Joint
Solitude
In solitude, not alone.
You are in silence, completely alone in your own experience and completely accompanied by the people you usually work with.
You enter in a deep communion with yourself, side by side with people you mostly meet across a table.
This bonds a team on a level any interactive exercise misses.
For a team, our Retreats bring a powerful potential of a different kind of growth!
We hold these spaces for teams who wish to be part of a heart-centred tomorrow,
where business and the connection to our essential nature are deeply intertwined.
For the Heart-centred way
Have you noticed how values shift when they become inconvenient?
Anything held in the mind shifts, yet what is revealed in Silence rests on steadier ground: insights are not reasoned into us there. They arise from our authentic core, a place thinking cannot reach.
Silence brings transparency to what makes us deeply human, and more precious than anything we could ever build.
Why, then, exclude the gift of Silence from our professional domain?
It is from Silence that we learn to embody the change we wish to achieve,
a future oriented by the Heart.
What a team finds in Silence stays with them.
Who is this for?
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Supporting your team in settling into alignment naturally
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Strengthening core values and the bond of your team,
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You are open to the transformative power of meditation and silence
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Your team accepts the invitation to silence, beginners and practitioners of meditation are welcome
for your team if you look for:
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A general offsite, with yoga/meditation as option
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Silence as an obligation
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What is needed is care for mental health crisis, burn out or any crisis management, or formal workplace mediation under HR policy.
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You look for residence without facilitation.
what we are not offering:
If you are unsure, please write us a message. Part of the first conversation is sensing fit.
Silence is the Spine
Shared Silence sits at the centre more often than a long menu of activities. Silence here means agreed periods without conversation, phones and unnecessary stimulation, held after a clear orientation.
Arrive with speech, enter a real silence block, close the silence, harvest in words. Our signature shape.
Get inspired by our 3 example Programmes:
Silence Immersion
2-3 nights | dive into silence
Orientation on check-in day. We enter silence the first morning. This option comes closest to our standard retreats with multiple blocks of guided meditation, pranayama and yoga. More inspirational talks held by Ricky and Juliana.
Closing circle the next morning.
Combine with optional programmes.
All programmes are tailor-made. These shapes are illustrative. We design for consent, with ways to step the intensity down. We will not recommend a retreat that includes people who have not agreed. A participant's experience is under confidentiality.
Programmes may be held in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or German as agreed.
See our Modules
Carefully chosen with you, not stacked by default.
essential.
Meditation Instructions
In Cave of the Heart, we share above all, the 3 pillars of Hridaya Meditation that will be introduced in all of our programmes as the most direct way to pure presence. Other supportive techniques are to connect to the Heart, to sharpen the mind, to allow for more receptivity and spaciousness in the mind (detaching from thoughts and relaxing into silence) and so on.
Hatha Yoga Sessions
Hatha Yoga is a traditional practice in which the body is seen as connected to mind, emotions, etc. and harmonized through specific postures, breathing techniques, energetic locks (bandhas + mudras) etc. The Hatha Yoga we offer is being held in a contemplative way, pointing to presence, awareness. We use the body to become free in the body.
Pranayama/Breathwork
Pranayama is using the breath to guide prana (life force) through the body. The aim is to harmonize the subtle layers of the body in order to abide in the present moment. Its science is intricate and very specific. Breathwork is a modern adaptation of these ancient techniques that build a powerful way to loosen mental and physical contractions.
additional.
Sound Journey/Nada Yoga
The Sound Journeys that we offer are designed to allow a deep rest and relaxation. The fascination of the mind for sound calms down its usual preoccupation with thoughts and can trigger meditative states rather effortlessly. Other than most people might guess, Nada Yoga is the aim of Hatha Yoga. It is the art of listening deeply within, in uninterrupted awareness and perceiving the inner subtle sound and hence dissolving the mind (laya) into pure awareness (samadhi).
Nature Immersions
Nature Immersions are guided walks in which we open all our senses to the beauty of nature. Feeling, touching, smelling, seeing, tasting - all these are gateways to presence and happiness. The aliveness of nature is felt inside of us, and through a deep immersion in nature, the spark of creativity, happiness, joy and love can reignite.
