Candidate Retreat – Romania

July 14 to 19th 2026

I have booked a guest house (12 double rooms) in an amazing spot in the Romanian mountains where, together with my wife, I have run regular retreats for the last few years – including this one for candidates in 2025. It is my absolute favourite place in the whole country and I would love to see you there. Here is the guest house where you can see some pictures

Agenda

This retreat will be for certification candidates working with me or other ESEAT assessors – or recently certifed trainers. The main focus will be connection with self and other candidates. We will facilitate co-creation of the agenda when we arrive and we’ll use open space to do this. You can bring your own workshops, games and other activities (ideally NVC related and suitable for a retreat rather than a training). There are also hikes and excursions for those who prefer a more relaxing or adventurous time.

We’ll start with dinner at 18:00 on 14th July and finish with lunch at 13:00 on 19th July.

Getting There

The closest large town is Bran (famous for its castle). We will make sure each of you coming, do get there and don’t get lost in the countryside where vampires and werewolves are common.

The best way to get there is by car … at least the final kms. You can get a bus from Brasov (closest city) to a village about 15′ drive away … and someone can come collect you. Brasov is accessible by train (2 hours from Bucharest). There will probably be a few people driving from Bucharest, Cluj and Timisoara … cities with international airports and train stations… so we will facilitate as much ride sharing as possible.

FInd it on the map

Rooms

There are 12 double rooms available – each with a double bed (not twins) and most of them have an en-suite bathroom. 2 of the rooms share a bathroom. If you choose the option of single room you will have a double bed with only you in it. If you choose the shared room option, please tell us who you are sharing with, if you know. If you want a shared room and are ok with anyone .. then we will decide for you and put you in a room with someone of the same sex!

Money

The cost of the guest house for 5 nights and delicious home cooked food, is as follows (per person):

Single Room: €475 (2,375 RON)

Shared Room : €315 (1,575 RON)

This money I would like to receive in cash in Romanian currency when you arrive there. If that’s difficult for you then let me know and we’ll sort something out.

I would also like to receive some money for organising, hosting and facilitating. Please choose an amount in the range €0 to €600 – I would like to receive this when you book (see booking form) and I fully trust you to choose an amount that works for you … even if this is zero.

Registration

Please use the button below to register. I will fill the places according to the order I receive the bookings. If you would to reserve your place, but are not able to pay right away, then please register with the Coupon Code RESERVE. Please ONLY do this if you are sure you intend to come.

Looking forward to see you! in July!

What previous participants had to say ….

Stefana FORGACIU

Each day was different, unfolding in beautiful ways: learning processes, deep inner work, transformative practices, playful moments, dance, massage, walks and more.

I came with the intention to rest and recharge, but I received so much more in terms of personal growth!Because we were a small, intimate group, we naturally connected and shared deeply. There was joy, warmth, laughter, meaningful conversations, support, and true togetherness.

Everything happened at such a gentle, nourishing pace. There was a general lightness in the air, a sense of ease without any pressure to perform, prove, or “achieve” anything. Just space to be, feel, rejoice, explore and grow.

The location is truly heaven on Earth, surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking views, with green and flowers all around. The hosts were very present and attended to each person’s needs, making us feel genuinely cared for.

And the food was pure delight! Every meal was a culinary feast: fresh, abundant, delicious, and lovingly prepared with ingredients from their own garden. It felt like eating at my grandma’s home.

I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat experience to anyone longing to enrich their soul, mind, and spirit. It’s a chance to refresh, reconnect, and return home, to yourself.

Lidia Badea

For me, the 4 days spent at Pestera were a context of connection with myself, with nature and with human nature, with authentic needs and feelings.

I had the feeling of travelling on the axis of time, past, present and future.

I am grateful for the context for growing and learning, for connecting with colleagues from different countries, for new experiences.

Helen gao

I’m still savoring the calm and joyful experience from the summer retreat in Peștera even though weeks have passed:

The mountain orchestra of crickets buzzing, dogs barking and wind kissing wild grass and flowers… If there could be only one need to highlight: abundance.

Abundance of nature, homemade food, laughter and deep connection with myself and others. That felt to be the safe space with community I’d like to go back again, and again.