lift off your shoulders, where the only things that matter are the path ahead and the company of those around you.

Here, in the quiet embrace of the Pyrenees, you can slow down and truly prepare for the journey ahead.

This house, with its warm hearth and welcoming spirit, is more than just a stop along the way—it’s a place to gather your thoughts, set your intentions, and connect with the deeper purpose of your journey.

The mountains around you stand as silent witnesses to your first steps, a reminder that you are not alone on this path. This is where your Camino begins, in a place that feels like home.

The Venue

We will be staying at Toki Ona, a rural house designed to feel like a sanctuary, where every detail invites rest and reflection. You’ll have a choice of three room types, each crafted to support your journey:

  • Shared Rooms: Welcoming up to two guests, ideal for connecting with a fellow pilgrim.
  • Private Double Rooms: Perfect for couples, with an ensuite bathroom for comfort and privacy.
  • Private Single Rooms: A quiet haven with an ensuite bathroom, perfect for solo travelers.
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Each room is a restful space that blends seamlessly with the natural beauty surrounding you—an ideal start to your Camino journey.

Wow, I can’t wait!

Meals made with love.

At our retreat, the cuisine is all about coming together in the true spirit of the Camino. We’ll be preparing meals as a group, sharing stories and laughter while we cook up a fusion of traditional Spanish dishes with a delightful twist of Italian flair. Picture yourself slicing fresh vegetables for a vibrant, colorful salad or stirring a hearty Spanish lentil stew, rich with spices that warm your soul.

Imagine the smell of a mouthwatering golden Spanish tortilla sizzling in the pan, or the satisfying crunch of fresh, oven-baked bread with a drizzle of local olive oil. Our meals will be nutritious, delicious, and made with love, each bite a taste of the journey ahead. And don’t worry if you have dietary restrictions—whether you’re vegetarian, dairy-free, or have other preferences, we’ll do our best to accommodate so everyone can enjoy the feast.

Cooking and eating together is not just about the food—it’s about building connections, sharing a part of ourselves, and getting into the rhythm of the Camino lifestyle. By the time we sit down to enjoy the meals we’ve created, you’ll not only taste the flavors of Spain but also the joy of community, knowing you’re starting your journey with a full heart and a nourished body.

Benefits

Reasons Not to Miss our Retreat in the Pyrenees

Start your day with a gentle Qi Gong session at sunrise, grounding and energizing you for whatever lies ahead.

Our fun, interactive movement sessions will help you tune into your body’s natural rhythm, allowing you to shake off any fear of judgment and simply enjoy being present in the moment.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll learn practical walking tips and tricks, such as how to use trekking poles properly or adjust your backpack to avoid injury. To help your body adjust to the time difference and beat jet lag, we’ve designed activities that will leave you feeling fresh and ready to embrace the journey.

And of course, enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals that we prepare together, nourishing your body and giving you the fuel you need for the adventure ahead.

Step away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in personal growth and self-reflection.

Our mindful walks will challenge your mind, opening you up to new perspectives and emotions, while the peaceful surroundings allow you to set clear intentions for your Camino.

These sessions are designed to get your mind in sync with your deepest desires, helping you find clarity and learn to trust your intuition. This is your opportunity to clear your head, focus on what truly matters, and prepare mentally for the transformative journey ahead.

Open your heart through daily sharing circles, where you can express your true feelings in a safe, supportive space. Connect deeply with fellow pilgrims, forging meaningful friendships that allow you to feel seen and understood.

In our special Letting Go Ceremony, release any emotional baggage you’ve been carrying, making space for joy and new experiences.

The bonds you create here with your Camino family will offer emotional support and lift your spirits throughout the journey, creating a heartfelt connection that lasts far beyond the retreat.

Reconnect with your spirit in the serene, sacred setting of the Pyrenees, a place that has been a haven for pilgrims for centuries.

As you embark on mindful walks in nature, let the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings soothe and uplift your spirit.

Participate in special rituals and ceremonies that will cleanse and renew your inner being, bringing you peace and clarity. The calm, sacred energy of the retreat will fill your spirit with courage and strength, preparing you for the spiritual journey that lies ahead on the Camino.

Benefits

Reasons Not to Miss our Retreat in the Pyrenees

Start your day with a gentle Qi Gong session at sunrise, grounding and energizing you for whatever lies ahead.

Our fun, interactive movement sessions will help you tune into your body’s natural rhythm, allowing you to shake off any fear of judgment and simply enjoy being present in the moment.

Throughout the retreat, you’ll learn practical walking tips and tricks, such as how to use trekking poles properly or adjust your backpack to avoid injury. To help your body adjust to the time difference and beat jet lag, we’ve designed activities that will leave you feeling fresh and ready to embrace the journey.

And of course, enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals that we prepare together, nourishing your body and giving you the fuel you need for the adventure ahead.

Step away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in personal growth and self-reflection.

Our mindful walks will challenge your mind, opening you up to new perspectives and emotions, while the peaceful surroundings allow you to set clear intentions for your Camino.


These sessions are designed to get your mind in sync with your deepest desires, helping you find clarity and learn to trust your intuition. This is your opportunity to clear your head, focus on what truly matters, and prepare mentally for the transformative journey ahead.

Open your heart through daily sharing circles, where you can express your true feelings in a safe, supportive space. Connect deeply with fellow pilgrims, forging meaningful friendships that allow you to feel seen and understood.

In our special Letting Go Ceremony, release any emotional baggage you’ve been carrying, making space for joy and new experiences.


The bonds you create here with your Camino family will offer emotional support and lift your spirits throughout the journey, creating a heartfelt connection that lasts far beyond the retreat.

Reconnect with your spirit in the serene, sacred setting of the Pyrenees, a place that has been a haven for pilgrims for centuries.

As you embark on mindful walks in nature, let the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings soothe and uplift your spirit.


Participate in special rituals and ceremonies that will cleanse and renew your inner being, bringing you peace and clarity. The calm, sacred energy of the retreat will fill your spirit with courage and strength, preparing you for the spiritual journey that lies ahead on the Camino.

It’s surprising how many things I feel judged for at home are embraced here.

Lydia

You had me at “Body”

This retreat is for you if any of these sounds like YOU!

How awesome would it feel to glide through life’s changes with a sense of purpose and direction?

That would be 100% life-changing for you and for those around you. On this retreat, through insightful sessions and personal reflections, you’ll gain the clarity and confidence to embrace change like never before. You’ll be able to follow your intuition and step into your Camino with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to take on anything that comes your way.

 

Can you imagine starting your Camino feeling totally calm and relaxed (but also super excited), with all your stress and worries behind you?

It almost sounds too good to be true, but it’s not! Through pre-Camino Zoom calls that cover essential topics, along with mindfulness and movement sessions during the retreat, you’ll let go of stress and replace it with peace and excitement. You’ll be stepping into your Camino feeling completely calm, focused, and fired up for the adventure ahead.

How great would it be to feel strong and motivated, ready to take on any physical challenge the Camino throws your way?

Think of it this way: you’ll be more than ready to handle whatever the Camino throws at you. With tailored pre-Camino fitness routines and fun walking challenges, you’ll build the strength and motivation you need. You’ll not only feel physically prepared but energized and excited to take on every step of the journey with confidence and joy.

Kathy

I cannot imagine going from the airplane straight to walking the Camino. I was excited but also really nervous, anxious, and stressed. It wasn’t the physical preparation I needed as much as the mental and emotional preparation to feel ready for the Camino ahead.

Yes, bring on the magic