Bloom into Your Next Chapter
A Spring Retreat to Reshape Your Future
Budapest, Hungary
15th-18th May 2025
Registrations close on 1st April!
If you’re an experienced leader at a career crossroads—or simply ready for change—this retreat in springtime Budapest offers a chance to step back and reimagine your next chapter.
Through a thoughtful blend of group conversations, one-on-one coaching, and personal reflection time you will breath in the energy of spring—shedding what no longer serves you and making space for the new. You will leave with clarity on your next steps and be ready to move forward.
It’s early afternoon. After a short flight, your taxi winds through the city, passing rows of austere apartment blocks—silent remnants of Hungary’s communist past. Their weathered facades, though unassuming, whisper stories of resilience and change. As you stare out of the window, you reach for your journal—already, the city is speaking to you in metaphors.
Gradually, the buildings change. The stark, uniform structures give way to grander, more ornate architecture as you approach the heart of Budapest. Soon, you reach the Danube, and in an instant, the city unfolds before you—an exquisite panorama of historic bridges, majestic architecture, and rolling green hills reflected in the shimmering water.
As you cross the river, the view is nothing short of breath-taking. It inspires you to reflect on your story—how the past has shaped you and how it connects to the future you are ready to create.
You arrive at a quiet, tree-lined street where a beautiful villa awaits. With its historic charm and thoughtful restoration, it blends old-world elegance with modern comfort. In this house shaped by love, care, and creativity, you’ll find the perfect setting for a fresh start.
The Benefits
Why This Retreat is a Great Idea for Starting Your Next Chapter
Sometimes the best way to understand your life is to step outside of it.
Here, you’ll:
- Step back and breathe: Get away from your everyday life to find a sense of calm and clarity.
- See with new eyes: Gain fresh insights ignited by a new environment and thought-provoking conversations.
- Reconnect with yourself: Tune in and give your full attention to what matters most to you now.
- Shape your next chapter: Craft a vision for your future through creative reflection and purposeful exercises.
How This Retreat Will Help you Transform
- Expand your perspective: Participate in guided reflection and activities that help you see new possibilities for your life and career.
- Clarify your priorities: Reconnect with your core values, needs, and dreams through thought-provoking exercises.
- Learn from others: Share honest conversations with a small group of supportive peers, gaining fresh insights and ideas.
- Build lasting momentum: Leave with a clear vision and a plan for your next steps. This retreat encourages small, meaningful changes that lead to lasting transformation.
By the end, you’ll feel focused, energized, and ready to move forward with confidence.
The Venue
Tucked away in a leafy corner of Budapest, Villa Bagatelle Gardenhouse is a testament to vision, creativity, and renewal. You step inside, drawn in by its inviting elegance, where every detail tells a story. Once a forgotten building, the villa was lovingly restored by its new owners, a family with a deep passion for art, craftsmanship and hospitality. Their dedication is reflected in every corner—from the carefully preserved historic features to the contemporary art that adorns the walls, each piece chosen to inspire thought and conversation.
Beyond the glass doors, the magnificent garden unfolds like a quiet sanctuary. Towering trees, lush greenery, and winding pathways invite you to slow down, breathe, and reflect. This is a space designed for introspection, where ideas flow as freely as the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Upstairs, the bedrooms continue the story of thoughtful restoration and refined comfort. Each room is a serene retreat, blending soft, natural tones with elegant furnishings and curated artwork. Large windows invite in gentle morning light, while plush bedding ensures deep rest—an essential companion to the inner journey unfolding here.
Whether you find inspiration in the art, the architecture, or the lush garden, Villa Bagatelle Gardenhouse offers the perfect setting to pause, create, and reimagine what’s next.
The Cuisine
At Villa Bagatelle nourishment is an experience in itself.
Mornings begin with a leisurely breakfast prepared by the villa’s own artisan bakery and bistro, just next door. The scent of freshly baked sourdough and buttery croissants drifts through the air as you sip on rich, velvety coffee. Seasonal fruits, golden-yolked eggs, and delicate pastries are served with homemade jams and fragrant herbs from the garden—a perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity.
Lunches are light yet deeply satisfying, crafted with the same dedication to quality and flavor. Vibrant salads, wholesome grain bowls, and expertly prepared dishes highlight the best of Hungary’s seasonal produce, blending traditional flavors with a modern, health-conscious touch.
As the evening unfolds, Budapest’s vibrant food scene invites you to gather around the table and experience the city’s rich culinary traditions. You dine at carefully selected restaurants where Hungary’s unique cuisine—rooted in history, shaped by neighbouring cultures—takes center stage.
