Not all retreats look or run the same, and that’s exactly why The Sanctuary has become such a trusted space for hosts from around the world. Over the past year, our villa has welcomed an eclectic mix of groups, each with its own purpose, personality, and goals. We’ve hosted everything from professional development events to high-energy fitness weekends and intimate gatherings of content creators, the one thing they all shared was the need for a private, fully equipped setting that feels inspiring, spacious, and effortlessly organised.
Here’s a look at five completely different retreats we hosted this year – and how The Sanctuary adapted to each of them to offer completely unique experiences.
- A Real Estate Guidance Event
Earlier this spring, we hosted a real estate guidance retreat for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the Spanish property market. With attendees flying in from around the world, the organisers needed a venue that offered privacy with premium facilities – somewhere serious enough for a conference yet relaxed enough for networking and conversation.
At The Sanctuary, they held talks in our spacious indoor lounge, breakout discussions on the terraces, and Q&A sessions in the yoga/conference room. Between talks, guests took advantage of the spa, gym, and gardens to unwind.
Why it worked:
- Multiple indoor/outdoor meeting areas
- Total privacy for sensitive discussions
- Luxury touches that elevated the conference experience
- Accommodation for up to 32 guests on-site
- Team-Building Retreat
One of the most energising groups we welcomed this year was a company hosting a team-building weekend designed to bring their staff together away from the office. They wanted somewhere private, uplifting, and genuinely inspiring, without feeling confined to a traditional corporate setting. The Sanctuary gave them the freedom to mix structured activities with relaxed downtime, all within one beautiful estate.
Across the weekend, the group used our terraces for open-air brainstorming sessions, the gardens for light team challenges, and the restaurant terrace for long shared meals that sparked conversation. In between the activities organised by our concierge team, guests dipped into the spa, swam in the heated indoor pool, or took advantage of the gym for a solo reset. Evenings were spent around the table, or out in Marbella/Puerto Banús for dinner and drinks as a team.
Why it worked:
• Multiple indoor/outdoor zones ideal for group activities and discussions
• Spa, indoor pool and gym for downtime between sessions
• Private chef dining that made shared meals feel special
• Spacious gardens perfect for team exercises
- Fitness Entrepreneur Retreat
One of the most dynamic events of the year was a fitness retreat that used almost every part of our estate. Mornings began with yoga or functional training on the lawn; afternoons saw workouts in the gym, spin sessions on the rooftop, and recovery time in the spa. Guests ate together in the restaurant terrace, enjoyed the indoor pool after intense sessions, and ended each day with group dinners under the stars.
This retreat showed how The Sanctuary can support wellness hosts who need both high-performance facilities and restorative spaces.
Why it worked:
- Rooftop spinning studio
- Fully equipped gym
- Yoga & meditation studio
- Spa, sauna & indoor heat-controlled pool
- Large open spaces perfect for movement
- Close to Marbella for excursions and nights out
- Entrepreneur Mastermind Retreat
At the beginning of the year, we hosted an entrepreneur mastermind – a gathering of founders, creatives, and business owners looking for space to think bigger. The organisers chose The Sanctuary because they needed somewhere private enough for honest conversations, yet energising enough to spark new ideas. Over several days, the group used our indoor lounge for workshops, the terrace for breakout sessions, and the yoga studio/conference space for presentations and discussions.
Why it worked:
• Multiple indoor and outdoor areas for workshops and breakout discussions
• Heated indoor pool ideal for morning resets
• Private chef dining for uninterrupted networking
• A peaceful setting that encourages clarity and creativity
- Women’s Wellness Retreat
Another highlight this year was a women’s wellness gathering – a restorative few days centered around movement, nourishment, and connection. The Sanctuary became a private haven where guests could slow down and fully immerse themselves in a slower rhythm.
Mornings began with yoga in the studio (arranged by our concierge team) or gentle stretching in the courtyard, followed by nourishing breakfasts prepared a private chef. Each day flowed between breathwork sessions, mindfulness circles, journalling workshops, and quiet afternoons in the spa. The indoor heated pool, sauna, and treatment rooms created an ideal environment for rest and emotional reset.
Why it worked:
• Yoga studio and peaceful courtyard for mindful movement
• Concierge-arranged private chef for nourishing group meals
• Spa, sauna and treatment rooms for relaxation and recovery
• Beautiful gardens and terraces ideal for circles and conversation
• Calm, spacious bedrooms for each guest
One destination built for all types of retreats
Although each event was completely different, they all shared one thing: they needed a space that felt private, versatile, and ready for anything. That’s where The Sanctuary shines.
Whether it’s a professional mastermind, a creative deep-dive, or a high-energy fitness programme, the estate adapts effortlessly. With 14 en-suite bedrooms (hosting up to 32 guests when sharing), indoor and outdoor dining, multiple training spaces, and full concierge support, each retreat is exclusive, personalised, and beautifully executed.
Thinking of hosting your own retreat?
Whether you run leadership workshops, wellness programmes, creative events, or corporate getaways, The Sanctuary is ensures that you cater to every detail.
Get in touch with our team to explore available dates and start shaping an incredible experience for your group.
