Not just a retreatit's a turning point

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Stop waiting for someday. Live your next chapter today.

view of retreat garden from inside barn
Circular Text PathA 700 000 M2 LIFE WORK RETREAT  

Welcome to the start of something special,

This retreat in the serene landscapes of Austria is designed for individuals experiencing significant life transitions—be it the loss of a loved one, big career changes, divorce, or exiting a business. Here, we're creating a community of close-knit individuals who, through adventure and shared experiences, can support and inspire one another on their second, and most impactful, act. It's like summer camp for grownups but with the promise that you'll leave with strong new connections and tools to make the next chapter really count.

Devon and I invite you to join us, to embark on your own second harvest, and to discover the profound growth and connection that awaits.

Your hosts,

Richard & Devon

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Meet your hosts

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Richard Banfield

Entrepreneur, author, and artist. Richard is a recovering CEO who has built companies, launched 100's of products, helped teams find purpose, and now helps people design the second act of their lives with intention and creativity.

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Devon McDonald

Venture capitalist turned catalyst for connection, clarity, and courageous living. Devon brings grace, energy, and a gift for creating space where real transformation can happen. She’s raising three kids and building a life rooted in authenticity.

Together, they bring real-life experience, warmth, and wisdom to every part of this retreat. As Richard says, "Our approach is to create a classroom where everyone is the student. No gurus, nor masters, just curious minds that are open to possibility."

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This isn't a fleeting escape, it's a system of support.

Clarity

Understand what you've cultivated and what seeds to plant for the future

Purpose

Design a creative, fulfilling next chapter with a supportive community

Action

Leave with actionable steps to integrate into life immediately

Renewal

Reconnect with yourself, nature, friends and your potential

What participants have experienced

"You couldn’t ask for a better guide to reinvention than Richard. He’s brilliant, curious, empathetic, and a great friend. He constantly challenges himself and those around him to do better, to be better, and anyone lucky enough to attend this retreat will leave renewed."
— Martin
"I can not express how grateful I am for that weekend. Wow I am totally blown away. I really was soooo stuck and it’s helped me see a bit of a way out. It was incredible - you really were not kidding when you said it was going to be magic. Thank you thank you!!"
— Colleen Zulich
"Thank you so much for having me on this trip. It was such an honor to be part of this journey with you. Would love to connect when you’re back and continue this journey together!"
— Mary Grace Levin
“The retreat gave me emotional clarity I didn’t know I needed. I came looking for quiet and reflection, but what I found was connection. I left with friendships and a renewed sense of courage for what comes next.”
— Suzanne Balassone
“There is something rare about being truly seen, and that’s what happened at Second Harvest. It wasn’t about performance, but presence. I left with more than memories — I left with allies.”
— Jennifer Linehan
“The biggest surprise was how much laughter and lightness accompanied the depth. I came expecting something serious and got that, but also joy, play, and the power of pausing. It was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.”
— Brad Stanton
“The retreat was a reminder that slowing down is not the same as stepping back. It’s actually moving forward with more intention. I found space to breathe, and in that space, new ideas emerged.”
— Natalie Fernandez
“We often spend our lives talking, but rarely do we spend them listening. In Austria, I was reminded that silence can be the most generous gift. Second Harvest taught me how to be present again.”
— Wouter Oudemans
“I thought I was coming for inspiration. What I received was transformation. A rare gift, not because it was flashy, but because it was simple, human, and true.”
— Nino Maisuradze
“What struck us was the intimacy of it all. Fireside chats, shared meals, quiet walks in the forest — these were not just activities, they were containers for courage and creativity to emerge. It reminded us why human proximity is the real luxury.”
— Bernhard & Kathrin
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Second Harvest Retreat:
5-Day Journey to Your Next Chapter

Location: I AM ESCAPE Retreat and hotel, Austria

Date: Mid-July 2026

This retreat is for:

The Purpose Seeker

Individuals navigating a major life shift, whether personal or professional (or both), who are ready to leverage their experiences, wisdom, and resources to create a life of deeper meaning, fulfillment, and alignment.

The Resilient Riser

Those emerging from grief, loss, or a challenging season in life, seeking connection, renewal, and the inspiration to build a new life that is both meaningful and aligned with their true selves.

The Burnt-Out Achiever

High performers who feel stuck in the grind and are searching for a fresh opportunity to create alignment, balance, and creativity while still being engaged with their life’s work.

Day 1: Arrival & Setting Intentions

Theme: Meet and reflect

Throughout the Day: Arrivals and check-in (optional helicopter and classic car transfers)

6:00 PM: Welcome Dinner

  • Informal introductions, retreat overview, getting to know the venue, and setting intentions for personal and professional transformation
  • Guided reflection: “What chapter are you closing, and what do you hope to begin?”

