Big decisions surrounding the future of Hyphen and our ongoing business development activities dominated the agenda at our first co-working retreat of 2025.

A beautiful hilltop castle overlooking the rustic town of Monda was the perfect setting for our first whole-team gathering. Our Client Partnerships colleagues pushed particularly hard as we discussed new opportunities to add to our list of engagements in Azerbaijan and the Middle East.

Mini-meetings focusing on ongoing activities maintained a sense of business as usual, albeit in a setting a little less usual than normal. Other team members huddled up to discuss gameplans for new projects, covering everything from financial forecasting to design-IT crossovers.

Being together as a group made it significantly easier to discuss new initiatives, share feedback and prepare for the next stage in the evolution of our business. While Monda itself was as sleepy as a sloth during siesta for the most part, our team’s tireless efforts ensured it was a productive week.

As ever, the retreat offered plenty of opportunities for bonding and camaraderie-building with an array of group activities and time for our remote-first group to get together.

Taking time to unplug, the also ventured to the coast for a group trip on a pair of catamarans in the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean to cap a week that will live long in the memory for everyone there.

Evenings offered a daily opportunity to celebrate the team’s reunion, whether inside or outside the castle. Mouth-watering cuisine and good company made our small-team meals something to savour, while trips to nearby Coin, Marbella and Málaga gave adventurers and urbanites a chance to explore.

Walks into the heart of Monda and a pub quiz helped everyone unwind, while games of Werewolf had players howling with laughter.

Recommended by Chiara Anzovino, who had visited previously, the castle was an ideal location for the retreat, which was diligently organised by Christina Kae and Olgierd Syczewski.

Our next full-team retreat in Q4 should serve as a celebration at the conclusion of another busy year. Until then, the experiences and enterprise of our group gained in Monda will

How to reign in Spain – the Hyphen travel guide 

Where to stay: 

• Castillo de Monda – this magnificent castle-turned-hotel perched on a hill offered the perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities, ideal for both productive work sessions and relaxation during the week-long Hyphen retreat. 

Food and drink: 

• La Cascada Marbella – this elegant farm-to-table restaurant delights with its international cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients to create memorable dishes that captivated the Hyphen team during their Marbella excursion. 

• Fed Terraza – perched atop a building in charming Coin, this rooftop gem masterfully blends Asian, Spanish and American flavours, offering breathtaking views of the Andalusian landscape while dining under the stars. 

• Casa Paco de Coin – immerse yourself in authentic Spanish gastronomy at this traditional establishment in Coin, where time-honoured recipes and warm hospitality create an unforgettable dining experience. 

• Castillo de Monda Restaurant – the hotel’s own culinary treasure specialises in exquisite meat dishes alongside a diverse selection of national and international cuisine, complemented by top-quality fresh fish that showcases the region’s bounty. 

• Venta Condes – this inviting eatery harmoniously combines traditional Mediterranean flavours with masterfully grilled meats, all served with genuine friendliness in an atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of Spanish dining culture. 

Activities to enjoy: 

• Catamaran excursions – set sail and enjoy the Mediterranean waters to enjoy some of the summer sun. 

• Flamenco show – savour Spain’s passionate traditional dance form in the flesh, showcasing the authentic spirit of Andalusia. 

• Explore southern Spain – venture beyond Monda to nearby Marbella, Coin, and Malaga to sample a diverse range of experiences across this beautiful part of the world.