Are you ready to Flow?

Designed specifically for gay and queer men, this retreat is a safe space to connect with your body and your emotions without feeling broken or judged. The goal is not to fix you, but rather to help you remember who you truly are and reconnect with your authentic self.

One of the unique aspects of this retreat is the one-on-one sessions of somatic body work, using the Pantarei Approach. Pantarei means 'everything flows'. This approach reintroduces clients to aspects of their body that may have been shut off, forgotten, or they may feel uncomfortable with and helps them to connect with their unique strengths and sensitivities. Through touch and movement, I guide clients to connect with their bodies, and to explore and release any areas of tension or discomfort. This approach is tailored to each individual's unique needs and experiences. Through listening, touch, and re-framing, we will explore specific topics that are important to you, helping you remember who you truly are and what you value.

But this isn't just a week of introspection – we'll also take advantage of the natural wonders of the Azores with hikes to scenic waterfalls and swimming in volcanic heated baths. In addition, this retreat offers activities like mobility flow training, breath work, partner work, horseback riding, whale and dolphin watching and moments of meditation. These adventures will remind you of the beauty and flow of the world around us.

Group writing, collective cooking, and shared check-ins are additional ways to experience process and progress, collaboration and community. You'll also have the opportunity to share your journey and connect with others, without pressure or expectation. The week will not be shaped with top-down answers, but the nuanced needs of each person will be material. This is why the group stays small. Everyone has a unique story, and the power of sharing in a small group means we exponentially grow and learn from our brothers as well.

Photo ©Yoav Goldwein

Feeding our Bodies and Hearts

From dining in local restaurants, cooking together and even enjoying a brunch cooked by thermal volcanic heat, as well as filling our hearts with each others' stories, our insides will be nourished.

With group activities, from meditation, movement, & writing, we listen and support each other during this unique opportunity for connection. Together we recognize our capacity to grow and adapt in rich ways that distinguish us from electrons and rocks.

Experiencing Together

Our personal journey will be accompanied by the landscapes of the island—from hiking to waterfalls, along the coasts & resting in volcanic baths, we let the waters of the island be our teacher and help us incorporate a sense of flow.

E-motional Landscapes

Photo ©Yoav Goldwein

Photo ©Yoav Goldwein

Why Azores?

This remote group of islands has been a safe haven for centuries, a place where sailors and voyagers stop to replenish their energy before continuing on their journey. For gay and queer men, navigating life's challenges can be a solitary voyage, one defined by courage, resilience, and self-discovery. Amidst its rugged beauty, find solace for your emotional exploration, inspired by the island's tumultuous yet enduring history. Against the rugged backdrop of the Azores' volcanic terrain, cascading waterfalls and unique beauty, our own personal odyssey finds inspiration, reminding us that we too can weather life's storms and connect with something greater.

What do we really mean by flow?

Being shaped by the flow is a concept that describes the experience of being fully present and engaged in the moment. While it's often associated with mental states, it's also about physical movement. In fact, the physical aspect of flow is what makes it such a powerful tool for personal growth and change. Flow starts from the body, as it is through physical experiences that we can make changes in areas that may have previously felt paralyzed and stagnant. Bodily pains are often a sign of lack of flow—our stuck thoughts and emotions are letting us know through our physicality. Ultimately, being shaped by the flow is about finding a balance between effort and ease. When we allow ourselves to be shaped by the flow, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities that we may have previously thought were out of reach.

Photo ©Yoav Goldwein

Photo ©Yoav Goldwein

Nestled in a breathtaking Portuguese manor, this house offers modern comforts with a stunning ocean view. Enjoy the luxury of ample space, contemporary bathrooms, WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, oven, and washing machine. Relax on the expansive terraces, treating yourself to mesmerizing vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. As a farmhouse, expect the delightful presence of farm scents, friendly bugs, and the occasional charming lizard, adding a touch of rustic charm to your stay.

