What makes this one special
The Ultimate Steak Sandwich
Willy teaches his own take on the perfect steak sandwich, one of his most requested recipes, made right there in the kitchen with you.
The booze cruise
An afternoon out at sea along the Costa Brava, with a glass of Willy's own punch in hand and nowhere in particular to be.
Dinner cooked by Maria
One evening is handed over entirely to Maria, a local cook whose Catalan chicken has become something of a legend among past guests.
A table at KAOS
Dinner by the coast at KAOS, a Michelin guide restaurant that's every bit as relaxed as it is good.
The days
Day One
Wednesday, September 23rd
Afternoon — Arrive whenever suits you, kick your shoes off, and get stuck into the welcome snacks and something cold to drink by the pool.
Evening — A proper welcome aperitivo, think fig leaf spritz, gildas, and jamón croquetas, before Steve gets everyone stuck into a hands on paella class, three different rice dishes on the go, finished with crema catalana for pudding.
Day Two
Thursday, September 24th
Morning — A properly leisurely buffet breakfast, then nowhere to be except the pool.
Lunch — The Ultimate Steak Sandwich, Willy's own recipe, taught right there in the kitchen.
Afternoon — Out to sea for the booze cruise, punch in hand, coastline drifting by.
Evening — Dinner by the coast at KAOS, one of the best tables in the area.
Day Three
Friday, September 25th
Morning — A proper wander through La Bisbal market, plus time to get lost in the town's ceramics and antique shops.
Evening — A pincho making competition using whatever the market gave us, a Spanish wine tasting up in the tower, dinner cooked entirely by Maria, and music that runs long into the night.
Day Four
Saturday, September 26th
Morning — A slow start and a proper lazy breakfast, no alarms.
Lunch — A tour and tasting at Fontclara olive farm.
Afternoon — A walk through Palau-Sator, a medieval village complete with its own castle.
Evening — A tapas cooking class: Spanish tortilla, patatas bravas, and a burnt Basque cheesecake to finish.
Day Five
Sunday, September 27th
Morning — A Middle Eastern inspired farewell brunch, the last big table of the week.
Departures — Final hugs, and whatever's left of the ham.
Pricing & booking
From £1,650 per guest
A 5 day, 4 night retreat at Torre Ronsat Estate, this price covers all food, drinks, and activities from the moment you arrive in Girona to the moment you leave.
Twin/Double, shared bathroom
£2,550 single · £1,650pp double
Twin/Double, en suite
£3,000 single · £2,150pp double
Master bedroom, en suite
£3,600 single · £2,550pp double
A €300 deposit secures your room, with 50% of the total due within 30 days of booking, and the remaining balance due 30 days before the retreat.
FAQs
Where do the retreats take place?
Torre Ronsat, a traditional Catalan masia next to La Bisbal d'Empordà, at the heart of the Costa Brava. An hour and a half from Barcelona, forty minutes from Girona.
What's included?
Accommodation at Torre Ronsat (pool, plunge pool, tennis court, gardens), all cooking classes, all meals, aperitivos and unlimited house wine, all gastronomic tours, and transfers to and from Girona train station.
Is this a cookery school?
We call this a cookery retreat. You'll learn techniques, tips, and recipes that make you a more confident cook, and about the culture and ingredients behind them. There's no formal qualification, though a reference or certificate can be provided if useful.
Do I have to be an experienced cook?
Not at all. Our classes work for complete beginners through to experienced cooks. Come with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, that's all we ask.
Will I be sharing a room with a stranger?
No. Double occupancy rooms are for those coming with a friend or partner. We never place two strangers in a room together.
How many other guests will be there?
We cap each retreat at fourteen guests, so it stays personal rather than crowded.
Do I need to do the washing up?
No. Our team handles the washing up, ingredient prep, and equipment, so your time goes toward learning and enjoying rather than the admin of a kitchen.
Do you offer an alcohol free experience?
We always have non alcoholic options available, though we're unable to offer an alternative to the wine tasting itself. Just let us know in advance.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes, including vegetarian and pescatarian diets, and we'll do our best with other requirements too. Just let us know in advance.
Can I bring my kids?
This retreat is for adults only, we're unable to accommodate children under sixteen.
How does payment work?
A €300 deposit secures your room. 50% of the total cost is due within 30 days of booking, and the remaining balance is due 30 days before the retreat begins.
Is the itinerary subject to change?
The itinerary above is a sample. Occasionally things change for reasons outside our control, but we always aim for any change to be an improvement, never less.
