Zen y Playa 2026

During the last week of August, from Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 30, Barcelona Ryokan Zen Dojo is organizing the 15^th edition of Zen y Playa with Master Soko, at Can Oliver, a modern retreat center in the heart of nature, with a swimming pool, fully equipped and accessible for children and people with reduced mobility, 30 minutes from the beaches of Empúries (Costa Brava).

The first zazen (Zen meditation) of the day, weather permitting, takes place facing the sea, on Muscleres Beach opposite the ruins of Empúries, before sunrise. An unbeatable opportunity to discover, experience, and deepen the practice of zazen, in a privileged natural setting alongside monks, nuns, and people beginning Zen practice. Registration is open, places are limited.

Description

The Zen y Playa XV retreat begins with a first zazen at the end of the afternoon on Friday, August 21 at Can Oliver, and continues with 8 and a half days of Zen practice (zazen, kesa sewing, samu) and related activities (introduction to the zazen posture, Iyengar yoga, shiatsu), with a rest day on Thursday the 27th.

Arrival for the full session is that same Friday, August 21 starting at 6 p.m. Taking part in the full retreat is recommended, but it is also possible to attend individual days.

There will be ordinations at the end of the session.

A day at Zen y Playa

All Zen y Playa XV meditation sessions take place outdoors, whenever weather conditions allow. During the first part of the week there are two daily meditations, and toward the end three sessions, the last one after dinner. The retreat ends with a final zazen on the morning of Sunday, August 30, followed by a closing meal.

The day of practice begins with zazen at 7 a.m., followed by a traditional Zen breakfast (genmai) on the beach. The morning continues with free time to enjoy the sea, the sun, and the surroundings, until returning to the farmhouse at midday to enjoy its coolness and swimming pool.

Lunch is prepared to be served around 1:30 p.m., and is followed by a rest period. Carrying out everyday tasks such as preparing meals, washing dishes, making coffee, cleaning the common areas, etc. is part of the practice and is shared by all participants; these tasks are assigned by lottery each day after lunch.

The day continues from 4 p.m. with activities related to the practice (introductory workshop and posture correction for zazen, Iyengar yoga, shiatsu, traditional Zen sewing).

Around 6:30 p.m., the second zazen of the day takes place. Dinner is served around 8:30 p.m., and after dinner it is possible to enjoy a relaxed moment around the pool, with music and a bar.

The venue (Can Oliver)

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Surrounded by woods and fields, Can Oliver has private woodland and large flat spaces to carry out activities in complete peace while enjoying nature. With a swimming pool and play area for the little ones, the complex is fully equipped and suitable for people with reduced mobility. Accommodation is in shared rooms.

Located in Pontós, on the plain of l’Empordà, with good access: 15 minutes by car from Figueres train station, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Barcelona, 25 minutes from the French border, and 30 minutes from the beaches of the Costa Brava.

To get there by public transportation from Barcelona, the fastest option (between 1h45 and 2h) is to take the R11 regional train toward Portbou from Sants Station or Passeig de Gràcia to Figueres Station (you can check the schedules here), letting us know your arrival time in advance so we can come pick you up by car. It is also possible to take Bus 602 from Barcelona Nord Bus Station (3h) and get off at the stop: Carretera N-II Cruïlla a Pontós GIP-5126; from there it is a 25-minute walk.

View on Google Maps: 5WR8+PQ Pontós 17773 Girona, Spain