Portugal Countryside Retreats
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Join me for a soul nourishing retreat focused on self discovery, emotional well being and reconnecting with your core values. Our journey together will embrace not just the physical practice but the broader concept of yoga to include mindfulness and philosophy. Nestled in the countryside in Central Portugal, you will feel removed from the buzz of modern life. Your focus here is not about perfecting the pose but more about connecting with your needs. Alongside yoga there are other relaxing activities such as a sound bath, wild river swims, walking, massages. With a private pool, luxurious villa and a village vibe, you’ll have the space to withdraw, reflect and replenish.
2024 : 25 – 31 May, 22 – 28 June, 20 – 26 July, 7 – 13 / 21 – 27 September
Hold your 2024 preferred date with £200
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Whilst we have this precious time together, it’s our opportunity to tune into your needs through yoga so you can break away, reconnect and restore through lovely therapeutic practices that are also anatomically responsive and remedial if necessary. These self enquiry practices are boundaried areas so you can tune into your sensitivities – we nurture that space because practicing in a felt not forced way feels deeply nourishing with the benefits being obvious! The retreat is geared for who is in the room, each one having it’s unique identity. It’s not uncommon for me to have newcomers, regular practitioners and tired teachers in the same room, beautifully co-creating an amazing experience to remember.
NUTRITIOUS & DELICIOUS
We know being fully catered for is a welcome pause from meal planning, shopping and washing up! Our vegetarian* menu is eclectic, nutritious and made from scratch with care and attention. You will start your day with a bowl of burcher and stewed fruits from the self-serve breakfast at 8am (one morning in noble silence). Lunch is served at 1pm so you have time for a pool dip or short walk post practice and dinner is at 8pm. We’re happy to share what’s in season from our garden such as tomatoes, figs and tayberries. Regular retreaters look forward to my vegetable lasagna and curries. We are not strict here, if you would like a glass a wine with your evening meal you can choose from a selection of wines at good prices. *We can adapt the menu for specific diets but check at the point of booking.
HOME FROM HOME
We chose this villa for our health retreats in Central Portugal because of it’s countryside setting, spaciousness and quality. Over three floors there are 7 ensuite bedrooms, two kitchens, 3 dining areas, a living room, yoga space, a pool, tennis court and patio. The house overlooks its own vineyard with fruit trees and the hills beyond, so you are surrounded by nature but still have your home comforts.
Situated on the outskirts of a typical Portuguese village 50km from Coimbra, you will easily adjust to the leisurely way of life. Unique to this area is a beautifully kept river beach with bar/cafe and natural swimming. This is a 10 minute walk away which is also our picnic destination. The village is well serviced with a chemist, supermarket, post office, cafe and cashpoint should you need anything. We have lived nearby for many years which gives us the advantage of local inside knowledge.
Justine personalises the retreat experience so you come away with a greater understanding of your body and how best to nurture your whole self.
A unique retreat experience compared to others. I loved the intimate group, food, accommodation and it’s all such great value. Justine’s specialised yoga has relieved my stress and sciatica.
Justine’s teaching style is truly unique and inspiring, making every class a journey of self-discovery. I’m very grateful for this transformative experience.
Justine has a wealth of knowledge that she shares freely. She is a beautiful soul & you can feel her passion for all aspects of yoga life. I certainly came away feeling like I’d learned & grown not only in my yoga practice but within myself.
An insightful retreat with real life *tricks n tips*. Fuelled with fresh tasty food delivered by the attentive duo. Plush top quality accommodation – over and above what you’d expect for the affordable price.
No judgement, no crazy shapes! Sincere practices to show you how yoga can help physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually.
Arrived emotionally and physically drained; left restored, centred and with a much happier tummy! Nurturing and restoring practices along with tips and new knowledge about practicing in a way that is much kinder to my mind and body.
I struggle to find time to get to my yoga classes but Justine shared a plethora of information on how just 10-15mins practices at home are just as beneficial.
Justine’s instructions are as if she can see right through to your bones! Her approach to yoga is very kind to the body, consequently I’m feeling all serene and restored.
DAILY SCHEDULE
TIME: | ACTIVITY: |
---|---|
08:00 | Self-serve breakfast (noble silence Wednesday am) |
10:30 | 30 mins theme chat followed by 60/90 mins practice (depends on group) |
13:00 | Lunch served alfresco (Tuesday – picnic day) |
Free time: swim, read, massages, walks, individual sound baths | |
18:00 | 60 mins yoga tools to stimulate or soothe your nervous system. (Tuesday group sound bath session by Nina) |
20:00 | Evening meal, Portuguese wine available to purchase |
There are two short surprise practices during the retreat, you’ll be called to the practice space by the sound of a drum! Come as you are to experience dropping into yoga, meditation or breathing without the mental preparation. Try them out if you wish! You are under no obligation to attend everything on the schedule. We will follow the above schedule as much as we can but reserve the right to alter it if need be due to something outside of our control.
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Therapeutic Vinyasa ~ Unhurried sequences
Trauma Safe ~ Sensitive application
Restorative Yoga ~ Nervous system reset
Anatomically Savvy ~ Physical potential
Fascia Release ~ Unlocking tension
Pranayama ~ Attentive breathing
Meditation ~ Stillness practices
Yoga Props ~ Conscious assistance