Virtuous Coach Retreat 2027
More than a seminar. More than a holiday.
30 August - 3 September 2027
The Virtuous Coach Retreat is a unique four-night experience in Šimuni Resort, Croatia, that combines practical coach development with the freedom to experience the retreat your way.
Coaches spend each morning developing better coaching judgement through interactive coach development sessions. During that time, partners, family members, friends, and members from your affiliate are free to train, relax, explore the local area, enjoy the resort, make use of the Kids Club, or simply slow down.
Afternoons and evenings are yours to shape. Join a workout, take part in an organised activity, explore Croatia, or book a private 1-on-1 session with one of the retreat coaches to continue your own personal or professional development. Or simply unwind and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
Whether you come on your own or with your partner, family, friends, or members from your affiliate, the retreat gives you the freedom to create an experience that's right for you.
Reserve today with a deposit. Early Bird pricing ends 9 October 2026.
Why this retreat is different
For coaches
One of the biggest challenges with traditional seminars isn't the quality of the learning.
It's finding the time and space to process new ideas, challenge your thinking, and learn from the experiences of others before everyday life takes over.
That's what makes the Virtuous Coach Retreat different.
Every morning starts with practical coach development designed to develop better coaching judgement.
But the learning doesn't stop when the workshop ends.
It continues over breakfast, during a workout, on a hike, while kayaking, or around the dinner table. By giving yourself the time and space to revisit ideas, challenge your thinking, and learn from the experiences of others, your understanding becomes deeper and more meaningful.
For partners, family, friends, and affiliate members
This isn't about coming to Croatia just to wait for the coach development sessions to finish.
While the coach development sessions take place, you'll have the freedom to train, relax, explore the local area, enjoy the resort, make use of the Kids Club, take part in one of the activities, or simply slow down.
Afternoons and evenings are yours to enjoy however you choose. Join an organised activity, explore Croatia, book a private 1-on-1 session with one of the retreat coaches, share a meal, or simply unwind.
Together, that's what makes the Virtuous Coach Retreat more than a seminar.
And more than a holiday.
Develop Better Coaching Judgement
The best coaches don't simply know more.
They notice more.
They ask better questions.
They make better decisions.
Throughout the retreat, we'll explore real coaching challenges that rarely have a single right answer. Together, we'll discuss different approaches, challenge each other's thinking, and explore why experienced coaches often make different decisions in the same situation.
Rather than simply adding more knowledge, the focus is on developing the judgement and confidence to make better coaching decisions in the moment.
Some of the best learning comes from seeing the same coaching challenge through someone else's eyes. Throughout the retreat, you'll learn alongside coaches from different affiliates, backgrounds, and levels of experience. By sharing experiences, challenging each other's thinking, and discussing different approaches, you'll gain new perspectives that continue to shape your coaching.
Together, we'll explore questions such as:
-
What is actually limiting performance?
-
When should we work on a limitation, and when should we work around it?
-
How do we adapt a workout to meet individual needs while preserving the intended stimulus?
-
How do we build learning relationships that help members and fellow coaches continue to grow?
-
What separates good coaching decisions from great ones?
Using practical examples from gymnastics, weightlifting, rowing, and running, you'll develop the coaching judgement to notice what matters most, make better decisions, and create meaningful learning for both members and fellow coaches.
Where the learning continues
Every morning is dedicated to coach development.
The rest of the day gives you the opportunity to continue thinking, asking questions, and seeing coaching from new perspectives.
A conversation over lunch.
A workout with another coach.
A hike.
A kayak trip.
A shared meal.
Or simply time to reflect by yourself.
Some of the most valuable learning doesn't happen in the workshop itself. It happens when you have the time and space to process new ideas, hear different perspectives, and connect them to your own coaching.
That's why this retreat is designed with both structure and freedom.
The workshops provide the direction.
Everything else gives you the opportunity to make that learning your own.
Meet your retreat team
Farran Mackay
Founder & Head Coach
CF-L3
With over 30 years of coaching experience and nearly two decades developing teachers and coaches, I'm passionate about helping coaches develop the judgement to make better decisions, build stronger learning relationships, and create lasting changes in their coaching. I believe the best coach development doesn't simply give us more knowledge. It helps us ask better questions, challenge our thinking, and make better decisions when they matter most.
Pepe Vásquez
VCD Coach Developer
CF-L3
Helping people grow has always been at the heart of what I do. I'm passionate about helping coaches discover their own coaching philosophy, challenge their thinking, and continue developing both inside and outside the gym. Through my work with CrossFit Spain & Andorra and Virtuous Coach Development, I've had the opportunity to learn alongside coaches from different backgrounds and cultures. I believe every coaching conversation is an opportunity for everyone involved to learn.
Bastijn van Gageldonk
Gymnastics Coach
CF-L3
I'm passionate about helping coaches and athletes develop confidence, competence, and enjoyment in gymnastics. Throughout the retreat, I'll be supporting the coach development sessions, workouts, and activities, while bringing a specialist perspective to the gymnastics-focused sessions. Whether you're looking to refine your own skills, become a better gymnastics coach, or work through a specific challenge in a 1-on-1 session, I'm looking forward to helping you take the next step.
