Portugal Women's Retreat

A collective care retreat in the heart of the stunning Algarve.

October 6-13, 2022

 

Portugal Women's Retreat

A collective care retreat in the heart of the stunning Algarve.

October 6-13, 2022
 

”Sustainability is not about being perfect, its about asking the question: Is this good for nature, the community and myself?“ -Casa Vale da Lama

It is our nature to connect and support each other.

As women, we often spend considerable time caring for others. When we feel out of balance, we’re told to practice self-care.

Though self-care is important, we aren’t meant to process emotions, resolve challenges, and care for ourselves in isolation.

For sustainable well-being, it’s essential that we nurture mutually relationships to other living beings and the natural world.

We’re offering a retreat space for just this as we explore a diverse array of embodied activities in Portugal’s beautiful Algarve.

This retreat is for you if you’d like to:

  • Connect genuinely with other women and uplift each other.
  • Be inspired by a participatory model for regenerative farming.
  • Hike mindfully along dramatic coastal cliffs sculpted by azure sea.
  • Express your inner artist as we paint azulejos or Portuguese tiles.
  • Learn ancestral crafts and explore the hidden town of Monchique.
  • Nourish with gentle yoga that embodies the elements
Photo by Ines Göhringer on Unsplash

At a Glance

For Whom: Anyone who identifies as a woman
(not specific to introverts/HSPs, but HSP/introvert-friendly)
Highlights: Close to Lagos, coastal hiking, ancestral crafts
Venue: Mid-range retreat focused on regenerative farming
Rooms: Single/double occupancy with en-suite bathrooms
Food: Vegetarian, can meet dietary needs (not Celiac)
Activity Level: Mild to moderate
Weather: Sunny – daytime upper 70s °F, nighttime low 60s °F
Group Size: Max 16 women, including facilitators
COVID-19: Following Portugal’s requirements (see below)

Registration closes: June 30, 2022

Book Now

The Land & Space

Portugal’s Algarve, is a unique region for nature lovers with its wild landscapes, dramatic cliffs, secret beach coves, and charming historic villages. By October, the crowds have departed while the Algarve continues to enjoy a warm daytime temperatures to hike, swim, and explore.

Casa Vale da Lama is an eco resort planted on the organic farm of Quinta Vale da Lama, which is committed to showcasing regenerative farming practices and low carbon footprint systems. The Casa is powered fully by solar energy. In warmer months, the house is cooled passively using wind and shade. In winter, the sun and a firewood/solar system heat the house floors. All waste water is treated on the farm and irrigated through specific parts of the land. Local artisans and carpenters have crafted the furniture using reclaimed wood and sustainable material. Meal ingredients are mostly farm to fork, and other ingredients are sourced as responsibly as possible. You can learn about their story at Quinta Vale da Lama and about the eco resort at Casa Vale da Lama

Nestled on the side of Ria de Alvor nature reserve with abundant bird species, Casa Vale da Lama is far enough from city noise, yet close to all the Algarve has to offer. By car, the retreat is 2.5 hrs from Lisbon, 1 hr from Faro, and 20 min from Lagos. It’s a 35-minute walk to the nearest beach.

Accommodations: Casa Vale da Lama offers 11 rooms each with two floors and en-suite bathrooms. All rooms are laid out the same way except for the bed configurations and decorative details. They were designed with simplicity and sustainability in mind, while ensuring you feel at home.

Food: Meals are vegetarian and vegan, inspired by the Mediterranean diet, and prepared with organic produce grown onsite as well as other local and seasonal ingredients. Please inform us of your dietary needs so that we can do our best to accommodate. Casa Vale da Lama can meet most dietary restrictions except for Celiac Disease.

Facilities: Casa Vale da Lama has a salt water pool at the heart of the house with sun beds, umbrellas, and trees to provide shade. The indoor dining and living room share a space with large windows, tall ceilings, and a service area where guests may help themselves to tea, coffee, homemade kombucha, and other products. For colder evenings, this area offers a fireplace, as well as a library and lounge in the mezzanine. Just outside is another dining area set amidst the herb gardens. Yoga will be held in their large covered dome with windows. On the property, you will also find ancient trees, fruit orchards, herb gardens, chickens, sheep, and wildlife.

Melissa is way more than just a trip organizer, she goes above and beyond to connect people together and creates and atmosphere of open mindedness with other travelers, local people, and local experiences.

Stephanie K.

