7 Day Portugal Summer Bliss Yoga and Adventure Retreat in Monchique, Portugal
Yoga Retreat Adventure in Monchique, Portugal
Nestled in the rolling hills outside Monchique, Portugal, this six-night yoga retreat offers the perfect blend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection with nature. Hosted by Zach and Carrie of Bigger Life Adventures, the retreat takes place at Rural Escapes Portugal, a sustainable, off-grid retreat center featuring comfortable glamping accommodations, a pool, and hikes with stunning views.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- Daily or twice-daily trauma-informed yoga & mindfulness practices
- Half-day hiking excursion in the wooded hills around Monchique
- Ocean and sea caves stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) tour with a guide
- Free time to explore nearby towns and fun food and crafts markets
- Special Summer Solstice ceremony (only June 19-25)
- Other special workshops on Ayurveda & Yoga Philosophy
- 6 nights accommodation
- Delicious plant-based breakfast, lunch and dinner
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Faro Airport (US$ 100 per person)
Accommodation
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Kitchen
- Picnic area
- Smoke-free property
- Yoga deck
- Yoga studio
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
- Parking lot
- Wireless internet
- Outdoor shower
Large Glamping Bell Tent (only 4 available)
- Each tent has 2 single beds with proper mattresses and warm bedding, solar light, and outlets for charging in the kitchen nearby. Composting toilets and off-grid showers outside. The tents can be booked as a private accommodation for 1 yogi, or as a budget accommodation to be shared with 1 same-gender roommate.
Sunrise Lodge
- 1 furnished, solar-powered room with either two single beds or a double bed, bathroom, and kitchen shared with one other room. This lodge is the most traditional dwelling on the property and is a little further away from the property center if you are okay with some extra steps in exchange for extra privacy.
Om Shanti Converted Truck-Lodge - FULL
- 1 furnished, solar-powered room with either two single beds or a double bed, small seating area, desk, private bathroom, and shower accessed from the outside. 1 room for a couple or 2 singles.
“Shepherd’s Hut” Cabin – FULL
- A wood-frame cabin with its own shower, composting toilet, and wood stove. Requires walking up a little hill and has the most privacy of all the accommodations. 1 room for a couple or 2 singles.
Program
Day 1
14:00 - 16:00 Check in/arrival time
16:30 Welcome Circle
17:30 - 19:00 Grounding/opening yoga & meditation practice
19:00 Plant-based dinner
Day 2
- 06:00 - 07:30 Silent morning time
- 06:30 Morning vipasana meditation
- 07:00 Coffee & tea available
- 07:30 Energizing yoga & meditation
- 09:00 Plant-based breakfast
- Chill day to relax or hike around the area
- 13:00 Plant-based lunch
- 17:00 Yin Yoga (June 4) or Summer Solstice 108 practice and ceremony - (June 20)
- 19:00 Plant-based dinner
- Relax/campfire time
Day 3
- 06:00 - 07:00 Silent morning time
- 06:30 Morning vipasana meditation
- 07:00 Plant-based breakfast
- 08:00 Depart for the ocean activity day (1 hour 20 min away)
- 10:00 - 17:00 SUPing tour Praia da Ingrina with Nowhere2Far and Sangres lunch/ice cream and slow drive back up the coast stopping at viewpoints
- 17:30 Evening yin or restorative yoga and meditation
- 19:00 Plant-based dinner
- Relax/campfire time
Day 4
- 06:00 - 07:30 Silent morning time
- 06:30 Morning vipasana meditation
- 07:00 Coffee & tea available
- 07:30 Energizing yoga & meditation
- 09:00 Plant-based breakfast
- Chill day or extra excursions
- 13:00 Plant-based lunch
- 15:00 Yoga philosophy workshop & discussion
- 17:30 Evening yin or restorative yoga and meditation
- 19:30 Plant-based dinner
- Relax/campfire time
Day 5
- 06:00 - 07:30 Silent morning time
- 06:30 Morning vipasana meditation
