Five queer wellness retreats for men across UK, Europe and South America

As gay, bi or queer men, it can be unsettling how often our identities are discussed alongside words like shame and chemsex, or through histories rooted in trauma. With the journey from childhood to adulthood being too frequently a solitary and challenging road towards self-acceptance, for some gay men creating platonic bonds with other men isn’t always easy. Society simply doesn’t give young GBTQ+ men the tools or even language to connect in a way that isn’t solely built through sex-focused apps and experiences. 

Queer-focused retreats are becoming increasingly popular as gay men seek ways to connect with one another on a deeper level, whether that means through nurturing the heart and soul, understanding intimacy boundaries, talking workshops, or medicine ceremonies. The key thread that connects them all is the nurturing of a connection between man and nature.  

While we may use the term “gay” in this article colloquially, the retreats featured are inclusive of gay, bi, queer and trans men. 

Find Your Magic, Crete 

Find Your Magic Retreats promises “no incense, no pretence, just reconnection, adventure and brotherhood” in the wild beauty of Crete, guided by co-founders Edward Pike, who has been leading retreats since 2011, and former DJ and sound therapist Rob Sykes. Deeply passionate about helping gay men rediscover their inner spark, their work is aimed at those who have all the boxes ticked on paper – work, friends, life, success – but still feel they are missing something. Find Your Magic focuses on four pillars – environment, embodiment, exploration and energy – by blending adventure, personal growth and brotherhood, without the “woo-woo”. Taking place from 5–12 June and 5–12 September 2026, activities include sunrise swims, mountain forest hikes, sound journeys, voice activation sessions and fitness. 

Reunion: Cultivating Pride & Authenticity, Costa Rica 

Located on the oceanfront along Costa Rica’s Blue Zone coastline, Reunion Wellness Resort & Retreats was founded by Brad Wells, who, after coming out later in life, is dedicated to helping others on their own journey of healing and authentic self-expression. While much of the resort’s programme is open to all sexualities and genders, Reunion also hosts Cultivating Pride & Authenticity, a curated retreat for gay, bi and queer men to discover what it means to live more joyfully, truthfully, and with a deeper sense of meaning, supported by an honest, like-hearted community. Ayahuasca ceremonies are the lynchpin of the experience, offering a powerful pathway into self-discovery and emotional release. This aspect is supported through breathwork, group discussions and daily yoga, creating space for meaningful, life-affirming change. Oh, and the food is divine! The next Cultivating Pride & Authenticity retreat takes place from 5–13 December 2026. 

The Edward Carpenter Community, UK 

Inspired by the life and values of socialist, critic, writer, poet, thinker and mystic Edward Carpenter (1844–1929), the community’s roots were founded after the establishment of housing cooperative Wild Lavender in 1980. Since 1985, the organisation has hosted Gay Men’s weeks, offering UK retreats throughout the year, ranging from exploring the Orkney Isles to visiting the Lake District. The Edward Carpenter Community is built around three core principles: helping gay men become “fully themselves” in the pursuit of personal growth through activities that increase self-awareness, self-worth and well-being; “creating community” through friendship that builds trust and intimacy; and “living respectfully and holistically” within the wider world.  

Rainbow Men, Spain 

Kundalini yoga instructor Tamir, queer philosopher and Hatha yoga instructor Roy, and breathwork therapist Ofer host workshops throughout the year in Spain and Peru. From the Rainbow Journey retreat to breathwork weeks, activities incorporate daily yoga, sharing circles, and connecting to nature to help men come home to themselves. “In our retreats we allow ourselves to explore all aspects of our GBTQ life and consciousness,” they say. “We remember and rediscover who we are. We learn to love ourselves, in all our colours.”  

Tom Barber Yoga, Portugal and Cornwall 

Connect with nature… nude! Berlin-based yoga, meditation and breathwork teacher Tom Barber helps gay, bisexual, trans and queer men connect through workshops that take place in Portugal and Cornwall throughout the summer months, from its Summer Solstice Retreat in June to September’s no-phones-allowed Bare Necessities. “These retreats are a sacred pause from daily life, where we connect to nature, our bodies, through yoga and meditation and much more. These are fun, playful, adventurous experiences for heart, body and spirit,” says Barber.   

This is a feature appearing in the May/June issue of Attitude magazine.