Everything you need for an unforgettable retreat
Every participant enjoys:
-
Four nights' premium accommodation at Šimuni Resort
-
Breakfast each morning
-
Access to the resort's gym and training facilities
-
Up to two optional group workouts each day
-
Two optional organised group activities
-
Two optional group dinners
-
Kids Club
-
Free time to train, relax, explore, or simply slow down
-
The opportunity to book optional 1-on-1 coaching or personal training sessions
-
A community of coaches, friends, family, and athletes to share the experience with
Coach Experience
The Coach Experience includes everything in the retreat experience, plus:
-
Five interactive coach development sessions
-
Coach development available in English, Spanish, and Dutch
-
Practical discussions built around real coaching challenges
-
Opportunities to learn alongside coaches from different affiliates and backgrounds
-
A private post-retreat 1-on-1 coaching session to reflect on your experience and continue your development
The perfect setting
Set on the beautiful island of Pag, Croatia, Šimuni Resort has been carefully chosen to support exactly what this retreat is about.
A place to learn.
A place to train.
A place to relax.
A place to connect.
With comfortable, air-conditioned self-catering accommodation (Premium Sun | Sunset | Holiday), six beaches, outdoor training facilities, restaurants, cafés, shops, organised activities, and everything within easy walking distance, you'll have the freedom to experience the retreat your way.
Whether you're looking for adventure, quiet time, or somewhere in between, the resort provides the perfect backdrop for four unforgettable days.
Reserve your place
Whether you're joining as a coach or attending with your partner, family, friends, or members from your affiliate, there's an option designed for you. Early Bird pricing is available until 9 October 2026.
All prices are based on shared, air-conditioned self-catering accommodation. Double occupancy and single occupancy upgrades are available (see below).
Optional upgrades
Make your retreat experience your own with the following optional extras:
-
Double occupancy: +€150 per person (must be selected at the time of booking and added to your deposit)
-
Single occupancy: Available on request
-
Airport transfers: Available on request
-
Extra nights: Available on request
Payment information
Reserve your place by paying the deposit shown above.
Once your deposit has been paid, you can either spread the remaining balance over monthly instalments or pay the balance in full 90 days before the retreat begins, whichever suits you best.
-
Early Bird bookings (before 9 October 2026): Choose to spread the remaining balance over up to 8 monthly instalments, or pay the balance in full.
-
Standard bookings: Choose to spread the remaining balance over up to 5 monthly instalments, or pay the balance in full.
-
Payment plans are available for bookings made up to 31 January 2027.
-
The remaining balance is due 90 days before the retreat begins. If you book within 90 days of the retreat, the remaining balance is due within 7 days of booking.
-
Deposits paid after 30 September 2026 are non-refundable.
Reserve today with a deposit. Early Bird pricing ends 9 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the retreat for?
The retreat is designed for coaches, coach developers, and affiliate owners who want to continue developing their coaching in a practical, supportive environment.
Partners, family members, friends, and anyone looking for a unique retreat experience are also very welcome. You don't need to be associated with a coach to attend.
How do I get to the retreat?
The retreat takes place at Šimuni Resort, on the island of Pag, Croatia.
The nearest airports are Zadar and Split. Airport transfers are available on request.
If you're travelling by car, free parking is available at every accommodation.
Further travel and arrival information will be provided before the retreat.
How is shared accommodation allocated?
All prices are based on shared, air-conditioned self-catering accommodation.
You can select a double occupancy upgrade when booking (subject to availability) or request single occupancy, which is available on request.
If you're attending as part of a group, we'll ask you to provide the names of the people you'd like to stay with (minimum group size: 3 people). To guarantee that your group is accommodated together, we ask that all bookings are completed at least 90 days before the retreat. While we'll always do our best to keep groups together, we cannot guarantee group accommodation for bookings made within 90 days of the retreat.
If you're travelling on your own, or don't request a specific roommate, accommodation will be allocated based on gender. Shared beds will never be allocated unless you're travelling as a couple.
Can I bring my children?
Absolutely. Children are very welcome.
Children can take part in all organised retreat activities except the group workouts. The Kids Club is also available throughout the retreat, giving parents the flexibility to enjoy the retreat in the way that suits them best.
Do I need to speak English?
No. Coach development will be available in English, Spanish, and Dutch, and members of the retreat team will be available throughout the week to support you.
Can I book a private coaching session?
Yes. Optional 1-on-1 coaching sessions are available throughout the retreat with members of the retreat team. Depending on who you book with, these can focus on coaching, technique, or your own personal or professional development.
What happens after I reserve my place?
Once you've reserved your place, you'll receive a booking confirmation.
Within 2 working days, we'll get in touch to confirm your booking, discuss any optional extras, and, if applicable, arrange your preferred payment plan.
Approximately 30 days before the retreat, you'll receive everything you need to prepare for your trip, including final retreat information, travel details, and your accommodation allocation.
Still have a question?
If there's anything we haven't covered, we'd be happy to help.
Email: courses@virtuouscoach.nl