Barcelona 2 night Retreat
A Barcelona Shoemaking Intensive
For a little more than the price of our shoes, enjoy three days and 2 nights in one of the world's great craft cities for a full day immersive on shoemaking with accommodations. No need for prior skills, just a love for the craft will do!
- The art of leather tanning — how different processes shape the quality, feel, and character of every hide, and the health of your feet
- Bespoke versus custom — what the distinction really means and why it matters
- Leather dyeing techniques— explored hands-on so you understand the craft from the inside
- Centuries of footwear history — how design, function, and culture have shaped the shoes we wear today
- The science of fit — how patterns and construction influence the way you move
- Make your own custom pair of Sevilla Smith shoes, crafted by your hands with our guidance from first cut to final rivet, choose from styles shown here
Our accommodations are a historic Modernista home in the very centre of Barcelona, with expansive living space to relax and the ease to wander the city at will. The home is true artisan home with grand hand painted ceiling frescoes and hand patterned Catalan nola tiles, to hand cast brass door handles and modern furnishings reinvented with handwork.
Unlike typical retreats where you are sequestered to an isolated venue and limited by transportation, our home base in the very center of a vibrant city allows you to skip certain activities to opt for free time to explore the many more activities that Barcelona has to offer should you choose. Enjoy this experience at your own pace and tempo.
Everyone trickles into Barcelona where I will await your arrival to our beautiful home. We will have fresh snacks and drinks as you settle in and freshen up. Shake off your journey with a shower and slow, unhurried walk around Barcelona — past Gothic and Medieval courtyards, tiled tabacs, and hidden plazas picking up local pica pica tapas and vermut along the way to the sea.
We take a leisurely breakfast at home before learning about leather and different shoemaking methods before we dye and paint our leathers. While the dyes dry, we walk to lunch at Cafè del Centre, a 19th-century gem of Catalan cooking. Back at our home workshop, we talk through the shoes you'll make. Your shoes should be finished in time for your dinner at your leisure
The Details
ballroom room w living area
ballroom room w living area
ballroom room with living area or galeria room
Included
- 2 nights in a landmark Modernista apartment
- Meals — breakfast, lunches with water and wine on Shoemaking Day
- All workshop materials, tools
- Friendly knowledgeable, English speaking guidance throughout your stay
Does Not Include
- Flights and transport to/from Barcelona
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Drinks other than those served with meals
- Meals during free times
- Personal expenses
Where We Stay
Our home for the week is a landmark Modernista apartment in the heart of Barcelona: original frescoes, a ballroom, and the kind of proportions that remind you this city was once showing off for the world. Restored to its historic details and shared by just our group of five, it becomes our workshop, our dining room, and our living room all at once — with plenty of space to relax. Located just two blocks from Casa Batlló and Plaça Catalunya, everything is on your doorstep.
Practical Information
Meeting Point
Barcelona. Please check with us before booking travel to confirm timing. If flying from outside Europe, arriving a day early to recover from jet lag is recommended. We can accommodate pre/post retreat stays for an additional fee.
Departure
From central Barcelona. I am happy to advise on places to stay before or after the retreat...Barcelona is very well connected to other cities/countries.
Dietary Requirements
Most dietary requirements can be accommodated as long as you tell us in advance. The retreat has a strong focus on authentic Catalan and seasonal food, so the more freely you can eat the more you'll enjoy it. Provided meals are family style to share in as many new local foods as possible.
Physical Fitness & Dress
You should be comfortable walking on uneven city streets and standing in workshops.
Dress is informal. Good walking shoes are essential. A light jacket is recommended for evenings during non-Summer season.
Cancellation
I understand things may come up. You can cancel up to 1 month ahead for a full refund. 15-29 days get a 50% refund. Less notice is non-refundable. If you have delays in your flight/train, we can usually adjust the dates easily but may incur a charge for additional nights needed.