October 16–18, 2026
The Thyme · The Berkshires, CT.
Near New York City

MARMELI Retreat: The Art of Relating

A transformative experience for couples and singles, guided by music, connection, and meaningful dialogue.

An unforgettable experience to connect and dive deeper into the energy of love, surrounded by like-minded souls in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains—a gentle pause from the rhythm of everyday life, to reconnect with what truly matters.

What to Expect

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

The MARMELI Retreat is a unique immersive experience designed for both couples and individuals who wish to explore what it means to cultivate healthy, conscious, and fulfilling relationships.

Created and led by world-class musicians Mel Semé and Marta Cascales Alimbau—a married couple—MARMELI uses music as a living thread to open meaningful conversations around love, partnership, communication, intimacy, and personal growth. Through live performances, guided dialogues, reflective practices, and shared experiences, participants are invited to deepen their connection with themselves and others.

Designed for both individuals and couples, the program offers practical tools for communication, commitment, and connection—the foundations of healthy, evolving relationships. Through shared ritual and reflection, participants are invited into self-discovery and relationship as a living practice.

For couples, it is an opportunity to reconnect, strengthen communication, and nurture a shared vision for the future. For singles, it offers space to explore relationship patterns, deepen self-awareness, and prepare for meaningful future connections.

At its core, MARMELI invites relationships to be experienced as an art form—cultivated through beauty, intention, and the universal language of music.

| Limited to 10 Couples & 10 Singles |

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

OCT 16–18, 2026 — 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.

  • Workout and piano meditation

  • Breakfast

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

  • Lunch

  • Breath-sing + Communication exercises

  • Free time (sauna, nature walks, relax)

  • Signature Silent Dinner

  • Mel & Marta Concert

Go deeper & feel the pleasure

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

  • 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, producer, performer. 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)

MARMELI Support Donations welcome

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

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