yoga + mindfulness retreat

move slowly and savor

White, dome-shaped building with multiple small pipes or vents on top, set against a clear blue sky, with a lounge chair in front.
Assorted breakfast foods including sliced bread, peaches in a green bowl, a plate with toast topped with ham and rosemary, a small dish of butter, a cup, and a plate of croutons garnished with mint leaves.

castro marim, portugal
october 9-13, 2024

On this 5 day/4 night retreat, we’ll practice moving slowly and savoring – an invitation to embrace the present moment with kind awareness and deep connection. Central to this theme is the exploration of sensory experience as a pathway to grounding ourselves in the here and now, allowing us to enjoy the richness of each moment.

Together, we will engage in practices of deep listening and compassionate inquiry, and will empower you with pragmatic tools for wellbeing. We will create space for reflection and integration, allowing you to discern the stories and patterns that shape your lives and to envision a path forward aligned with your deepest values.

You can expect daily practices of movement, breath, and meditation to help you savor each step of the journey, and emerge renewed, nourished, and deeply connected to ourselves and the world around us.

booking details
Modern living room with a high, arched, wooden ceiling, a long white dining table with eight chairs, a beige sofa, a small window, and a large vase with flowers on the table.
Interior of a room with large plants, wooden furniture, a white sofa, paintings on the wall, and a wooden ceiling with exposed beams.
Outdoor patio table set for breakfast with plates, cups, a pitcher of pink drink, bread, and fruit, sunny setting with shadows on concrete
Interior of a minimalist living room with a light wooden ceiling, a green sofa, a black storage bench, a small wood step, and a wooden door.
Spa or bath area with marble surfaces, a round sunken bathtub, a rainfall showerhead, and a door, with sunlight creating patterns on the surfaces.
Outdoor courtyard with modern art sculptures resembling tall, rust-colored metal trees, white stucco walls, terracotta roof, and large trees in the background with sunlight peeking through leaves.
Assorted breakfast foods on a wooden table, including a bowl of peaches, slices of bread in a basket, a plate with drip cake with ham and rosemary, a cup, a small dish of butter, and a plate with small toasted bread cubes garnished with mint.
A rural landscape with a white building, red-tiled roof, and surrounding greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
A modern house with large glass windows, surrounded by trees and greenery, at sunset.
A modern house with white walls, a tiled roof, and outdoor lighting, seen at dusk with trees in the background.
Modern building with large glass windows and a textured concrete roof, surrounded by trees and green vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Minimalist white building with pastel blue accents, arches, and geometric shapes under a clear blue sky.
White house with pink trim, open dark door, two windows with pink trim, trees with pink flowers and green leaves, stone and concrete walkway.
A minimalist room with marble bench seating along the walls, a wooden tray or basket placed on the bench, and a round wall clock with a wooden finish on the white wall.
Minimalist, white-walled room with marble sink, bench, and built-in storage cabinets.
A cozy room with a wooden built-in closet, a wooden coat rack, a beige lounge chair, and a round stone coffee table with a tea set. A wicker pendant light hangs from the ceiling against plain white walls.
Interior view of a modern home with wooden beams, staircase, and open doorway leading to a room with a closet.
A view through sliding doors into a bedroom with a bed, nightstand, and lamp. The ceiling has exposed wooden beams, and the room has natural light from a window.
A wooden dining table with four matching chairs, a clear glass vase with yellow and purple flowers, a blue bowl with fruit, and a copper pendant light hanging above, inside a room with a wooden ceiling and white walls.
Modern white building with black window shutters and lush green plants in the foreground.
A dining area with a wooden table, four wooden chairs with padded seats, a bowl of fruit, a vase with flowers, and a navy blue sofa with beige and cream pillows. There is a black floor lamp and a large brown ceiling light fixture. The room has wooden
Open-concept living space featuring a kitchen with wooden cabinets, bar stools, and a dining area with a wooden table and chairs. The room has a high ceiling with exposed wooden beams, a navy blue sofa with throw pillows, and a black floor lamp.
Minimalist bathroom with concrete sink and round mirror, wooden ceiling, and white walls.
Minimalist bathroom with a white wall-mounted sink, two glasses, two soap dispensers, a wooden stool, a glass shower enclosure, mirror cabinets, and hooks on the wall.
An outdoor patio area with a wooden table and four wicker chairs, a white wall with a small round mirror and sink, a wooden door, and clotheslines strung overhead, under a clear blue sky.
A bedroom with white walls, a bed with white pillows and a gray bedspread, a black wall-mounted lamp, a rustic wooden crate on the floor, and an open door leading to another room with a wicker chair and a reading lamp.
Interior of a minimalist kitchen with a vaulted ceiling made of wooden beams and woven rattan panels, white walls, a small window, a wooden table with two chairs, a glass-front cabinet, and a copper pendant light.
White stucco building with a red tile roof, a vertical narrow window, a large arched window, and a bright turquoise sliding door partially drawn, with a tree reflection visible in the window. The building is set against a clear blue sky.