Private room & bath: double bed                      2950euro                

Private room & bath: single bed                        2750euro                

Private room & shared bath: single bed           2450euro                

Shared room & shared bath: single bed           2250euro               

THE PINK MANOR HOUSE

ENTIRE PRIVATE FARM RANCH WITH DONKEYS, COWS, AND ROOSTERS

Included during the week

• 8 nights in private Manor farm house

• 2 private 1-on-1 somatic bodywork sessions

• Morning group workshops in mobility training & breathwork

• 3 two-hour Hikes to waterfalls and lagoons

• Trips to 3-4 geo thermal baths

• 3 Visits to different beaches

• 2 shorter hikes

• Partner face massage

• Horse-back riding

• Whale and dolphin watching excursion

• Visit to downtown Ponte Delgada and pineapple plantations

• Waterfall meditations

• Tea plantation tour

• Dance of disappearance ritual

• Partner movement activities on the beach

• Jungle picnic

• Group sharing and reflection

• Visit to 4 local restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine

• Food:
  All daily breakfasts
  All homemade lunches & lunch in town Geothermal brunch w/ local purple tea
  4 dinners at home: 2 dinners prepared by the participants & closing pizza evening Snacks for hiking

• Transport:
  Car Rental and gas
  Pick up to and from the airport

We have made quality of our habit. It’s not something that we just strive for – we live by this principle every day.

Not Included:

• Flight to Sao Miguel

• Food at 4 restaurants & tips for service

• Alcohol

• Coffee or dessert breaks en route

This retreat is neurodiverse / neuroqueer friendly

Here's what the guys say

“I'm very glad that I decided to join you and the others on that experience. The mix of activities was very well balanced and I especially enjoyed the hikes, thermal springs and the ocean. The geothermal brunch was an outstanding experience as well. And last but not least I appreciated the harmony between the four of us. You managed well to balance different expectations and I never felt that my interests are not taken care of. I continue reflecting on the various sessions and the benefit I could take with me”- Heinz M. Austria. October 2023 Retreat

“Still using tools I learned on the retreat. ❤️. I love sharing with others the experience I had with you and on the Azores. I’m hoping I can do it again. I felt I left a lot of mental “stuff” there or at least it rearranged the priority I give to things in my mind and how my body feels. Still much to do and journey for me. But what a gift I was given— Forever grateful and forever love. ❤️🙏”— USA October 2023 Retreat

“I’ve almost never met such an adept active listener as Mike turned out to be. Without judging he helped me reframe my stubborn point of views. There the astonishing surprise began: my body started to talk to me — Mike translated what it wanted to tell me. Slowly my mind stood back and gave the body- intelligence its free flowing privilege of expression. Mikes provides an open space for every individual that decides to get in touch with the intelligence of his or her body.” Andreas T- Pantarei Client

"We dug really deep and brought up treasures together. That was stunning.” -Pantarei Client

"I loved the variety of activities--It was diverse, well balanced, and well thought out. I really enjoyed the a ha of my stuck movement connected with our 1:1. I really was amazed about the stomach work because it showed me a physical manifestation with the trauma that I was recounting. This to me made me a believer. I realized that my 'caring' and my 'curiosity' is what makes me different, and will lead me to people that I truly feel a sense of belonging with. Connecting with nature and thinking about various relationships with family friends and other men allowed me the space to really address misguided narratives that I'd created in my head about past experiences. Moreover, seeing the physical manifestation of these negative experiences in my body changed how I view ways to release myself from the weight of them." -BT 45 - Global Nomad / April 2024 Retreat

"Discovering Somatic Therapy has been a game changer as was the opportunity to be part of the Shaped by the Flow Retreat for Gay and Queer Men in the Azores. I've been seeking ways to make change and the holistic experience Mike has created is exceptional. He is an amazing facilitator and the Retreat offered a range of opportunities to connect with the inner self, nature and people in ways both small and large as well as individual and collective. The retreat was a gift in that it helped to break down the barriers that can and do exist between the mind, body, heart and the larger world and it has given me the insight, skills and fuel I need to live a more fulfilled and integrated life." - W. 57, Retired, Canada/ April 2024 Retreat

Return to Self: online 2 Day

Jan 14 & 15th, 19-21h Centr. EU time

Curious about the Azores Retreat in April or the Tuscany Retreat in September?

Start with this FREE 2 day event for Gay and Queer Men. More details coming soon.

Movement & Connection for Gay and Queer Men

September 21-28, 2025 Tuscany, Italy

Return to Self

Why Return to Self?

For many of us as gay men, the journey to truly being ourselves hasn’t been straightforward. We’ve faced pressures to fit into molds, to hide parts of ourselves, or to meet expectations that don’t align with who we really are. Over time, these experiences can disconnect us from our bodies, our emotions, and our true selves. This retreat is about reclaiming that connection and rediscovering the parts of us that might have gotten lost along the way. A time for harvest!

