Where the brave go, part 1 – Sara Kessel, well-being expert and performance coach puts The Performance Retreat to the test

Where the brave go – part 1

By Sara Kessel

Extraordinary retreats for high performers

Having worked in the wellbeing industry for years and seen the trends come and go the introduction to me of yet another retreat promising life changing tools and believing in our full potential raised my eyebrow. Really? Been there. Done that. But as a transformative performance coach myself and not one to shut doors I was intrigued. So, after meeting the owners and after many a conservation I became even more curious- perhaps, just perhaps this one will actually live up to it’s promises.

Johan & Bitten Munck Larholm run The Performance Retreat

The timing was perfect

It was perfect timing, I was personally invited by Johan and Bitten in the depths of a stressful December to join them in the new year on Jan the 8th for a 3day introduction to their retreat program. The programs normally run for 7 days to two weeks but due to time constraints on both our sides 3 days is what we had. ‘It will be intense, there won’t be as much down time and we will all work hard.’ Johan said. I’m in, I said,100%.

Invites only

The invitation process is clever. Clients after 56 questions on your dreams, desires, what’s holding you back what you’d like to change etc. a blood test, an iris and tongue examination and an interview, you are then invited to join if they feel you are ‘ready’ to do the work. Those that do “pass’ are welcomed with open arms and you feel like you’re being given access to a very special club. Those that don’t cut the mustard are given reasons why and are always allowed to reapply. The deal, after all, is that they work with high performers that are 100% committed to putting the work in, challenge themselves with deep desire to burst the ceilings of their dreams. They don’t want to waste your time or money if you’re not.

Not one retreat is the same

From the second Johan and Bitten meet you they are working hard gathering information and developing the perfect retreat to fit your needs. Not one retreat is the same, they listen to everything. Not one moment passes without them understanding what would be best for the journey they are meticulously carving out for you. They will even remember your favourite song and have it piping through the house upon your arrival.

Clients don’t stay on the retreat but at boutique hotels or villas that they recommend close by. The work is that intense that Johan feels clients need down time to relax and internally calibrate their experience each day ‘…and to be honest’, Bitten explained ‘we need it too, so that we are at our optimum energy for the clients.’

Day 1

So, on a crisp and sunny January morning with my kit bag packed for the day I find myself waiting for Johan at our designated pick up point with my Day 1 agenda emailed the night before. Each day is adjusted as the retreat evolves and clients are sent the days program the evening before. This is not new to retreats and it is something I like as it keeps you on your toes.

 

The Performance Retreat

A giddy feeling

As we drive up to the rustic road in Johan’s 4×4 I feel the excitement bubble up in me. Three days may not seem like a lot but the idea of even one day off to myself makes me feel giddy. We drive to a large entrance and the gates open out to a stunning sight of an entrance filled deep green palms and fig and orange trees leading up to a bright inviting blue pool, a huge sweeping terrace and a beautiful Finca. Bitten, who literally looks like she’s stepped off the front cover of Vogue, exudes love and with a warm welcoming gesture sweeps you up into her home. ‘Welcome to The Performance retreat and your home for the next 3 days.’

Bitten Munck Larholm preparing blood type lunch

“Take a minute”

We walk in and I pass a humming kitchen with enough vegetables and fruit that would make Whole Foods weep and then to a beautiful sun filled tranquil bedroom with candles lit a large bed and an en suite bathroom. “Take a few minutes to relax and we will be in the front room at the breakfast table when you’re ready.” She closes the door gently and I am left to breath (something I will be doing a lot of over the next 3 days).

 

My t-shirt and “bible”

No detail has been missed

I take in my surroundings. No detail has been missed. There are flowers on my bed and t-shirts laid out at exactly my size. Boxing gloves and wraps (neon pink for me) and a water bottle are on my table along with a welcome note, and my ‘Retreat Bible’ (more on that later).

I feel the stress leave my body

I take my jacket off and literally feel the stress of 2018 falling off me. Time for me. This is my first solo retreat and I really feel the impact. 3 days to myself to focus on my body, my health, my goals and my dreams.

And that’s when I understand it. When do we, especially as high performers with companies to build and run, kids running around and work deadlines to meet plus the constant juggle of ambition verses parenthood, do we actually give ourselves time for ourselves. I mean real unadulterated time not just the 15 mins of mindfulness we’ve cultivate between a 6 am meeting and the school run.

It might not be listed as one of their secrets but Bitten and Johan know it. Time For Yourself, no one else to distract you, an attention bath purely on you and your need….and that’s when the magic begins.

The PH test

The morning PH Test

Smiling with anticipation I enter their beautiful eating area. Candles are lit everywhere and jugs of purified water dotted about the place….as I reach the table, I see a strip of paper and a little pot.

Ahhh the saliva test. Let’s see how my PH levels are…? This is part of their program that doesn’t waver and every morning my PH levels are testing by spitting on a piece of litmus paper. There is an optimum level where one should be and I am happy and surprised to hear I rest very close to this number.

 

A delicious energy boost was served every morning

What don’t they know?

The kitchen door sweeps open and I’m served a delicious protein breakfast pot- “this is because we know you skip breakfast”, Bitten says and winks (Christ what don’t they know!)

Never usually one with a morning appetite I devour this lovely coconut chia berry pot and drink a delicious shot of lemon, turmeric and ginger (picked from the trees outside of course).

Introduction

Inspiring talks during my Health Analysis

After an introduction chat about the day’s plan I am taken for a walk around the premises. The garden is abundant with fig, lemon, apple and orange trees. Herbs like fennel and rosemary and lavender grow everywhere and fill the air with a beautiful scent. I am told they have a plan to seed a vegetable patch.