- 07:00 Coffee & tea available
- 07:30 Energizing yoga & meditation
- 09:00 Plant-based breakfast
- 10:00 Depart for hiking and town day -
- Easy or more challenging hikes are available depending on your preference
- Choose a couple-hour hike in the hills near Monchique and then go to town for lunch, shopping, exploring time
- 17:30 Evening yin or restorative yoga and meditation
- 19:00 Plant-based dinner
- Relax/campfire time
Day 6
- 06:00 - 07:30 Silent morning time
- 06:30 Morning vipasana meditation
- 07:00 Coffee & tea available
- 07:30 Energizing yoga & meditation
- 09:00 Plant-based breakfast
- Chill day or optional extra excursions for guests
- 13:00 Plant-based lunch
- 15:00 Ayurveda workshop - discover your dosha
- 17:30 Closing ritual and cacao ceremony
- 19:00 Plant-based dinner
- Relax/campfire time
Day 7
- 06:00 - 07:30 Silent morning time
- 06:30 Morning vipasana meditation
- 07:00 Coffee & tea available
- 07:30 Energizing yoga & meditation
- 09:00 Plant-based breakfast
Included excursions
This Portugal yoga retreat will have lots of included activities, along with optional add-on adventures.
- Hiking adventure in the local hills around Mt. Foia, the highest point in Portugal
- Penedo do Buraco Waterfall hike (5 miles, 1000 feet of elevation gain) or a more chill hiking option will be available if you prefer
- Sea cave stand up paddleboard tour with Nowhere2Far SUP adventures & a drive along the coast
- Half-day town exploration in Monchique
- Special summer solstice ceremony (June 20 only), other special workshops
- Plenty of time to relax at Rural Escapes Portugal, hike around the area, go to the beach, or relax by the pool
Instructors
Carrie Hoffman
Carrie has been practicing yoga for twelve years, teaching for six, and can personally attest to the transformational power of the practice. She loves enabling students to explore yoga beyond the mat and discover a mind-body-spirit practice that works for them! In 2018 she obtained her Yoga Alliance RYT 200 from Quantum Yoga School under teacher Lara Baumann and in 2021 her RYT 500 from Lakshmi Rising School of Yoga and Wellness under Dr. Liz Lindh. She’s additionally trained in trauma-informed yoga, yoga for recovery, teaching yoga to teens, and yoga for mental health.
Zach Minnich
Zach is a trained chef with a specialty in creating healthy and delicious vegan food! He also loves reaching alternate states of consciousness and has been practicing and facilitating Breathwork Meditation in the Wim Hof Style for 2+ years. He's also a Reiki Master.
Location
What is up with Portugal? It seems like everyone wants to travel there, move there, and live there nowadays. Come explore the colorful, chilled-out Portuguese way of life with us at this yoga retreat at one of the most unique, sustainable venues in Portugal.
Sip an espresso and watch the world go by at a street-side cafe. Paddle through stunning sea caves and watch out for dolphins on the horizon. Most importantly, get to know yourself better while you slow down and soak in the natural beauty of Bigger Life's Adventures' home base in Portugal’s southern “Algarve” region.
Rural Escapes Portugal provides an inviting atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views of the Algarve region. The property features charming, eco-friendly accommodations designed to make you feel at home in the surrounding nature while providing all the amenities you need for a restful stay. From cozy, communal spaces to tranquil gardens, you’ll find plenty of spots to unwind, reflect, and connect with fellow participants.
The retreat location is strategically positioned for easy access to Monchique, a charming town known for its rich history and natural beauty. The town itself boasts cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and stunning views over the surrounding hills and coastline. You’ll discover local shops, quaint cafés, and markets where you can experience authentic Portuguese culture.
