People & Culture (coming soon)
Audience
CEO's and Founders of boutique luxury businesses & executives from premium brands
Admittance of 8500€+VAT
vat 0% for international companies, vat 23% for portuguese companies
Location
Santa Iria Hotel, Mouchão Garden, Tomar, Portugal
Date
1st, 2nd & 3rd October 2025
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Admittance of
8500€+VAT
vat 0% for international companies, vat 23% for portuguese companies
Date
1, 2 & 3rd October 2025
Location
Santa Iria Hotel, Mouchão Garden
Tomar, Portugal
Audience
CEO's and Founders of boutique luxury businesses & executives from premium brands
Program Overview
Program Overview
Training, Frameworks & Networking
On Day 1, participants will immerse themselves in the core of luxury brand positioning, beginning with a deep exploration of what defines a brand as truly luxurious.
Through engaging case studies and discussions, we’ll examine the essential factors that elevate a brand to iconic stature, fostering desirability among consumers.
The day concludes uncovering the profound role of craftsmanship in creating timeless products that are critical to sustaining the prestige and allure that luxury brands command.
On Day 2, the focus will shift to the consumer's perspective—understanding why high-end consumers are drawn to luxurious experiences and products.
We’ll explore the journey of crafting unforgettable customer experiences by mapping key touchpoints that forge lasting emotional connections.
Strategies to elevate brand prestige through co-creation and collaboration will be highlighted, demonstrating how successful collaborations have propelled luxury brands to new heights.
The day will conclude with an exploration of building and preserving brand legacy, ensuring that your brand isn't just relevant today but will be cherished for generations to come.
1st October 2025
An Historic Evening at the Convento de Cristo
Imagine walking through the grand halls of the Convento de Cristo, a site where history whispers from every stone, and being greeted by none other than Torsten. On 1st October, you will join 15 other individuals for an unparalleled meeting where Torsten will reveal the inner workings of luxury principles—right in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
16:30 - 21:00
Torsten Müller-Ötvös will kick things off with a comprehensive preview of the next two days, laying the groundwork for engaging discussions.
Everyone will be guided through thoughtful questions to build connections.
An icebreaker activity “Luxury show & tell” will foster the networking.
Pre-Preparation
Please be so kind and bring a small item or photo that represents luxury to you (e.g., a piece of jewelry, a luxury travel photo, a high-end gadget, etc.)
As night falls, we´ll enjoy a lavish dinner - a perfect end to a day of first meet and great.
30th April 2025
2nd October 2025
The Core Of Luxury Brand Positioning
09:00 - 10:00 | The Luxury Ecosytem
In this session, we will embark on an exploration of the luxury market - a dynamic and diverse sector that spans a breathtaking array of high - end products and services. Ready to transform your understanding of luxury?
10:00 - 10:30 | Understanding What Makes a Brand Truly Luxurious
This is where we uncover the essence of what makes a brand truly luxurious. You'll delve into the defining characteristics that set luxury brands apart from the rest and discover the subtle yet powerful elements that create an aura of exclusivity and prestige. We'll explore why brand positioning is crucial in the luxury market, and how the right positioning can transform a brand into an icon.
Dive in, absorb the insights, and prepare to elevate your brand strategy to unparalleled heights. This is your first step towards mastering the art of luxury branding.
11:00 - 11:30 | Ascending Your Brand to Iconic Stature
Key Elements of Building a Luxury Brand. Here, we unlock the core components that elevate a brand to luxury status. We'll dissect the pillars of luxury branding - heritage, exclusivity, craftsmanship, and emotion - and how they interlace to form an irreplaceable brand narrative.
Through compelling case studies, we'll witness how iconic brands have mastered these elements to rise above the ordinary.
Are you ready to uncover secrets of success and gain insights that will inspire and transform your approach to luxury branding? It's time to pave the way for your brand's ascent to iconic stature.
11:30 - 13:00 | Interactive Exercise
Developing a brand positioning statement.
14:00 - 15:30 | Interactive Exercise
Presenting the brand positioning statement.
Discussion / Exchange.
16:00 - 16:30 | Elevating Brand Desirability
Get ready to delve into the fascinating world of scarcity in luxury branding. Discover the art of creating and maintaining a sense of scarcity that elevates a brand's desirability. We'll also explore the psychology of exclusivity - why people crave what they can’t easily have, and how this drives brand loyalty and prestige.
