Choosing a retreat is something very personal. It depends what you are looking for and what you are looking to get out of it. There are many reasons why you should choose A Mindful Escape retreat at the heart of the Bulgarian mountains. So let’s talk about it.

Who should come to an AME retreat?

The answer can be - anyone - really. However, I do think we cater towards guests who seek a specific outcome of coming to a retreat. There are many retreats out there who will ask you to do some yoga, get an amazing villa in a sunny location and let you enjoy life for a few days. This is not what we cater for. Our retreats are tailored to help people put structure around challenging times, and not only feel better but have practical tools that help them continue those practices in their day to day life. The retreats were put together after I experienced a period of my life, where I felt completely broken - mentally, emotionally, physically. In my darkest hour, I saw how such retreat would have been a welcome refuge. A place that would have been able to help me step outside of my misery, put some structure to my day to day, and help me plan how to move out of the darkness and step into the path of being my best self again. I wanted the place to have movement for my body, because when you are in a dark place mentally even simple tasks like taking a small walk can feel like climbing mount Everest. I could barely get myself to leave the house for a period of time. I wanted the retreat to have home made food because again, I could not get myself to cook, make something yummy, nutritious and healthy. Nutrition is so important and yet in these moments it is the last thing you really care about. I wanted the place to feel like safe haven, so I can focus on starting my healing process and not mundane tasks and my day to day. I also wanted to be able to talk to someone who would not judge me, who would understand me and who would try to give me some guidance. So the answer who should come is - if any of this resonates with you, this retreat is probably going to help you change your life for the better.

What is the day to day at an AME retreat?

Our retreats are structured around different types of activities that have been specially curated to achieve an outcome. We do dig deeper than most retreats out there because we truly want to change your life long term. Each day has a goal and a theme in mind. It is not challenging, as sometimes when the word goal is used people are taken aback. It is about feeling like you have achieved something and remembering the beauty in small accomplishments, remembering what you love about life and remembering who you actually are as a person. Our days are structured around group sessions, small group sessions, 1:1 and of course free time for rest and reflection. Our guests will have the option to do a digital detox which we strongly recommend and will be given structure for the free time allocated with some mindfulness and reflective exercises done in solitude. Every day there will be 3 meals plus snacks in between meals that will always be available. The aim of the days is to have enough structure and activity time to get everyone back into a rhythm. Yet allowing ample time for introspection and meals, learning to enjoy both once again. Each day has yoga and meditation sessions twice a day - morning and evening. We offer workshops each day that will help set the theme of the day and guide our guests on their healing journey - the workshops are based on life coaching and CBT practices. Then each day we will have different types of movement and healing practices - barre, dance meditation, breath work, therapy, treks, baking, tradition showcases and more. Some of the activities are dependent on the season.

Why should I do a retreat in 2024?

Aside from, because you deserve it, I am a genuine believer that a person knows when they need a pause. Their mind and usually their body makes it noticeable. If you are going through a tough patch, have lost your vision for where you are going in life, you are grieving or suffering a loss, you suffer burn out or just need some help figuring out your next steps - I would say an AME retreat will benefit you. The days we will spend together will give you the structure you need to tap into positivity, healthy habits, relaxation and truly realise ‘you’ is all that is needed to make your dreams come true. You will also be surrounded by professionals who have tailor made every single experience based on their own path, the battles we have fought as people, leaders and teachers. The groups are small, always small, so you can receive personalised attention and support for your particular challenges and feel you get the best outcome of the retreat. The location is chosen to be remote and surrounded by beautiful 100s of years old forrest to bring the constant feeling of grounding. Nothing makes us feel more grounded than trees that have stood the test of time for a thousand years. You will be able to truly switch off because AME will cater for your every need while with us, so you can truly focus on yourself.

Why should I do a retreat in Bulgaria?

Choosing the location of your retreat is an important part of the process. I choose Bulgaria for the home AME due to several reasons, which I have explained at length here. However, in summary, aside from it being my country of birth, I have come to appreciate the ancient culture and traditions that have persevered through centuries. The healing power of nature has always been a core pillar in our beliefs and would love to share that with people who can benefit from it as well. Also, I find it difficult to find authentic and remote places that are not overly populated or excessively priced nowadays. Whatever I have done through life, it has all been about authenticity, I believe in what I do, and in everything I create. I believe it will have a positive impact on a human level, societal level and the collective. This is why I choose Bulgaria:

• I think it will deliver the solitude needed in order to do the inner work

• The scenery to inspire grounding and detox, while having every single amenity needed

• The homegrown food that is difficult to find elsewhere

• The traditions that can tie it all together and is unique to the country

• Honouring the roots of my family, who were healers in this area in the 1900s

For me, as the creator of AME, it has been truly important to build a retreat that is not just about yoga, or something that is too alternative to have practical implications in day to day life. I understand the demands of modern day lifestyle, the pressures to perform and achieve, so what we will help you with during your stay is to tap into the best version of yourself to do that, and make it easier for you to cope with the circumstances.

I look forward to welcoming you in 2024 and let’s make this the year of <you> with A Mindful Escape.