Health Analysis

After a walk to the outside and inside training areas I am to sit with Bitten for my health analysis. After which I will change into my training kit and meet Johan in the dojo in the basement.

 

To be continued….

 

 

Where the brave go, part 2 – Sara Kessel, well-being expert and performance coach puts The Performance Retreat to the test

Where the brave go – part 2

 

By Sara Kessel

Extraordinary retreats for high performers

As I walk down into the Dojo, I can’t help feeling nervous and curious – Johan a gold medalist in competitive sport is built like a Greek God with fighter agility. How the hell am I going to train with this man he is 3 times my size I think, as he helps me on with my gloves. But after shaking off my nerves I focus and get ready and then as if by magic an incredible training session begins.  Johan knows exactly where I need to be encouraged, pushed & challenged and also where he needs to give me space to breath and hold back. We connect and I laugh….

Johans methods for working out is individually designed for each client

 

My voice literally roars

“Breathe’ he says- and so I shout, and I exhale and find myself totally and utterly in my zone. It is exhilarating as I let the tigress out in me. My voice that I have swallowed over these last few months literally roars- Johan’s eyes light up and we both know it is “game” on, as I crack at the pads again and again.

After a cool down he takes me to the mat where I am to do a kind of Tabata. Two minutes on each station. Full press- ups, box jumps, loaded squats and weighted lateral twists. By the time I have finished I am hot exhausted and utterly happy.

Working out with Johan is challenging but at the same time this man knows exactly how to get you motivated

 

The warrior in me

36 press ups straight, I will have you know, is apparently quite impressive for a tiny girl like me. I feel a glow of pride in what my body can do- as if it’s woken up from a winter slumber and I acknowledge- with Johan’s encouragement – the warrior in me. I feel alive, ready and up for anything.

Nice one I say to Johan as we high 5. He just smiles- knowing that together we have gone to where I belong. We cool down with some stretches, breath and then head upstairs- relaxed, happy and very hungry.

 

Food is deeply integrated within their program

I wrap up warm and meet Johan and Bitten out on one of their pretty terraces. It’s cold but sunny and it’s amazing to feel the warmth within my body from the work as I tuck guilt free into an incredible feast designed purely for my blood type and my bodies current needs.

Lunch is served in one of their beautiful terraces

 

Food at TPR is used to energize and heal and is deeply integrated within their program. It is beautiful and delicious in equal measures and Bitten has done an amazing job of creating these bespoke menus single handedly. Her passion and drive come from the fact that we can find everything our bodies need to support us and heal from nature.

The Performance Retreat has a tranquil feel everywhere you look

Food as medicine

“Food really is our medicine.” As I look at her sparkling eyes and glowing skin, I know she is on the right path. Personally, I have always been into clean and intuitive eating but I had no idea that as an ‘A’ blood type I have the perfect digestive system set up to extract proteins from vegetables- meat will actually stagnate in me and I will have less energy.

This makes sense as I look back on my years as a vegetarian when I had more energy after eating. So, after a truly satisfying meal and a commitment to cut out the animal protein I am to meet Johan in the retreat’s ‘HQ’, a place where over the next few days I will start to discover and understand their secrets even more and a place where I will be both challenged in body and mind.

to be continued…..

Where the brave go, part 3 – Sara Kessel, well-being expert and performance coach puts The Performance Retreat to the test

Where the brave go – part 3

 

By Sara Kessel

Extraordinary retreats for high performers

‘Welcome to the work’ Johan said. ‘As we are only here for 3 days we will go as fast and as deep as you want and can handle. I will be lead by your determination and commitment.’ Always up for a challenge i accepted whole heartedly. Normally clients have a lot more rest and downtime in between sessions and the program it packed.

 

The days are intense both mental and psychically but the gift of letting my shield down is more rewarding than I could ever have imagined

 

Health analysis and deep sessions throughout the days

After an in- depth health analysis by Bitten, where she studies images of my face, iris & tongue and I am left armed with vitamins and nutritional tips on how to optimize my health and sleep patterns, Johan then takes me on a journey through the workings of my mind, body, breath (and my soul!).

Johan is incredible

The sessions are deep, revealing, hard work and enormously transforming. Johan is incredible. He aligns your body, unwinds your fascia, he looks into your brains function and the feedback that it is currently giving your body and informing the choices you make.

After this stay I feel more vibrant and alive. I am clear and determent, everything is crystal clear to me now

 

Life affirming and powerful

The journey was profound and healing, life affirming and powerful and as we journeyed into past memories and through blocks that I knew need to be cleared I felt myself, let go.

I must admit, it was so hard at times I felt like I had been in a boxing ring. But once through to the other side I felt more alive and more focused than i had done in ages. I literally felt as though I was walking taller and my clarity of thought was crystal clear. Looking in the mirror I saw someone more youthful and vibrant and beautiful looking back at me.

It made me feel unstoppable

After 3 intense days I fell in love with them both, their philosophy, their program, their humor and their intelligence, not to mention the chemistry between them both, which lifted and inspired me.

Most of all, I fell back in love with deeper parts of myself. And yes, I know that sounds clichéd and naff but I can’t say it in any other way. And by doing so, it made me feel unstoppable.

There is only one you

Nothing will get in the way of achieving my greatest dreams

At the close of my last day (after another delicious juice shot), we sat together and held a powerful mindfulness session.

As I opened my eyes I looked at these two people and the dream they have dedicated their lives too. A huge smile and feeling of gratitude welled up in me.

I too had become my own ‘inner champion’ and nothing and nobody (especially my own limitations) would get in the way of achieving my greatest dreams.

A month later

A month later, the insights I gained during these three days have still not left me and I am more determined than ever before to live in my absolute potential.

After all there is only one you, and that my friends, is your power…..