International
Couples Retreat
International Couples retreat
San Miguel de Allende
Nourish your relationship
A Retreat Where Couples Learn Fact-Based, Proactive Ways to Nourish Intimacy
My personalized couples retreat takes place in the magical city of San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO world heritage site located in the Sierra de Guanajuato in Mexico’s Central Highlands. Retreats are scheduled September through April for one couple at a time (5-7 days). The Retreats are curated to provide each couple a custom experience designed to support having fun together, while producing powerful and reliable results. My team works with you to tailor your experience based on how you would enjoy spending your time outside of sessions with Dr. Schwarzbeck. This enables and supports your ability to focus on each other rather than planning what to do each day, making restaurant reservations, etc. I have field tested our recommendations enabling me to speak from my experience and suggest what I consider, the best of the best.
Read more about San Miguel de Allende. Also, see photos of our property.
This Retreat is Ideal for Couples:
- In a challenging family-developmental stage
- Feeling like they are moving apart
- Feeling like having fun has diminished
- Desiring deeper intimacy with their partner
- Couples who are planning marriage
- Couples who are expecting a baby
- Couples who are approaching, or are empty nesters
retreat summary
The International Couples Retreat Consists of Three Parts
Preliminary Sessions
The treatment begins before the retreat with Dr. Schwarzbeck via Skype or FaceTime. In 4-6 preliminary remote meetings, Dr. Schwarzbeck conducts sessions with the couple and each person individually.
Retreat in San Miguel
During the Retreat, couples benefit from an integration of international themes and techniques, with a primary emphasis on partnering and intimacy.
Post Retreat Sessions
Dr. Schwarzbeck requires 4-8 remote meetings after the retreat. These important follow up sessions take place remotely and will assist the couple to implement the tools and techniques they learned and practiced during the retreat.
1: Preliminary Sessions
In our preliminary sessions we will discuss:
- Initial efforts required of each partner
- All aspects of couple care alternating with recreational activities
- Expected outcomes
- Decision to proceed (or not) with the Couples Retreat
2: Retreat in San Miguel de Allende
During the retreat couples benefit from an integration of international themes and techniques, which primarily focus on partnering and intimacy. Couples learn fact-based and proactive ways to nourish their relationship. In contrast with other retreats which emphasize conflict resolution, communication, reacting to problems; we emphasize learning and practicing actions which feed healthy, fun, creative, romantic and hopeful intimacy. These techniques produce innovative and practical results retreat couples rave about.
Right from the beginning, partners are encouraged to explore aspects of their relationship which give them a sense of hope. These techniques produce real and lasting results.
After couples learn the “sensibilities of their dysfunctions,” they are shown new ways of loving and being together. These new ways are challenging to learn and install into the relationship, therefore, practice between meetings proves an effective tool. From the onset of the retreat, each partner is encouraged to focus awareness on actions they can initiate to bring intrigue and new closeness. Once this is accomplished (by the 2nd day) each partner creates a new personal approach to expressing their love. This is not just talking. Within a day or two, new systems of intimacy are being put into place.
Meetings occur two to three times a day. This structure enables partners to develop a cadence between learning and changing in their practice together and subsequently in their therapy sessions.
International Retreat Couples often remark although they are direct and inclusive about problems, resentments, fears and criticisms – the honesty is powerful. Instead of spending a lot of time on how they once were, the couple turns their focus to how they can improve their relationship now. Within days, partners know and have a keen understanding about their relationship. They know how to move away from empty relational habits and initiate energizing ways of being together. They know frustration and sadness are signals it’s time get to work on updating their couple structure – and they know how to do it! A new, dynamic “intimacy-mindfulness” is created and implemented.
Why San Miguel de Allende
My first visit to San Miguel was in 2005 and I was immediately captivated by the European feel, rich history, the quaint cobblestone streets, beautiful parks and lovely outdoor cafes. I was drawn to the stunning landscapes and found the climate a nice reprieve from winter in the Pacific Northwest. I departed San Miguel knowing it wouldn’t be long before I returned.
During subsequent visits, I felt inspired by the possibility to create a life with more intention. A life with time to focus on relationships, coupled with the opportunity to host couple retreats. The Secret Garden House, nestled in a small canyon, feels like living in the country, however, the property is in Centro and a short walk to fabulous restaurants, luxury spas, boutiques, art galleries and the beautiful Benito Juarez Park. The perfect location to both live and host retreats.
3: Post Retreat Sessions
Following the Retreat, Dr. Schwarzbeck requires 4-8 remote sessions.
These post retreat meetings will help the couple continue to implement the tools and techniques learned during the retreat. Within these meetings, International Couples Retreat partners move forward as practiced experts who continue initiating new and improved ways to touch, laugh, have fun, explore, partner and talk in truly powerful and loving ways.
“I know that you generously gave us a lot of extra time, and we were pretty tense at first- serious and focused. It is important to tell you again that our marriage became, and is; creative, fascinating, and full of new. We loved that we had a lot of fun together…and with you!”
About san miguel de allende
Consistently rated one of the top cities in the world to visit, San Miguel is the perfect getaway from the U.S. or Canada. Nestled in the mountains of Central Mexico, San Miguel is a colonial era city known for its baroque Spanish architecture, thriving arts scene, cultural festivals, world class restaurants, wineries, luxury spas and boutique shopping. Additional activities include private cooking classes, swimming in the hot springs, hiking and exploring the botanical gardens, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides and more.
With a slower pace, it is easy to lose track of time as you and your partner meander through the colorful streets and enjoy meals in flower filled courtyards. Lined with cobblestone streets, San Miguel is often compared with European cities sans the jet lag (San Miguel is on central time). San Miguel boasts nearly year-round sunny days and a temperate climate.
Upon arrival into Queretaro (QRO) or Leon (BJX), a private car will be arranged to transport you to our property. Travel time is approximately 80 minutes. From Mexico City, travel time via private car is approximately 4 hours.
Links to Articles Written about San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Accommodations
During the Couple Retreat, for your convenience, I offer you the option of staying in La Casita del Arbol located on the property of Dr. Schwarzbeck.
La Casita del Arbol
La Casita del Arbol, the Little Treehouse is located in Centro yet tucked away in a small canyon with stunning views and a haven to retreat to after exploring San Miguel and surrounding areas. La Casita del Arbol is appointed with luxury linens, a top of the line mattress, water filtration system and lovely indoor and outdoor living spaces. You will be surrounded by lush gardens teeming with lavender, orange, lemon, lime, avocado, olive and mesquite trees.
The space
Newly renovated, while maintaining its’ colonial charm, La Casita del Arbol is very private and features one light filled bedroom with a queen sized bed, large arched windows and a romantic gas fireplace. Open the glass French doors from the bedroom to a covered terrace with a hammock for two. The terrace wraps around to an open-air seating area perfect to enjoy your morning coffee or an evening drink while admiring the canyon views. Adjoining to the bedroom is a spacious, light filled bathroom featuring beautiful hand painted tile and a walk-in shower with a stunning view of the Parroquia. Additionally, there is a lovely powder room, also with hand painted tile. A modern kitchen with new appliances and quartz countertops has been outfitted for guests who enjoy cooking. The casita has a water filtration system throughout, as well as reverse osmosis for drinking water thus as we are eco-friendly, no plastic water bottles are needed. The separate living room has an original boveda ceiling, bookshelves filled with an assortment of books and a gas fireplace. For your convenience, a washer, dryer, dishwasher and hair dryer are provided.
Experience
the international couples retreat
Schedule an informational consultation
Practice actionable strategies for nurturing your partnership in beautiful San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.