Heart-opening Cacao Circle
In ancient latin american society, cacao was accompanying important ceremonies, such as weddings and spiritual celebrations. In our western culture, we use cacao and its specific effects in a conscious way and allow it to open our Heart, to touch ourselves and others with love and compassion. For some, such a ceremony can be a profound experience of an open Heart, showing what immense beauty and strength is alive inside of them.
selected by possibility.
Ayurvedic Alignment
Ayurveda is a healing art, as old as Yoga itself. It is designed to support the body through specific diets, herbs and oils that are eaten or applied externally. The aim is to build up resilience, health and strengthen the body. A healthy body radiates from inside. This module is available depending on the center and the availability of our ayurvedic practitioners that we collaborate with.
Gentle Chanting
Chanting calms the usual fluctuations of the mind if done in a specific way. We offer it as a beautiful way to enter and exit silence. In our programmes we chant Mantras and Bhajans that evoke serenity, trust, wisdom and compassion. The Mantra harmonizes and reorchestrates subconscious tendencies, allowing for a sustainable change in one's wellbeing and the capacity for presence. This won't be a kirtan in which the focus is on ecstatic praise of the Divine, rather we chant as an evocation of certain qualities that lie within us. This module is available if we consider our team comfortable in using their voice together. We reserve the possibility to decline this option if we sense it to be of no fit for the programme.
Compassionate Care
Periods of silence can open us to a deep understanding and thus compassion with others. A possible harvest can be translated into a workshop on compassionate care, including the way we communicate, act and meet each other. This Module is taking inspiration from non-violent communication, yogic guidelines, the view of wisdom traditions to togetherness and so forth. It can be applied on request after a recommended duration in silence of 1 or 2 days.
Who takes Care of your Team?
Meet Juliana and Ricardo, our two main facilitators in Cave of the Heart and the guides of your team. Together they have spent more than 3 years in silence and held more than 50 retreats, guiding over 1000 people into their own depth.
Ricardo and Juliana hold the teaching thread and the silence field. In larger groups we might add one dedicated support guide.
Guest facilitators, when we bring one, are named in the proposal. They have experience of long silence and meditation retreats, and they are briefed on screening, opt-down paths and escalation.
The Centers we work with
Nature · Serenity · Nourishment
Your group is placed in high-quality centres we trust in Portugal: quiet enough for silence, and accessible enough for a corporate team to arrive in time. We only book exclusive hire as the silence core is supposed to be uninterrupted.
We choose centers that offer privacy, proper and clean rooms people can genuinely rest in, spacious land to walk in silence, and a host team that understands what a quiet period asks of them. All our centers are suitable for our offerings, yet we provide various levels of comfort and luxury. Detailed information will be provided upon request in our brochures.
Our retreats are always accompanied with delicious vegetarian or vegan food, prepared by our selected and trusted chefs who have experience in accommodating Silent Retreats.
Would you like your team to immerse in silence in one of our wonderful centers?
Important Information
- Discovery: about 60 to 90 minutes call - We clarify the vision and how we can match. We can have a second call to clarify the framework of the programme, select the center and dates. Once we select the center and dates, our cooperation is fully formalized and locked in.
- Proposal: We send you a detailed proposal with information about the center and our programme. We clarify the final budget and facilitation fee. We clarify as well cancellation frame, care and scope language.
- Preparation: This will be for your team. Each participant will receive an introduction email and if necessary can ask questions and clarify doubts. All travel logistics are to be arranged by your side.
- Onsite. Orientation, programme, clear closing.
- Integration. A follow-up mail about seven to fourteen days later for the team. We will never share private participant details. The experience happens in confidentiality. A follow-up call with the team leader is possible.
the steps in our collaboration
To arrange a day module, or silence inside an offsite you already run, is sometimes possible within a few weeks. Residential exclusive hire is best arranged about three to nine months ahead, though around two months can work when there is flexibility. For preferred dates, the earlier requests have greater realization chances. If your dates are urgent, say so in the form and we will do our best to accommodate them.
the timing
care and consent
Consent matters. The organising employer should guarantee a genuine opt-out, communicated by them and not only by us. A participant needs a way to step the intensity of silence down once they are here. Screening responses stay with the facilitation team and are not reported back to the employer as individual detail. This work is not medical care, and not a guaranteed change in company culture. Please read our mental health disclaimer before you enquire.
All Details at a Glance:
What.
Tailor-made retreats and day programmes for professional teams, leadership teams, and intact working groups.