Day 1

Arrive at Casa Vale da Lama: All guests will need to meet at a hotel location (TBD) in Lisbon by 11:00 a.m. A private group shuttle will transport us 2.5 hours to Casa Vale da Lama. We will arrive for check-in at 2:00 and have time to settle in before our opening circle, which includes introductions, intentions, and setting group agreements. After our circle, Melissa will guide a gentle yoga practice to unwind and ground before our first dinner together.

Day 2

Permaculture Tour & Local Surroundings: For those who aren’t too jet-lagged, we’ll wake up for a morning yoga practice around 7:00 before our breakfast is served at 8:30. Just before lunchtime, we’ll have a permaculture talk and tour to learn about the regenerative practices Casa Vale da Lama is implementing. After lunch, you’ll have the afternoon free to rest by the pool or take a 30-minute walk to the nearest beach or nearby estuary. At 5:00, Melissa will offer restorative yoga, which will be followed by a reflection circle at 6:00 and dinner around 7:30.

Day 3

Azulejo Workshop: We’ll wake up with a gentle enlivening yoga class at 7:00. After breakfast, local artisan Carla Guerreiro, will come to Casa Vale da Lama to teach us about the historical and cultural significance of the beautiful azulejo or Portuguese tiles that adorn much of the country’s architecture. She will share the techniques for painting these beautiful designs and provide support as you paint your own tiles. This will take us up to lunch time, and after lunch, you’ll have the afternoon to relax or wander. We will have restorative yoga at 6:00 to allow you extra free time if you decide to go out. Dinner will be at 7:30.

Day 4

Southern Coast Hike & Visit Lagos: We’ll start our day with yoga at 7:00. After breakfast, we’ll drive 20 min to begin our coastal hike which will end in the historic village of Lagos. This is a moderate hike that takes an average of 3 hours, depending on how much time you spend at beaches or taking photos. The level of challenge depends on whether you descend to beaches or climb out on the cliffs. It’s mild if you stay on the main paths. It will also be possible be dropped off at a point closer to Lagos for a shorter hike. We will meet in Lagos where you’ll have time to eat lunch, shop, or visit the historic center before returning around 3:30. Restorative yoga will be held before dinner.

Day 5

Free Day: After this morning’s yoga practice and breakfast, the day is yours to relax by the pool, roam through other villages, or hike along another coastal trail. Lunch will be provided at the retreat center for those who are around. At 5:00, Melissa will offer restorative yoga, which will be followed by our reflection circle at 6:00 before dinner at 7:30.

Day 6

Monchique: Following our morning yoga and breakfast, we will head inland (40-min drive) to the picturesque market town of Monchique, which boasts whitewashed architecture and cobblestone streets, nestled among pine, oak, eucalyptus, and cork trees. Monchique is also home to the highest peak in the Algarve with a spectacular view, as well as craft shops and distilleries. We’ll spend the day in Monchique and return to the retreat center around 4:00. If timing and energy allow, we will have a restorative yoga class before dinner.

Day 7

Free Day: This is our final full day. We will wake up with our usual yoga practice and breakfast. You’ll have the remainder of the day to spend as you please. We’ll have our evening yoga practice at 5:00 and then our closing circle at 6:00. After, we will share a final dinner together.

Day 8

Say Goodbye & Return to Lisbon: We will share one last enlivening morning yoga practice, along with a nourishing breakfast. Check-out time from Casa Vale da Lama is 12:00, but if the whole group agrees, we may leave closer to 11:00 since it takes 2.5 hours by car to return. If you will need a negative covid test to return to your country, please ensure you leave enough time to do this in Lisbon before your flight. Alternatively, your home country may offer telehealth tests that are approved for airline travel.

What’s Included

  • 7 nights accommodation at Casa Vale da Lama
  • 3 vegetarian meals per day (minus 1 lunch in Lagos)
  • Monchique (inland historic village, craft shops, distillery, lunch & transport)
  • Southern coastal hike, visit Lagos, transport
  • Tile (azulejo) history & painting workshop w/ Carla Guerreiro
  • Daily yoga w/ Melissa (1-2 times/day)
  • Facilitated reflection circles w/ Melissa (some evenings)
  • Private round-trip transfer to/from Lisbon (2.5-hr drive)

Not Included:

  • Airfare to/from Lisbon Airport
  • Ground transport to/from airport (or other starting locale)
  • 1 lunch in Lagos
  • COVID-19 Test to return to home country, if required (approx. $40.00)
  • Travel insurance – “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage strongly recommended
  • Gratuities (approx. $60-70 USD in total for retreat center staff & guides)
  • Additional activities and transport, massages, souvenirs, etc.

