Sensehacking, a concept forged by psychologist and professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University Charles Spense, is the conscious effort to perceive and adjust our sensory stimuli – sight, sound, scent, taste, touch– to enhance our happiness and overall wellbeing. Our five senses are essential for navigating daily life, fostering a deeper connection with the world around us, and achieving a heightened state of mindfulness and sensory awareness. Yet, we often underestimate their importance and sometimes even forget that they provide us with vital information about our surroundings. Thus, how can we become more in sync with our senses? How can we experience our senses more mindfully?

To address this, Cape of Senses, a spa hideaway above Lake Garda, along with counsellor and life coach Constanze Spagnolli, have developed a holistic five-day Senses Retreat dedicated entirely to the five senses. Secluded 200 meters above the lake amidst nature and silence, participants will focus each day on exploring a different sense through specific coaching methods and sensory experiences such as tactile nature walks, yoga sessions, group interactions, and cultural excursions.

Senses Retreat takes place from November 6th to 10th, 2024. With the summer crowds dissipating, this time of year reveals a different charm. The light during this season is particularly mild and picturesque, casting a serene glow over the landscape and creating a picturesque scene that is both calming and enchanting. Further, November's mild temperatures, slower pace of life, and restoring quietness provide the perfect backdrop for a holistic retreat. Cape of Senses' elegant ambiance with 180-degree lake panoramas and intense sunset hues gives a refined touch.

Through the blend of internal self-reflection, external cultural immersion, and interpersonal connections, participants will learn practical techniques to be more present and attentive to their senses. They will experience a mix of tranquil, silent moments during yoga sessions, journaling, and spa treatments, as well as more dynamic activities, such as hiking and city strolling, to consciously activate their senses identify, and select sensory stimuli without becoming overwhelmed. This mix is essential to adopt the techniques and tricks into daily life, navigating an overstimulated world.

Senses Retreat is guided by Constanze Spagnolli. She will aid participants in catching relevant information through sight, sound, scent, taste, and touch, finding the right mental and physical response to the information provided, and avoiding sensory overload. By the end of the Senses Retreat, participants are expected to experience a sense of rejuvenation in body, mind, and spirit, and be introduced to techniques for mindfully engaging their senses in a hectic world, potentially reducing stress and enhancing daily experiences.

Details / Pricing

• 5 days / 4 nights
• Prices start from €2.790,00 (single-use suite)
• Early Bird Discount -10% from September 9th to 30th (prices start from €2.511,00)
• 6 participants
• Senses Retreat will be held in English
• Starts on Wednesday at 04.00 pm with a group welcome drink and ends on Sunday at 11.00 am

Included:

• 4-night stay including breakfast, lunch and dinner
• 5 group coaching sessions with life coach Constanze Spagnolli
• 3 distinct sensory experiences: wine tasting at a local winery, tactile hiking, and a sensory excursion to Verona with dinner at Ristorante Maffei
• 2 all-level yoga sessions
• 1 sound meditation session
• 1 relaxing spa treatment
• Yoga mats and journals

Suggested Packing

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, we encourage participants to bring:

• Personal item for the sense of taste and hearing
• Yoga clothes
• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes and backpack
• Layered clothing for various weather