A dining area with four different chairs around a round wooden table, a bowl of fruit on the table, a potted plant in the corner, and a yellow hanging light fixture, with a wooden ceiling and white wall.
Interior view of a room with wooden ceiling beams, a brown chair, a large mirror, a wall-mounted lamp, and a potted plant.
A backyard with a rectangular swimming pool, surrounded by lawn and trees, a small white and red house in the background, and blue sky with some clouds.
Outdoor patio with beige couches, wooden coffee table, and wall-mounted pendant lights, illuminated by sunlight.
Sunlit living room with wooden ceiling, beige walls, and a sliding glass door leading to an outdoor patio. There is a wooden bookshelf with hanging clothes, a gray sofa with brown cushions, a large potted plant on a wooden stand, and a curtain on eit
A bright bedroom with a sloped wooden ceiling, air conditioning unit, sliding glass door with beige curtains, bed with beige bedding and dark pillows, a wooden bench with a cushion, a potted plant on a small wooden stool, and a decorative door with s
Modern bathroom with beige walls and ceiling, large mirror, white sink, and a shower area with a rain shower head. Towel racks with towels, a small stool with towels, and natural light coming through small windows.
A cozy outdoor patio area with two modern wire chairs, a small glass table, and a potted plant visible through the doorway, under a night sky with a blue hue.
Minimalist bathroom with white sink, chrome faucet, wall-mounted soap dispensers, large mirror, and a shelving unit with baskets and towels, illuminated by overhead lighting.
A small round wooden dining table with a marble top, surrounded by two vintage wooden chairs with padded seats, situated in a corner of a room with wooden ceiling beams and a rustic wooden door. There are water glasses, a bottle, and a desk lamp on t
A neatly made bed with white pillows and a beige bedspread in a room with white walls and a sloped, wooden ceiling.
Dining corner with a round marble table, two wooden chairs, a glass water bottle, glasses, a lamp, and a bowl of oranges against a white wall and a wooden door.
Sunlit outdoor seating area with two wicker chairs, a small wooden table, a white wall, a log with a rock on top, and a tiled roof overhead, with some green leaves visible at the top.
A bedroom with a white wall, a bed with white pillows and a brown bedspread, a wooden door, a small white cabinet with a round mirror, a wooden beam, a round light fixture, and an air conditioner.
A cozy room with a white wall, a small white desk with glass bottles and a lamp, a rustic wooden chair, and a built-in shelf with a vase of flowers. A large, unique ceiling light hangs from the ceiling with exposed wooden beams.
A minimalist living room with white walls, a beige floor, a brown leather bench with two pillows, a white open shelving unit with glassware and books, a green leafy plant, and a textured white stone wall on the right.
Modern bathroom with double sinks, large mirror, and minimalist design.
Interior view of a wooden staircase with a beige corner sofa, a small side table with a lamp, and a netted rug on a concrete floor.
A cozy corner with a vintage orange armchair, a black floor lamp, a round wooden table with a small plant, glass bottles, and fruit, all near a window with a view of green trees outside.
A minimalist bedroom with white walls and bedding, a small window, and a textured red stone wall with warm lighting. A small wooden table with a stool, plants, and decorative items is near the bed.
A bed with white pillows and bedding, featuring a headboard with attached modern light fixtures, and a unique wall-mounted shelving unit above with open square compartments and a clothing rack with hangers to the right.
Empty dining area with several tables and chairs, a potted plant in the center, large windows with blinds on the right, and a white wall with two light fixtures, exposed wooden ceiling beams.
Living room with three abstract art pieces on the wall, a gray couch with multi-colored pillows, a black coffee table with a woven basket, a large potted fern, and a chair with a curved wooden armrest.
A cozy living room with a modern upholstered armchair, a small wooden side table, a vintage floor lamp with two adjustable heads, a framed abstract artwork, a large black container with a pumpkin on top, and a rustic wood and brick fireplace with log
Sunlit indoor space with large windows, multiple potted plants, yellow modern chairs, and a table with chairs, overlooking a scenic outdoor view.
A dining room with a white wooden table surrounded by six wooden chairs with gray upholstered seats. A vase with branches and flowers, a wooden tray with decorative objects, and a mirror with a gold frame on the wall. The room has a high ceiling with
Bright dining room with a long white table and six wooden chairs with leather seats. Decor includes a vase with flowers, mirror wall art, and a potted plant. Large open doorway showing greenery outside, and a framed black-and-white art piece leaning
Living room with a brown upholstered wing-back chair, a green armchair, and a pink armchair around a glass coffee table with magazines and newspapers. White bookshelves filled with books are in the background, and sunlight filters through a window wi
Rusty metal gate with a small door at the bottom center, flanked by flowering bushes and a young tree on a gravel and grass ground under a clear blue sky.
A house with a tiled roof and white exterior walls, featuring large glass doors and windows framed with red wooden panels. The reflection in the glass shows a backyard with a pool, outdoor chairs, and trees.

