Spring 2027 Waitlist — Language & Culture Retreat

The table’s being set, claim your seat

The next Language & Culture Retreat takes place in Barcelona, Spring 2027

There are 10 seats.
For those who value access, care, and learning in relationship with place.

The investment

Investment details will be announced later this year

This experience is designed as a complete, carefully held week
where language learning, cultural access, accommodation, and daily support
are woven into a single, cohesive container.

Your investment reflects the time, attention, and presence devoted to every element of the retreat,
so you can arrive, settle, and fully participate.

What’s included

Before

A personal Spanish assessment and welcome conversation with Lydia
A custom learning roadmap shaped around your level, interests, and goals
Access to the private Sobremesa community hub
A pre-retreat group introduction and orientation

During

Six nights of accommodation in Barcelona
Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
Daily breakfast, shared lunches, and group dinners
Daily one-on-one Spanish learning
Guided group conversation practice
Creative workshops and curated cultural encounters
All learning materials and resources
Ongoing support throughout the week

After

Continued access to the community hub
Language integration resources to support what you’ve learned
Invitations to future Sobremesa gatherings and offerings
Preferred access to partner benefits

FAQs

What is Sobremesa.Immersions?
Sobremesa.Immersions is a founder-led Spanish language and culture retreat held in Barcelona. It’s designed for people who want to live inside the language not study it in isolation.
Over six days, Spanish is woven into daily life through private one-on-one learning, shared group conversations, creative workshops, cultural encounters, and time spent moving through the city together. Language unfolds through conversation, place, rhythm, and relationship.
This is not a tour or a classroom-based program. It’s a held experience where learning happens through presence and participation.
You can schedule a meeting with our founder Lydia to find out if Sobremesa.Immersions is the right fit for you and answer any questions you might have about the program:
AT THE TABLE WITH LYDIA

When and where does the program take place?
Spring, 2027.
Barcelona is not a backdrop to the experience — it’s part of the learning. Classes, conversations, and encounters unfold across carefully chosen spaces in the city and its surroundings.

Can you learn a language in one week?
Becoming fluent in just one week isn’t realistic, but transforming the way you learn a language absolutely is.
Sobremesa.Immersions are designed to awaken your curiosity, engage your senses, and connect Spanish to the things you care about most. Through customized one-on-one lessons, immersive group conversations, creative workshops, gallery visits, and unforgettable dining experiences, you’ll experience the language in a deeply personal and meaningful way and create lasting connections.
We believe real progress happens when language learning goes beyond textbooks—when it becomes emotional, creative, and connected to your daily life. That’s why our approach is built by creatives, for creatives, with beauty, depth, community, and inspiration at its core.

What’s included in the fee?
The retreat fee includes:
– Six nights of accommodation
– Daily breakfast, shared lunches, and group dinners (with one free evening)
– Daily private one-on-one Spanish learning
– Daily guided group conversation practice
– Creative workshops and cultural encounters
– Airport transfers and local transportation related to the program
– All learning materials and resources
– Ongoing support before, during, and after the retreat
* Flights are not included.

What happens after I register?
After registering, you’ll have a one-on-one conversation with Lydia to get to know you, assess your level, and align on your goals.
You’ll then be matched with your teacher and begin shaping your personalized learning path. About a month before the retreat, the group gathers for a shared call to meet one another and step into the experience together.
Nothing is rushed. Preparation is part of the care.

What level of Spanish do I need to join the immersion?
Sobremesa.Immersions are designed for learners with a minimum A2.1 level.
If you can describe daily routines, talk about your interests, and hold simple conversations, you’ll be well supported. Before arrival, your level is assessed and your learning path is adapted to meet you exactly where you are.
If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to book a short conversation with Lydia to explore fit.
AT THE TABLE WITH LYDIA

I’m a total Spanish beginner. Will Sobremesa.Immersions work for me?
This retreat is not designed for complete beginners.
If you’re earlier in your learning journey, Sobremesa offers other ways to begin including online courses and flexible one-on-one learning. Lydia will always guide you toward the experience that best supports you.

