A Warrior & A Gentleman: 4-Day Men's Retreat A Modern Masculinity Immersion
May 14th - 17th, 2026 | 4 Days, 3 Nights | Blisstopia Retreats, Arizona
Designed to help men master their emotions, embody strength, and lead with integrity
“Check your ego at the door. Open your heart and your mind to be the best version of a true man you can be.”
May 14 - 17 , 2026 | 4 days 3 nights
SUPPORT FOR MEN
A Warrior & A Gentlemen: A Modern Masculinity Immersion is a 3-night, all-inclusive men’s retreat at Blisstopia Retreats in Peoria, AZ, designed to help men master their emotions, embody strength, and lead with integrity. Through martial arts, yoga, breathwork, and men’s circles, participants will explore what it truly means to be a modern man—both warrior and gentleman. In today's world men have become more emasculated. This retreat is the opposite of that. We will work on your masculinity as well as finding ways to manage your emotions, like anger and rage.
EXPERT-LED COACHING & GUIDANCE
Your in-depth training & therapy sessions are personally facilitated by Blisstopia’s host and beloved founder, Mark Royce. A father of 4, grandfather of 2, a personal trainer, nutritional coach, regenerative health practitioner, security expert with more than 25 years of experience, and life long martial artist. With more than 45 years of training and 35+ years of teaching/coaching martial arts, boxing and fitness.
Mark's Partner Lana is a master’s-level psychotherapist and certified energy healer, combining more than three decades of clinical experience and mind-body expertise with deep compassion. Having guided over 60 retreats and supported hundreds of people through profound emotional healing, Lana holds space with care, wisdom, and intuitive guidance that blends psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and holistic energy work. She creates a grounded and nurturing environment where grieving, release, and deep soul renewal can truly happen—ensuring each guest is supported, seen, and safely guided through whatever they’re carrying.

What’s Included
- 3 nights shared accommodations at Blisstopia Retreats (beautiful desert villa with pool, hot tub, and mountain views)
- All meals from Thursday dinner to Sunday breakfast: high-protein, whole-food based, with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available
- 2 guided workshops on anger, stress, and emotional resilience
- 2 martial arts sessions (BJJ and boxing fundamentals and application)
- Understanding the difference between being a Strong & capable Man with a heart & wannabe tough guy with an attitude
- 1 yoga class tailored for men’s bodies, strength, and mobility
- Multiple breathwork sessions for stress relief, nervous system reset, and emotional release
- Opening and closing ceremonies, daily check-ins, and men’s circles for authentic connection and integration
- Free time to relax in the pool, hot tub, sauna, or on the land (hammocks, views, and desert trails nearby)
- Tea, coffee, and infused water available throughout the day
Schedule
Day 1 – Arrival & Initiation
- 3:00 pm: Check-in & settle in
- Welcome circle & agreements – “Check Your Ego at the Door”
- Dinner
- Breathwork for stress reset + journaling
Day 2 – The Warrior
- Morning: Breathwork / grounding + breakfast
- Late Morning: Mental health workshop – Anger, stress & the modern man
- Afternoon: BJJ fundamentals + free time (pool / rest)
- Evening: Boxing session + men’s circle – The Warrior’s Code
Day 3 – The Gentleman
- Morning: Yoga for strength & mobility + breakfast
- Late Morning: Emotional intelligence & communication workshop
- Afternoon: Integrated martial arts & trust-building partner work
- Evening: Nervous system reset breathwork + fire/closing circle
Day 4 – Integration & Departure
- Morning: Breakfast, final integration circle
- 11:00 am: Check-out
"A harmless man is not a good man.
A good man is a very dangerous man who has that under voluntary control!"
A Life-Changing Experience – Thank You, Blisstopia Retreats!!!
I recently had the privilege of attending a 3-hour immersive experience at Blisstopia Retreats, and I can say with complete sincerity, it was life changing!
Mike, 60
Was an amazing experience. Mark and Lana hosted us graciously and have an amazing facility you have to experience for yourself!
– Kenneth, 28
This is an amazing place! Mark and Lana are experienced and thoughtful hosts.
Their skill sets and knowledge compliment each other creating a unique blend that can only be experienced.
