A family journey that became a global invitation.
Roots & Wings was born from our own search for a more connected way of living - closer to nature, richer in experiences, and rooted in community.
Today, we create immersive experiences that invite other families to reconnect, explore and grow together.
"Becoming parents changed the way we saw childhood, learning and the world around us. Watching our son explore freely, learn through experience and build connections with people and places shaped the foundation of Roots & Wings."
Brendan and Sarah Valenia
The family behind Roots & Wings
Hi, we are Sarah & Brendan.
The people behind Roots & Wings.
Our story began in Australia, where we met while Sarah was travelling. Drawn together by a shared love for adventure, nature and meaningful experiences, we quickly discovered that we both dreamed of living a life beyond the ordinary. Before long, we became partners in every sense of the word, and not much later, we welcomed our son into the world.
Rather than settling into a conventional routine, we followed our curiosity. When our son was just one year old, we packed our bags and set off on an adventure that would change our lives forever.
Over the course of twelve months, we travelled through twelve countries together as a young family. We watched our little boy delight in every new colour, flavour, language and landscape. We saw how naturally children connect with people across cultures, how learning happens effortlessly through real experiences, and how travel has the power to bring families closer together.
That journey transformed our understanding of childhood, education and family life.
It also showed us something else.
Wherever we travelled, we met parents longing for the same things we were searching for: more time together, less pressure, deeper connections, meaningful adventures and the freedom to experience the world alongside their children.
Eventually, our journey led us to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, where we fell in love with a slower rhythm of life and founded Carpe Diem Eco Retreat. What started as a dream of living close to nature soon became a gathering place for travellers, families and kindred spirits from around the world.
As we welcomed more and more families into our lives, a vision began to take shape.
We realised that what people were searching for wasn't simply another holiday. They were looking for genuine connection, authentic cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and opportunities for their children to learn through exploration rather than schedules.
That vision became Roots & Wings.
Today, Roots & Wings brings together everything our own journey has taught us. It is a collection of family immersions inspired by slow travel, worldschooling, community, nature and the belief that some of life's greatest lessons happen beyond the classroom and outside our comfort zones.
Whether we're exploring the beaches of Nicaragua, wandering through the forests of Germany, discovering the colours of Morocco or preparing for new adventures in Indonesia, our purpose remains the same:
To create spaces where families can reconnect with themselves, with each other, and with the incredible world around them.
Because we believe that when families share meaningful experiences together, children grow with confidence, parents rediscover wonder, and unforgettable memories become part of who they are.
This is our invitation to step outside the ordinary - and experience the world, together.
π Two worlds, one shared vision
Sarah grew up in Germany with a deep curiosity for languages, cultures and human connection. Her background in translating, psychology, movement and holistic practices shaped the way she sees learning and wellbeing.
Brendan grew up in Australia, surrounded by a strong connection to nature, adventure and outdoor living. His experience in sports, natural building and creating spaces where people feel at home became a foundation for the places we build.
π£ Becoming parents changed everything
Becoming parents deepened our understanding of childhood, learning and what truly matters. Watching our son explore, question, create and connect with the world around him inspired us to rethink education, family life and adventure.
π΄ From a dream to Nicaragua
Together, we followed a dream of creating a different kind of life - one closer to nature and community. This led us to a full year of traveling as a family and eventually to Nicaragua, where we created Carpe Diem Eco Retreat. Here we began welcoming travellers, families and curious souls from around the world.
πΏ Roots & Wings was born
Today, Roots & Wings brings everything we have learned together: nature connection, worldschooling, cultural exchange, movement, creativity and community.
We create immersive experiences where families can step away from busy routines and rediscover what it means to learn, grow and live together.
Our Experience & Expertise
A lifetime of experience, woven together
From international living and hospitality to wellbeing, movement and experiential learning β our diverse backgrounds come together to create the heart of Roots & Wings.
πΏ Hospitality & Retreat Creation
Years of creating welcoming spaces and experiences for international guests.
π Cross-Cultural Living
Living between Germany, Australia and Nicaragua and navigating different languages and cultures.
π§ Worldschooling & Experiential Learning
Learning through nature, travel, curiosity and real-world experiences.
π€ Wellbeing & Connection
Backgrounds in movement, mindfulness, bodywork and creating spaces for personal growth.
Every family has a story to tell. We'd be honoured to become a small part of yours.
Wherever your journey begins, we hope our paths cross somewhere along the way.