Travel > Spain

Salt, Sisterhood, and Story: Second Annual Women’s Retreat

Dates: TBA
Prices (in US dollars): TBA

Over eight days and seven nights, we’ll walk in the footsteps of Jewish women across centuries, wandering Girona’s medieval Call, uncovering hidden mikva’ot, soaking in the surreal brilliance of Dalí, and greeting Shabbat on the sun-drenched shores of Majorca.

Each day is designed to nourish your spirit:

  • Mornings begin with yoga or meditation to center the body and mind
  • Thoughtful conversations help us draw meaning from the places we visit
  • Afternoons invite discovery, creativity, and shared laughter
  • Evenings are for stories, wine, music, and the joy of being together

This is more than a trip. It’s a sisterhood experience where ancient stories meet modern reflection, and where every woman is invited to find herself in the unfolding narrative.

Whether you come with a friend or on your own, you’ll leave with a circle of women, a soul full of light, and a story all your own.

We can’t wait to welcome you.

Let’s write the next chapter together.

Please notify me when registration opens

Highlights:

  • Explore the Jewish history of Girona, Besalú, and Palma de Mallorca; walk the streets of Sephardic heritage 
  • Pause for soulful retreat sessions that inspire reflection, learning, and connection 
  • Share a hands-on cooking experience or two, and feast on the flavors of Spain 
  • Celebrate Shabbat in Palma de Mallorca with yoga by the sea, a creative morning service, and Havdalah under the stars
  • Enjoy a sweet café stop in the medieval town of Besalú 
  • Experience an underground concert in the Caves of Drach, followed by wine tasting
  • Come for the Jewish stories. Stay for the sisterhood. 

For the itinerary, FAQs and other details, please see the tabs below. On a mobile device, use the menu icon (☰) to open other tabs.

Please read Melton's comprehensive health policy HERE.
  • Salt, Sisterhood, and Story: Second Annual Women’s Retreat 
    (Sample itinerary subject to change) 

    Step away from the everyday and into a journey of depth, connection, and discovery. From the ancient Jewish quarters of Girona and Palma to the surreal beauty of Dalí’s imagination and the soul-soothing stillness of yoga and meditation, this women’s retreat blends learning, reflection, and joy in some of Spain’s most inspiring settings. 

    Day 1: Sunday - Arrival in Barcelona  

    • Welcome to Spain! Arrive individually in vibrant Barcelona and check in to our centrally located hotel. 
    • Settle in, rest, or take a stroll through the city’s charming streets. 
    • Enjoy a free evening to unwind, explore, or savor a meal on your own as you ease into the rhythm of our retreat. 


    Overnight: Hotel Gallery, Barcelona
     


    Day 2 – Monday - Girona Welcome 

    • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we come together for a warm welcome session to open our journey. 
    • Travel by private coach to Girona, a beautifully preserved medieval city with deep Jewish roots. 
    • Spend a relaxing afternoon wandering cobbled lanes, sipping coffee in the old town, or enjoying the peaceful setting of our hotel. 
    • In the evening, we’ll gather for a joyful group dinner, deepening connections with new friends and fellow travelers. 


    Overnight: Hotel Carlemany, Girona
     


    Day 3 – Tuesday - Figueres, Dalí & the Medieval Mikveh of Besalú 

    • Begin with a calming yoga Nidra session and meaningful group learning. 
    • Travel to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, and step into the dreamlike world of his Theater Museum. 
    • Continue to the storybook town of Besalú for a guided visit to its beautifully preserved medieval mikveh. 
    • Enjoy time to explore, have coffee, or treat yourself to gelato in this charming town. 
    • Return to Girona for a relaxed, free evening to reflect and rest. 


    Overnight: Hotel Carlemany, Girona
     


    Day 4 – Wednesday - Jewish Girona & Culinary Connection 

    • Start your day with a gentle guided yoga session to awaken your body and mind. 
    • Visit Girona’s Jewish Museum, where the rich history of the city’s once-vibrant Jewish community comes alive. 
    • Enjoy free time for lunch at a café of your choosing. 
    • Take a guided walk through Girona’s old quarter, where every turn tells a story. 
    • As evening falls, we’ll gather for a retreat-style learning session followed by a hands-on cooking workshop. 


