Revitalise, Reconnect, Relax
Yoga Retreat in Northern Portugal, 9th- 12th September 2016
Revitalise and reconnect the body and mind through yoga, meditation and nature. Relax in the surroundings and enjoy the break from busy lives.
Everyone is welcome to join this retreat from beginners to experienced yoga practitioners. Join us solo or bring a friend or partner.
The retreat takes place in a charming 17th century house nestled in a green valley set in northern Portugal. Vineyards surround the property in an abundantly green and quiet space to truly relax in. Handpicked as the perfect rural setting, a real slice of paradise for you to enjoy.
Sleep:
Rooms are original and authentic. Comfortable beds with quality mattresses, bed linen and towels included. Antique wooden beds and furniture in the rooms will give you a real taste of Portugal's heritage and craftsmanship.
Yoga:
Yoga will be taught by Leila Dolat, who has undertaken more than 600 hrs of Yoga Alliance teacher training from 2008 to present; that includes two separate YA 200hr teacher training courses, YA 33hr Vinyasa Immersion course and two modules (2oohr) from YA 500hr teacher training. For more detais on Leila's teaching experience please go to 'My Journey' and 'Teaching Style' pages on this website.
During the stay there will be 6 yoga classes, including morning invigorating vinyasa flow, slow paced evening candlelight flow, Yoga Rhythmix - a dynamic flow to beats & yoga nidra.
Each class will have a focus from backbends, hip openers, forward folds, twists, core strengthening & inversions. Beginners and those with experience can join every class as options are given for those who are learning the basics and progressions are offered for those who wish to go further. We will explore safe alignment in the physical postures and ways to transition from one pose to another. Hands-on adjustments will be given as an aid for alignment and to go deeper into the poses. Classes include pranayama (breathing techniques), relaxation & a short meditation.
The vinyasa flow classes are dynamic, and even when the pace is slower be prepared to sweat!
In addition to the physical practice there will be two workshops lasting 60 mins each. The sessions allow positive intention setting based on renowned yoga teacher Rod Stryker's book called 'The Four Desires.' These workshops will be student centered, including personal notes, group interaction and a guided meditation.
Eat:
Delicious, nutritious and soulful food is lovingly prepared for your stay.
Products used will always be seasonal and local. Fruit, vegetables and herbs are growing on the property itself and when the season permits they will be picked and used to form and accompany nutritious, colourful and beautiful farm to table meals for your stay. There are also laying chickens so you will enjoy fresh eggs too. The food served will be vegetarian, catered to your individual dietary needs, with the option of side dishes of chicken breast and fish for those non veggies.
You won't go hungry; kitchens open from 7:30am for you to help yourself to warming teas, fruit and nuts before your morning yoga, breakfasts to follow yoga will include freshly squeezed juices, fruit salads, toasted seeds, cereals and yoghurt. Lunch and dinner will be typically in the style of a variety of big bowls of goodness on the tables so you can dive in and help yourselves to as much or as little as you like.
Wine:
The retreat is set in a vast property with vineyards. The wine region is called Vinho Verde so although this is a healthy retreat, there will be the option to have a glass of local wine with meals.
Tour:
Walking tour on Saturday with Ze the founder of Adventours. The house is set in a beautiful part of Northern Portugal and a walking tour to a nearby national park is planned where you will marvel at one of Europe's largest waterfalls and take a swim if you wish to cool off from the summer's day. Pack some walking shoes/ trainers, insect repellant, sun cream, a hat, swim wear and a water bottle.
Typical itinerary:
Friday:
Arrive Porto airport & transfer to Solar, the retreat centre, arriving at 6pm for welcoming
Yoga session, 90 min includes pranayama & meditation
Dinner and relaxed introductions
Saturday:
Morning yoga in the valley, 75 min
Breakfast
Guided walk to natural park and swim in the fresh waterfalls
Picnic lunch
Afternoon relax by pool at Solar or nap at your leisure
Group workshop on 'The Four Desires' 60 min
Early evening yoga 75 min
Dinner & relaxing
Sunday:
Morning Yoga 75 min
Breakfast
Relax at the house & pool
Group workshop on 'The Four Desires' 60 min
Lunch
Afternoon activity
Yoga Rhythmix class 75 min
Light buffet dinner
Music & mocktails/local wine
Monday:
Morning yoga 75 min
Pool, walk, relax
Brunch
Leave Solar by 11.30am
Transfers to Porto
Price includes accommodation, food and drink for the whole break, 6 yoga classes, local tour,
2 group work shops, welcome pack.
Private room (dbl bed) & private bathroom – 500 GBP for one person
Private room for you plus a friend/partner & private bathroom – 400 GBP each
Private room (dbl bed) & shared bathroom – 450 GBP *SOLD OUT*
Private room for you plus a friend/partner & shared bathroom – 350 GBP each *SOLD OUT*
Shared twin room & shared bathroom 350 GBP each- 1 space left for male sharing option
Deposit:
After confirmation of space via email, a deposit of 150 GBP is required to secure your booking.
Payment via Paypal is accepted using the link: paypal.me/leiladolat
Payment by bank transfer is accepted and details can be sent upon request.
Not included:
Flights – 2hr 20 min from London to Porto. Ryanair, Easyjet, BA and TAP all fly London to Porto
2hr 20 mins
Transfers – tbc
Travel insurance- please organize your own personal travel insurance. NB - It is a condition of this trip that each person has personal travel insurance.
You may want to extend your stay in Portugal and spend a night or two in Porto at your leisure either before or after the retreat.
Please feel free to email with any enquiries to
We look forward to welcoming you on this retreat!