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April 16–18, 2027
The Thyme · The Berkshires, CT.
Near New York City

MARMELI
LOVESCHOOL
Retreat

Learning how to navigate our love journey.

Our everyday lives don’t always allow us the time and space to learn about what matters most. Our jobs, careers, ambitions, and responsibilities tend to become a priority. We keep moving, achieving, building — and often find ourselves looking for more. More success, more experiences, more things.

But what about how we love?
How we connect?
How we communicate?
How we share a life with another person?

What does it mean to truly live life together, rather than continuing to push toward the individuality that our world so often asks of us? This is an invitation to pause and explore these questions.

Lead and created by world-class musicians and married couple Marta Cascales Alimbau, pianist and composer, and Mel Semé, Grammy-winner and Broadway performer starring in Buena Vista Social Club.

THE 3 C's

At the heart of MARMELI is our 3 C's framework: Communication, Commitment & Connection. These three elements form the foundation of how we relate — to ourselves and to one another.

COMMUNICATION — How do we express what we feel, need, and want? How do we truly listen?
COMMITMENT — What does it mean to choose ourselves, another person, or a relationship? What are we willing to show up for?
CONNECTION — How do we create intimacy, presence, and a sense of belonging?

Throughout the retreat, we’ll explore these themes through guided conversations, embodied practices, music, yoga, reflection, and shared experiences.

A SPACE FOR EVERYONE

Whether you’re looking for love, dating, deeply in love, navigating a difficult moment, on the brink of a breakup, starting again, happily single, or simply curious about how you relate to others, you are welcome here.

Because the relationship we have with ourselves is always part of the relationship we have with others. This retreat is not about finding the perfect relationship or following a formula for love. It’s about becoming more curious about the way we love, the patterns we bring into relationships, and the kind of connection we want to create.

A PAUSE

For a few days, we step away from the noise and pace of everyday life. We leave behind the constant notifications, schedules, work, and expectations — and create room to breathe, listen, feel, and be present.

There will be moments for deep conversation and reflection, but also music, movement, laughter, silence, nature, shared meals, and simply enjoying being together.

A chance to remember that life is not only about what we accomplish, but about how we experience it — and who we experience it with.

COME AS YOU ARE

There is no level you need to reach before coming to LOVESCHOOL. You don’t need to have the answers. Just bring your curiosity, your openness, and your willingness to explore.

LIVE MUSIC
YOGA
SIGNATURE SILENT DINNER
ÁGORA TALKS
WOMEN & MEN CIRCLES
WORKSHOPS
PIANO BATH
SAUNA & PLUNGE
NATURE WALKS

Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.

APRIL16–18, 2027 — The Thyme

Day One, Friday 16

Arrive & Meet

As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.

  • Arrival and check-in

  • Dinner

  • Welcome gathering

  • Early bedtime

Move the body,
be immersed in love

Day Two, Saturday 17

We begin the day by moving and grounding the body.

Inspired by the Ancient Greek Ágora, the Ágora Talks explore the MARMELI framework and the “Three C’s”, creating space for conversation.

In the evening, a Silent Dinner invites presence beyond words, followed by a live music performance that integrates the day.

  • Yoga (self-connection)

  • Breakfast

  • Ágora talk (Marmeli State, Healthy baseline, Three C’s)

  • Lunch

  • Breath-sing + Communication workshop

  • Free time (sauna, nature walks, relax)

  • Signature Silent Dinner

  • Mel & Marta Concert

Go deeper

Day Three, Sunday 18

We begin the day with a heart-opening yoga practice to awaken the body and ground presence.

Women’s and men’s circles follow, offering a safe, held space for honest and intimate sharing.

The Piano Bath serves as integration, before we close the retreat through ritual and a gentle goodbye.

  • Yoga (feminine & masculine energies)

  • Breakfast

  • Women & Men Circles

  • Reunion and sharing

  • Lunch

  • Piano Bath

  • Closing ceremony

Location: The Thyme

The Thyme is an 85-acre natural retreat center nestled between Connecticut and Massachusetts, in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains. Only 2 1/2 hours drive from NYC and Boston, The Thyme is a car ride away for millions of people seeking to expand their minds, nourish their bodies and enrich their souls.

Train: The closest train station is Metro North Wassaic NY station, connecting to Grand Central in NYC. You'll need to arrange a ride share/taxi from Wassaic (~30min to The Thyme)

Flights: The closest airport is ALB (Albany International), with additional options at BDL, BOS, or the NYC airports (LGA, JFK, EWR).

 

Meet Mel & Marta

Mel Semé
Grammy award winner, born in Cuba to Haitian parents, is currently starring in the Broadway musical Buena Vista Social Club. He is also a member of the band Gone Gone Beyond, has appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk, and works as a producer and multi-instrumentalist.

@melseme / Spotify

Marta Cascales Alimbau
Born in Barcelona, Spain, is a composer, pianist, yoga teacher. A Grammy Awards voting member and Deutsche Grammophon artist who collaborates with choreographers and filmmakers, and is the creator of her signature Piano Bath experience.

@martacascalesalimbau / Spotify

All inclusive Price

$1250 Private Room (1 person)
$2500 Double Room (1 couple)

What’s included:

  • 2 nights / 3 days accommodation

  • 3 Chef-prepared meals made with love and local ingredients

  • Sauna + pond cold plunge

  • All activities in the program

Join us

“Still reflecting on the beauty of this weekend... the sacred pauses, the honey turned beatbox & jam session, the out of body breathwork moment, the surprise harmonies, the nourishment in every sense. Deep bows to Marta and Mel for curating such a loving time. ”
— Alex Tyree
“It deepened my understanding for what I am looking for in the next relationship. It deepened my love and compassion for myself and others especially for men. ”
— Lana Alexander.

We welcome donations to support the project. Thank you for helping us bring it to life!

Do you have questions? We would love to hear from you