16:30 - 17:00 | Craftsmanship profound role on creating timeless pieces of art
This is where we delve into the soul of luxury brands - the meticulous craftsmanship that sets them apart.
We’ll uncover the profound role that exceptional craftsmanship plays in defining a luxury brand, creating not just products but timeless pieces of art. You'll learn how ensuring unparalleled quality and authenticity are critical to sustaining the prestige and allure that luxury brands command.
Get ready to be inspired by the dedication and precision that transform ordinary into extraordinary. Let's celebrate the artisans behind the scenes who make luxury what it truly is.
1st May 2025
3rd October 2025
Luxury Consumer, Collaboration & Legacy
09:00 - 09:30 | Uncovering Why Consumers Choose Luxurious Products
A deep dive into the heart of what truly drives luxury brands- their customers. We'll explore the psyche and unique expectations of the luxury consumer, uncovering why they choose premium experiences and products.
Next, we’ll unravel strategies to create exceptional customer experiences that not only meet but exceed these elevated expectations. This session is about forging emotional connections and fostering loyalty that transforms customers into brand ambassadors. Ready to elevate your brand’s customer experience to extraordinary levels?
09:30 - 11:00 | Crafting Unforgettable Experiences Through Mapping Customer Journey
This is where the magic happens. Understanding each touchpoint that elevates your brand from ordinary to extraordinary. We’ll navigate through the intricate path your customers take, from the first spark of interest to the moment they become loyal advocates. By mapping this journey, you’ll unlock the secrets to crafting unforgettable experiences that resonate deeply with your discerning audience.
Get ready to create a roadmap that not only meets expectations but exceeds them at every turn. This is your gateway to transforming every interaction into a masterpiece.
Group Activity:
Creation of a creative and luxury customer journey.
11:30 - 13:00 | Elevating Brand Prestige Powered by Collaboration
Discover the transformative power of co-creation in luxury branding, where brands and consumers come together to create something truly unique. We’ll delve into the ways co-creation can elevate a brand’s prestige and foster deeper connections with its audience. Through compelling case studies, you'll see how successful collaborations have propelled luxury brands to new heights.
Group Activity:
Brainstorming Co-creation Opportunities.
15:00 - 15:30 | Building and Preserving a Brand’s Legacy
This is where we delve into the enduring essence of luxury brands. We'll explore how to build and preserve a brand's legacy, ensuring that it stands the test of time. The importance of heritage in luxury branding cannot be overstated - it’s the foundation that upholds the brand’s identity and exclusivity.
Immerse yourself in the timeless art of creating a legacy that speaks of heritage, quality, and enduring value. This session is all about ensuring that your brand isn't just relevant today but will be cherished for generations to come.
16:00 - 17:00 | Panel Discussion
The future of luxury.
17:00 - 18:00 | Q&A and Closing Session
"Grown the company and its world-class people to the position it is in today, at the pinnacle of the luxury industry"
Package
Admittance of 8500€ + vat*
*vat 0% for international companies, vat 23% for portuguese companies
Meet & Greet
Kick off the retreat by connecting with Torsten and fellow participants on 1st October at the picturesque Convento de Cristo, Tomar.
2-day Masterclass
Torsten will reveal secrets and answer your questions in an immersive learning experience. 2nd & 3rd October at Santa Iria Hotel, Mouchão Garden, Tomar
The Valuation Workbook
Receive an exclusive workbook filled with Torsten's frameworks and systems, designed to guide your journey.
Hotel & Food Included - 1st & 2nd October accommodation included.
Stay in comfort at Santa Iria Hotel, Tomar. Enjoy all-inclusive meals throughout the retreat.
Backyard Grill Experience
Savor premium cuts of meat grilled to perfection, with music setting the perfect backdrop for engaging conversations. 2nd October at Jardim Mouchão.
Airport & Hotel Transfer
Our team will take care of your transportation during the 3 days.
Signed Certificate
Take home a personalized, hand-signed certificate from Torsten, verifying your participation and achievement
Trusted by
executives all over Europe.