Accommodations

Each room has an en-suite bathroom, two floors, and 2-4 beds. On the ground floor, you’ll have a large window to the garden and direct access to a small patio and hammock to relax. In the loft, you’ll find another private space with a sky light to watch the night stars. If booking single occupancy, both floors are private for you. There is one room that is accessible for physical disabilities.

$2,495.00 p.p. (single)
$2,245.00 p.p. (shared)

Join together in community with supportive women like you.

Availability is limited – a $400 deposit secures your spot by June 30, 2022.

Read our Yoga International Retreat Agreement, as well as ALL the policies & tabs below before booking.

 

Single – $2,495.00; Double – $2,245.00 p.p.

October 6-13, 2022

Melissa has a lovely energy and is a delight to be around. Her yoga is accessible and nourishing, exactly what I’d want from a retreat. She led the circles with a sensitivity and attunement that made even difficult emotions easier to share and process together.

Sharon S.

Melissa sets everyone at ease without fuss. She arranges supportive yoga sessions and encourages adventures out on your own. I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. Lifelong friendships were forged and forever memories engraved on my heart.

Denise L.

Melissa is a phenomenal organizer, from the planning through the closing circle. She made sure to connect with each one of us and helped personalize our experience by being flexible to individual and group needs. Her yoga instruction was responsive to the needs of each student.

Alaina Z.

COVID-19 Policy
We request that for the safety of all guests and residents of Portugal that you be willing to abide by protocols put forth by MNR Retreats LLC, our partners, and the government of Portugal.
 
Throughout the pandemic, we have taken extra public health precautions, requiring proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 tests, masks, and so forth. As conditions and level of risk have changed, we have decided to loosen our own protocol and will follow the policies put forth by the governments of the countries to which we travel.
 
We will be following Portugal’s public health guidelines, which are likely change by the time this trip takes place. Currently, proof of vaccination is not required for entry to Portugal or entry to enclosed public spaces (more below). Of course, travel restrictions can change at any time and you should be prepared to tender required documents, including proof of vaccination, if necessary.
 
Additionally, you should be prepared for changes to our safety policy, if we determine that pandemic conditions necessitate increased precautions.
 
PORTUGAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
 
As of February 27, 2022, those able to obtain an EU Digital COVID Certificate (EU citizens, some non-EU country citizens, but NOT U.S. citizens) may present this certificate in lieu of a negative COVID-19 test. Please confirm with your airline if your certificate is valid and note that Portugal defines full vaccination as having your last shot within the last 270 days.
 
Passengers unable to submit an EU Digital Certificate must present one of the following:
  • PCR test 72 hours before boarding OR
  • Rapid Antigen test 24 hours before boarding

Additionally, a Passenger Locator Card must be submitted. Some airlines require completion of this form before take-off. We advise completing and printing prior to scheduled travel.

OUR RETREAT REQUIREMENTS:

As pandemic conditions shift, we will continue to review and revise our policy closer to the travel dates. Please be prepared for the possibility of increased precautions should we deem them necessary.

RETURN REQUIREMENTS

Please check the requirements for return to your home country. Should your home country require a negative COVID-19 test result for your return, you should plan to allow time to test in the city of your return departure. The cost for this test is your responsibility, but generally costs about 40 euros.

U.S. Citizens & Residents: As of February 27, 2022, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within one calendar day of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.

U.S. citizens & residents may opt to purchase the FDA-approved Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services for Travel as an alternative to purchasing a test in Portugal.

We are not responsible for any delays or cancellations due to your lack of proper travel documents, including proof of vaccination, COVID-19 test results, and any and all other documents that may be required. We strongly recommend you purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” travel insurance to cover your expenses in the event you must cancel for any reason, including COVID-19.

Cancellation Policy

Trip Postponed by MNR Retreat, LLC.

In the event that a retreat must be cancelled due to a COVID-19 related reason, we reserve the right to postpone said retreat. In this case, 100 percent of all payments, less any payment processing fees and non-refundable, non-transferable fees including but not limited to in-country airline, train, bus, entrance tickets, or permits purchased by us on your behalf for the previous booking, will be applied toward the same retreat on future dates.

We reserve the right to cancel any retreat prior to departure in the event that there are too few people booked in which case you will be given a full refund of your full payment, including your deposit. We strongly encourages and recommends that you purchase your flight after your retreat is confirmed, which will be at least 90 days prior to retreat start date.

