Open Minds
Retreat
Intro…
Join us on a transformational journey from the city of Leeds to the heart of the Balkan mountains of Bulgaria, where we are building a self resilient community and wellness retreat nestled within nature.
Spread across 138 acres of dense woodland and expansive green fields, this magical land is home to wild horses, bears, wolves, wild boar and many other rare and exotic animals.
About
Open Minds…
We are a circle of souls who found each other over the years in the city of Leeds, UK, drawn together by a shared calling: to offer heart-based support to those navigating the challenges of mental health, addiction, depression, anxiety, and the many layers of human suffering.
Our approach is simple yet deep-centred on presence, compassion, and remembering our true nature. We share practices such as mindfulness, meditation, conscious dialogue, self-enquiry, and shadow work-tools to help uncover the peace and wholeness that already reside within us.
From the beginning we held a vision close to our hearts; to create a sanctuary in nature, where people from all walks of life-regardless of financial circumstances can come to rest, heal, and remember a space dedicated not just to recovery, but to reconnection with stillness, community and with the deeper essence of life itself.
Over the years, we explored many pathways to bring this vision into form, studying off-grid living, permaculture, natural building, and sustainable energy, all in harmony with the land.
In 2025, grace aligned our journey with others holding a similar dream. Together on a sacred piece of land in the Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria, we began planting seeds of our retreat, a place where healing, arts, music, craft, and community can flow naturally alongside the silence of the mountains.
We invite those that feel compelled to walk this path with us to follow our journey as we share our unfolding story through photos, videos, and logged reflections, from our beginnings in Leeds, to the heart of the Balkans. Whether you seek healing connection, or simply sometime to rest in stillness, know you are welcome.
Our Vision
Our current accommodation is based in a remote mountain lodge, which will serve dual purposes including:
- Comfortable lodging for guests
- A wellness clinic
- Frequency healing
- Holistic therapies
- Dedicated healing rooms
Surrounding the main retreat space, there will be a variety of outbuildings converted into log cabins, offering additional accommodation. Alongside this, we will construct cob & wood-built earth houses, thoughtfully integrated into the woodland to maintain harmony within the environment.
A truly remote experience
Our location is very remote, accessible via a scenic hour long drive up the atlas mountain. Every twist and turn reveals breath taking views, leading to a summit where lush green pastures stretch out toward mountain peaks and woodlands. The experience itself is part of the healing journey.
Events and Activities
The retreat will host:
Upcoming Events (Click Here)
- Healing Ceremonies
- Spiritual teachers from all over the globe, sharing a diversity of practices and wisdoms.
- Live music
- More events and activities added month by month as we grow
Alongside our comfortable lodge, you’ll find both yurts and designated camping areas for those who would prefer to bring their own tents. There will also be large communal spaces for gatherings, activities and talks.
At the heart of the retreat lies a deep reconnection with nature, with community and with self. Designed to foster Deep Inner Peace through immersive, hands-on experiences that draw from ancient knowledge and sustainable living practices.
Other Activities Include…
Bush Craft
Bush craft is the art of living with the land rather than just on it. Rooted in ancestral knowledge, it teaches practical wilderness skills such as shelter building, fire making, foraging, tool craft, tracking and navigating the natural world with respect and awareness. Through bush craft we re-learn how to be at home with nature.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation helps reconnect the body mind and spirit. Whether practiced in silence under the trees or within a communal yurt, it becomes a powerful tool for grounding, healing and awakening presence.
Permaculture Workshops
Permaculture is more than organic gardening; it’s a design philosophy that mirrors the intelligence of natural eco systems. Through our workshops you will learn how to create regenerative systems that nourish the land reduce waste and support both human and environmental wellbeing.
Herbalism
Herbalsim is the ancient practice of healing with plants-reconnecting us to the earth as medicine. Our herbal workshops and foraging walks will introduce you to the plants that grow in the surrounding wilderness, teaching you how to identify, harvest and prepare natural remedies for everyday wellbeing.
Gallery
Volunteer with us
We welcome volunteers who feel called to contribute their energy, skills, and open hearts to this unfolding journey. Whether youre a builder, gardener, artist, cook, healer or simply someone with a love for nature and community, there Is a place for you here.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to be part of the lands transformation helping with everything from natural building projects and eco-construction, to garden creation, event support, and daily operations. In return you will receive hands on learning, shared meals, community connection, and the chance to live in rhythm with the land.
Check out our socials for updates, events and exciting news!
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Contact
If you would like any more information about our retreat, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Tel: 07886 1490567