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What is Arc Business Retreats?Arc Business Retreats, founder in 2018, organizes exclusive 3-day retreats for 30 executives, focusing on learning from top business minds in a serene environment in Tomar, Portugal. Our retreats are characterized by: Intimate Executive Learning: Limited to 30 executives for personalized experiences. High-Caliber Instructors: Leaders from brands like Google, Rolls-Royce, Harley Davidson, Nike, Amazon. Target Audience: C-level executives seeking strategic insights and meaningful connections. Exclusive Retreats: Our retreats are curated with instructor input to select the ideal participants, ensuring a tailored networking experience with peers who align with your professional profile. Historic Setting: Conducted in Tomar, Portugal, in a serene environment. Hands-On Workshops: Interactive sessions blending strategy with practice. Focused Topic Retreats: Each retreat dedicated to a single topic. Notable Past Instructors: Industry veterans like Colin Bryar, Aswath Damodaran, Greg Hoffman and Liz Muller. Networking Opportunities: Informal networking with peers. Dietary Accommodations: Traditional Portuguese cuisine with vegetarian options. Pre and Post Retreat Resources: Comprehensive materials for enhanced learning. Discover our LinkedIN Discover our Instagram
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Who Are The Founders of Arc Business Retreats?João Cascão and António Ferreira are the dynamic founders of Arc Business Retreats. João leads the brand and sales, ensuring the company’s vision resonates with its exclusive clientele, while António focuses on engaging with clients and selecting world-class instructors. Together, they embody versatility—true Swiss Army knives of their business. From strategizing retreats to rolling up their sleeves for hands-on tasks like moving sofas and transporting 120kg BBQ grills, João and António exemplify commitment, teamwork, and a relentless drive to deliver exceptional experiences.
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What Is The Format of The Retreats?Retreat Format: Our retreats are designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience over three days for 30 executives: Day 1: Welcome Dinner The retreat kicks off with a welcome dinner, providing an informal setting for participants to meet and engage with one another, as well as with the instructor. This evening sets the stage for building connections and preparing for the days ahead. Days 2 and 3: Training Sessions and Networking Events Each day is filled with insightful training sessions led by one industry veteran, focusing on strategic topics tailored to executive needs. These sessions are interactive, allowing for hands-on learning and practical application. In addition to the training, dedicated networking moments are woven throughout the schedule, offering opportunities for participants to connect with peers, share experiences, and build valuable professional relationships.
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What a Day Look LikeMorning Session Narrative Dawn breaks over the serene city of Tomar as you join fellow executives for a carefully curated breakfast. The morning air is crisp, and anticipation builds as you prepare for today's transformative sessions. Your instructor, a former C-level executive from a global powerhouse, begins with a thought-provoking case study that immediately engages the intimate group of 30 leaders. Afternoon Deep Dive Following a delightful local-sourced lunch, the course continues with an emphasis on practical application. In this interactive setting, you delve into real-world scenarios and collaborate with peers who share your challenges. The afternoon workshops are tailored to apply insights directly to your organization's context, with the instructor providing personalized feedback and guidance. Small group discussions further enhance the learning experience, allowing for deeper connections and the exchange of ideas in a supportive environment. Evening Connection As the day winds down, the focus shifts to building meaningful relationships. The Backyard Grill event offers the perfect opportunity to network informally with peers from across Europe. Over exquisite Portuguese cuisine, you engage in candid conversations, fostering connections that extend beyond the retreat. Note Each Arc Business Retreat may vary slightly to accommodate different themes and instructors, but the described narrative reflects the standard experience participants can expect. The Meet & Greet on Day 1 at the historic Convento de Cristo sets the tone for the retreat, while the core learning and networking take place in Tomar on Days 2 and 3.