– Donald, 43

Meet mark royce
Mark’s journey began after surviving a serious assault in high school that left him hospitalized and permanently injured—a turning point that ignited his lifelong dedication to martial arts, self-defense, and inner strength. Over 35+ years, he has earned advanced black belts in multiple disciplines, taught thousands of students, and developed a training style that blends fighter’s grit with deep respect, humility, and protection.
Beyond the dojo, Mark is a Certified Breathwork Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritional Coach, Regenerative Health Practitioner, and 200-hour yoga teacher, uniting ancient wisdom with modern science to support whole-person wellness. His work includes breathwork, cold therapy, regenerative and cellular health, functional fitness, and personalized nutrition, giving men practical ways to “biohack” their health from the inside out.
At Blisstopia Retreats, Mark leads with a professional, safe, and grounded presence that men immediately feel. In this Warrior & Gentleman immersion, he weaves together breathwork, martial arts, strength training, and mindset coaching to help men—young and old—retrain their nervous systems, release stored stress and anger, and reconnect to their inner calm and clarity.
Mark’s approach is simple but powerful: combine ancient practices like martial arts, yoga, and breath with modern tools from regenerative health and performance coaching. The result is a unique pathway for men to improve themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally—building real-world resilience, emotional regulation, and embodied confidence they can carry back into their work, relationships, and everyday lives.
Blisstopia: A Desert Sanctuary for Your Soul
- 2.5 peaceful acres in the Sonoran Desert
- 6,800 sq ft eco-luxury villa
- 5 bedrooms, 17 beds, 6 bathrooms
- Fire circle, fitness center, and amazing hiking trails
- Meals are healing, mostly protein-based, and deeply nourishing
It's time to man up.
4 Days / 3 Nights All-Inclusive Retreat
Double Occupancy Room (2 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,399 (until February 1st, 2026) 4 spots
Quad Occupancy Room (4 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,299 (until February 1st, 2026) 12 spots
Double Room Rate - After February1st, 2026: $1,499
Quad Room Rate - After February 1st, 2026: $1,399
Includes lodging, meals, workshops, training sessions, and ceremonies
Payment plans available
Limited to 15 Men
Book Now!
4 DAY A WARRIOR & A GENTLEMEN RETREAT
$444 Deposit to Reserve your Spot
Double Occupancy Room (2 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,399 (until February 1st, 2026) 4 spots
Quad Occupancy Room (4 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,299 (until February 1st, 2026) 12 spots
Double Room Rate - After February1st, 2026: $1,499
Quad Room Rate - After February 1st, 2026: $1,399
Who This Is For
This retreat is for men who:
- Feel the weight of responsibility and want tools to handle anger, stress, and pressure in a healthier way
- Want to feel stronger and more confident in their bodies through martial arts and movement (all levels welcome, including beginners)
- Crave real conversation with other men beyond surface-level small talk or “locker room” banter
- Are willing to be honest, try new practices, and respect the confidentiality and boundaries of the group
Who This Is Not For
This retreat is not a fit if you:
- Are seeking a party, heavy drinking, or recreational drug use (this is a sober, conscious container)
- Are unwilling to look at your patterns around anger, stress, or communication
- Have ego issues, are easily angered, or cannot control your emotions
- Want an ultra-luxury resort/spa experience with full hotel-style services (this is an intimate, private villa setting)
- Cannot participate in light to moderate physical activity (contact the host if you have questions about your specific situation)
4 DAY A WARRIOR & A GENTLEMEN RETREAT
A Modern Masculinity Immersion
Book Now!
$444 Deposit to Reserve your Spot
Double Occupancy Room (2 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,399 (until February 1st, 2026) 4 spots
Quad Occupancy Room (4 beds - per person rate) - Early Bird: $1,299 (until February 1st, 2026) 12 spots
Double Room Rate - After February1st, 2026: $1,499
Quad Room Rate - After February 1st, 2026: $1,399
Menu
All meals are deliciously and carefully prepared with seasonality of the foods in mind. Meals are nourishing & Ayurvedic prepared with high density value.
Gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options available.
Schedule
ITINERARY
(May 14) Day 1 – Arrival & Initiation
3:00–4:30 pm – Arrival & Check-In
Guests settle into shared accommodations, explore the property, and decompress from travel.
4:30–5:30 pm – Welcome & Opening Circle: “Check Your Ego at the Door”
Guided introductions, agreements for safety and confidentiality, and framing of “Warrior & Gentleman” archetypes.