Can you tell me more about the one-on-one lessons included in the immersions?
Each weekday morning includes three hours of private, one-on-one Spanish learning.
Your sessions are shaped around your interests, questions, and real-life needs — not a fixed syllabus. Some days focus on conversation, others on structure, vocabulary, or clarity. The pace adapts to you.
This is focused, relational learning designed to build confidence and fluency that feels usable and alive.

What about the group conversation sessions?
Our group conversation sessions are designed to fast-track your fluency through real-life practice. Guided and supported by our teachers, these dynamic lessons give you the chance to speak Spanish in meaningful, real-world contexts—especially as you reflect on the experiences you’re sharing with fellow students during your time in Barcelona.
Rather than traditional classroom drills, you’ll engage in lively conversations with your peers, discussing the activities you’ve done together and building the confidence to express yourself naturally and spontaneously. The focus is on collaboration, connection, and developing the skills you need to truly communicate.

How many hours do we spend in class?
From Monday to Friday, you’ll spend around 5 hours a day in class at the beautiful Montoya workspace. Each morning begins with a 3-hour one-on-one lesson with your personal teacher, followed by a relaxing coffee break and a 1 hour group conversation session with your fellow students.

Where will the classes take place?
We have partnered with Montoya, a beautifully designed workspace and event space in the heart of Poblenou, a short 15-minute walk from the hotel. All one-on-one and group classes will take place on their second floor, an open-plan, versatile space with floor-to-ceiling modern glass doors that lead to an exterior patio, offering plenty of natural light throughout the day.
Montoya founders Skye Maunsell and Jordi Veciana understand how a space can be crafted to bring people and ideas together and have used their experience in architecture and design to build a home of creative inspiration in Barcelona, and we couldn’t have found a better place to house our classes than this inspiring space.

Will I meet my teacher or the other guests beforehand?
Yes. You’ll meet your teacher individually after registration, and the full group gathers on a video call about a month before the retreat begins. This allows the experience to feel familiar and grounded before you arrive.

What can I expect from the creative workshops?
Our creative workshops provide a unique blend of language learning and hands-on creativity. Led by top local artists and cultural figures, these sessions are designed to inspire you while practicing Spanish in real-world contexts. Expect a mix of art, writing, and wine-tasting workshops, all set in beautiful, inspiring locations throughout Barcelona. You’ll engage in hands-on projects, learn new techniques, and have the opportunity to practice Spanish in a fun and interactive setting. The workshops will take place on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoon in different locations.

Will I have any free time?
Yes and it’s intentional.
Some afternoons include open time to explore, rest, or follow your curiosity. One full afternoon midweek is left completely open. Suggestions are always available, but nothing is required. This is a held rhythm, not a packed itinerary.

Where will I stay?
Your stay at The Hoxton in Poblenou will be a key part of your experience. Known for its creative ambiance and relaxed, yet stylish vibe, The Hoxton provides the perfect base for your Spanish immersion journey. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals, making it easy to connect and bond with other participants. Call us biased, but few hotels capture Barcelona’s gritty yet fiercely glamorous edge quite like this one.

Can I bring my spouse, partner, or friend if they are not learning Spanish?
We totally get that sometimes you want to share experiences with your loved ones. While it depends on the accommodation setup, we generally recommend diving into the workshop solo for the best learning experience. But hey, let’s chat about it—reach out, and we’ll figure out the best plan together! Thanks for understanding.

Can I upgrade my room or share it if we are two people?
Absolutely! Your reservation includes a stay at The Roomie, but if you’d like to upgrade your room category for a bit more luxury, you can do so for an additional supplement. If you’d like to share the room, you can do so for an extra cost. Just let us know your preference, and we’ll handle the rest.

What meals are provided?
Foodies, rejoice! We’ve got a delicious lineup for you:
6 breakfasts at The Hoxton
4 coffee breaks by Skye Coffee at Montoya
4 lunches at Four Corners – The Hoxton
A welcome meeting by El Xampayet at Talara Studios
Dinners at exclusive spots like Canvis Nou, Tiberi Bar, and a farewell event at Comitteé Estudio
1 Traditional lunch with vermut at Mas Palou

I have a dietary concern
Hey there! No worries, we’ve got you covered. Just let us know your dietary needs and preferences, and we’ll make sure you’re all set with delicious options throughout the immersion. We’re here to make sure your experience is awesome and worry-free!