This week is about creating space—space to move, to feel, to express, and to connect. Through creative workshops, group discussions and moments of quiet reflection, this retreat is designed to support you in finding clarity, remembering yourself, fostering connection. Some of the workshops: Dance Alchemy- where we dance for the sake of others, Being with Apart-the neuroscience of not touching, These Arms of Mine-where we practice surrendering and responsibility, Dear John-we write letters to our brothers’pasts, Quality of Queer Movement-we share forgotten gestures and poses. At the end of the day, this retreat isn’t about fixing anything—it’s about returning to what’s already within you.

How We Got Here

Society often expects us to be a certain way—strong, unfeeling, always in control. But as gay men, we also face the unique challenge of navigating a world that hasn’t always accepted us for who we are. The coping mechanisms we’ve developed—whether it’s numbing out, overcompensating, or shrinking ourselves down—can leave us feeling fragmented, disconnected from our bodies, and from our own sense of self-worth.

Returning to self is to allow acceptance for all of the aspects of oneself and to be present with everything that can come up. One may develop confidence in areas that felt more oppressed or disembodied. We might find more clarity on what brings us joy, frustration or new things we desire or appreciate about ourselves or others. When we feel more connected to ourself, we can trust ourselves to hold us during times of crisis or uncertainty. What is harvested on the retreat can be carried with you afterwards.

Movement workshops are about re-learning how to live in our bodies. By engaging in activities that promote sensing, mobility flow, and embodied awareness, we can start to tap into parts of ourselves that have been ignored or silenced. These workshops provide a space to explore how we move through the world and how we can move differently—more freely, more authentically. It is not about becoming a dancer but maybe about tapping into our queer movements!

Why Movement Matters

Expanding Awareness

Throughout the retreat, you’ll have the chance to challenge and expand how you perceive yourself and others. By engaging in exercises that heighten embodied awareness and listening, you’ll strengthen your ability to sense the subtle layers of connection within and around you. 

Touch workshops offer another invitation to return to yourself in a supportive and inspiring environment.  Many of us carry the weight of feeling isolated or misunderstood, and through safe, intentional touch, we can begin to break down those barriers. This isn’t nudity or tantra; it’s about using touch as a tool to reconnect with ourselves and others in a way that feels supportive, not invasive. It’s about learning to trust our bodies, our instincts, and the relationships we form with others.

The Power of Touch and Connection

Rediscover and Reconnect

Whether you come with specific goals, or a desire to simply connect with others, this week also offers a space where you can slow down, jump in the pool and star gaze as much as you'd like in the company of like-minded men. There is safety in our community, but also a lot of diversity worth sharing. Don't worry, it's not group therapy in disguise.

Photos: Rafael Medina for Stretch Festival

Photo: Maik Shrank

Why Tuscany?

The Renaissance wasn't simply about perfect forms and muscled statues—it was a radical celebration of human potential in all its forms. Da Vinci, the quintessential "Renaissance man," was known not just for his art and inventions, but for his appreciation of life's mysteries, his deep curiosity about human nature, and his belief that understanding yourself was the key to understanding the world. He filled his notebooks not just with anatomical studies, but with questions about human consciousness, emotion, and connection. We can do the same!

When Michelangelo carved David, he wasn't just celebrating physical perfection—he was capturing a moment of profound self-awareness, the quiet strength that comes before action. David's expression shows contemplation rather than aggression, wisdom rather than force. It's this same spirit of thoughtful self-discovery that we seek to tap into during the week.

In the hills where scholars first dared to place human experience at the center of philosophical inquiry, we'll take time to honor our own experiences—just as Renaissance artists learned to see beneath the surface to understand the true form within. We will recognize that each of us carries the potential for our own rebirth, our own return to self as I prefer to say.

Florence

Florence isn't just the birthplace of the Renaissance—it's where the modern understanding of individual identity first flourished, which includes what we now recognize as gay identity. In the 15th century, Florence was witnessing the emergence of a revolutionary concept: that love, beauty, and personal truth could exist outside conventional boundaries.

In the same streets where we'll walk, Florence birthed a radical revolution in human identity. While the city's powerful families commissioned great works of art, its citizens dared to live and love openly in ways that shocked Europe. So visible was this freedom that other European cities used "Florentine" as code for men who loved men - a testament to how this city has long been a crucible for authenticity and self-expression.