5:30–6:30 pm – Dinner
Nourishing, grounding meal; orientation to mealtimes and house flow.
7:00–8:30 pm – Breathwork for Stress Reset
Gentle but powerful session introducing techniques such as box breathing and 4–7–8 breathing to calm the nervous system and manage stress and anger.
Short integration journaling and optional sharing.
8:30–9:30 pm – Quiet Time / Sauna / Hot Tub / Early Bed
Space to unwind in the pool, hot tub, or sauna at Blisstopia.
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(May 15) Day 2 – Warrior: Strength, Anger & Boundaries
7:00–7:45 am – Morning Breath & Grounding Practice
Simple nervous system regulation, intention-setting for the day.
8:00–9:00 am – Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am – Mental Health Workshop 1: Anger, Stress & the Modern Man
Psychoeducation on anger as a secondary emotion, common male conditioning (“man up,” “don’t feel”).
Techniques for identifying triggers and early signals in the body.
Practice: diaphragmatic breathing, calming phrases, brief visualization for de-escalation.
11:30 am–12:30 pm – Lunch
1:30–3:00 pm – Martial Arts Session 1: BJJ Foundations – The Grounded Warrior
Introduction to basic BJJ movements, positioning, and controlled contact, emphasizing respect, consent, and humility.
Reflection on how grappling relates to “staying with discomfort” instead of checking out.
3:00–4:30 pm – Free Time / Optional Integration
Pool, rest, journaling, nature time on property.
4:30–6:00 pm – Boxing Session 1: Channeling Aggression into Presence
Stance, guard, basic punches, focus mitt drills.
Framing boxing as a way to move anger and stress through the body in a contained, healthy way.
6:30–7:30 pm – Dinner
8:00–9:00 pm – Evening Men’s Circle: The Warrior’s Code
Group reflection on anger, boundaries, integrity, and what “warrior” means without domination.
________________________________________
(May 16) Day 3 – Gentleman: Heart, Relationship & Integration
7:00–7:45 am – Morning Yoga for Strength & Mobility
Accessible yoga class focused on hips, shoulders, spine – supporting martial arts and nervous system regulation.
8:00–9:00 am – Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am – Mental Health Workshop 2: Emotional Intelligence, Communication & Stress
Tools for expressing needs without blowing up or shutting down; how to take space without abandoning relationships.
Practice: simple communication frameworks, grounding before difficult conversations, and stress-management micro-practices.
11:30 am–12:30 pm – Lunch
1:30–3:00 pm – Martial Arts Session 2: Application & Trust
BJJ and light boxing integration; partner drills that require cooperation, reading cues, and mutual respect.
Emphasis on “power with” instead of “power over.”
3:00–4:30 pm – Free Time / Optional 1:1s
Space for rest, sauna/hot tub, or optional 1:1 coaching or bodywork if you choose to offer it.
4:30–5:30 pm – Breathwork & Nervous System Reset
Deeper round of breathwork using safe, structured practices for release and regulation, integrating the weekend so far.
5:30–6:30 pm – Dinner
7:30–9:00 pm – Closing Fire & Brotherhood Circle (Night 3)
Sharing what each man is releasing and what he is claiming as his “Warrior & Gentleman” code going forward.
Optional simple ritual (e.g., writing and burning an old story, then speaking a new commitment).
________________________________________
(May 17) Day 4 – Departure & Integration
8:00–9:00 am – Light Breakfast & Informal Connection
9:00–10:30 am – Final Integration Circle
Reflection prompts: “Where was I out of integrity?”, “How will I support my nervous system daily?”, “What does being a true man mean to me now?”.
Invite accountability partnerships / WhatsApp group to continue support post-retreat.
10:30–11:00 am – Pack & Check-Out
Departure by 11:00 am.
* NOTE: Menu, 1 to 1 private sessions, and schedule are subject to change based on availability and or weather conditions.
Retreat FAQ’s
Is this retreat suitable for beginners in martial arts or yoga?
Yes. All martial arts and yoga sessions are beginner-friendly and scaled to your fitness level. You do not need prior experience in BJJ, boxing, or yoga—just a willingness to participate and learn.
What if I have injuries or physical limitations?
You’ll be invited to share injuries or concerns in advance. Modifications will be offered in all physical sessions, and you are encouraged to listen to your body and opt out of any exercise that does not feel safe.