    Overnight: Hotel Carlemany, Girona
     


    Day 5 – Thursday - Across the Mediterranean to Majorca 

    • After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for a short flight to Palma de Majorca. 
    • Check in to our stunning hotel and take time to settle in. 
    • In the late afternoon, gather for a retreat-style session to reflect, re-center, and set intentions for the days ahead. 


    Overnight: Hotel Victoria Gran Melia, Palma de Majorca
     


    Day 6 – Friday - Jewish Majorca & Shabbat Welcome 

    • Begin the day with a rejuvenating yoga practice in a peaceful setting. 
    • Dive into the powerful and little-known history of Jewish life in Palma on a guided walking tour. 
    • Enjoy a leisurely afternoon for rest, journaling, or personal exploration. 
    • Celebrate a soulful, spiritual, and musical Shabbat


    Overnight: Hotel Victoria Gran Melia, Palma de Majorca
     


    Day 7 – Saturday - A Gentle Shabbat in Community 

    • Welcome Shabbat with a restorative yoga Nidra session, possibly outdoors with sea views. 
    • Enjoy a relaxed morning, followed by reflective learning and heartfelt conversation. 
    • Gather for a leisurely group lunch, enjoying each other’s company and the beauty of the moment. 
    • Mark the close of Shabbat with a beautiful and moving Havdalah ceremony. 
    • Evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. 


    Overnight: Hotel Victoria Gran Melia, Palma de Majorca
     


    Day 8 – Sunday - Island Adventures & Celebration 

    • Experience the magical Drach Caves, with striking rock formations and an underground classical music performance. 
    • Head to a local winery for a guided tasting of regional wines paired with delicious tapas lunch. 
    • Enjoy some quiet time at the hotel to pack, rest, or take a stroll. 
    • Come together one last time for a closing reflection and joyful farewell dinner to celebrate our journey. 


    Overnight: Hotel Victoria Gran Melia, Palma de Majorca
     


    Day 9 – Monday - Departure from Majorca 

    • After breakfast, private transfers will take you to Palma de Majorca Airport. 
    • Depart with your heart full, carrying home the memories, friendships, and insights from a week to remember. 
  • The Melton women's retreat to Spain will be led by Melton educators Andrea Gardenhour and Rabbi Rachel Bovitz. Melton Travel is open to adults of all ages.

    While Melton oversees the educational aspects of our tours, it's important to note that we are not a travel agency. For the logistics of this trip, our travel partners in Spain will be responsible.

    Please note that Melton is not liable for any financial loss due to reasons beyond our control, such as health-related cancellations. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation and health-related issues, including COVID, within a few weeks of paying your nonrefundable deposit.

    Thank you for your interest in travelling with Melton. We eagerly await the opportunity to learn and explore together with you.

    The Melton Travel Team


    Please notify me when registration opens >

  • Price Includes:

    • 8 nights' accommodations / 6 days of touring 
    • Deluxe air-conditioned bus 
    • 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners 
    • All tips (except for housekeeping) 
    • All educational programming and entrance fees according to the itinerary
    • 4 yoga sessions
    • Flight from Barcelona to Palma de Majorca 

    Hotels:

    Barcelona: Catalonia BoulevardCarrer del Rosselló, 249 08008 Barcelona, Spain Tel: +34 934 15 99 11

    Girona: Hotel Carlemany. Plaça Miquel Santaló i Pavor, 1, 17002 Girona, Spain. Tel: +34.972.21.12.12

    Palma de Majorca: Hotel Victoria Gran Melia. Avinguda de Joan Miró, 21, Ponent, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain. Tel: +34.971.73.25.42

    Note: We will do our best to assist you with extensions both before and after the seminar.


