BAREFOOT
Grounding countryside retreat

We would like to invite you to a self discover retreat like no other seen so far in Romania.

A beautiful four-day getaway experience at MESENDORF, the last great wilderness and authentic rural landscape in Europe, dedicated to all creative souls (everyday creators, those looking to speed up career growth or those who feel stuck, entrepreneurs, content creators, co-founders, networkers, on-the-fence creators, keen hobbyists, and reluctant beginners, seekers, non-believers, mavericks, outliners, and misfits), you are all more than welcome to join us.

On this BAREFOOT retreat we create a transformative journey of grounding through immersive experiences for mind, body and soul designed to deepen your connection with the Earth and yourself.

Our carefully curated experiences blend ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices, offering a holistic approach to grounding.

You’ll begin each day with mindful barefoot walks across dewy meadows, engaging your senses with the fresh air and the soft, natural terrain beneath your feet. Guided meditation sessions in tranquil garden will help calm your mind, while yoga practices amidst the rolling hills enhance your physical grounding and balance. Nutrient-rich meals prepared from local, organic ingredients will nourish your body, reflecting the connection between the earth and your inner well-being.

Evenings are dedicated to reflective activities like journaling by the fire, stargazing, and sharing stories under the Transylvanian night sky, helping you unwind and reset your spirit. Every aspect of the retreat is designed to cultivate a sense of peace, alignment, and renewal—leaving you not only grounded but deeply transformed.

Everything happens in the serene setting created by Iulia Iacob at MESENDORF, traditional Saxon households from the charming village of Mesendorf, in the heart of Transylvania.

Organized around a generous inner yard and composed of large houses with tall, wooden ceilings, and various annexes, the property has been carefully restored to preserve Saxon heritage and offer their guests comfort and relaxation.

The Yoga practices are in the Hatha style, which means balancing the energies in the body, mind and Spirit, with intentional, aligned postures and controlled and deep breaths.

We release the mental clutter and embrace simplicity, focusing on the essence of each movement. Just as being barefoot is a return to basics, this practice emphasizes slowing down and being fully present in each posture.

The protective layers are set aside - whether physical, emotional, or mental - and we explore our authentic selves in the practice. The postures are approached with a sense of internal rooting, helping us feel stable and centered. It’s all about finding that inner grounding wherever we are.

Mindful breathwork and attention to sensations in the body become central. We tune into the subtleties of the practice, inviting a heightened awareness of every small movement and breath, and shedding what no longer serves, whether it's self-judgment, external expectations, or unnecessary effort.

The grounding meditation practice enhances the sense of inner connection to our roots and core values.

Benefits:

-       Emotional Grounding: mental clarity and emotional stability.

-       Openness and Vulnerability: more open and vulnerable in the practice, fostering personal growth.

-       Simplicity and Mindfulness: minimalistic and mindful approach to Yoga, where each pose is felt deeply without distraction.

-       Increased Sensory Awareness: heightened awareness of the body’s subtle sensations

-       Sensitivity, Honesty, and Grounded Presence: an experience that is both introspective, grounding and liberating at the same time.

Our culinary experiences will be a mosaic, with a diverse range of delicious options inspired by Transylvanian cuisine. From appetizers, two savory main courses and irresistible desserts, created with care and passion, using the freshest ingredients of the highest quality.

In this workshop, we will explore our deep connection to the earth and our ancestors. As we walk barefoot, we’ll reflect on how the same ground we stand on was once worked by those who came before us. Just as the earth accepts the fallen leaves in autumn, we too will release what no longer serves us, allowing it to be transformed. Through grounding exercises and reflection, we’ll honor the cycles of life and death, embracing the wisdom passed down through the generations.

IOANA GUICĂ

The workshop where mindful tea preparation meets reflective journaling. Savor the calming practice of a traditional tea ritual, followed by guided journaling to explore your thoughts and intentions. This serene experience fosters relaxation, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to the present moment. Perfect for those seeking peace and clarity.