Aromatic stews simmered to perfection and golden, flaky pastries filled with sweet or savoury delights tell the story of a land at the crossroads of East and West. Influences from Austria, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean weave their way through each meal, creating a dining experience that is both deeply familiar and endlessly surprising.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
Take a deep breath. You’ve arrived. Spend the day settling in, letting go of life’s usual rush, and connecting with others who are also on this journey. There’s no rush to be “on.” You’ll have space to cocoon, recharge, and quietly set intentions for what’s ahead. The first evening is warm and welcoming, a soft beginning to your transformation.
Day 2: Gaining Perspective
This is a day for stepping back. Through guided reflection and shared experiences, you’ll begin to see your life from a wider angle—its patterns, its crossroads, its hidden paths. It’s not always easy to look at where you are honestly, but this is your moment to do so without judgment. You'll explore what you want to keep, what you’re ready to release, and what still calls to you.
Day 3: Envisioning Your Future
Now that you see where you stand, it's time to dream forward. With fresh clarity, you’ll spend time crafting a vision of what comes next. Not with vague affirmations or impossible promises, but with real imagery—something vivid, grounded, and inspiring that speaks to the life you truly want. You’ll shape this story in your own way, with guidance and quiet time for deep thought and creative expression.
Day 4: New Beginnings
This is the day to emerge. After days of reflection, new perspectives, and creative breakthroughs, you’ll feel ready to take that first step forward. The morning is designed for integration—a gentle way to gather your insights and set a course for your next chapter. You’ll leave Budapest grounded but inspired, equipped with a vision and the resilience to meet the road ahead.
The Bonuses
- Unique Wellness Experience in the City of Baths
- Professional Headshots: A set of three portraits taken by a professional photographer in the villa’s lush gardens. These images will mark your new beginning and be ready for use in your next steps
- 60-Minute Post-Retreat Coaching Session: Receive personalized guidance to help you integrate your retreat insights into your daily life and stay aligned with your vision
- Membership to our exclusive virtual journaling club: Be part of an exclusive members-only virtual journaling club designed to inspire reflection, creativity, and growth. Connect with like-minded individuals, share insights, and nurture your vision in a vibrant, supportive community.
Location, Travel, Weather
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, lies along the banks of the Danube River. The city is easily accessible via Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, located about 16 kilometres from the city centre.
Airport transfer can be conveniently arranged at the official airport taxi kiosk upon arrival, with fixed fees and the option to pay by cash or card.
In May, Budapest typically experiences temperatures between 15°C and 22°C (59°F to 72°F), with mostly sunny weather and occasional rain showers.
Your Coach
Gyongyver Szabo
Witnessing the Art of Reinvention
Growing up in Budapest during the historic fall of the Berlin Wall felt like sitting in the front row of a wild makeover show. I witnessed first hand the art of reinvention. Both my parents faced major career crossroads in midlife, and seeing them grapple with uncertainty taught me that reinvention isn’t a stroll through a rose garden—it’s messy, unpredictable, and often painful. But I also saw how embracing change can lead to new opportunities and, eventually, a better life.
My Own Career Leap
The deep desire for reinvention found me in my early 50s, after more than 25 years in corporate HR at a FTSE 100 company. Even though I had everything I needed, I felt an increasing pull toward a different kind of life—one where I had more creative freedom and control over my time. Was this a midlife crisis, I wondered? Should I just wait it out and hope the feeling would pass? Or was this a sign that it was time to move on? I felt more lost than I had since I was a teenager.
I turned to professional literature, and a new world opened up to me. Eventually, I enrolled at Chip Conley’s Modern Elder Academy (MEA), eager to understand the complex terrain of midlife transitions. My growing fascination with reinvention became impossible to ignore. So, I took the leap—leaving the familiar behind to embrace a deeper calling: guiding others through major career transitions by helping them tap into their talents and reimagine their futures.
Combining Coaching with Travel
Today, I combine career coaching with the transformative power of travel. Through retreats designed for renewal and self-discovery, I help people navigate change. Along the way, I’ve become a collector of unconventional career stories—testaments to human creativity and resilience in the pursuit of a larger, more meaningful life.
Contact
If you have any questions or need more information, we’re here to help!
We offer a free meet and greet call, where you can chat directly with our team to discuss the retreat and any specific needs or concerns you may have. To book your call, simply choose a convenient time through our online scheduling tool. We look forward to connecting with you!
