About
Whispers of the Heart is a seven-day gathering devoted to the living tradition of Tasawwuf- the inward, spiritual dimension of Islam. Set in the peaceful Catalan countryside near Barcelona, this retreat is an invitation to step away from the distractions of everyday life and rediscover the art of listening.
Under the guidance of Sheikh Abd al-Wadud Sabaté, we will explore the wisdom of the Sufi path through spiritual teachings, dhikr (remembrance of God), muraqaba (contemplation), poetry and meaningful companionship. The retreat will also feature Ustad Daud Khan Sadozai, whose mastery of the Afghan rubab brings a profound musical dimension to this gathering.
Rooted in tradition rather than promises of instant transformation, Whispers of the Heart offers the time and space to reflect, cultivate sincerity and deepen one's relationship with the Divine. Whether you are familiar with Sufism or encountering it for the first time, you are invited to come with curiosity, humility and an open heart.
Theme
The journey begins with a single word: Beshno - Listen.
It is the opening invitation of Rumi's Masnavi, where the reed flute tells its story of separation, longing and the yearning to return to its source. This longing lies at the heart of the Sufi path: a journey beyond the distractions of the outer world towards remembrance of the Divine.
Whispers of the Heart draws inspiration from this timeless invitation. Through silence and contemplation, dhikr and spiritual teachings, poetry and the soulful melodies of the Afghan rubab, we seek to cultivate the art of listening- not only with our ears, but with our hearts.
For in the Sufi tradition, the heart is more than a place of emotion. It is the inward centre of awareness, sincerity and remembrance of God. This retreat offers an opportunity to turn towards that centre, to listen more deeply, and to carry something of that attentiveness into everyday life.
Retreat Center
Nestled among the vineyards and rolling hills of Catalonia, Alaya Retreat Centre offers a peaceful setting for Whispers of the Heart. Located near Barcelona in the village of Torrelles de Foix, this beautifully restored 150-year-old wine estate, known as Cal Pau Cruset, carries the warmth and character of a traditional Catalan masia.
Surrounded by gardens filled with olive, almond and fruit trees, Alaya invites a slower rhythm of life. Its intimate courtyards, welcoming communal spaces and peaceful natural surroundings offer opportunities for quiet reflection, meaningful conversation and companionship.
The retreat centre combines rustic charm with comfortable accommodation, from shared rooms to private suites. Its spacious gathering hall provides a setting for our daily spiritual teachings, dhikr, contemplation and music.
Here, away from the pace of everyday life, the landscape becomes part of the experience, offering moments to walk, rest, reflect and simply be present.
The Calling
Perhaps you have felt it- a quiet longing for something deeper. A desire to step away from the constant demands of everyday life, to sit in the company of others who share a sincere search, and to give yourself the time to turn inward.
The Sufi path has long recognised this longing as something precious: an invitation to remember what matters, to cultivate the heart and to draw closer to the Divine.
Whispers of the Heart is an invitation to honour that longing. Not through extraordinary promises or fleeting experiences, but through the simplicity of remembrance, the wisdom of spiritual companionship and the beauty of shared moments.
You do not need to arrive with answers, nor with years of spiritual practice. Come as you are, with your questions, your curiosity and your intention. What unfolds through these seven days will be different for each person, but the invitation remains the same: to listen, to remember and to return.
What's Included
6 Nights' Accommodation
Meals Throughout the Retreat
Spiritual Teachings with Sheikh Abd al-Wadud Sabaté
Dhikr (Remembrance of God)
Muraqaba (Contemplation)
Live Afghan Rubab Music with Ustad Daud Khan Sadozai
Sufi Poetry and Reflection
Reflection and Sharing Circles
Time for Silence and Nature
Beshno Welcome Kit
Please Note: Airport transfers are not included in the retreat price. Transport arrangements and costs will be communicated separately.
Your Investment
All prices are per person for the full seven-day, six-night retreat and include applicable taxes.
Your retreat price includes six nights' accommodation, full-board meals and the retreat programme.
