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Retreat: Stepping Out of the Noise
15–17 January 2027 · Retraitecentrum De Spil (Hilversum) · Ages 18–35
Retreat: Stepping Out of the Noise
15–17 January 2027 · Retraitecentrum De Spil (Hilversum) · Ages 18–35
Retreat: Stepping Out of the Noise
A weekend to put your phone away, slow down, and listen to what is truly alive within you — and how God may already be walking with you.
An English-language weekend retreat for young adults (ages 18–35). A small group (max. 16 participants). Comfortable rooms overlooking nature and water (private single room or shared twin room). Time to breathe, reflect, and pray (both individually and with the resident community of De Spil). A weekend for silence, space, and finding your way.
A Weekend Away From the Noise
We live in constant stimulation. Messages, expectations, pressure to decide, to perform, to keep going. This weekend invites you to step out of that noise.
We will stay at Retraitecentrum De Spil in Hilversum, an oasis of peace, forest, and water in the heart of the Netherlands. The serene natural setting, quiet walking paths, and simplicity naturally invite you to slow down and breathe.
You will have space:
- To rest
- To pray
- To reconnect with what truly matters
And make space to notice how God is already present in your story.
This retreat for young adults is organised by MAGIS Lowlands, a Jesuit initiative for young adults in their twenties and thirties.
The Location: Retraitecentrum De Spil
De Spil is a warm, peaceful retreat sanctuary situated on a private wooded estate in Hilversum, surrounded by natural waters, forest paths, and quiet contemplation gardens. Every participant has a peaceful room overlooking nature and water, with the choice of a private single room or a shared twin room.
What You Can Expect
Small group (max. 17)
Real space, safety, and personal attention with fellow international young adults.
Short input sessions
On silence, prayer, desire, and listening to your inner movements — rooted in Ignatian spirituality.
Guided meditation
Gentle guidance using Scripture and your own life experience. Accessible for beginners.
Plenty of silence
No pressure. No performance. Just honest space to breathe and slow down.
Personal accompaniment
A one-to-one conversation with a trained guide who listens with you in complete confidence.
Time to walk & rest
Forest paths, lake walks, reading, or simply being still. The programme is structured but light.
Community chapel prayer
Three times a day, we gather with the resident community of De Spil for a gentle rhythm of prayer and silence in the chapel (held largely in English).
Who Is This For?
This retreat is for anyone between 18 and 35 who:
- longs for rest and direction
- is searching in faith or life choices
- wants to learn how to pray or go deeper
- wonders what silence might reveal
- desires to encounter God again — or for the first time
No prior experience with faith or meditation is needed. Believers, doubters, and seekers are all welcome.
What Participants Have Said
“I learned to simply be. Not judging everything I see, hear, or think. Taking time to just be — it grounded me.”
– Sophie“It was a beautiful and very special weekend.”
– Eline“It did me so much good to slow down, breathe, and come close to God again.”
– MeesAccompanied by
Bastiaan van Rooijen sj
Jesuit priest and jurist in Amsterdam, working with people on the margins, and deacon at De Krijtbergkerk.
Margriet Hermans
Experienced spiritual guide and retreat leader with a warm heart for young adults and Ignatian contemplation.
Practical Information & Rates
Two separate single beds. Strictly matched by single-gender (men/women) or shared with a friend upon request.
For students & young adults with a tight budget who prefer a private room.
Standard rate for working young adults with private single room.
Rate includes: Chosen accommodation (shared twin or private single room), all meals, coffee, tea, evening refreshments, full retreat programme, and personal spiritual accompaniment.
🛏️ Rooms & accommodation: All rooms at De Spil overlook the pond and woodland. When registering, you can choose between your own private single room (standard or student discount) or a shared twin room with two separate beds (budget-friendly). If you prefer your own room, simply select a private single room.
🛏️ Bed linen & towels: Participants bring their own single bed linen (fitted sheet, pillowcase, duvet cover) and towel. If desired, you can rent a set for € 12,50.
🥗 Meals & dietary requirements: All meals, coffee, tea, and evening refreshments are included. Special dietary requirements can be indicated upon registration (note: if you eat gluten-free, the retreat house asks you to bring your own gluten-free bread).
If financial difficulties are holding you back, please feel free to contact Rick Timmermans (ricktimmermans@ignatiushuis.org). We will always find a solution together.
📍 Location: Retraitecentrum De Spil, Soestdijkerstraatweg 147-A, 1213 VZ Hilversum, The Netherlands
📅 Dates: 15–17 January 2027
⏰ Times: Arrival on Friday at 19:30h | Departure on Sunday at 15:30h
🚗 Travel & Parking: De Spil is easily reachable by public transport from Hilversum. On site, 7 parking spaces are available.
🗣️ Language: English
Still Hesitating?
Afraid it might be too silent? Too religious? Or not religious enough? You don’t have to share more than you want. You don’t have to know how to pray. Nothing is forced.
This weekend simply creates space to listen — to what is alive within you, and how God may already be gently guiding you.