Spine.
Silence and presence, from short shared blocks to a full silent day, or about 24-48 hours of residential silence, agreed in advance
Group Size.
We adapt to the company and the centre. Retreats sit comfortably with around 8 to 22 people. .
Where.
In Portugal for now, in centres we trust. We book exclusive hire.
Who holds it.
Ricardo Marticorena and Juliana Schenk, with support staff as the group needs. Guest facilitators only when named in the proposal
Modules.
Gentle hatha yoga and meditation instruction. Silence as a container for other practices, with nature, creativity and group work. Other practices only when they fit and are agreed in writing. Please tell us your needs and suggestions.
Care.
Invitation-based silence, orientation, screening, and ways to step intensity down. Educational and contemplative, not psychotherapy, clinical treatment or formal HR mediation. Please also read our mental health disclaimer.
How it works.
Discovery, written proposal, centre placement in Portugal, preparation and screening, onsite, integration.
Investment.
Bespoke. As a guide, residential programmes often fall between about €800 and €1,400 per person for two to three nights, depending on centre, group size and room mix. Day programmes are proposed once we know venue and headcount.
Invoicing.
We invoice the facilitation fee. We do all the communication and arrangements with our curated retreat centres. The centre invoices directly for rooms and meals. The proposal shows an indicative all-in budget so planning stays simple.
Languages.
Mainly English. Spanish, Portuguese and German in special cases per request.
Reply.
We aim to answer within 24-48 hours.
Not the same as.
Our open 3, 5 and 10-day Hridaya silent meditation retreats.
How to start?
Write to info@caveoftheheartretreats.com
Frequently asked Questions
Is this the same as your public silent meditation retreats?
No. The open calendar holds 3, 5 and 10-day Hridaya Silent Meditation Retreats for private individuals. This page is for private, tailor-made programmes for corporate teams and leadership groups.
What does a company programme with silence look like?
Moments of Silence, a silent day, or about 24 to 48 hours of residential Silence, with a spoken arrival and a spoken harvest. Every programme is designed with you, and the shape is agreed before anyone arrives.
Is this suitable for meditation beginners and non-flexible participants
Our retreats are designed for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, and everyone is welcome. Anyone who cannot sit comfortably on a meditation cushion can use a chair, and the hatha yoga always includes an adapted alternative, matched to the level of the group.
Can silence be optional?
Silence is the main point of what we do, so we ask for a general openness to it from everyone who comes. We also design for consent and, where needed, ways to step the intensity down. We will not recommend forcing Silence on people who have not agreed, and employers should offer a genuine opt-out when attendance might otherwise feel obligatory.
What Group Size works best?
Residential Silence usually sits at around 8 to 22 people. If your team is larger than 22, please tell us. Depending on the centre and your flexibility with dates, a bigger group is sometimes possible.
For now, programmes take place in Portugal, in centres we trust, with exclusive hire preferred for longer Silence. We are open to travelling to other European countries.
How does pricing and invoicing work?
As a guide, residential programmes often fall between about €800 and €1,400 per person for two to three nights, depending on the centre, the number of participants and the rooms. Day programmes are costed once we know the venue and the headcount. We invoice the facilitation fee, from the second call onwards, and we ask for a deposit to hold the centre. We handle all communication and arrangements with our centres, and the centre invoices you directly for rooms and meals. The proposal shows an indicative all-in budget so planning stays simple.
How far in advance should we enquire?
For residential exclusive hire, about three to nine months where possible. For the centres in highest demand, up to a year if your dates are fixed. Day modules are sometimes possible within a few weeks. We reply within 24 to 48 hours.
How do you handle mental health and accessibility?
A screening questionnaire, an honest conversation, and a redesign or a decline if that is what is needed. We are not a clinic. Please read our mental health disclaimer. Individual screening detail is never reported back to the employer.
What languages do you offer?
We hold our programmes mainly in English. Portuguese, Spanish and German are available on request.
We look forward to having you with us.
Whatever shape this takes for your team, it begins with a conversation.
Tell us who you are and what you are hoping for.
We will do our best to create a beautiful and deep immersion for your team, and we will give you our honest view if we feel we are no fit. .
We would love to welcome you here.
To the land, to the quiet, and to whatever your team finds in it.
With Love,
Ricky and Juliana
