Distance for Direction
You’re still executing the essentials, but it’s getting harder to think clearly. The urgent work gets done but the important work keeps slipping. Your mind feels cluttered, your decisions less sharp, and there’s no space left to step back and recalibrate.
You don’t need to stop working. You need room to breathe and think.
In the Portuguese mountains, you run your high-priority tasks from a private workstation with fast internet and no interruptions. The rest of your schedule opens up for reflection, coaching, practical tools, digital and analog, and the kind of mental reset that only comes from distance, silence, and walking in nature.
A place where you stay in motion, but regain clarity.
Are you on the edge?
Do you recognise your state of mind?
- I feel mentally exhausted most days, like my brain is foggy and I can’t focus on tasks as I used to
- I’m constantly overwhelmed by the volume of meetings, emails, and demands, and it feels impossible to keep up.
- I find myself procrastinating or avoiding important decisions because I feel indecisive or drained.
- My creativity and motivation have sharply declined, I struggle to come up with new ideas or solutions.
- I feel emotionally detached or cynical about my work and colleagues, like I’m just going through the motions.
- Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping have become regular and affect my daily life.
- I notice my patience is wearing thin, I get irritated easily and have less tolerance for stress or interruptions.
- I feel like I’m losing control over my work-life balance, and even when I’m off the clock, I can’t fully disconnect or relax.
Retreat for professionals
You’re not burned out yet. But you feel it creeping in.
You want to produce your best work, make clear decisions, and feel in control again. But it’s hard to find the space to breathe AND you can't or don't want to step away from your daily responsibilities.
We understand your challenge! You don’t need a vacation. You need a place that helps you regain your clarity, sharpen your thinking, and reconnect with your natural purpose, this all while staying productive.
We offer you:
- Your own apartment with private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, workstation and inspiring mountain views
- Reliable, high-speed 1 Gbps internet to keep you connected and productive
- A separate co-working area and meeting rooms for focused collaboration
- Coaching sessions, professional, practical, personal and philosophical. You decide!
- Nature walks, with or without others or our dogs, quiet reflection, and meaningful conversations. Plenty of options to run or for mountain biking as well.
- Do you really want to unwind and put things in a down to earth perspective? Join our Shepherd with his sheep and goats for a couple of hours or for as long as you like.
- Breakfast is always included, optional additional meals can be discussed.
- Tax deductible invoice.
You stay productive while your mind finally gets the space to breathe and reset! Distance for setting your new direction starts by contacting us:
Your options
Distance for Direction
Shuttle bus & taxi's
Our shuttle bus can pick you up or you can book a taxi or take public transportation.
Request free interview
- inquiry
- interview
- payment
- intake
- personalised plan
- retreat (PT)
Request free interview
Address
Quinta dos Cedros
6300-135 Meios, Guarda
Portugal
GPS 40.490667, -7.357148
View on Google Maps
Payment methods:
It is also possible to pay with cash or direct bank transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Distance for Direction program?
It is a coaching initiative designed to help digital and online professionals gain clarity, direction, and actionable steps in their careers and personal development. Key is that your program is uniquely catered to your specific needs and wishes.
Who is the program for?
The program is tailored for digital professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their next steps or their role in a quickly changing world. How is AI going to influence my work and career for example.
How does the program work?
Participants engage in structured one on one coaching sessions that combine intrinsic curiosity, pattern recognition, and proven frameworks to uncover blind spots and create a clear path forward. Every program is tailored to your specific needs which are discussed upfront during an intake video call.
Who is my coach? And how can he help?
I am, Frank Kroondijk, your coach, click here for profile summary. I love complex challenges and embrace them. Because of this I had to take a lot of hurdles in my life as well, forcing me to continuously re-invent my self and adapt my working patterns to the new circumstances. Like most high-achievers, I also hit my limit once and learned a lot from the experience. My analytical brain loves to unwrap your current struggles and find practical ways to solve them. I work with people that really want to 'fix' their life with action and not with complaining. I am a critical friend, not afraid to provide you with feedback, without sugar coating, but always with respect, a warm heart and humor.
What can I expect from a session?
Expect incisive questions, contextual understanding, and structured methods that balance challenge with emotional safety. We are not only looking for insights but also for concrete digital and analog tools to help you structurally in the future. Sessions are available in English, Dutch, and Frisian.
How long does the program last?
The program can be customized, but we have 3 different programs to start with. The number of coaching sessions depends on the individual needs but can range from one session per day to once every couple of days. This is something we discuss during the one on one intake video interview
What makes this program unique?
It blends multidisciplinary experience across industries with ICF-aligned coaching methods and Stoic principles, offering both analytical precision and empathetic support. The physical distance with your normal work place creates mental space to think much more clearly and you will be much better able to put things into the right perspective. We combine insights with practical tools, no fluff but hands-on and ready to put into practise right away.
How do I join and what are the steps involved?
You can apply through the program’s website or contact Frank Kroondijk directly to schedule an introductory session. We start with a one on one introduction. When the program fits your needs you can apply. After this an intake video call is scheduled to get a clear picture on how your personalised stay is going to look like. Together we determine the check-in and check-out dates. Before your arrival you receive your program schedule and objectives.
What is included?
- A fully equipped private apartment, including your own workstation with high speed internet
- A healthy breakfast is included (additional meals are optional)
- Pick-up from Guarda
- Free access to the coworking space
- Free access to the lounge room
- Coaching sessions, the frequency depends on the selected program but max. one session per day. Coaching programs are always customised based on your individual needs and wishes.
- Bed linnen, towels, extra blankets, etc.
Where to eat?
A healthy breakfast is included. The rest of the meals you can prepare your own meals as your apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, however there are two restaurants at walking distance. They both are very reasonably priced. The city Guarda, 15 minutes drive, has plenty of various restaurants and also plenty of other leisure activities like a cinema, theatre, museums, etc. If you prefer to have all meals included, lets discuss this during the first video call.
Is this a vacation or how is it different from a regular trip?
Unlike a traditional vacation where you completely unplug, our retreat lets you work on priority tasks in the morning and use the rest of your day for reflection, coaching, and nature. It’s not about skipping responsibilities, but relocating them: you stay productive during the day and recharge with guided activities. In other words, it’s not a full break from work, but it’s also not just another office. This blend (sometimes called a ‘workcation’) combines work with the mental benefits of travel
Will I have to attend any mandatory activities?
You are fully in control of your own program. You can follow the, together, planned rhythm or adjust as needed, but the structure is designed to balance productivity with restorative breaks.
How to get to Starbase18?
You can come by car, our place is very well accessible by any type of car. When flying in from another country, Porto Airport is the closest but Lisbon Airport is also an option. After renting a car in Porto, can be done on the airport, it's a little of 2 hours drive. From Lisbon an hour longer. You can also travel by touringcar bus from Porto to Guarda, this is very affordable (~18 euros), we can pick you up from Guarda with our shuttle bus. From Lisbon you can either travel by train or by bus, also then we can pick you up at Guarda. We will send you more information and links to reservation websites when you book. Meios also has a bus connection and taxi drivers are always available. We are very close by the famous Passadiços do Mondego and therefor a lot of taxi drivers are in the vicinity.
What should I bring?
Just bring your laptop, charger, and any work materials you need, our apartments are fully equipped with workstations and fast internet. Comfortable outdoor clothing is useful for nature walks and farm activities. Breakfast is included, other meals are optional, and every apartment has a kitchen.
Is this a group retreat?
No, each participant has their own private apartment and personalised coaching plan.
The first step toward renewed clarity is a short introductory interview