SPAIN LOGISTICS AND TRAVEL INFORMATION

Are you already dreaming of our retreat in the spanish countryside? We are, and we can’t wait to see you there! Below you will find everything you need to feel ready and at ease before you travel. We hope it answers your questions, and if anything is still on your mind, reach out any time. We are here for you all along the way.

Passport & Entry Requirements

US citizens travel to Spain on a valid passport. Aim for a passport that stays valid for at least three months beyond your departure date, with two blank pages for any stamps. For tourism, US citizens may stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180 day period with no visa, so a standard retreat trip is simply passport and go.

It is always worth checking the latest entry requirements for your nationality on official government or embassy websites before you travel, since rules can update. Take a photo or make a copy of your passport and email it to yourself, so you always have one on file.

European Entry/Exit System (EES)

Spain and the rest of the Schengen area now use a digital border system called EES. On your first arrival into Barcelona, border officers record a quick photo and your fingerprints in place of the old passport stamp. This adds a few minutes at passport control, so give yourself a comfortable time buffer after you land. Keep your passport and the retreat address handy, and you will move through smoothly.

A separate travel authorization called ETIAS is expected to arrive later. For this retreat, your valid passport is all you need. If you come across any website asking you to pay for ETIAS right now, please skip it, since official applications are not yet open.

Arrival & Ground Transportation

Transportation between Can Vital and Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is included on the first and last day of the retreat. We arrange group transfers to and from the airport and coordinate guests who arrive and depart around similar times.

For a smooth start, plan to land in Barcelona before 12pm on arrival day. On departure day, please book your flight to leave Barcelona from 2pm onward, so you have time to travel back to the airport.

We are happy to help you find the best flights and plan any extended travel. Many of our guests love to add a few days to explore, and we warmly recommend it if your schedule allows. Barcelona is full of boutique hotels and lovely apartments, and Sitges, a charming coastal town just southwest of the city, makes a beautiful add-on.

If travel day brings surprises

Flights shift and bags occasionally wander. If anything comes up on your travel day, reach out to us as soon as you can and we will help you sort it.

Getting Ready for Your Trip

Packing your bags

Pack light and keep it simple. A smaller bag keeps you mobile and relaxed through travel days. Quick-dry and breathable fabrics serve you well here. Bring only what you treasure, and leave anything irreplaceable safely at home. Think less is more. A few tips:

  1. Choose a sturdy bag that is easy to roll, push, or carry. Rolling your clothes instead of folding saves real space.

  2. Carry a daypack with you as your personal item on travel day. Keep your essentials inside: passport, cards, cash, journal, and one change of clothes in case your suitcase takes the scenic route.

Weather

Late September into early October in the Penedès is warm and gentle, with daytime highs often in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit and cooler evenings in the low 60s. Days are mostly dry and sunny. A light layer for the evenings keeps you comfortable.

Packing suggestions

Movement wear

  • Reformer and Pilates wear, form-fitting and comfortable for class, a few sets so you always have a fresh one

  • Grip socks for the reformer (a guest favorite, bring a couple of pairs)

Clothing

  • Light casual pants and shorts, lightweight and breathable

  • Casual day wear, a day dress, or a swim wrap

  • A sweater or pullover for cooler mornings, evenings, and the plane

  • A light rain jacket

  • Comfortable walking shoes, quick-drying if you have them

  • Pajamas, light and breathable

  • One outfit for our closing celebration

  • Swimwear for the pool

Accessories

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • A hat or cap for daytime sun

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Travel-size toiletries, biodegradable where you can

  • Power adapter. Spain uses type C and F plugs, with standard voltage of 230 V and frequency of 50 Hz

  • Journal, a good book, and a pen

  • A small daypack for walks and excursions

Wellness essentials

  • Any medications and supplements you need

  • Eye mask and ear plugs for restful sleep

  • A travel mat if you love your own (mats and props are provided)

Extras

  • Healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or protein bars for excursion days

Your reformers are ready

Studio-quality reformers and props are set up and waiting for you at the venue, so you can travel with just your movement wear and grip socks. Everything you practice on is provided.

Wellness

Your health and wellbeing matter deeply to us. Travel and shifting time zones ask a lot of the body, so a happy immune system and a settled stomach go a long way. A few things that help:

Supplements

  • Probiotics, to support your immune system

  • Activated charcoal, a gentle option if your stomach needs a reset

  • Magnesium, for rest and easy sleep

  • Vitamin C or elderberry, for an immunity boost

Snacks If you love a snack or like to keep your blood sugar steady, pack a few healthy favorites for the journey.

Insurance

We recommend travel insurance for peace of mind, and we suggest confirming with your carrier that personal belongings are covered while you travel. Reputable providers such as InsureMyTrip or World Nomads are a good place to start. Bring a copy of your insurance documents with you, and keeping valuables minimal lets you relax fully into the week.

Money & Tipping

The local currency is the Euro. Bring some cash for personal items, snacks, tipping, and souvenirs. Exchanging cash or withdrawing from an ATM in the airport is the easiest way to land with Euro in hand. Check current exchange rates and any fees at exchange centers or ATMs during your stay.

Tipping in Spain is relaxed and always your choice. Around 10 percent is a kind gesture for good service.

Excursions & Massages

Your week includes time to explore, and there will be opportunities for excursions and massages along the way, plus free time to enjoy the surrounding Penedès wine country at your own pace. Comfortable walking shoes will serve you well.

Welcome to Can Vital

Welcome to your home for the week. Can Vital sits in the peaceful Penedès countryside, Catalonia's celebrated wine region, with views toward the mountains of Montserrat and the rolling vineyards all around. The property is made up of beautifully restored masia farmhouses, with thoughtfully designed rooms and quiet corners to rest between sessions. There is a pool to enjoy, open space to move outdoors, and the calm of the countryside in every direction.

Barcelona and the coast are an easy drive away, yet the moment you arrive, the city feels far behind. This is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and settle into a more natural rhythm.

Good to Know

Time zone In late September and early October, Spain observes Central European Summer Time, which is 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles while both regions are on daylight time.

Internet and phone Once we arrive, we warmly encourage you to disconnect. If you would like calling, texting, or data, many carriers now include Spain in their plans, so a quick call to yours before you travel is worthwhile. Can Vital has internet in some areas if you need to check in.

Food We believe in healthy, locally sourced meals, freshly prepared throughout your stay. Share any dietary needs with us ahead of time, so we can take good care of you.

Safety As with travel anywhere, a little awareness goes a long way. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy public places, and bring only what you truly need. Leaving the rest at home keeps your trip easy and light.

Being a Conscious Traveler

Go with the flow. Travel has its surprises. Flights shift, bags wander, words get lost in translation. Embrace it all as part of the adventure, practice patience, and find the humor in the unexpected.

Respect the culture. A little research before you arrive goes far. Honor local life, the wildlife, and the land. A few words of Spanish or Catalan, like please, thank you, and hello, are warmly received.

Keep an open mind. There is so much to learn from people who live differently than we do. Try new things, savor the local food and customs, slow down, and take it in.

Have fun. This trip is for you. To rest, to reconnect, to know yourself a little better, and to share it with others. Notice what rises for you during the week, whether it feels joyful, tender, or surprising, and let yourself be in it. The days are full, and there is also room to rest, read, nap, or simply be. We are here to support you every step of the way.

We cannot wait to welcome you to Spain.