Registration
How To Join Us:
As this is an exclusive, boutique experience, we want to ensure it’s the perfect fit for all of our participants. We’d love to hear more about what draws you to this retreat and how it aligns with your journey. Please take a moment to download out the application form here and share a bit about yourself.
Once we’ve received your details, we’ll be in touch to schedule a call and discuss the next steps together.
Why Join Us
- Reflect and think about what you want in the next phase of your life.
- Expand your imagination and move beyond limiting beliefs.
- Discover a fresh perspective on your journey and desires.
- Feel energised and inspired, ready to embark on your next chapter.
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What IS included in your registration?
- Pre-arrival one-on-one coaching call with Gyongy.
- Pre-arrival information pack.
- 3 nights of luxury accommodation in an beautiful boutique hotel with single occupancy.
- Delicious meals throughout the day: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- Participation in all workshops and group activities.
- Personalised attention and guidance.
- Retreat materials and resources.
- Bath experience
- 3 professional headshots
- Membership to our exclusive virtual journaling club Evolvista
What is NOT included in your registration?
- Travel and trip cancellation insurance.
- Flights to and from Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport.
- Airport Transfer - you can conveniently arrange it at the official airport taxi kiosk upon arrival, however if you need assistance please let us know
- Personal expenses including food and drinks, beyond what is included in your package.
- Sightseeing beyond what is included in your package.
- Medical expenses.
Your Investment
This retreat is designed to be a deeply personalized, boutique experience where every detail—from your stay in a serene villa to curated gourmet dining and spa indulgence—is thoughtfully arranged to nurture your well-being and spark inspiration. We believe in delivering a thoughtful blend of exclusivity, comfort, and transformative guidance, empowering you to embark on your next chapter with clarity and renewed energy.
We primarily offer single occupancy to provide you with privacy, comfort, and relaxation.
IF you are travelling with a partner or friend and prefer to share a room, contact us to confirm the double occupancy rate.
Have any final questions?
Reach out to us or schedule a chat at retreats@bestchapter.live.
Early Bird Fee -EXPIRED
Till end of February 2025
Regular Fee - LAST PLACES!
From 1st March 2025
2,426 EUR per person for a private room
The full payment is required at the time of registration and is non-refundable. We recommend securing travel cancellation insurance for added protection.
The first retreat I ever attended came at a time when I felt stuck—anxious, uncertain, and overwhelmed about which direction to take in my career and life.
I walked in with doubts and left with clarity. Spending those days in a beautiful setting, surrounded by remarkable people and guided by inspiring leaders, was nothing short of transformative. It helped me to change my life.
That experience stayed with me, and ever since, I’ve been driven by a desire to create something similar for others. It’s a privilege to now offer this opportunity to you.
Come join me in Budapest. I can’t wait to meet you.
With love, Gyongy
Cancellation
Due to the nature of our boutique retreats and the advance planning required to secure
accommodations, dining, transportation, and other services, we cannot offer refunds once
payment has been made.
This applies regardless of the reason for cancellation, including illness, travel disruptions, or
personal circumstances. We strongly encourage you to purchase cancellation protection insurance.
Please view our detailed Cancellation and Participation Policy
Testimonials
"Working with Gyongyver was a lifechanging experience in many ways. She has an exceptional sensitivity to recognize the client's unique talent which I had been previously unaware of. Gyongyver helped me in the process of rediscovering myself, celebrate the past and made me deeply think about my priorities, future goals. Surprisingly,…
Eva Tukacs, Head of Procurement
"Having known Gyongyver for several years, I have huge respect and admiration for the professional and the beautiful human being she is. Amongst several assets, Gyongyver is in possession of unusual levels of emotional intelligence and empathy paired up with a witty sense of humour. I have just completed a…
Jorge C. Manuel, Founding Partner
"Gyongy's coaching genius lies in the combination of her leadership, clear communication and compassionate presence. She has a practical approach that means you go away from a session with her with a definitive sense of how to move forward. Her warmth and humour make her a joy to work with.…
Rachel Connor, Writer, creativity mentor and Wayfinder life coach
“If you are looking for someone who can help guide you through a significant or difficult career change, particularly mid-to-late career, then I would highly recommend my good friend and former colleague, Gyongyver Szabo. Gyongy has an innate positivity that is infectious and welcoming, which is great for developing a…
Jason 'Jae' Sloan, Consultant and Coach
“Gyongy is a truly inspirational coach. She has an amazing ability to help people find their sparkle and shine. This is something she helped me with when I had a challenging year. I would highly recommend her to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation.”
Helen Tomlinson, VP and General Manager
