What kind of retreat will this be? Am I going to be hungover for 4 days afterwards?

The goal of this trip is primarily relaxation and recovery. We all work hard and have been grinding away in our individual lives. Let’s take this opportunity to come together, connect as men and refill the tank with restorative activities we all enjoy so we can be at peak performance for the 2nd half of the year. Yes, there will be wine tastings and drinks, but feel free to enjoy your downtime the way that restores you the best. A true halftime break.

Is this going to be a business/networking retreat?

This is a wellness-first weekend. That means we should give the non-business parts of our identities plenty of space to be. I expect that we will naturally cover business stuff over drinks or in our down time, but the main focus of this experience will be to allow ourselves to be more than the breadwinner or the person in charge for a few days, so we can rebuild our energy and relax. These few days should feel more like hanging with the homies on a summer weekend with low stress more than homecoming or a conference retreat.

No phones?! Really?

Yes. There are certain sessions marked for you to leave your phone in your room or somewhere inaccessible. I could bore you with the research that shows leaving phones off or away significantly increase your feelings of rest and rejuvenation, but the primary purpose is to provide us with each others’ full attention and presence. These are only for a few sessions that will be key to us connecting, so we appreciate your willingness to go along with this.

The agenda looks good, but I really need to sleep in. Is attendance at every activity mandatory?

While we would like you to attend everything, requiring that would be contradictory to the purpose of this weekend. So no, you don’t have to attend everything. We do strongly encourage you to attend the Opening Status Check Circle, the Sound Bath, and the Dinners. Other than that, if you feel your time is best served relaxing by the pool, then enjoy that pool! Just communicate your intentions so we can plan accordingly.

I don’t know everyone on this trip, how can I feel comfortable sharing what’s going on in my life?

This group has been hand picked based on your respective personalities, positions, experiences and demonstrated discretion. If this weekend goes as intended, you will get into deep and honest conversations with other men at the retreat. You may share about your lives, wives/partners, families, deepest fears, and anything else that does not get enough air time during the work week. There is a lot to learn from the collective if you open up to it, and as such, please know that anything discussed in the formal or informal sessions will be kept in the highest confidentiality. You should feel safe to share your truths, and know that you will be seen, heard and protected.

Where will we be staying?

The Date Grove Estate, a 20 minute drive from the Palm Springs airport. We have a 2 acre estate all to ourselves!

I saw that the retreat will be mostly prix-fixe. What will be covered by my individual fee?

The goal of this weekend is for things to be smooth and for you to have as little responsibility as possible. We want to remove any friction to you having peace, so you can relax and socialize fully. As such, the budget quoted will include:

• Housing in a rental house that has serene landscaping, a pool and in which everyone can have a bed in as private quarters as possible.

• All meals listed in the agenda, including a special dinner experience on the last day.

• Groceries, snacks and drinks for the fridge onsite at the property.

• Materials to ensure quality discussions (pens, papers, etc).

• Waitstaff & bartender support for select meals.

• Wine tastings.

• All the on-site activities, including yoga, fire making class, the sound bath, and other facilitated activities.

• Palm Springs Sky Tram tickets.

• Transportation to/from local airports (Uber/rental cars, etc). We suggest you fly into Palm Springs, but if you are flying into LAX or ONT, please let Brian know, and he can find ways to ensure you get to Palm Springs in budget.

• Transportation to any events in Palm Spring (including during the free play time).

The only thing you will need to come out of pocket for will be any free play activities you decide to do, or extra drinks, etc if you decide to go out and get after it. If you have any questions on the items covered above, please feel free to ask Brian.

Any other rules or things to consider?

Just be respectful. This group represents a cross section of people from all kinds of backgrounds, mentalities, preferences and perspectives. We want everyone to feel good, so bring positive vibes and open minds.