A retreat for yoursecond act

01

Girona, Spain: Where culture & clarity collide

view of retreat garden from inside barn
Circular Text PathBOUTIQUE RETREAT SPACE IN GIRONA  

We're doing it again!

Our last retreat was such an overwhelming success, we've decided to do it another one. This time in the medieval city of Girona. This is a place of dualities. The ancient streets are peppered with modern refinement. Tucked within its medieval walls is Palau Fugit, a boutique retreat space of stillness and sensory delight. We're going to be steps away from the cobbled streets but protected by the old palace walls. There's an intentional contrast here.

This retreat is for those seeking inspiration in both the silence of a garden and the buzz of a Catalan plaza. With the Costa Brava to the east and the Pyrenees to the north, this is the perfect crossroads to let something new begin.

02

Meet your hosts

01

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.

02

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."

03
04
03

More than a getaway—this is a turning point.

Workshops & Rituals

Thoughtfully guided outdoor sessions, daily reflection practices, and lots of free time to reflect and just be.

Cultural Adventures

Art museums. Cooking experiences. Roman ruins. Catalan beer tastings. Historic hikes to hidden restaurants.

Restorative Moments

Garden journaling, wine at sunset, spa soaks, and weather permitting, a catamaran ride on along the Costa Brava coastline.

Optional Experiences

Village road trips, cycling trips, kayaking, or a day cruise to the exquisite Cap de Creus.

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
04

Second Harvest Retreat:
5-Day Journey to Your Next Chapter

Location: Palau Fugit, Girona, Spain

Date: October 9-13, 2025

This retreat is for you if:

You’re navigating a major transition—career, relationship, identity—and want to learn the skills to navigate and find out what comes next

You’ve succeeded by traditional standards you know you have more to give and crave a path of creativity, calm, and clarity

You want more than a break;
you want a breakthrough supported by people who want the best for you and for themselves

Day 1: Arrival & Setting Intentions

Theme: Meet and reflect

Throughout the Day: Arrivals and check-in

7:30 PM: Welcome Cocktails and Dinner

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

Day 2: Grounding & Exploration

Theme: Solidifying Your Foundations

7:00 AM: Morning walk, yoga or guided meditation (optional)

9:00 AM: Breakfast together

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

  • Reflect on the wisdom, skills, and experiences you've cultivated so far
  • Being awake to our personal stories

12:00 PM: Lunch

1:30 PM: Guided nature walk or ride in the surrounding hills

3:30 PM: Fireside Workshop: “Reframing Challenges as Opportunities”

8:00 PM: Dinner

9:00 PM: Wine Tasting & Fireside Chat

Day 3: Designing What's Next

Theme: Planting New Seeds

7:00 AM: Walk, yoga or meditation session (optional)

9:00 AM: Breakfast together

10:30 AM: Workshop: “Design Your Life”

  • Explore possibilities for your next chapter using creative problem-solving tools
  • Practical ways to design your life and live your plan

12:00 PM: Transfer to Costa Brava location followed by scenic picnic lunch

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

  • Craft “thin-slice experiments” to test your ideas for the future

4:00 PM: Leisure Activities (choose one or more):

  • Standup paddle boarding, kayaking or just chilling on the beach

8:00 PM: Dinner and conversation

Day 4: Reclaiming Creativity & Purpose

Theme: Fueling Renewal

7:00 AM: Walk, yoga or meditation session (optional)

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: Dali Museum in the town of Figueres

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

8:00 PM: Farewell Dinner at a local venue. 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

If you'd like to extend your trip let us know and we'll connect you to our favorite travel agents.

“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

05

Reserve your place in Girona, Spain

Applications are open now, but we’re limiting the group to a select group for this retreat and half the spots are already taken. Once we receive yours, we’ll reach out for a short alignment conversation. If it feels like the right fit, we’ll send you the private payment link to finalize your spot.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
You can also follow us on Instagram and email us directly.
Girona 2025

FAQs

Why Girona? Why this location?

Girona is a living paradox, in the best way possible. Medieval stonework meets modern design. Hidden gardens sit just steps from Gothic cathedrals. And all of it is wrapped in the golden light of northern Catalunya. We chose Palau Fugit as our base because it’s more than a hotel—it’s a sanctuary with a story. The name literally means, Palace Where Time Flies. Within its walls, you’ll find an oasis of calm and stillness. Just beyond these Roman walls, cultural treasures and wild coastlines.

This retreat blends creativity, reflection, and adventure. From the ancient ruins of Empúries to a slow cruise up the Costa Brava, Girona invites reinvention with every cobblestone and sea breeze.

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 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.

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.

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.

Get notified about new events

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.