Monasterio

Retreats & Events

Welcome to Monasterio

My name is Sergio Roitman, and I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From a very young age, I was fortunate enough to fall in love with a sport (tennis), and soon after, that love turned into a dream: to be a professional tennis player.

This dream stayed with me day after day, without me knowing where the energy that fueled it came from, or the passion I felt every time I stepped onto a tennis court. What I can say for sure is that my soul never doubted, not for a second, that this was my path, even though it was a path against all odds and with an unsustainable financial reality. This reality led my family to beg me to look for another alternative for my life, something more "achievable," more "normal," but I didn't. I never strayed from my dream.

Tennis has helped me develop very useful skills, such as determination, discipline, perseverance, and the ability to never give up in the face of failures or difficulties. But above all, it taught me to be constantly attentive to what is happening inside me, to pay attention to my fears and insecurities, and to always ask myself why things are the way they are.

Today, after many experiences lived with and outside of tennis, after many years of searching, of getting lost and finding myself, I can say that I have fallen in love again, that a new dream has been born where I feel the same passion and energy that I felt as a child with tennis.

The dream took shape during some deep meditation. From there, it stayed with me, and we began to walk the path of the Uncertain and the Passionate, something similar, but on a different scale, to what I experienced through tennis.

This dream consisted of finding a space, an energetic point, a place where people could come to explore themselves, whether to deepen their path or to deal with a specific situation that requires greater attention.

A place where there is no religion, no dogma, no leader, no guru, no routines to follow, a place where you can choose how to live with yourself according to your present moment. A place free from the human condition, combined with the power of Nature.

A place where you have your own space and rhythm, a place where there is no time, where freedom is your true guide.

For several months I traveled all over Spain searching for this energy point, this place where energy flowed freely and purely. After all these trips, I knew it had to be in the mountains, with their hills and forests, near a river (not a lagoon or stagnant water) with a strong current and movement year-round, with four distinct seasons, a very low population density in the surrounding area, but easily accessible with services, and much more… I never thought this dreamland existed, but it does, and it's where the Monasterio stands today.

As soon as I began exploring the possibility of making this dream a reality, I was told that what I wanted to do was almost impossible, against all odds, that the authorizations and permits to carry out any activity on that specific land would be extremely difficult to obtain. Not to mention the colossal work involved in clearing, weeding, and removing rubble from the ruins of the Monasterio, after almost 200 years of abandonment and collapse… For me, these were the signs that I was on the right path.

The Dream

Project & Activities

It consists of 10 residential Duomos and a main Duomo, where the activities will take place. Each residential Duomo will have its own plot of approximately 250 m2, surrounded by plants and trees for greater privacy.

The Duomo for activities will be approximately 10 meters in diameter, and on one side, there will be a building with shared bathrooms and a kitchen for large groups.

Of the 10 residential Duomos, 5 will have a capacity for a maximum of 3 people and the other 5 for a maximum of 2 people. All will have a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace, and will be powered by solar energy.

The activities offered will be varied and in accordance with the philosophy of the place. Some examples are:

Yoga retreats
Silence retreats
Guided or silent meditation retreats
Music therapy
Holotropic breathwork
Shamanic percussion
Artistic evenings
Musical evenings
Art exhibitions
Local farmers market

The entire property can be booked for large groups or special occasions. We can provide meals during retreats with prior reservation.

During the summer (peak season), the staff will consist primarily of volunteers from exchange programs, who will receive accommodation, meals, and the opportunity to learn and experience the property.

It is essential to clarify that this project can only be carried out because it was declared to be of public and social interest by unanimous decision of the Municipality. This provided the opportunity to develop all the activities, construction, modifications, and everything necessary to make this dream a reality in a completely legal and transparent manner. This process has been long and a great learning experience, but above all, it tested my patience, passion, and discipline, much like tennis did in its time, for which I am eternally grateful, and it is time to give back.

Location & Surroundings

The 23 hectares of land are located 20 minutes north of the Western Valleys Natural Park and 25 minutes east of the city of Jaca. Monasterio boasts approximately 14 hectares of its own woodland with accessible paths and trails, featuring a small spring at its center. Within the forest, you'll find designated areas for meditation and relaxation, as well as campsites where you can enjoy the experience of sleeping under the open sky. The stars offer an unforgettable spectacle each night.

The mountains are interconnected, providing opportunities for long walks and even visits to nearby villages. With luck, you might encounter a deer (they are easily startled), a fox, or a variety of migratory birds. There are no dangerous animals, so you can walk with complete peace of mind around the property and its surroundings.

On the flat part of the property, covering approximately 9 hectares, lie the ruins of the Monastery of El Pilar de Embún, originally a small hermitage built around 1600 (which is still preserved). The monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is steeped in mystical tales, and it is well known that its location was not chosen at random, but rather due to the unique energy field that surrounds it. Directly opposite the monastery are the cabins where guests will stay and the main Duomo, where some of the activities will take place.

All the Duomos are located in such a way that they form the geometric figure of the tree of life. It's worth noting that the flat part of the property offers a completely open view, something quite rare in this type of valley. This allows you to enjoy sunlight throughout the day, as well as completely clear skies at night; truly exceptional. On nights of a full moon, the moon illuminates Monasterio and shines directly upon it, offering a breathtaking experience.

The Aragón Subordán River, one of the most important rivers in the area, with a constant flow year-round and crystal-clear waters, crosses the property from end to end, providing it with inexhaustible energy. Swimming in its icy waters is permitted, and there are two access points facing the property. In addition to the health benefits of exposure to cold water, simply sitting by the river provides a profound sense of relaxation; it might even speak to you. Perhaps, after a few days, this beautiful and powerful place, with all its attributes, will help us relax, find peace, and see something we haven't been able to see until now. This is the spirit of my dream.

Monasterio: Surroundings

Monasterio: Aragón Subordán River

Monasterio: The Forest

Events

Here we find a light installation by the great artist Nacho Arategui. With him, we are preparing and testing Monasterio for artistic evenings featuring musicians, dancers, and much more, which will be revealed on the days this unique experience is available.