- 5 Daagse Stilte Retraite
Your Private Journey into Silence, Reconnect with your inner wisdom and peace
If you’re in need for a lasting shift — deeper self-connection, clearer insight, and true rest — this private experience is designed for you.
- Structured yet gentle program
- Daily 1:1 inquiry sessions to deepen real-time insights
- the healing embrace of nature
- lasting change unfolds naturally
- Limited to a few solo journeys per season
100+ retraites
- A unique transformational program, for lasting change
Your Private Journey into Silence, Reconnect with your inner wisdom and peace
If you’re in need for a lasting shift — deeper self-connection, clearer insight, and true rest — this private experience is designed for you.
- Structured yet gentle program
- Daily 1:1 inquiry sessions to deepen real-time insights
- The healing embrace of nature
- Lasting change unfolds naturally
- Limited to a few solo journeys per season
100+ retraites
1000+ deelnemers
- Does this sound familiar?
In the rush of modern life, it’s easy to lose touch with yourself
Life today pulls us outward — endless demands, notifications, expectations, and the constant need to achieve, manage, and perform.
It’s not your fault that exhaustion creeps in, that boundaries blur, or that the inner voice turns critical.
This disconnection happens quietly to almost everyone.
Yet beneath it all, your natural balance, wisdom, and peace are still there — waiting to be remembered.
Constant high alert
Giving until empty, driven by obligation and the need to please others.
Blurred boundaries
Giving until empty, driven by obligation and the need to please others.
Limiting outlook
Negativity bias clouds possibilities; dreams feel distant, self-worth conditional.
Harsh inner critic
A demanding voice judges every step, leaving you feeling unsafe in your own skin.
"5 years of therapy in 5 days"
- What makes this retreat unique?
Where Silence Meets Personal Insight
This carefully crafted solo retreat invites you to step fully into profound silence — with the rare gift of personal guidance every step of the way. Unlike group retreats, you are the only guest, supported by daily 1:1 sessions, a tailored guidebook, and thoughtfully structured meditations designed for your unique inner journey.
- Silence creates the spaciousness for true insight to arise naturally
- Daily personal talks deepen your real-time discoveries and release old patterns gently
- The result: lasting reconnection to your own wisdom, balance, and self-compassion
Inner Shifts That Stay With You
The solo retreat follows a clear, proven program that guides you not only to profound insight but also to real integration — so the changes truly stay with you when you return home.
- Swipe
Clear Boundaries
You feel your own limits clearly, respect them calmly, and pursue joyful, reachable goals.
Inner Voice
A wise, kind compassionate voice that supports you — emotions met with understanding and care.
Self-Awereness
A gentle, non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and needs becomes your steady companion.
Open Possibility
Gratitude and excitement replace doubt; you clearly see your unique potential and worth.
Natural Balance
Energy refilled daily — you intuitively know when to act and when to rest.
Clear Boundaries
You feel your own limits clearly, respect them calmly, and pursue joyful, reachable goals.
Inner Voice
A wise, kind compassionate voice that supports you — emotions met with understanding and care.
Self-Awereness
A gentle, non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and needs becomes your steady companion.
Open Possibility
Gratitude and excitement replace doubt; you clearly see your unique potential and worth.
Natural Balance
Energy refilled daily — you intuitively know when to act and when to rest.
A Sanctuary Built by Hand, Tucked in the Mountains
Your private cottage is a hand-restored haven of simplicity and warmth, nestled among olive groves and quiet valleys. Surrounded by profound natural beauty and complete off-grid peace, nature begins right at your doorstep.
- Gentle trails through valleys, hills, and open vistas — perfect for mindful walks
- Wood stove warmth, soft natural light, and total privacy
- Nourishing vegetarian meals delivered fresh, everything gently cared for
- No distractions — just silence, space, and the freedom to turn fully inward
- Hi, my name is Ellen
Guiding you from a place of deep personal experience
Silence has been my own biggest teacher. I am here to guide you. I am not the teacher; the silence is. Sharing silence, meditation & nature is my greatest passion. I work with joy, creating a safe and warm environment for your journey.
- Guiding transformative retreats for over 10 years
- Supported 1000+ individuals on their unique paths to inner peace
- Dedicated to sharing authentic Vipassana and mindful Buddhist meditation practices
- Over 25 years of personal meditation & self-practice
Read more about Ellen
Living and guiding retreats here in the serene mountains of Spain has deepened my appreciation for the profound impact that nature, combined with silence, offers for true transformation.
I always dreamed of finding my unique place to share the gift of silence with others. The past 7 years, being able to share the stillness and beauty of nature here, have been truly wonderful.I never imagined 25 years ago—when, at the age of 20, a deep urge to experience life differently took me from my home in the Netherlands to India—that this personal journey would lead to me sharing these practices so widely.
It was there, during a pivotal 10-day Vipassana retreat in a Buddhist monastery, that I first experienced the peaceful sense of knowing that set my course.
This foundational insight led to many years of dedicated meditation practice, further study of Buddhism, numerous silent retreats (often with respected teachers like Christopher Titmuss), and training as an MBSR Mindfulness trainer.
These experiences all shape the authentic and heartfelt practices I am now so passionate about sharing with you.
- How your retreat unfolds
A Personal Journey Designed Entirely for You
We begin before you arrive: after booking, we’ll have a personal 1:1 conversation to clarify your intentions — what you’re ready to release, and what you long to welcome.
