Sandbox Leadership Retreat
Unlock Your Leadership Potential:
Join Our Exclusive International Retreat for Visionary Leaders
5-Day Retreat in Portugal October 16-20, 2023
Welcome to the Sandbox Leadership Retreat—This 5-day retreat is your escape from the daily grind, providing you the space and time to envision and explore the path for the next 3-5 years of your life.
Unlike traditional masterminds, our focus is on nurturing your leadership growth, recognizing that your personal development often takes a back seat to business and other responsibilities.
What is the Sandbox Leadership Retreat?
An extraordinary opportunity for visionary leaders like you to embark on a transformative journey. Join us at our luxurious 5-star resort and spa nestled within Portugal’s Vicentine Coast Natural Park, a breathtaking 220-hectare private estate. Here, amidst Europe’s last wild coastal areas and pristine natural beaches, you’ll have the chance to dream, create, and grow in your leadership while staying true to your purpose.
This stretch of magical coastline has been referred to as the Bali of Western Europe and is dotted with charming ancient towns, fishing villages, and extraordinary beaches. We fell in love with the spirit, lifestyle, and people of southwestern Portugal so much so, we are building a home there.
We are excited to share this magical place with you so you can discover why people from various parts of the world have been drawn to it for over a thousand years. We’ll even get to explore a Moorish castle and other ruins nearby that have stood for more than a thousand years and once drew spiritual leaders from northern Africa to establish a Ribat and community in the area.
About the Hosts and the Vision Behind the Retreat:
Hey there! We’re Azul and Steve, excited to welcome you to the Sandbox Leadership Retreat, where visions come to life. This is not your typical retreat – we’re all about breaking boundaries and living life on our terms, just like we did when we left our six-figure careers to pursue our dreams.
We share a profound passion for nurturing leadership from within. Our vision for the Sandbox Leadership Retreat is to create an immersive experience that fosters self-discovery, growth, and connection. You will experience the practices we have integrated into our lives for visioning, finding clarity, and taking action to bring about transformation.
Our Journeys:
Azul here! From unknown teacher to bestselling author, I empower countless authors. Steve ditched his job for adventure, now a creative leader.
Behind the Scenes:
We’re humbled and proud to share that ConvertKit sponsored a mini-documentary about our journey as part of their Telly Award-winning series, “I Am a Creator.” It gives an intimate look at our personal transformation out of traditional careers to become the founders of Authors Who Lead.
Your Vision Awaits:
Discover your potential, embrace imperfection, and craft an authentic and fulfilling life at the Sandbox Leadership Retreat.
See you soon!
Azul and Steve
P.S. The retreat concept originated from Steve’s cherished memories of playing in a pile of sand—where boundless imagination and creativity knew no bounds. As adults, external pressures can sometimes compromise our visions and dreams. At the Sandbox Leadership Retreat, we invite you to reconnect with that childlike wonder, explore your true potential, and embrace the endless possibilities that await you.
Retreat Experience:
During these five transformative days, you’ll immerse yourself in a metaphorical sandbox of inspiration and community. Mornings will be dedicated to grounding and reconnecting with your authentic self. Surrounded by nature, you can envision a life beyond your business, rediscover your soul’s purpose, and overcome limiting beliefs. Of course, this experience will be complemented by exceptional meals, luxurious accommodations, and world-class amenities, all set in the serene embrace of Praia do Canal Nature Resort.
Key Benefits:
- Gain Clarity: Engage in deep self-reflection and explore new perspectives to crystallize your vision and life goals.
- Renew Your Energy: Immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of nature, stepping away from the daily hustle to recharge your mind and spirit.
- Expand Your Network: Connect with heart-centered leaders from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaborations that transcend borders.
- Personalized Growth: Benefit from one-on-one coaching and feedback sessions, tailoring the retreat to your unique learning style.
- Cultural Immersion: Embrace the richness of our host country, Portugal, and gain valuable insights from different cultural perspectives.
Accommodations & Esteva Spa:
Praia do Canal Nature Resort—a 5-star luxurious boutique resort—awaits your arrival. Embodying a minimalist, slow-living approach, the resort provides abundant space, privacy, and luxury amid nature’s tranquility. Enjoy spacious Junior Suites featuring a patio, king or twin bed, 100% cotton bedding, air conditioning, and more. The resort’s Esteva Spa offers a sanctuary of relaxation, with treatments, saunas, swimming pools, and yoga sessions, all allowing you to restore and rebalance while connecting with nature.
Praia do Canal, a 220-hectare resort located within Vicentine Coast Natural Park, stands as a paragon of minimalist architecture and design, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. The resort epitomizes high-end, low-impact community-based tourism, emphasizing nature, wellness, and sustainability. Architect João Favila Menezes from Atelier Bugio in Lisbon envisioned a place that incorporates organic elements, fostering a spirit-lifting model for sustainable development.
General Schedule:
Monday – October 16, 2023:
Evening welcome reception at the Medronho cocktail bar & lounge
Tuesday – October 17, 2023:
Morning meditation/movement followed by leadership retreat group processing. Enjoy nibbles for lunch in the family suite and a gala dinner with wine pairing in the Private Medronho fireplace lounge.
Wednesday – October 18, 2023:
Start with a meditation followed by a group trail walk to the secluded beach, and lunch on your own. Explore the nearby medieval castle and village, and watch the sunset and grab dinner on your own near the cliffside ruins overlooking the ocean.
Thursday – October 19, 2023:
Morning meditation/movement, leadership retreat group processing.
3-course dinner at the Azeitona main dining room. Wrap up the retreat with a group closing session.
Friday – October 20, 2023:
Check out and depart with newfound insights and connections.
*Gourmet daily breakfast included with fresh squeezed juices, yogurts, fruits, pastries and menu to order from with a variety of options for all.
Sandbox Retreat Investment
October 16 to 20, 2023
3-PAYMENT OPTION
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Total payment of $4800
Above pricing includes a junior suite with king bed for one person. A second person can be added for $1500 and will include all retreat activities and group meals.
What’s Included:
- 4-nights in a junior suite
- Daily gourmet breakfast
- Welcome reception on Monday evening
- Gala dinner with wine paring on Tuesday evening
- 3-course dinner on Thursday evening
- Access to indoor and outdoor infinity pools
- Access to the sauna, Turkish bath
- Access to the gymnasium
- Retreat workshops and activities
Not Included:
- Flights
- Airport transfers to/from the resort (can be organized for an extra fee)
- Any visas that may be required
- Travel/health insurance
- Optional excursions booked on your own (Wednesday is a free day)
FAQs
Yes you can add a second person to your room for an additional $1500 if done at the time of purchase. This will include all retreat activities and group meals.
All breakfasts are included in your stay.
Dinner on Tuesday and Thursday evenings are included.
All other meals are on your own.
Faro | 102 km – A 1h15 minute drive*
Lisbon | 310 km – A 3h00 drive
OPorto | 595 km | A 5h30 drive
Connections and direct flights from most European airports.
Uber, taxi and private rental cars available.
If you cancel before September 15, 2023 you will receive a refund less $997 which is non-refundable.
Cancellations after September 15, 2023 are eligible for a partial refund up to 50% if you have already made full payment.
After October 1, 2023 no refunds will be available.