From September 1 to 5, 2026, Brajchino was the setting for a unique experience. Amidst nature, far removed from the rush of everyday life, the “Prespa Retreat” took place—five days filled with movement, music, silence, conversation, new practices, and time to reconnect with oneself.
The retreat was organized as part of the “Magic of Prespa” project, with the aim of experiencing Prespa not merely as a tourist destination, but as a space where nature, personal well-being, and authentic experiences merge into a unified whole.
Instead of a single, predetermined formula, the program combined various approaches, enabling participants to discover what suited them best and what they needed at the moment.
Mornings began with yoga and practices led by Sandra Begović, who—through movement, breathing, and elements of the Ayurvedic approach—created a space for starting the day consciously and fostering a deeper connection with the body.
With Duke Bojadziev, music took on a completely different role. Through musical sessions and individual experiences, participants encountered it as a tool for introspection, emotion, and personal reflection—an experience where one comes not merely to listen, but to feel.
Beti Kotovchevska introduced the participants to the cold bath experience, focusing on breathing, mental presence, connecting with one’s own body, and exploring personal limits.
Through meditation, conscious breathing, bodywork practices, and reflexology, Gere Tripkov created a space for calming, becoming aware of bodily signals, and engaging in individual work focused on relaxation and inner balance.
On the final evening, Iva Zafirovska rounded off the experience with sound therapy. The sound and vibrations created a space for deep relaxation, the integration of experiences from the preceding days, and a conscious focus on what lies ahead upon returning to everyday life.
But the “Prespa Retreat” did not take place solely within the guided sessions.
It happened during shared meals, walks through Brajchino, and breaks between activities; in conversations that continued without a set timeframe, in the silence, and in the simple feeling that there was no need to constantly rush toward the next thing.
The natural setting of Prespa was precisely one of the most important parts of the entire experience—not merely as a backdrop, but as an integral part of it.
“We didn’t want to create a retreat that tells people what to feel or what to focus on. We wanted to create a space where everyone could discover what they needed. For some, it was movement; for others, music, silence, conversation, a physical challenge, or simply the opportunity to live at a different pace for a few days,” says the “Prespa Retreat” team.
The realization of the retreat is part of the broader vision of the “Magic of Prespa” project—developing new, inclusive, and sustainable experiences that leverage the region’s authenticity and create new reasons to visit, experience, and return to Prespa.
Previously, the project also featured “Prespa AdvenTOURS”—an inclusive cycling experience utilizing both standard and adaptive bicycles. This activity also promoted the first “Rent-an-Adaptive-Bike” model in Resen, ensuring that adaptive bicycles remain available for use even after the project activities have concluded.
Moments from the Prespa Retreat 2026
The Next Prespa Retreat – May 2027
The story does not end with the conclusion of the first edition. The next Prespa Retreat is planned for May 2027, featuring a new program and once again focusing on nature, personal well-being, movement, body practices, and authentic experiences in Prespa.
If you want to get a feel for what the first edition was like, take a look at the Prespa Retreat 2026 page: https://cosense.me/
If you would like to be among the first to receive information about the dates, program, mentors, and participation requirements for the next retreat, please submit your details using the form below.
By filling out the form, you express interest in the next edition of the Prespa Retreat. The team will contact you once the official dates, program, and participation requirements are announced.
The first edition demonstrated that Prespa has the potential to be a setting for a new type of experience—one where travel is not merely a change of location, but an opportunity to change one’s pace as well.
See you again in Prespa in May 2027.