Secure your place with a €500 deposit, which is deducted from the total retreat price. You may also choose to pay the full amount upfront.
Flights and airport transfers are not included. Accommodation categories are subject to availability.
DORM ROOM
€950 per person
Applicable taxes included
SHARED BEDROOMS
2-4 People- €999 per person
2 People Suite with jacuzzi- €1500 per person
Applicable taxes included
PRIVATE ROOM
Private use of room- €1299 per person
Private Suite with jacuzzi- €1800 per person
Applicable taxes included
Coming to a retreat on your own, or sharing a space with people you've never met, can feel a little unfamiliar at first. Yet it is often through these shared experiences that some of the most meaningful friendships and connections begin.
At Whispers of the Heart, we offer a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences. Our comfortable shared bedrooms accommodate two to four guests, while the communal bunk room offers a more affordable and sociable experience. For those who prefer greater privacy, private rooms and suites are also available.
Whether you arrive alone or with someone close to you, our hope is that you feel welcomed, comfortable and at home. After all, companionship and a sense of belonging are at the very heart of the Sufi tradition.
Booking Process
1. Choose Your Accommodation
Explore the available room categories and select the accommodation that best suits your preferences.
2. Reserve Your Place
Secure your place at Whispers of the Heart with a €500 deposit, which will be deducted from your total retreat price.
3. Receive Your Confirmation
Once your reservation is received, we will contact you by email with your booking confirmation, an onboarding form and information about the remaining balance and payment schedule.
4. Prepare for Your Journey
Ahead of the retreat, we will share practical information about arrival, accommodation, the programme and anything you may wish to bring.
If you have any questions before booking, please contact us at beshnoretreats@gmail.com or on WhatsApp/Call at +34617159090. We would be delighted to help.
The People Behind the Retreat
Abd al-Wadud Sabaté
We are honoured to welcome Sheikh Abd al-Wadud Sabaté, a respected Sufi practitioner and spiritual guide based in Barcelona, to Whispers of the Heart. A long-time disciple of the Naqshbandi Sufi order and founder of the Centre Sufi de Barcelona, Sheikh Abd al-Wadud brings decades of experience in sharing the wisdom and teachings of the Sufi path.
Known for his gentle presence and deep wisdom, he has dedicated much of his life to teaching self-knowledge, spiritual awareness and the inner cultivation of the heart. During the retreat, he will guide muraqaba (contemplation), lead dhikr gatherings and share teachings and conversations on the principles and practices of Tasawwuf.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to spend these days in his company, learning from a living tradition rooted in remembrance, sincerity and the search for closeness to the Divine.
Ustad Daud Khan Sadozai
Born in Kabul, Ustad Daud Khan Sadozai is an internationally acclaimed master of the Afghan rubab and the Indian sarod, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich musical heritage of Afghanistan.
He studied the rubab under the legendary Ustad Mohammad Omar and later trained in the Indian classical tradition under Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. His extraordinary contribution to music was recognised with the prestigious Aga Khan Music Award in 2022.
Having performed across the world alongside celebrated musicians, including Jordi Savall, Ustad Daud Khan brings a lifetime of artistic dedication to Whispers of the Heart.
Through the evocative melodies of the rubab, his presence will offer an opportunity to experience music as an expression of beauty, longing and spiritual reflection.
Syed Danish Suhail
Danish founded Beshno Retreats to create a space for inner peace, spiritual reflection and meaningful human connection. A Sufi at heart, his experiences across cultures, from East to West, have shaped his vision of bringing people together through empathy, openness and shared spiritual experiences.
Deeply influenced by the Chishti Sufi tradition and its emphasis on love, humility and service, Danish draws inspiration from Sufi poetry, traditional music and the timeless wisdom of Tasawwuf.
As the founder and host of Whispers of the Heart, he brings together the people, place and experiences that make the retreat possible. Throughout the gathering, he will facilitate reflection circles and help create an atmosphere of warmth, sincerity and companionship.