FAQs

  • You can fly into Lisbon or Faro in Portugal, or Seville, Spain— the best airport will be dependent on your travel plans before and/or after the retreat.

    From Faro Airport (FAO), Portugal:

    Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes by car.

    Travel Options:

    1. Renting a Car: You can rent a car from Faro Airport to drive to Castro Marim. Check rental options from companies like Avis or Hertz.

    2. Public Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle to Faro's train or bus station. From there, board a train or bus to Castro Marim. Purchase train tickets from Comboios de Portugal (CP) or bus tickets from local operators.

    From Lisbon Airport (LIS), Portugal:

    Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car.

    Travel Options:

    1. Renting a Car: Rent a car from Lisbon Airport to drive to Castro Marim. Explore rental options from companies like Europcar or Sixt.

    2. Public Transportation: Take the metro or airport shuttle to Lisbon's Oriente Station. From there, board a train to Castro Marim. Purchase train tickets from Comboios de Portugal (CP) or bus tickets from local operators.

    From Seville Airport (SVQ), Spain:

    Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car.

    Travel Options:

    1. Renting a Car: Rent a car from Seville Airport to drive to Castro Marim. Check rental options from companies like Enterprise or Goldcar.

    2. Public Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle to Seville's train or bus station. From there, board a train or bus to Castro Marim. Purchase train tickets from Renfe (Spanish railways) or bus tickets from local operators.

    Please note that travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions and other factors. It's recommended to book transportation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

    In the next few months, we will be sharing a proposed travel Itinerary for those of you who might want to indulge in a road trip along the southern coast of Portugal— stay tuned! For now, here are some online resources:

    Wheatless Wanderlust Itinerary

    Inbetween Pictures - Spain & Portugal Itinerary (14 Days)

    The Strategist - Lisbon & Algarve Itinerary

    Trip Planner ai

    Lastly, if you are interested in tailored itinerary and accommodations planning, we would recommend working with a travel advisor. Here is our personal recommendation:

    Traveling Abode

  • You can expect a longer practice each morning— each day offers a unique theme which will be integrated throughout a blend of practices (e.g., breathwork, mindfulness, movement, sound immersion). There will also be opportunities for self-reflection through various writing exercises, as well as ample free time to unwind.

