7-10 November 2024 | Wim's Land, Comporta, Portugal | 14 men
This retreat has already happened. This page is the record of it.
The Return of Men is a men's retreat and rite of passage guided by Martin Thomsen. This edition was held at Wim's Land in Comporta, Portugal.
Fire and ice. Breathwork, ritual, and honest conversation.
A circle of men who mostly arrived as strangers, and left as brothers.
We never publish the programme, before or after. Not knowing is part of the work, and the men who come next deserve the same threshold these men crossed.
What we can show you is what this retreat did for the men who attended.
Seven of the men gave these testimonials after the retreat, each in his own words. Nothing here was written for us.
"I'd never done a men's retreat before and felt drawn to Martin's energy, so I took the leap. What I found were deeply rooted emotions still living in my body, and old traumas I thought were healed. I gained powerful tools and made big decisions I'd been avoiding. Surrounded by men who allowed themselves to feel, I felt safe to do the same. This experience solidified my resolve to speak my truth, to help others find their courage to feel, and to let my anger rise with purpose."
"Before the retreat, I felt disconnected and doubted a short experience could really change me. But it was life-changing. I came home and finally opened up to my parents about my struggles. We went from no affection to daily hugs and meaningful meals. I shared my truth with my girlfriend, and it brought us closer than ever. This was the most profound investment I've ever made in myself. I left more authentic, open, and capable of forming deeper connections. I'm so grateful I took that leap."
"It was a magical weekend. Coming home, I spoke openly with my partner, and we laughed, cried, and loved like never before. I feel so clear now, about my family, my projects, and my purpose in this world. Arun and Martin turned sand into gold, showing me the magic in all of us. Strangers became brothers beyond nationality, colour, or status. Love truly is in everyone. I can't wait to share these stories again around a campfire."
"I joined because of the work I'd done online with Arun and wanted to see what could happen in person. I found a powerful connection with Arun, Martin, and every single man there. I've never cried so openly or felt such love in just a few days. The clarity, vision, and emotional release I experienced were beyond anything I imagined. I return to normal life now checking in with my feelings, facing challenges with more compassion and love."
"I felt a calling but wasn't sure what to expect. I arrived ready to surrender, forgive, and trust my inner feeling. I learned so much about facing fear, sadness, anger, and joy. I gained tools to take on anything life throws at me. My heart is full of love for every man I met there. Keep showing up!"
"I arrived without expectations, just a desire to open my heart. I connected with my buried emotions and learned to speak my truth. Arun and Martin created a safe space that allowed me to trust, let go, and see my life through fresh eyes. I feel more honest with myself and more in touch with my emotions than ever before."
"I attended another retreat before with Arun and it changed my life, so I came here wanting more access to my feelings and deeper connections. I worried it wouldn't live up to my high expectations, but it truly expanded how I relate to others. I learned to express my feelings openly, realised how people appreciate me, and decided to focus on my inner world instead of constantly seeking external solutions. Now I'm more open, more relaxed, and more willing to reach out to others, even strangers."
Photographs by Bernardo d'Alte. Every man here consented to these being shown.
Portugal: 12 to 16 May 2027, at BioVilla in the Arrábida hills.
England: 8 to 12 September 2027, on Elmore's rewilding estate in Gloucestershire.
If these men's words stirred something in you, that is worth trusting.
