Getting to the Heart of the Matter - An Intimate Partner Retreat with Toni Herbine Blank

Getting to the Heart of the Matter is an intimate partner retreat designed for couples and close duos seeking deeper connection, vulnerability, and authentic presence together. Hosted by facilitator and guide Toni Herbine Blank in the coastal Portuguese village of Sesimbra, this retreat event in Sesimbra creates a safe, nurturing space where partners can move beyond surface-level interactions and explore what truly matters in their relationship. The retreat blends guided practices, reflective conversations, and the evocative musical presence of Mississippi-born pianist and singer Mose, whose soulful blend of jazz, blues, and storytelling sets an emotionally resonant backdrop for transformation.

This is not a typical couples' workshop—it's an experience that honors the complexity of intimate relationships while celebrating the possibility of deeper understanding. Mose's influence on generations of artists and his gift for weaving narrative with music creates an atmosphere where vulnerability feels safe and authenticity feels possible. Whether you're looking to rekindle connection, navigate a transition, or simply experience a retreat that treats your partnership as sacred, this gathering offers a rare opportunity to pause the noise of everyday life and tune into what your relationship truly needs.

What to Expect

Your retreat journey begins with arrival in the peaceful seaside setting of Sesimbra, where you'll immediately feel the shift from daily life to intentional time together. The opening hours are devoted to settling in, meeting fellow participants, and beginning to arrive emotionally and physically—there's tea, conversation, and space to breathe. As the retreat unfolds, you'll move through guided sessions that alternate between partner work (sometimes intense and challenging, sometimes tender and playful) and individual reflection time.

Mose's live performances serve as emotional anchor points throughout the retreat, offering moments where words give way to the language of music. You'll experience guided conversations with Toni Herbine Blank designed to surface what's unspoken between you and your partner, coupled with grounding practices that help you both stay present. The rhythm of the retreat event in Sesimbra balances structure with spaciousness—there's time for private moments, for walks along the coast, and for simply sitting with what's emerging between you.

By the final evening, participants describe a palpable sense of ease, deeper knowing, and renewed appreciation for their partnership. The retreat closes with a ceremonial moment of music and reflection, creating a natural threshold back into your lives together.

About the Artists

Toni Herbine Blank is a seasoned facilitator and guide known for her ability to hold space for couples navigating complexity and change. With years of experience in relational work and somatic practices, she brings both clinical insight and deep compassion to every session, creating conditions where partners feel genuinely seen and safe to explore their dynamics.

Mose is a legendary Mississippi-born pianist and singer whose distinctive blend of jazz, blues, and witty storytelling has influenced generations of rock and R&B artists, from Jimi Hendrix onward. His live presence transforms a retreat into something transcendent—his music doesn't just entertain; it speaks directly to the human heart and creates the emotional openness that deep connection requires.

Venue & Location

The retreat takes place in Sesimbra, a charming coastal village in Portugal known for its dramatic cliffs, fresh Atlantic air, and serene Mediterranean atmosphere. The venue provides comfortable, intimate accommodations and gathering spaces designed to facilitate both togetherness and solitude. Sesimbra is easily accessible by car or public transport from Lisbon, making this retreat event in Sesimbra convenient for international and local travelers alike.

The setting itself becomes part of the healing—ocean views, quiet mornings, and the gentle rhythm of coastal life all support the inner work you'll be doing together.