Here, you can mark your own renaissance. Not through grand gestures or forced epiphanies, but through the simple power of slowing down in a place that has always honored the complexity of human desire and creativity. This is time for men who sense that deeper connection - to themselves, to history, to other men of substance - doesn't always require words or labels.

Tucked away in the tranquil mountains of Tuscany (between Florence and Pisa), this secluded stone house combines rustic charm with modern amenities. Offering plenty of space to relax, it features cozy interiors, contemporary bathrooms, WiFi, and a fully equipped kitchen and washing machine. Spend the free time swimming, exploring the serene countryside, or taking a leisurely walk to a nearby store stocked with local treasures. The house's peaceful setting is complemented by the gentle presence of nature and the timeless beauty of Tuscany’s rolling hills—just a short drive from Montecatini Terme

Nature as a Teacher

Tuscany is known for its relaxed lifestyle. Life here revolves around good food, beautiful scenery, and community. Being in the natural landscapes of Italy is more than just a beautiful backdrop—it’s an integral part of the healing process. The simplicity of a walk through the woods or the stillness of a meditation under the stars, or engaging in a partner exercise near the olive trees, the beauty of the surroundings will deepen your experience and invite a sense of peace and presence. In nature, there’s no need to perform or to meet anyone’s expectations. The landscape becomes a mirror, reflecting back the parts of ourselves that we would like to return to and integrate.

Shared Meals and Shared Stories
Food is an important part of Italian culture, and it will be a key element of our time together. Breakfast is provided and prepared on your own and simple lunch ingredients allow us the opportunity serve and collaborate. In the evening, a local chef will prepare 4 course meals as well as some pizza nights, allowing us more time for conversation and rest.

THE TUSCANA VILLA RUSTICA

8 days/7 nights

Private room 2200euro

Shared room with 2 1700euro

Shared room with 4 1500euro

Included during the week

• Transportation to Italy/ train to MONTECATINI Terme

• Lunch and Dinner in Florence

• Additional alcohol or snacks

Schedule

Sunday: Arrival to MONTECATINI Terme by 17h. Welcome Dinner

Monday: Morning: Sensing/Breathwork/Mobility Flow

Empowering Introductions/Listening Beyond Words Workshop

After Lunch: Being with Apart Workshop

Silent Walk

After Dinner: Heart Circle/ Check in/Night Swimming

Tuesday: Morning: Sensing/Breathwork/Mobility Flow

Quality of Queer Movement Workshop

After Lunch: Hike and Stuck Practice

After Dinner: Dear John Writing Workshop

Wednesday: Day Trip to Florence. Visit Museum to see David.

Queer History of Florence Tour. Dinner in Florence.

Thursday: Morning: Sensing/Breathwork/Mobility Flow

These Arms of Mine Workshop

After Lunch: Regenerative partner touch practice

After Dinner: Heart Circle/ Check in/Star gazing

Friday: Morning: Sensing/Breathwork/Mobility Flow

Regenerative partner touch practice

After Lunch: Dance Alchemy Workshop

After Dinner: Heart Circle/ Check in/Star gazing

Saturday: Morning: Sensing/Breathwork/Mobility Flow

After Lunch: Dance of Disappearance/Reappearance

After Dinner: Closing Ritual

Sunday: Depart by 10 am

Additional free time for swimming, self reflection/alone time, group or individual support.

Not Included

• 7 nights in the Tuscan Villa

• Daily morning sensing, breath and movement classes

• Creative movement and embodied workshops: 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon

• Self-made Breakfast & Vegetarian Lunch

• Dinners at the Villa: 4 four-course dinners & 2 pizza nights from local chef

• Evenings of writing and discussion

• Transportation to Florence for 1 day

• Ticket for museum and queer history tour

• Walks and Hikes

• Free time for the pool and personal reflection

• Towels

• Transportation from Montecatini Terme to the Villa

What This Isn't

• Not a yoga retreat (though we move our bodies a lot)

• Not a party circuit disguised as wellness

• Not a digital detox boot camp

• Not a typical gay vacation with scheduled fun

What This Is: For guys who...

• Are skeptical of typical wellness culture

• Appreciate culture and history as context for personal growth

• Seek depth without dogma

• Value individual experience over group dynamics

• Want to explore mindfulness without the new age trappings

• Are curious about slowing down but don't want to sit in silence for a week

This retreat is Neurodiverse/Neurospicy Friendly