In this Sound Healing Session, we invite you to step into a space of grounding and release, as if walking barefoot on soft earth. Imagine shedding the barriers between yourself and the nurturing energy of the ground beneath you. Just as bare feet touch the earth, each sound, tone, and vibration will help you connect deeply to your core, allowing you to release tension and absorb healing energy from the universe.

Listen to the soft, grounding tones of the singing bowls, their vibrations mimicking the sensation of walking on a quiet, dewy morning forest floor. Feel the resonance of the chimes guiding you deeper into relaxation and balance. With each passing sound, let go of anything that keeps you from feeling fully present and connected to your body, mind, and spirit.

Allow the vibrations and the soothing and healing frequencies to be absorbed by your body at a cellular level, bringing a sense of grounding, safety, health and connection with source, leaving you lighter, more balanced, and deeply rooted in your own sense of being.

ANCA BRANOVICI-BURDUHOS

Celebrate the season's beauty by crafting unique floral arrangement. Using a variety of dried flowers and natural elements, you'll learn creative techniques to design stunning, long-lasting displays that capture the essence of autumn. This workshop offers a relaxing, hands-on experience in a cozy seasonal setting.

LUMINIȚA FLOREA

Discover the flavors of the season and learn to craft delicious homemade dumplings filled with seasonal plums and warm spices, perfect for cozy autumn days. This hands-on workshop blends tradition and creativity, offering a fun and flavorful culinary experience.

IOANA GUICĂ

Iulia Iacob, an entrepreneur and creative spirit, founded ZOFretreats as a space for creatives to come together for unique learning experiences while enjoying travel and fun. With over seven years in the events industry, she understands the continuous learning and the pressures of maintaining professionalism. To combat the stress and overwhelm, Iulia created a safe space for individuals to step out of their comfort zones, connect, and relax. While styled shoots focus on skill mastery for event professionals, the retreats prioritize mental and creative well-being. As a perfectionist and business owner, Iulia knows the challenges of hard work and self-neglect. She believes in changing the narrative and prioritizing self-care, emphasizing that everyone deserves it.

Eat to connect to your senses

I’m IOANA and I Eat to connect. I believe that we can connect better to ourselves and to the ones around us when food is on the table.

Take your time to pause, to see every detail of a raspberry, every angle of an almond and then experience the magic of really seeing the people in front of you – their beautiful eyes, their smile, their soul. Let’s explore together a world of senses and flavours and let's connect better to life

Yoga Teacher

Guiding people to discover themselves by introducing Yoga practice and Ayurvedic wisdom in daily life

I have always considered myself a caring person and I used to put other people's needs before my own. I was always ready to help others, and I still am, but I never helped myself enough. I used to be very demanding with myself, a perfectionist, I used to punish myself when I wasn't productive enough, by working even more to compensate for not getting the whole potential out of a situation or project.

But Life and Yoga philosophy and practice have taught me that I AM enough, I DO enough, I AM perfect with all my flaws. I am the energy of compassion, I just need to practice it more with myself and let it come out from where I have hidden it.

Mădălina Pavăl is a Romanian singer known for blending traditional folk influences with contemporary sounds. Her unique style is characterized by her passion for singing barefoot, which she sees as a way to connect deeply with her music, the earth, and her audience. Singing without shoes symbolizes freedom and authenticity, allowing her to feel grounded and express emotions more freely during her performances.

Join me for a unique Dried Flower Workshop in the heart of Transylvania, where nature meets creativity! Learn the art of crafting beautiful, long-lasting floral arrangements using locally sourced dried flowers. Set against the backdrop of Transylvania’s enchanting landscapes, this hands-on workshop offers a perfect blend of tradition and modern design. Whether you're a beginner or a flower enthusiast, come immerse yourself in a relaxing, inspiring atmosphere and take home a one-of-a-kind piece of floral art.