The Retreat

Welcome to verdeverde 

Love food, this retreat is for you.

Whether you're a confident home cook, just getting started, feeling curious, or simply obsessed with eating great food. Join us for a few memorable days of creativity, exploring flavors, learning new tricks, and getting inspired in the kitchen. Discover the joy of cooking delicious plant-based and vegetarian meals and how to care for and prepare fresh vegetables straight from our garden, unwind with new friends, take a break from everyday life, and immerse yourself in the culinary traditions and the magical nature of the Basque Country.

Guided by food creator Therese Elgquist, you'll explore the art of green food; how to combine flavors, textures and nutrition to create delicious, fun and hearty dishes and meals. How to simplify your everyday cooking and how to create festive food out of ordinary ingredients.

This is more than a retreat—it's a place to unwind, connect, and let your taste buds come alive.

Come solo or bring a foodie friend, partner, or family member — It’s a great way to spend quality time together and celebrate your love of food with others who get it.

Expect scenic nature walks through the Basque hills, a pintxo tasting adventure in San Sebastián, a visit to a traditional Txakoli winery and hours spent by the beach. There's room to relax, be inspired and simply enjoy beautiful food in a beautiful place - this is what Verdeverde is all about. 

Our food philosophy

During the retreat we will cook and eat creative, filling and seasonal plant based and vegetarian food together. We harvest vegetables and herbs from the garden and create magic in the kitchen only a few steps away. We call it Basque cuisine with a touch of our Swedish heritage. 


The days in basque country

Our time together will be centered around food. Together with Thess there will be workshops, lectures and cooking…and of course plenty of eating.

But there’s more to experience beyond the kitchen. We want to show you the incredible surroundings of the Urdaibai Biosphere, with some beautiful hikes and time to relax on some of the area's most beautiful beaches. 

One day, we´ll visit one of our favourite Txakoli winerys in Gipuzkoa to learn more about the Basque wine, followed by an afternoon of pintxo tasting and wandering through the charming streets of San Sebastián.

the Days

Arrival day

Arrive, settle in, and let the retreat begin with a welcome drink and a delicious dinner. Take a dip in the pool, unwind, and enjoy the feeling of being completely cared for — this is your moment to relax and enjoy.

Day 1

Optional morning jog for early birds, or maybe a refreshing swim in the pool to start your day just right. 

Breakfast.

Hike in nearby neighborhood.

Lunch lecture and lunch.

Free time, rest, swim, explore, or simply be.

Dinner workshop. 

Dinner together.

Day 2

Optional morning jog for early birds, or maybe a refreshing swim in the pool to start your day just right.

Breakfast.

A visit to Txakoli winery in Zarautz.

Pinxos hopping in San Sebastian plus some time for exploring by your self.

Dinner at the lodge.

Day 3

Optional morning jog for early birds, or maybe a refreshing swim in the pool.

Breakfast.

1-2 hour hiking in nearby area.

Swedish fika.

Minilecture + lunch workshop.

Chill time or visit nearby fishing village with swimming/pinxos/ drink.

Dinner workshop.

Dinner.

Departure day

Optional morning jog for early birds, or maybe a refreshing swim in the pool to start your day just right.

Breakfast.

Beach visit or hike in nearby area.

THE ROOMS

Shared ROOM

Enjoy a comfortable single bed and a spacious closet. Please note that all three bathrooms are shared and located outside the rooms on the second floor. If you're attending with a friend, partner, or family member, let us know—we’ll be happy to arrange for you to stay together.

1600 €/pp

PRIVATE ROOM

Enjoy a comfortable king-size bed with, balcony and a spacious closet. Please note that all three bathrooms are shared and located outside the rooms on the second floor. Limited availability.

1820 €/pp

FAQs

    • 4 nights in beautiful accommodation at Laga Lodge

    • 4 Breakfasts, 2 lunch & 4 dinner, wine/ non alcoholic options during our meals. Swedish fika. All plant based and

    • 3 food workshops including cooking

    • 1 lecture

    • Airport pickup/dropoff. Check out is at 11 am but you are free to hang around the pool for longer.

    • Transportation during the days

    • Txakoli tasting at the winery

    • Trip to San Sebastian

    • Guided walks/ hikes in nearby area.

    • Time to rest, connect and to be inspired

    • Flight or train to/ from Bilbao airport or Gernika train station

    • Pinxos and drinks in San Sebastian

    • Travel insurance

    • Drinks outside of the meals

  • To reserve your spot: A non-refundable deposit of 320 euros is required upon booking.

    The remaining balance is due six weeks prior to the retreat. Full payment details, packing suggestions, and travel guidance will be shared once your space is confirmed.

    Please note that all bookings are non-refundable. However, if special circumstances arise, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’ll do our best to find a solution.

    If you're unable to attend, you’re welcome to transfer your booking to someone else, but this must be approved by us in advance.

  • Once you reserve your spot, we’ll send an invoice for the deposit to officially confirm your place. The final invoice for the remaining balance will be sent six weeks before the retreat begins.

  • A full packing list will be sent out with everything you might want to bring.

  • This is an international retreat, so all activities and communication will be in English..