Day 2: Grounding & Exploration

Theme: Solidifying Your Foundations

8:00 AM: Yoga or guided meditation

9:30 AM: Breakfast together

10:30 AM: Workshop: “Taking Stock of Your First Harvest”

12:30 PM: Lunch

1:30 PM: Mystery adventure

4:30 PM: Free time to swim, sauna or walk in the woods

5:30 PM: Fireside Workshop: “Reframing Challenges as Opportunities”

7:00 PM: Dinner at the barn

8:00 PM: Fireside Chat

Day 3: Designing What's Next

Theme: Planting New Seeds

8:00 AM: Yoga or meditation session

9:30 AM: Breakfast together

10:30 AM: Workshop: “Design Thinking for Life”

12:30 PM: Scenic picnic lunch (Land Rover transfer to a special location)

1:30 PM: Workshop: “Experimentation: Designing Small, Actionable Steps”

4:00 PM: Free time to swim, sauna, or walk in the woods

6:00 PM: Cooking Workshop & Communal Dinner

8:00 PM: Fireside Discussion: “What Does Purpose Look Like Now?”

Day 4: Reclaiming Creativity & Purpose

Theme: Fueling Renewal

8:00 AM: Morning hike or foraging in the countryside

9:00 AM: Breakfast together

10:30 AM: Workshop: “Creativity as a Tool for Renewal”

  • Build your Creative Blueprint for integrating growth, purpose, and action

12:00 PM: Lunch

1:30 PM: Off-road and classic car driving experience

4:30 PM: Group Reflection Session: “Harvesting Insights”

6:00 PM: Farewell Dinner at a local venue with live music

8:30 PM: Celebration: Reflect, connect, and celebrate your next steps

Day 5: Integration & Departure

Theme: Bringing It All Home

8:00 AM: Final coffee and breakfast

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Departures and transfers to the airport

  • Option to extend your stay at I AM ESCAPE or explore nearby cultural activities.

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.”

— Joel Arthur Barker Ratcliffe

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Reserve your place in Friesach, Austria

Spaces are limited due the intimate setting and exclusive activities. After applying, we’ll set up a call and make sure the event aligns with your goals.

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Austria 2026

FAQs

What's included in the retreat?

Just about everything except your plane ticket and your curiosity.

  • 4 nights in a beautifully appointed room at the venue
  • All meals, snacks, and drinks
  • All scheduled group workshops, experiences, and adventures
  • Ground transport to any off-site activities
  • Meditation and yoga classes, and guided sessions with expert facilitators

We take care of the logistics so you can focus on the transformation.

How do I apply?

Click the Apply Now button on this page or go directly to secondharvest.co/apply. Once we receive your application, we’ll set up a short conversation to ensure there’s a great fit—for you, and for the group. If it feels right on both sides, we’ll send a private link for payment to secure your spot.

What if I’ve already attended a previous retreat?

You’re more than welcome to join us again even if you've attended another retreat. While the general structure is familiar, each experience is wholly unique. New rituals, new adventures, and new scenery to inspire fresh reflection. Many Harvesters do come back as part of a seasonal rhythm of personal growth, and each retreat builds on, but doesn’t repeat, what came before.

What is the purpose of the retreat?

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. But 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.

What are the physical demands of this retreat?

Apart from yoga, meditation and walking through medieval alleyways, we might be biking or hiking along scenic trails, paddle boarding, and lounging on Mediterranean boats. Most activities are gentle and optional. If you’re up for something bolder—like skydiving or gravel riding—Girona has access to those too. Just let us know your comfort level.

Who will be there?

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.

What should I pack?

Think light layers, comfortable walking shoes, athletic wear (for yoga and activities), swimwear, and something you feel good wearing to dinner under the stars or in one of the many chef approved restaurants. Bring the journal we send you, or bring your own. Bring curiosity. And maybe a little extra room in your suitcase—you’re probably leaving with more than you arrived with (emotionally and some local crafts).

Can I bring a spouse or partner?

Yes, but know that everyone attending the retreat will be expected to participate. This helps us ensure everyone is aligned with the experience. This retreat is designed to be immersive and distraction-free. Discounted rates for doubles are available.

What’s the retreat investment?

Pricing for a full participant is $8,750. For doubles, (plus one guests, like spouses or partners), the additional price is $4,750. A payment page is shared once you’ve applied and we’ve had a short alignment call. This helps us keep the experience tailored, intimate, and intentional. Pricing includes all lodging, food, drinks, programming, and local experiences.

When do you cancel for weather?

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.

Is it possible to finance the retreat with 0%?

Absolutely! By partnering with Affirm, we're able to offer you $0 down and 0% interest financing for up to 24 months. Simply choose Affirm at checkout to benefit from this fantastic opportunity.

How can I find the time for this?

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?

What’s your cancellation policy?

We know life happens. If you need to cancel 60 days or more before the retreat, we’ll refund your payment minus a 25% fee to cover our advance booking costs. If you cancel within 30 days of the retreat start, we’ll do our best to transfer your spot to a future event if openings are availeble, but no refund will be provided.

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