    Here is our tentative itinerary:

    Day 1: Arrive in the Algarve

    An evening dharma talk and mindfulness practice to connect with community, ground intentions and sow the seeds we'll nourish throughout the week. Learn about our Ecodesign & Spa hotel, followed by farm to table dinner, time to socialize and some deep sleep.

    Day 2: Wisdom of the Body

    Start your day with a slow flow morning practice, followed by a communal brunch and then free time to roam the property, lay by the pool or adventure to the near by salt marches or charming town Tavira.

    Reconvene for our evening myofascial release practice & meditation to dissolve tension and drop into the now.

    Dinner and time to unwind.

    Day 3: Power of breath

    Today we will tune into the power of our breath - what we can learn from it and how we can shape/engage it to support our wellbeing.

    We will take this inquiry off the mat as we hike along the scenic coast of Southern Portugal. Dip in the ocean and enjoy the less crowded coves of late summer.

    Day 4: Compassionate awareness

    Dharma talk into morning flow, pranayama, guided meditation. Journaling prompts to give you a framework to reflect and integrate what you've explored.

    Brunch, free time to hit to the Hamam/pool and then lunch outside. Ceremonial evening circle before dinner. Post dinner DJ dance party !

    Day 5: Breakfast & Goodbyes

  • Absolutely — come as you are. We aim to have practices that are accessible and adaptable — with lots of variations offered at every step of the way.

  • Yes— and, if you know us — you know that food is incredibly important to us.

    We will have the property’s private chef cooking us a light breakfast, lunch, and dinner — all with locally sourced ingredients that highlight a traditional Portuguese diet. The menu changes with the seasons!

    The property is able to accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets. If you have significant dietary restrictions and allergies, it may help to come prepared. We will also be reaching out prior to the retreat to ask about any dietary restrictions.

  • We encourage you to bring comfortable clothing suitable for movement practices, a journal for reflection, sunscreen for outdoor activities, and any personal items necessary for a relaxing and enjoyable stay!

    The property will have adequate yoga mats and props available for use— so unless you are deeply attached to your own yoga mat and props, we’ll have you covered.

  • Yes— in honor of our theme of slowing down to savor, there will be plenty of free time— for you to explore the natural surroundings, head to the beach, go on a hike, unwind at the pool, get a treatment at the hamam, or to connect with our small community.

  • A hamam — aka Turkish bath— is a style of steam bath that invites deep cleansing and relaxation. You will have access to the Hamam and additional treatments, during the retreat. These costs are not included in the overall retreat cost.

    Treatments:

    • Hamam, Turkish bath - 30 € per person

    • Half body massage (30 minutes) - 55 €

    • Full body massage (1 hour) - 100 €

    • Skin treatment (1 hour) - 100 €

    • Complete treatment with exfoliation in the hamam, wrap and massage (2 hours) - 180 €

    All treatments include an opportunity to use the hamam. Treatments and use of hamam must be booked in advance, and are subject to availability.

“It is never too late to turn on the light. Your ability to break an unhealthy habit or turn off an old tape doesn't depend on how long it has been running; a shift in perspective doesn't depend on how long you've held on to the old view.

When you flip the switch in that attic, it doesn't matter whether its been dark for ten minutes, ten years or ten decades.The light still illuminates the room and banishes the murkiness, letting you see the things you couldn't see before.

It’s never too late to take a moment to look.”

— Sharon Salzberg, Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation

Let’s connect.

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about the retreat, please complete this form and one of us will reach out to connect with you.
Corner of a cozy living room with an orange velvet armchair, a black side table with a photo, peaches in a glass bowl, a small plant, and a metallic floor lamp.