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Who Attend Our Retreats?Our retreats are designed for 30 C-level executives from a diverse range of industries. Participation is by invitation only, ensuring that attendees are leaders who are eager to engage in strategic discussions and expand their professional network. This selective approach guarantees that all participants are peers in terms of experience and ambition, fostering a rich environment for meaningful interactions and learning. We had the privilege of hosting executives from some of the world's most esteemed companies, including IBM, Inditex, Visa, Nespresso, EDP, and McDonald's, among others. Our participants come from diverse sectors, holding influential roles such as CHROs, Marketing Directors, CEOs, and more. These leaders have consistently praised the transformative impact of our retreats. What They Say About Us: CHRO, Waeg - an IBM Company: "I just can recommend everyone in my network to take this opportunity. Colin was absolutely phenomenal, as well as all the organization and reception from Arc Business Retreats." Marketing Director, Visa: "I'm gonna take home insights related to the team, myself, and most of them related to the brand. Insights on how to spark curiosity and drive innovation." Business Unit Controller, Nespresso: "The instructor made us change completely our perspective." Managing Director, Rangel Logistic Solutions: "It was an excellent opportunity to meet a S-Level manager from Amazon here in Portugal. I learned new management techniques and was also inspired to adapt them in my organization." CEO, Brave Generation Academy: "This business retreat was wonderful. You get to really connect with people. For me, it was really a special time. And I learned a lot of little things that are going to make a massive impact." Global CEO, Manutan Group: "Engagement at this personal level with everyone is extremely valuable. Learning from someone like Colin was a very unique thing. It's clear to me how Amazon does it and I'm quite confident that I can cascade it into our organization."
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What Is and How Can I Become An Arc Insider?As an Arc Insider, you gain access to exclusive updates, insights, and opportunities to attend our invitation-only retreats. These retreats are curated to include a diverse and carefully selected audience, ensuring a rich and rewarding networking experience. To become an Arc Insider, simply fill out the form on our Insiders page. This will allow us to review your request and consider you for future invitations to our retreats. We are dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and providing insightful learning experiences. Becoming an Insider offers you the opportunity to engage with industry veterans and gain valuable insights that support your professional journey.
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How Does The Invitation + Waiting List Process Work?Arc Business Retreats operates on an exclusive invitation-only basis, strictly limited to 30 executives per retreat. This carefully managed process ensures optimal group dynamics and precise control over available spots. Direct Invitation Selected executives receive a personal invitation with a private access code Each invitation includes a specific expiration date Once an invitation expires, the spot is reallocated to other qualified candidate Waiting List (Arc Insiders) If you haven't received a direct invitation, submit your application to join our waiting list Receive priority access when spots become available Get notified first about upcoming retreat dates Your position on the waiting list is maintained based on fit and timing We maintain this rigorous selection model for three essential reasons: Ensure the highest quality of peer-to-peer learning Create balanced group dynamics for optimal networking Maintain precise control over participant numbers and profiles Would like to join? Submit your application through this form. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance, as we carefully review each candidate to ensure the right mix of expertise and maintain the high caliber of our executive community.
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What's Included in Your Retreat PurchaseWhen you purchase a spot at one of our Arc Business Retreats, you gain access to a comprehensive and enriching experience designed to enhance your professional growth and networking opportunities. Here's what's included: Exclusive Access to Retreat Sessions Participate in interactive training sessions led by industry veterans, focusing on strategic insights and practical applications. Welcome Dinner Enjoy a welcome dinner on the first evening, providing an informal setting to meet fellow participants and the instructor. Networking Moments Engage in structured and informal networking moments, designed to foster meaningful connections with peers from various industries. Pre and Post Retreat Resources Receive a pre-retreat form, a book by the instructor, printed slide decks, workbooks, a notebook, a premium pen, digital photos, and a printed certificate. Accommodation Stay at a carefully selected venue that offers a serene and inspiring environment. Meals All meals included, featuring traditional Portuguese cuisine (with vegetarian options). Airport and Venue Transfers Enjoy seamless transfers from the airport to the retreat venue in Tomar, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey. Continued Support Benefit from continued support and follow-up after the retreat, including access to digital resources and the opportunity to stay connected with fellow participants. This package is thoughtfully designed to ensure you have a valuable and memorable experience, with all the necessary resources and support to maximize your learning and networking opportunities.
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How Do I Contact Customer Support?For any inquiries, please email us at antonio@businessretreats.net or call +351 914 793 351.
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What is The Refund Policy?Cancellation Policy: Full Refund: Event participation can be canceled up to 30 days before the event date, with a full refund provided. Cancellations Within 30 Days: No Refund: For cancellations made within 30 days of the event, no refund will be provided. Receive Credit: The amount paid can be converted into credit for a future training session offered by Arc Business Retreats. Transfer Your Spot: You can transfer your spot to another person, subject to prior approval by Arc Business Retreats. For any questions or further information, please contact the Arc Business Retreats team at antonio@businessretreats.net