What is the food like?
Meals are high-protein, whole-food based, with options for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan at every meal. Think eggs, turkey sausage, oats, power bowls, grilled proteins, roasted vegetables, and hearty but clean dinners.
Can you accommodate special diets?
Yes—most dietary needs can be accommodated with at least 7 days’ notice (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free). You’ll fill out a brief intake form after registering.
How many men will be in the group?
This is an intimate retreat, typically 10–14 men, to ensure plenty of personal attention and a safe container for group work.
What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay in shared rooms at Blisstopia Retreats, a private desert villa with views, pool, hot tub, and cozy communal spaces for connection and rest. All beds are very comfortable and rooms are spacious
What is your cancellation policy?
RETREATS:
Deposit
• 100% deposit refund for cancellation 60+ days before the retreat start date.
• 50% deposit refund for cancellation 31-59 days before the retreat start date.
• 0% deposit refund for cancellation 0-30 days before the retreat start date.
Remaining Balance
• The remaining balance is due 30 days before the retreat start date.
• If paid at the time of booking, a full refund of the remaining balance is available up to 31 days before your retreat start date less the deposit.
• If you cancel 0-30 days before your retreat start date, there is NO refund.
How do I get there?
Blisstopia Retreats is located in Peoria, Arizona, about 35 minutes northwest of Phoenix. The nearest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX); rideshare and car rentals are available. Exact address and arrival details are provided upon registration.
What should I bring with me?
1 | Comfortable Clothes
Comfy clothes are an absolute must-have during retreats. This is not a time for fancy outfits, it’s a time for feeling comfortable on the outside so you can focus on growing on the inside. With that, think of yoga pants, loungewear, flip flops, t-shirts, a sweatshirt or two, and, depending on the season, a cozy cardi or light jacket to keep you warm on cool mornings or star gazing evenings.
2 | Comfortable Walking/Hiking Shoes
Similar to your clothing planning, comfort is key in footwear. Leave those high heels at home and instead bring your favorite walking shoes.
3 | Water Bottle
You always want to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated can up your energy and keep your head clear.
4 | Book
Time to turn off the phone and other digital devices and dig into a good book during free time. At the moment I am reading the Yamas & Niyamas, perfect for setting the right mindset for the retreat.
5 | Journal and Pens
Retreats & YTT trainings are the perfect opportunity for reflection, and having a guided journal is a great way to go. Colorful pens just make me happy. When I sit down to journal or write a list in my planner, somehow my day is a little brighter if I am using a colorful pen. I always have 3 or 4 colored pens in my purse plus a highlighter. Why not brighten up the world a little?
6 | Swimsuit
Enjoy the swimming pool & hot tub, and our infrared sauna for detoxing
7 | Weather appropriate outerwear
Just make sure to pack plenty of comfortable light clothes, a light jacket, and a sweater or sweatshirt or 2
8 | Open Mind & Open Heart
Our retreat center is all about connections…. Connecting with mind, body, and spirit. You can expect personal growth and reflection. Sometimes you are asked to stretch your mind, (or even decide to stretch on your own) in a direction that feels uncomfortable, like an edge. Just remember that knowing our edges and understanding where they are is important for growth. Just bring an open mind & open heart, and you may surprise yourself!
When is check-in?
Between 3-5 pm on the 1st day of your retreat.
When is check-out?
10 am on the final day
*For more commonly asked questions, please check our FAQ.
What additional activities are available?
Private 1 to 1 sessions
1. Massage therapy - 1 hour = $135 (We bring in an outside partner - fantastic pro) must be pre-scheduled & prepaid a minimum of 14 days before event day.
2. Healing touch (Reiki) - 1 hour = $150 w/Lana
3. Chakra reading - 20 mins = $50 w/Lana
4. Oracle card reading – 20 mins = $50 w/Lana
5. Past life regression - 1 hour = $150 w/Lana
6. Wimhoff Breathwork & cold plunge - 60 mins = $150 w/Mark
7. Self-defense/fitness workout - 60 mins = $100 w/Mark
8. Nutrition, Cleanse & Detox Consult – 60 mins = $100 w/Mark
*Gratuity is not included and is very much appreciated
* NOTE: Menu, 1 to 1 private sessions, and schedule are subject to change based on availability and or weather conditions.
