yoga + mindfulness retreat

move slowly and savor

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.

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.