Creative explorers – transformative journeys for life transitions
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Our mother's birthday wish to spend time with her children became a gift for all of us, with new explorations as a family.
This enriching experience has further inspired us to support others at different stages in life where pausing in a new and different way can be beneficial.
Deep experience of nature
Deep connection: purposeful exchanges
Deep reflection
The physical distance from other continents allows a certain "headspace" for inspiring experiences here on São Miguel. This island, where the power of the earth is tangible and palpable, offers an impressive backdrop for deepening the understanding of connections and achieving aha-effects; this thanks to a holistic approach through the five core capacities. Deep experience of nature, "impulses" as thought-provoking sparks as well as targeted interactive exchanges in respectful surroundings, offer new perspectives and promote one's own reflection in order to reconsider certain aspects of life. For an enriching experience with fellow guests, you will be encouraged to engage, and in addition to your mind, open your heart and soul to further broaden your horizons.
Experience a unique and memorable week in a historic monument from the 17th century
during transitions such as:
after the children left home, couples who wish to reinvent themselves,
faced by a life-limiting illness or bereaved
or when retirement is in the foreground.
We are all creative explorers!
Find your inner compass on an experiential journey with Caribou –
may we invite you to:
foster reflection in profound exchanges with fellow guests?
hike under the marvellous skies, moonlight, and stars over the Atlantic Ocean?
recapture your creative inner child?
embark on an authentic spiritual journey?
create emotional memories so vivid, you will be able to smell the sea!
Find
your
Inner
Compass
MENTAL
PHYSICAL
CREATIVE
SPIRITUAL
EMOTIONAL
The Ancients placed the mythical continent of Atlantis west of Gibraltar.
They must have been thinking of the Azores, where the beauty of nature
is omnipresent and the power of earth tangible.
Tiny in the Atlantic Ocean as stars in the universe, the nine islands of the archipelago set the unforgettable stage for your transformative journey with Caribou.
Commit to becoming a creative explorer
Growth is a collection of experiences – some social, others solitary.
Join Caribou in a historic monument from the 17th century (formerly Franciscan monastery) with a modern vibe on the Azores' main island of São Miguel. Spend a week – or more – in this oasis of hospitality with its garden and pool. Discover the island and enjoy the freedom to admit to your true self.
Become a creative explorer!
Climb your personal Azores High!
Gallery
Chà Gorreana
Exploration beyond São Miguel
The Azorean archipelago, half way between Europe and America, for centuries a meeting place for pirates, Atlantic sailors, adventurers and explorers, is still a special world. When you hear the Açor (Portuguese for hawk), which today is still native to almost all islands, you have arrived...
Caribou was founded by us as siblings.
When we were children, we dreamt of the lost continent of Atlantis.
As adults, we still dream of a better world.
This personal quest as well as professional obligations have led us around the globe. Along the way, we collected experiences, learned, and grew. And we explored the Azores, which come as close to a mythical land as there may be.
After five decades, as brother and sister we launched the second half of our lives during a stay in the Azores. Reflecting on the way forward, it seemed natural that we should widen our life long quest by offering others the opportunity to find closer to themselves and each other.
The native Americans held the Caribou, a reindeer, sacred. And when they hunted a Caribou, they used every part of it because they felt obliged to Mother Earth. They could make something out of every part that was important and valuable to them and the community. Shouldn't we do likewise with our core capacities?
The Caribou concept of bringing people together is in our DNA.
Follow the lead and become a creative explorer -
we cordially invite you!
...on the journey towards the infinite,
Urban Waltenspuel + Regula Waltenspuel
Caribou Azores - NPO (UID: CHE-238.540.079)
Request Additional Information
Guests for each retreat are assembled according to a shared life situation that they wish to address during their stay. With the aim of making the joint activities productive and enriching, the thematic exchange is tailored to the respective context.
Guests stay one week to immerse themselves fully in this experience. Your investment to participate, is a cost contribution of between 2,500 – 3,500 francs/euros (excluding travel).
Upon request, e.g. from a group, a stay tailored to their needs can also last up to two weeks.
The guest house can accommodate 20 guests in 10 double rooms.
Season for the stay 2025
5-12 July Der ko(s)mische Mensch – ins Unbekannte eintauchen (German)
12-19 July New Horizons in the Atlantic – soon, early- or recent retirees (English)
19-26 July Neue Horizonte im Atlantik – bald, früh- oder kürzlich Pensionierte (German)
26 July-2Aug Aufwind im Atlantik – Trauernde/Verwitwete (German)
2-9 August Updraft in the Atlantic – for the bereaved (English)
9-16 August Atlantic Perspectives: Beyond Boundaries (English)
Contact
Caribou Azores
c/o Regula Waltenspuel
Limmatstrasse 159
CH-8005 Zurich
Switzerland
+41 61 281 0808
Estrada forrada de hortênsias
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Ilhéu de Vila Franca
