Duende is a natural paradise where you are invited to find rest and recovery to disconnect from the hectic, demanding pace of life and the noisy distractions of society. The property is located at the base of the Caucasus Mountains at the threshold of the Lagodekhi National Reserve. It is inhabited by ancient trees who whisper wisdom and support for personal development. Solitude offers the perfect getaway for anyone who is longing to feel soothed and inspired. What we have learned about ourselves, love, and life is greatly because of the past nine years in the silence and mystery of the environment of Duende.
Solitude
Guests enjoy the comfort of a luxury, nest-like treehouse cottages surrounded by a canopy of nature. Each cottage includes basic amenities to nurture yourself: including indoor / outdoor linens, robes, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, lotion, mini fridge, air conditioning, herbal teas, and a lot of love. Additionally, two private outdoor sitting areas are available for your solitude – a stone patio with a private hot tub + fire pit and a wood deck connected to the treehouse.
Nest-like treehouse
Food from
Mother Earth
In the kitchen, we cook with what Mother Earth – naturally – gives us. Our rural chef and the ladies of Duende use many different varieties of flowers, bulbs, vegetables, plants, and herbs from the garden, the village farmers, and the forest to create meaningful meals that connect you to the present moment. All of the products are according to seasonality, preserved, or fermented. We are strongly connected to the environment and fully support nature’s process in providing us with the food we eat and serve.
You will have the opportunity to indulge in daily set menus prepared from care. The daily, themed, menus are inspired by what “nature” has taught us about living + life, while introducing aspects of her wildness in an enjoyable way..Breakfast offers a beautifully prepared “charcuterie” style board, loaded with the colors and flavor of the environment. The board is dressed with small savory bites, eggs, spreads, seasonal fruits, and cheeses. Additionally, guests are offered yogurt parfaits, a daily smoothie, bread, homemade jams, juices, and tea. Dinner is served in three courses: Appetizer, Main Course, and Dessert. Non-alcoholic beverages are available for an additional price.
Solitude and self are the pillars of the nature retreats we offer. Prior to your arrival, you will receive two invitations to begin preparing for your stay at Duende – a personal questionnaire identifying the purpose and desire for your retreat + a 1:1 introduction online connection with your “human” guide. When you arrive, you will be welcomed with a printed guidebook for your solitude experience. The book offers a daily guide of self rituals, writing experiences, nature invitations, and supported guidance with your soul coach. Coupled with this material you will be invited to explore self development concepts and activities with your private coach.
The whole experience is a representation of what and how this environment has developed our individual wholeness. It is very personal and intimate. What we are able to share is priceless. We have organically been transformed by the nature of the human and non human environments where Duende is located. We know without the experiences we have had in creating Duende and our own personal crisis four years ago, we would be struggling to remain connected to each other, our personal lives, and the world we live in.
A DATE
WITH NATURE
A nature-based experience to rest and reconnect with the roots of who you are. You will be invited to use nature as a mirror to explore the wisdom of its ecosystem and how it can support your personal growth towards wholeness. Through nature and coaching practices you will take a closer look at the four core relationships of daily life and how they shape your adult life “story”. Each relationship will be confronted with a truthful vulnerability to identify its quality of authenticity. After this short retreat you will have identified several self complacent behaviors that are asking for your attention and commitment to grow. You will be supported with several invitations to take home with you to continue your self development.
Details
Disconnect from daily stress + noise / Daily nature-based practices + invitations / Three private coaching workshops (90mins) / Topics: Nature + Human Soul / The Four Relationships / Radical Responsibility / Solitude nature immersion (12 hours) / Silent reflection writing activities / An introduction to self realization
NATURE,
NATURE ME
A self development semi-solitude experience to explore nature, psyche, and self. This experience offers an eco approach to creating a practical path towards wholeness through the wisdom of ancient myth, the mystery of nature, and the indigenous eight stages of life development. You will take an indepth exploration into each phase of your life and how it has formed your whole life “story”. Together with nature and coaching practices you will be able to confront several truths about your life experience, while receiving the support you desire. After this short retreat you will have identified many self complacent behaviors that are asking for your attention and commitment to grow. You will have a clearer vision of how you are able to mature areas of your mind (ego) to support your authentic essence. You will be supported with several invitations to take home with you to continue your eco development.
Details
Disconnect from daily stress, noise, and distractions / Daily nature-based practices + invitations / Five private coaching workshops (90mins) Topics: Nature + Human Soul , The Four Relationships , Nature as a Mirror , Radical Responsibility and A Whole Heart / Supported solitude nature immersion (24 hours) / Silent reflection writing activities /An introduction to self realization + beginner practices
SOUL
INITIATION
An intensive personal journey into the core essence of growth, wholeness, and yourself. This is a full immersion with the spirit of who you are and (perhaps) who you aren’t. With the support of nature and coach, you will actively be invited to peel back the layers of life to explore the illusion of who you believe yourself to be. You will intimately confront the four core relationships and sub relationships throughout the first 4-5 stages of your life, recognizing the true maturity of each. You will connect with the curiosity of nature as “she” guides you to engage with the innocence of playfulness, curiosity, and creativity. After this in-depth retreat you will know the self complacent behaviors that are asking for your attention and commitment to grow. You will have a clear vision of how you are able to mature areas of your mind (ego) to support your authentic essence. You will be supported with several invitations to take home with you to continue your eco development.
Details
Disconnect from the stress, noise, and distractions / Confront and commit to your self development / Daily nature-based practices + invitations / Three coaching workshops per week (90mins) / Topics: Nature + Human Soul, The Four Relationships, Nature as a Mirror, Radical Responsibility and A Whole Heart / Solitude nature immersion (48-96 hours) / Silent reflection writing activities / An introduction to self realization + committed practices for development
LOVER’S
QUEST
An intimate connection with the essence of love and partnership through an open heart. This experience invites couples to draw awareness to the true commitment of their relationship through exploring the truthfulness around personal authenticity, money, sex, and external relationships (human + non-human).. Individually and together you will be invited to confront / connect through ritual, nature-based, and coaching practices / conversations.
Details
Disconnect from daily stress, noise, and distractions. / Confront and commit to evolving your relationship / Daily love rituals, nature-based practices + invitations / Three coaching workshops (90mins): Topics:: Beyond the Fairytale, Breakup vs Breakthrough and The Return to Love / Writing from the heart / An introduction to a conscious partnership.
FOREST FOOD
NATURE’S NIBBLES
A hands-on experience to learn about personal farming, foraging, and preserving nature.