How will transportation be handled?
We’ve got all your transportation needs covered. This includes private transfers to and from the airport, all transport within Barcelona, and even the trip to Mas Palou, our charming countryside masia. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

How will transportation be handled?
We’ve got all your transportation needs covered. This includes private transfers to and from the airport, all transport within Barcelona, and even the trip to Mas Palou, our charming countryside masia. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

How does payment work?
To reserve your place, a €1,500 non-refundable deposit is required. This deposit secures your seat in the retreat and is applied toward the total program fee.
Once your deposit is received, you may choose to settle the remaining balance either in full or through a flexible payment option. All payments are completed via bank transfer.
The remaining balance must be finalized no later than six weeks prior to the start of the retreat. If the balance is not received by this date, the reserved place will be released and the deposit forfeited.

Do you offer payment plans?
Yes.
After the deposit, the remaining balance may be paid in one installment or divided into two installments, depending on what feels most supportive for you.
Final amounts may vary slightly based on room selection or optional upgrades. Our team will guide you through the process to ensure everything feels clear, calm, and aligned. All payments are completed via bank transfer and finalized six weeks before the retreat begins.

What is your cancellation policy?
Because this is a small, carefully curated experience with limited places, our cancellation policy reflects the level of preparation, commitment, and care involved.
– The €1,500 deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances.
– For the remaining balance, refunds are issued as follows:
– 45 days or more before the retreat: 30% of the full program fee is refundable
– Between 45 and 15 days before the retreat: 15% of the full program fee is refundable
– Within 15 days of the retreat: the full program fee is non-refundable
For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel or trip-interruption insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances.

When can I buy my flights?
You can start booking your flights once you’ve received confirmation of your spot in the program! We’ll reach out to all confirmed participants before then with any final details, so you’ll have everything you need to plan your trip. We recommend waiting until your spot is officially secured before making any non-refundable travel arrangements.

When should I arrive?
The program officially begins with a welcome event on Sunday evening. You are welcome to plan your arrival for any time that day. Hotel check-in starts at 9:00 AM.
The program ends after breakfast on next Saturday with departures from the hotel by checkout time. If you have never been to Barcelona (or even if you have) and want to extend your stay by booking before or after the immersion, just let us know so we can help with the logistics and give you personal recommendations.

Do I need travel insurance or visa?
For your peace of mind and in accordance with our policy, having travel insurance is mandatory. Remember to compare policies and read the fine print to ensure you choose the best coverage for your specific needs and travel plans. Safe travels!
Please note that a travel visa may be mandatory depending on your citizenship status. We highly recommend contacting your government office or the nearest Spanish consulate to find out the specific visa requirements and application procedures. Ensuring you have the necessary documentation in place is crucial for a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

What if I’d like to extend my stay in Barcelona before or after the immersion?
We totally get it! Barcelona is an incredible city, and there’s so much to explore! If you’d like to extend your stay before or after the Immersion, we’re happy to help. Whether you need recommendations, assistance with hotel bookings, or help with any other logistics, just let us know. We’re here to make it easy for you :)

What’s the weather?
Spring in Barcelona is mild and pleasant. The average high temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) to 24°C (75°F), while the average low temperatures are between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F). You can expect sunny days, but also the occasional spring shower—so it’s a good idea to be prepared for both.

What do I need to bring?
Light layers for the day (t-shirts, blouses, light sweaters) and a warmer jacket for the cooler evenings. Comfortable shoes for walking around the city. A small umbrella or light rain jacket just in case of spring showers. Toiletries. Prescription medication (very important). Whatever you use to write (laptop, tablet, pad of paper, etc.). Power cords and adapters that meet European standards (230V) for all electronic devices. And don’t forget your sunglasses—Barcelona’s spring sunshine is beautiful!

What kind of electronic adaptors do I need?
An adapter that transforms your U.S. or U.K. (or other) plug into a “Type C” plug (also called the Europlug) has two round pins. The pins are 4 to 4.8 mm wide with centers that are spaced 19 mm apart. The plug also fits into Type E, F, J, K, or N sockets that you often find instead of the Type C socket. Bring at least one adapter for every electronic device you are traveling with (phone, tablet, PC, earphones, etc.)