Not just a retreatit's a turning point

As my friend Jay says, "The world is weird, people are at a critical point, and there are a bunch of folks out there just like us. Let's all get together in the Alps and see if we can figure some of this out."

Austria is the perfect mix of breathtaking landscapes, deep cultural history, and just the right amount of “why not?” energy. After all, it’s home to both Mozart and Red Bull. What a combo. The retreat is also home to Bernhard and Kathrine Schluga, a couple that’s dedicated themselves to creativity and transformation. Equal parts warm and delightful candor. They’ve laid the perfect foundation for keeping you grounded while you’re dreaming big.

The region we’ve chosen isn’t just beautiful—it’s the perfect blend of old-world craftsmanship with modern-day soul-searching. A place that feels both luxurious and profoundly human. Think winding forest trails for deep thinking, crystal-clear lakes for reflection (literally and metaphorically), and a backdrop that makes reinvention feel like an adventure rather than a chore. And if all that isn’t enough, there’s always schnitzel.

This location is paradoxically far from anywhere and at the center of everything. Just 40 mins from Klagenfurt Airport, or a two hour drive from Vienna or Ljubljana. If you fly into Klagenfurt we’ll even pick you up in a helicopter or classic Land Rover.

Think “adventurer-meets-luxury.” You’ll want comfortable layers during the day and your athletic gear if you plan to do yoga, runs and bike rides. Also, bring a swimsuit, good walking shoes, and something for dinner parties. Bring a journal for all your revelations, and if you plan on paragliding, maybe a solid appreciation for gravity. We’ll send you a full packing list before you arrive.

Define safe. Emotionally, expect to step outside your comfort zone—but in the best way possible. Physically, you’re in very good hands. Our activities are led by certified professionals who have done this many times (and love it). Austria is also one of the safest countries in the world, so the only thing you’ll have to worry about is deciding between wine tasting or a guided hike. A certified medic will be there when we do stuff that requires a little more risk.

Life happens. We got it. If you cancel 30 days or more before the retreat, you’ll get your money back. If you need to cancel, let us know as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to reschedule, transfer your spot, or issue a 50% refund if you’re inside 30 days of the start date. We’re reasonable—but if you ghost us last minute, we can’t promise your fee won’t turn into a donation.

Absolutely. If they’re down for adventure, open to reinvention, and not just tagging along to scroll through their phone, bring ‘em. Just make sure they sign up properly. If you have a plus one like a spouse or partner, that’s cool too. Non-participating guests will be charged $4,750 to cover their transfers, accommodation, meals and drinks expenses. They get to hang with us at meal times and have access to lots of the leisure activities the location has to offer.

Then chill! We would much prefer you join us and we’re pretty sure you won’t regret it but there’s no mandatory “find-yourself” obstacle course. We highly recommend you lean into what this stunning location offers. You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to enjoy this. We offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and creative exploration. If paragliding, 4x4 adventuring, or horse riding isn’t your thing, maybe wine tasting, mushroom foraging or an evening fireside chat with incredible people is. There’s something for everyone. If you find yourself needing a moment to lounge with a book, soak in the views, or sip wine at sunset, we fully support that. You do you.

This isn’t just a retreat—it’s the start of a life you don’t need a vacation from. Many of us signed up for the life-plan that was go to school, get a good job, have a family, make millions and, finally, retire to live your dreams. You busted your ass and invested time and effort to make this plan work, only to discover that somewhere along the way status, money, or a sports car isn't enough. Life is not what you thought it would be. Maybe a spouse passed away, or your marriage dissolved, or maybe the market didn't deliver on it's promises. Life took a turn and now you don't have the support, love or money you expected. You realized that planning for retirement is a procrastination of life. Now you're at some midpoint in your life and you're tired of waiting. You’ve given your best years to careers, responsibilities, and expectations. But what about you? If you’re feeling stuck, lost, or like life has been happening to you instead of for you, Second Harvest is your turning point. This isn’t a fleeting escape—it’s the beginning of a clear and purposeful plan, a lifelong system of support, and a future that feels deeply, undeniably yours.

A select group of fascinating humans—think successful professionals, creative powerhouses, and resilient souls in search of what’s next. We spend a lot of time curating the groups and making sure everyone there is showing up for the best reasons. If you’re hoping for trust-falls and firewalking with a crowd of corporate suits or midlife crisis clichés, you’re in the wrong place.

Because this isn’t about making you a better cog in someone else’s machine—it’s about reclaiming your creativity, agency, and purpose. No slide decks. No corporate jargon. Just real conversations, bold ideas, support, and experiences that actually change how you show up in your life and work. Your hosts and guides have been through some tough times themselves so they know what it means to build a new life out of the ashes.

Only if you define leadership as taking control of your own damn life. You don’t need a fancy title, a corner office, or a LinkedIn-approved definition of success. So what do you need? Curiosity, a little courage, and a willingness to explore what’s next with the support of people who have walked this path.

We don’t mind a little weather—it’s part of the experience. But if Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum (think hurricanes, blizzards, or apocalyptic hailstorms), we’ll adjust the schedule or reschedule the retreat. Safety first, transformation and fun second.

If you’re asking that, you probably need this more than anyone. The people who attend aren’t the ones with extra time—they’re the ones who finally decided to prioritize themselves. Life will always be busy. The real question is: Are you ready to make space for what actually matters?

You’ll leave with a clear roadmap for your next chapter, a renewed sense of purpose, and a system of support to keep the momentum going. This isn’t just a temporary escape—it’s a recalibration. You’ll gain concrete strategies to align your life with what truly matters, a network of like-minded peers, and the confidence to make intentional decisions about your future. Expect to walk away with clarity, direction, and an actionable plan—not just inspiration, but a real shift in how you approach work, time, and fulfillment.

Paragliding (with the option to take-off directly from our farm), yoga classes, horse riding, archery, summer toboggan run, herb and mushroom foraging hikes, hunting and fishing (including hunter and chef to guide you), off road tours in our Land Rover collection, motorcycle and classic car tours, guided walks and nature trails, mountain bike / trail tours, and, of course, forest bathing in the beautiful mountain forests around the farm. We can also arrange city & castle tours in Friesach, visit a chocolate manufacturer, stand up paddle boarding on Lake Längsee and even design workshops.

Cozy, intimate, and designed for deep conversation and even deeper sleep. We’ve partnered with the Das Salvator Iris Porsche Hotel, just 7 minutes away from the retreat and farm, offering up to 40 double bedrooms. We provide a daily shuttle service to the farm where the retreat is hosted.

The 250 year old barn has been artfully renovated. Picture 220m² (2,630 ft²) of pure inspiration. As you can see from the photos on the site, the space is a bright, open-concept space with massive windows overlooking the Slovenian mountains. The centerpiece? A crackling fireplace where many great ideas (and glass of wine) have been shared. A fully equipped kitchen, and a technical area with everything you need to make this a creative and productive experience.

Forget fluorescent-lit conference rooms. We have multiple inspiring workspaces depending on the vibe:

• The Stable – A flexible space with long tables, screens, and a projector for group sessions.
• Yoga Terrace – A serene outdoor space surrounded by rocks and forest (bonus: natural fresh air).
• Old-Timer Garage – A work area with screens, classic cars, and a whole lot of character.
• The Loft – A tucked-away space above the main stable for a quieter, focused environment.
• The Game Area – If table tennis and foosball fuel your creativity, you’re in luck.

We highly encourage it! You’ll have access to our yoga terrace, the poolside deck, a shaded space under a rock wall and trees, perfect for journaling, quiet reflection, or strategic planning in the fresh air.