Rural Escapes Portugal is set on six hectares of land with stunning views of valleys and mountains, Rural Escapes Portugal still has an intimate feel to it as they accommodate just 12 guests at any time, giving you an exclusive yet affordable experience. So if you are looking to get away from it all, then you really don’t need to look any further.
June weather in the Algarve region usually brings hot, beach-weather days and balmy, comfortable nights. The average temperatures during the retreat week range from 64-78 degrees F (18-26 degrees C).
Features
Activities
- Hiking
- Kayaking
General
- Hammock
- Yoga shala
Services
- Wireless internet
Food
One of the standout features of the retreat is the focus on nourishing the body with wholesome, delicious plant-based food. Zach, the retreat’s chef, crafts each vegan retreat meal using local, organic ingredients, reflecting the culinary traditions of the Algarve region. Expect a variety of vibrant dishes that cater to different dietary needs, ensuring everyone feels satisfied and energized.
From hearty breakfasts featuring fresh fruits and homemade granola to lunches packed with seasonal vegetables and flavorful plant proteins, every meal is an opportunity to explore the region’s gastronomy. Meals bring the group back together each evening, fostering a sense of community as participants gather to share stories and enjoy each other’s company.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegan
- Organic
Things to do (optional)
Optional additional activities:
- Surf lesson
- Massage or spa treatment at a nearby spa
- Additional town or beach trips
Exploring Monchique, Portugal
The town of Monchique offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration. Known for its beautiful landscape, Monchique is home to the highest point in the Algarve, Foia, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. The area is also rich in history, with charming architecture and cultural sites that tell the story of this traditional Portuguese town.
You might explore the quaint streets lined with local shops, cafés, and art galleries. The town’s markets are a great place to sample regional delicacies and perhaps bring home a piece of Portugal to share with loved ones.
Monchique is also known as a spa town and has a variety of different places for treatments.
What's included
- Daily or twice-daily yoga and mindfulness practices, all trauma-informed and optional in case you need to sleep in or do something different. Carrie’s classes are designed to be inclusive to all levels of yogis, to awaken and energize both body and mind while weaving in mythology and the philosophical “off-the-mat” principles of yoga along the way.
- Local hiking adventure in the hills or to waterfalls
- Sea cave stand up paddleboarding tour and scenic coastal drive
- Half-day town exploration in Monchique. Different options are available depending on how easy or challenging of a hike you prefer!
- Special Summer Solstice ceremony (just June 20), other special workshops
- Plenty of time to relax at Rural Escapes Portugal, hike around the area, explore more beaches and towns, or relax by the pool
- Wifi throughout the property, hammocks, pool access, and filtered spring water
- Private use of both indoor and outdoor yoga shalas
- Alcohol-free, recovery supportive retreat. All are welcome and you do not need to be sober or sober-curious to attend. But many on our retreats are permanently sober, so we request that all attending be willing and ready to maintain a substance-free retreat experience the entire week.
- Like-minded community of people exploring the paths of authentic yoga, cultural immersion, and personal growth (11 guests max)
- 6 nights accommodation
- 2-3 meals per day (a couple lunches will be eaten out on excursion days)
What's not included
- Surf lesson
- Massage or spa treatment at a nearby spa
- Additional town or beach trips
- Transport to Monchique, Portugal (Bigger Life Adventures will help coordinate airport pick-up in Faro for a reasonable extra fee)
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Seville Airport
235 km
Transfer not provided
Faro Airport
62 km
Transfer not provided
Lisbon Portela Airport
169 km
Transfer not provided
The retreat is located in Monchique, Portugal. The closest airport to the retreat is in Faro, Portugal, about a 1.5-hour drive from the event. Round-trip airport transfer will be available for a reasonable add-on fee (between 80-140 euros per person, exact amount TBD). Public transport is also available and is very reliable.
Other airport options include Lisbon, Portugal, and Sevilla, Spain. There is no airport pickup option for these airports so if you choose to fly there just know that you will be responsible for getting yourself to the retreat space. This is possible by rental car or public transportation.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.