Residency programs

Our vision and philosophy

Founder

Hi, I'm Alex Bulkin — a technology entrepreneur innovating in the area of data security and digital safety.

At first, I saw the Azores as a beautiful place to work. But its power soon became clear. With deep respect, I listened — and when the spirits responded, I knew I had to answer.

This is how Laughing Orchard was born — a result of a year and a half of focused attention, preparation, and profound synchronicity, all affirming the reality and strength of my original vision.

Welcome to the Laughing Orchard

The name Laughing Orchard came to both me and my friend Kwai in a moment of shared inspiration. Walking through the garden on a windy night, we felt the trees were laughing — not mocking, but with a wise smile, reminding us that our worries are fleeting moments in life’s grand story.

This place holds a kind of magic that I've witnessed and now feel compelled to share with others who can appreciate it and help spread its message.

A place of transformation

Set in a volcanic crater amidst the wild beauty of the Azores, Laughing Orchard is a sanctuary for deep connections and personal clarity.

Here, nature transforms us, inviting us to reconnect with what truly matters.

Set in a volcanic crater amidst the wild beauty of the Azores, Laughing Orchard is a sanctuary for deep connections and personal clarity.

Here, nature transforms us, inviting us to reconnect with what truly matters.

Gatherings and the power of connection

For two years, I’ve watched people come together here, shedding defenses, opening up, and leaving transformed.

Careers shift, relationships deepen, and personal change happens naturally at Laughing Orchard, leaving a lasting impact on those who visit.

For two years, I’ve watched people come together here, shedding defenses, opening up, and leaving transformed.

Careers shift, relationships deepen, and personal change happens naturally at Laughing Orchard, leaving a lasting impact on those who visit.

The Laughing Orchard residency

This notion inspired our residency program taking place in summer 2025. A residency is a self-organised mini-conference with ten attendees or less that are interested and active in a specific topic or area.

Personally, I'm keenly interested in Native American (and other) esoteric practices, as well as philosophy and futurism, especially when it comes to digital technology.

However, we present other topics and events — such as nature and permaculture design and natural building — and welcome other suggestions.

Each residenty typically includes a few organized excursions and hikes around the island, but we leave significant amount of time and space for self-organized activity, discussions, skill shares, games, sauna — everything that facilitates creative serendipity and connection between the attendees.

If you thrive where nature and creativity intertwine, we’d love to have you join us.

Personally, I'm keenly interested in Native American (and other) esoteric practices, as well as philosophy and futurism, especially when it comes to digital technology.

However, we present other topics and events — such as nature and permaculture design and natural building — and welcome other suggestions.

If you thrive where nature and creativity intertwine, we’d love to have you join us.

Personally, I'm keenly interested in Native American (and other) esoteric practices, as well as philosophy and futurism, especially when it comes to digital technology.

However, we present other topics and events — such as nature and permaculture design and natural building — and welcome other suggestions.

If you thrive where nature and creativity intertwine, we’d love to have you join us.

choose a program

upcoming Programs