    Not Included:

    • Flights (other than from Barcelona to Palma de Majorca)
    • Personal insurance 
    • Personal expenses, including meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, unless specified

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  • Need to Know

    • Group rates are per person and a minimum of 15 fully paying participants. Should the number of participants drop below the minimum listed above, we may adjust the cost of the trip to reflect the additional expense of operating the program.
    • Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of local guides, drivers, and the tour guide/educator are included.
    • A nonrefundable deposit of US$1,250 per person is due upon registration. If the trip is cancelled, the registration fee will be refunded. Final balance will be due November 4, 2025.
    • Participants who reserve a double room and are sharing with a friend or family member will be subject to the single supplement if that person cancels prior to departure if final payment has not been paid.  
    • There will be no refunds for unused services. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
    • Hotel Accommodations: The tour price includes all hotel accommodations, in hotel rooms with private bathrooms. Our standard is to provide the best available hotels while considering value. Although the level of the accommodation may differ slightly from hotel to hotel, we are committed to your comfort.
    • Meals are kosher style and included as indicated in the itinerary. Participants may order Glatt kosher meals at prices set by our local vendors upon request.
    • A Melton scholar & educator will be with the group throughout the tour.
    • All gratuities are included.
    • Baggage: Melton shall not be held responsible for any damage to or loss of luggage/personal items. All damage/loss must be reported at time of incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company.
    • About airline baggage allowance, different carriers have different regulations for business and coach, please check with your individual carrier with regard to permitted number of pieces, weights and dimensions. The tour operator is not responsible for fees levied by any air carrier for the transport of personal belongings of any kind.
    • Porterage at hotels. Please note that room service is not included.
    • Activity level: Please note that Portugal has hilly terrain. If needed, participants are welcome to use Ubers for easier transportation, with costs covered individually.

    Not Included

    • Flights (other than from Barcelona to Palma de Majorca)
    • Personal insurance 
    • Personal expenses, including meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, unless specified

     

  • Melton Travel recommends Forbes Advisor for the most up-to-date travel insurance comparisons. Consider travel protection for:

    • Trip Cancellation
    • Trip Interruption
    • Emergency Medical Expenses
    • Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
    • Trip Delay
    • Baggage & Personal Effects
    • Baggage Delay

    Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 21 days (about 3 weeks) from the time you make your initial trip deposit, the entire non-refundable amount of the trip must be insured, and you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. However, the travel protection plan itself can be purchased any time prior to departure.

    Additional Information

    Airline Security Measures: Your name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket, or you may be denied boarding. If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification are required for that airport.

    Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items.

    Holidays and Museum Closures: Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or state and local holidays observed in the destinations being visited.

    Photography During Tours: We will occasionally use photographs taken by fellow guests or your trip director for promotional purposes. If you prefer your photo not used in any marketing activities, please notify us at the start of your tour.


  • Frequently Asked Questions ...

    IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR ME?

    Who are these trips for?

    Our programs are designed for adult travelers who enjoy meaningful learning, cultural exploration, and engaging with fellow travelers. We welcome individuals, couples, friends, and multi-generational families traveling with adult children or grandchildren.

    Our journeys are thoughtfully paced to balance learning, exploration, and free time, making them comfortable and rewarding for a wide range of travelers.

    Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

    ABOUT MELTON WORLD TRAVEL

    Why should I travel with Melton World Travel?

    Our journeys are led by experienced educators and local experts who bring depth, context, and perspective to each destination. Through guided exploration, learning sessions, discussions, and meaningful encounters with local residents, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit.

    We go beyond landmarks to include conversations with local communities, visits to cultural institutions, and opportunities to hear firsthand stories that bring each destination to life.

    Each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance iconic sites, immersive learning, authentic local experiences, and time to explore independently, creating a travel experience that is both enriching and rewarding.

    BOOKINGS, PAYMENTS & POLICIES

    How much is the deposit and when is final payment due?


    A deposit is required to reserve your place on the trip. Deposit amounts vary by program and are listed on the individual trip page.

    PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

    Do I need a visa?

    Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, destination, and, in some cases, the countries through which you transit. Travelers are responsible for determining and obtaining any required visas and travel documents before departure.

    We recommend checking the requirements with the appropriate embassy or consulate well in advance of your trip. If you have questions or are unsure what is required, the Melton World Travel team is happy to serve as a resource and help guide you to the appropriate information and visa services.

    DURING THE TRIP

    What size are your groups?


    Group sizes vary by destination but are intentionally kept small, typically ranging from 15 to 25 participants. This allows for a more personal, engaging, and flexible travel experience.

    A minimum of 15 travelers is required for a trip to operate. Maximum group size depends on the destination and demand but is generally capped between 24 and 25 participants to ensure a comfortable, personal experience.

    We aim to keep groups small enough to allow meaningful connection and a high-quality travel experience, while also making space for more participants on particularly popular or bucket-list journeys.

    JEWISH PRACTICE & OBSERVANCE

    How is Shabbat observed during the trip?

    Shabbat is an important part of a Melton journey and is observed in ways that reflect the destination and itinerary. When possible, we include opportunities to enjoy Shabbat meals, attend services, participate in meaningful discussions or walking experiences, and enjoy time for rest, reflection, or personal observance.

    To respect a range of traditions and practices, we do not schedule group transportation on Shabbat. Travelers with specific Shabbat observance needs or questions are encouraged to contact us before registering so we can discuss whether a particular journey is the right fit.

    ISRAEL-SPECIFIC

    Is the trip suitable for first-time visitors to Israel?

    Absolutely. Many of our Israel journeys are designed with first-time visitors in mind, providing a meaningful introduction to the country while going far beyond the highlights. At the same time, returning travelers consistently tell us they discover new places, hear new stories, and gain fresh perspectives with every visit.

    Each itinerary has its own educational focus, so no two Melton journeys are exactly alike. Whether it is your first visit or your tenth, you'll experience Israel through the lens of history, culture, contemporary society, and meaningful encounters with the people who call it home.


    For more information ...

    For more information, please contact us here.

    T: 1–646–921–0747, Ext. 4

Why We Love To Travel with Melton

  • Suzie Taryan

    Melbourne, VIC
    A wonderful learning experience at every level - touching the mind and the heart.
  • Bob Landau

    Pittsfield, MA
    The perspective Melton put on 3000 years was astounding... a perspective of who I am, where I'm from and why I am the person I am: a deep, rich understanding of the history of Israel and the Jews.
  • Nina Bonderow

    Philadelphia, PA
    One of the most wonderful experiences I have ever taken part in... The Melton seminar provides the perfect atmosphere for knowledge and friendship to blossom. It is a most worthwhile experience.
  • Errol Lipschitz

    Vancouver, BC
    The seminar is a treat for anyone and was filled with opportunities to create memories for a lifetime… you deserve to spoil yourself. You will not be disappointed as so much of the program is brought to life by the on-site visits and thoughtful presentations. The seminar left me glowing.
  • Ruth Starr

    London, UK
    I didn't enjoy it - I loved it. I've been to Israel so many times before, but this was so different... very stimulating and wonderful. Thank you!
  • Linda Woloshin

    Chicago, IL
    An outstanding learning experience among compatible students led by an amazing teacher whose enthusiasm and depth of knowledge cannot be compared to any tour I have ever taken before.
  • Bobbie Blau

    West Hills, CA
    I am richer for the friendships made and the knowledge gained. My understanding of the history and the future of Israel has been greatly deepened by "living" the text in context throughout the country. Perhaps, though, it has raised many more questions that will require at least one more Melton seminar to answer... it has complicated my understanding!
  • Anne Rothman

    NJ
    I loved the inclusion of poetry and literature, as well as Biblical sources: they made the ancient and the current Israel come alive.
  • Buzz Krovitz

    Denver, CO
    This was my fifth visit to Israel and the best… Everything fit together like pieces of a puzzle.
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