The core retreat is 4 days and 3 nights — long enough for profound shift, yet accessible amid a busy life. Each day follows a gentle rhythm of silence, guidance, and reflection, with everything centred around your unique process.
- What’s Included
- Daily individual guidance: one guided meditation + one personal inquiry session with Ellen
- Tailored Guidebook with journaling prompts and reflections to deepen your insights
- Specially recorded meditations to support your solo practice
- Nourishing meals: ingredients & recipes for breakfast/dinner + fresh lunch prepared daily by Ellen
- Signed mindful walks through forests and mountains — trails start at your cottage door
- Pricing
- 4 days / 3 nights: €2,650
- Additional days: €350 per day
- Everything described is included — your private cottage, daily guidance, workbook, meals, and full support.
Deepen Your Stay
For even greater depth, add extra days. The silence settles deeper, insights integrate more fully, and the shifts become truly lasting.
- Availability & Next Step
- Spaces are strictly limited — only a handful of solo retreats each season. If this feels like your moment, book a short discovery call to explore your intentions and secure your spot.
- Let’s make this the year you return home to yourself. With love, Ellen
FAQ
What does a typical day look like?
Morning
You begin the day at your own pace, following your body’s natural rhythm. Ellen will join you at an agreed time to gently kick-start the day with a guided morning meditation.
Afterward, you’ll have time to engage in the provided morning practice elements: guided meditations, journaling prompts, and mindfully preparing your breakfast using the fresh ingredients supplied. To complete the morning, you’ll take one of the suggested self-guided walks in the surrounding nature. Throughout this time, your personal guide is available (via message or in person as needed) to offer any support or clarification.
Midday
Ellen will arrive at the cottage with a nourishing, home-cooked lunch. Lunch is eaten in silence, allowing space for continued inward attention.
Following lunch, you’ll have your scheduled one-to-one inquiry session with Ellen—a dedicated time for personal guidance, reflection, and deeper exploration.Ellen will arrive at the cottage with a nourishing, home-cooked lunch. Lunch is eaten in silence, allowing space for continued inward attention.
Following lunch, you’ll have your scheduled one-to-one inquiry session with Ellen—a dedicated time for personal guidance, reflection, and deeper exploration.
Evening
A delicious dinner will be provided for you. The evening is then yours to unwind, integrate the day’s insights, and engage in optional reflection practices or journaling. You’ll have plenty of quiet space to simply be.
Each day strikes a balance between gentle structure and open, unstructured time, giving you the freedom to rest and reconnect at your own pace.
What practices do we use to initiate transformation?
The solo retreat program is grounded in a thoughtful, structured method drawn from deep study of Buddhist principles, mindfulness traditions, and human emotional patterns.
Ellen combines timeless wisdom from Buddhism and mindfulness with insights from the careful observation of how emotions and behavior operate at different energetic levels (as explored in works like Power vs. Force and Letting Go by David R. Hawkins). This creates a clear, almost scientific pathway for releasing stored emotional blocks and moving toward greater inner freedom, courage, and authenticity.
The core practices include:
Guided and silent meditation to cultivate presence and calm
Mindful daily activities (eating, walking, preparing food) to anchor awareness in the body
Journaling and structured reflection to uncover patterns gently
One-to-one guided inquiry sessions with Ellen—a powerful, personalised process of deep self-exploration that helps release limiting emotions and beliefs
Together, these practices form a proven, step-by-step approach designed to support lasting inner transformation rather than temporary relief. The method is gentle yet precise, meeting you exactly where you are and guiding you forward with clarity and compassion.
What is the accommodation like for this retreat?
A small cottage situated in a quiet green valley without traffic, street lights or internet will be the base for our walks. Enjoy living in the middle of nature, wake up with the songs of the birds and go to bed with the stars in the sky. This unique place provides an enormous amount of peace.
It’s delightful to spend time in nature and fully enjoy the sunny Spanish climate.
You will sleep in a shared room (max 2 participants) Limited single rooms are available at extra cost.
The meals are freshly prepared with vegetarian ingredients.
Practical Info
How do I get to the retreat cottage?
The private cottage is located in a quiet valley about one hour south of Valencia, Spain. We can arrange convenient pick-up from Valencia (VLC) or Alicante (ALC) airports, or from Xàtiva train station (easily reachable by public transport from both airports). Full travel details, including directions if you’re driving, will be provided after booking. Please let us know your arrival plans during the discovery call so we can coordinate the best option for you
What is the booking process like?
Because this is a deeply personal experience with limited spots, we begin with a short, no-pressure discovery call. It’s a chance to explore your intentions, answer any questions, and confirm we’re a perfect fit.
Booking Steps
- Click “Schedule Your Discovery Call” below
- Leave you contact details
- Choose a time that suits you on Ellen’s calendar
- We’ll have a warm 1:1 conversation about what you’re ready for
If it feels right, you’ll receive a welcome email with all the details — including a secure payment link for the deposit to confirm your dates, full travel information, and everything you need to prepare for your retreat
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation conditions are as follows: *
30+ days before retreat start: 100% refund of payment made. Options to change to another date or transfer your spot to someone else are also available.
15-29 days before retreat start: 50% refund of payment made. Options to change to another date or transfer your spot are also available.
8-14 days before retreat start: 25% refund of payment made. Options to change to another date or transfer your spot are also available.
0-7 days before retreat start: No refund is possible, but you may transfer your spot to someone else. We highly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payments via stripe. Secure payment instructions for the deposit will be provided in your welcome and booking confirmation emails.