You will not be entitled to claim any additional amounts or seek any compensation for any injury, loss, expenses or damage, either direct or consequential, or for any loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation, including but not limited to visa and passport fees and expenses, flights, flight cancellation and reservation fees, and vaccination costs). We strongly encourage and recommend that you purchase travel insurance within two (2) weeks of registering your trip.

Trip Cancelled by Participant

  • All deposits are non-refundable.
  • Remaining balance must be paid 90 days before trip start date.
  • We are not responsible for any delays or cancellations due to lack of proper travel documents, including proof of vaccination, COVID-19 test results, and any and all other documents that may be required.
  • We strongly recommend you purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” travel insurance to cover your expenses in the event you must cancel for any reason, including COVID-19.
  • If you decide to cancel your trip for any reason, the following fees apply at the time we receive written notice of your cancellation.
-More than 90 days before retreat start date, receive a refund of your trip payment, excluding your deposit.
 
-60-89 days before retreat start date, 75 percent of any payment previously made may be applied to another retreat, excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 25 percent of the price of your retreat, excluding the deposit. Example: If your retreat cost is $2000 with a $400 deposit, and you’ve paid in full, $1200 may be applied toward a future retreat.
 
-15-59 days before retreat start date, 50 percent of your payment previously made may be applied to another retreat, excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 50 percent of the price of your retreat. Example: If your retreat cost is $2000 with a $400 deposit, $800 may be applied toward a future retreat.
 
-If you cancel 14 days or less before retreat start date, you will forfeit your entire payment. 
Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend and encourage the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance. If your concerned about cancellation due to COVID-19, we recommend purchasing Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. Most CFAR policies must be purchased within 2-3 weeks of your first trip payment (your deposit in this case). You may visit InsureMyTrip.com for an aggregated list of travel insurance policies. Here’s an overview with some key considerations: “Travel Insurance & Coronavirus”

Passport & Visa

Please check the visa requirements for your home country.

For U.S. travelers, if you are planning to travel to Portugal as a tourist for a period not to exceed 90 days, you do not need to apply for a visa. You are required to be in possession of a U.S. passport, valid for a minimum of three (3) months beyond the length of your stay.

Getting There & Away
Group Transfer: We will provide round-trip group transport to and from Lisbon (3-hr drive). The pick-up/drop-off location (TBD) will be in the city (not the airport).
 
Lisbon to Casa Vale da Lama: Our group transfer will depart on October 6th at 11:00 a.m.
 
Casa Vale da Lama to Lisbon: Our group transfer will return on October 13th at 11:00a.m.
 
If taking the group transfer, we recommend that you fly into Lisbon International Airport (LIS) and arrive at least one day early, particularly if you are traveling between time zones. Of course, if you are extending your travel in Portugal before or after your retreat, and may wish to consider the airports in Faro or Porto (or trains!) depending on your plans. The arrangement and cost of your airport transfer are your responsibility; though we will provide resources to help with your arrangements in Lisbon.
 
Taxis/transfers in Portugal are expensive. We are including the cost of transportation for several excursions to visit the region. However, if you think you may want to explore in your free time, we highly recommend renting a car. Roads in the south are generally paved, safe, and easy to get around, but the retreat center lies at the end of a gravel road.
 
Should you choose to arrange your own transport to/from Casa Vale da Lama, please note:
 
Check-in is 2:00 p.m. on Oct. 6th
Check-out is 12:00 p.m. on Oct 13th
Weather & Climate

Weather: Early October continues to enjoy warm temperatures during the day (upper 70s °F). Days tend to be sunny and dry, but there is a small chance of rain. Nighttime temperatures can dip down to the low 60s °F, so it is a good idea to pack layers for the evening. The weather in Monchique (day trip) will be cooler, so plan to pack layers for our day trip.

Food, Alcohol & Smoking

Food: Casa Vale da Lama serves well-balanced vegetarian meals that are inspired by the Mediterranean diet. Ingredients are fresh and sourced from their own garden and local farmers as much as possible. Animal products such as eggs and yogurt will be offered. Please inform us of your dietary needs so that we can do our best to accommodate. The kitchen is unable to accommodate Celiac’s Disease.

Alcohol: Casa Vale da Lama offers organic wines, as well as artisanal craft and regional beers for purchase. We trust our guests to decide whether to bring/consume alcohol in small quantities. We ask that you be considerate of guests who do not drink for any reason or may be in addiction recovery.

Smoking & Other Drugs: Illegal drugs are not permitted on the property. If you smoke tobacco, the retreat center requests you smoke in a specific area.

Group Size & Demographics
This group will have a maximum of 16 people, including facilitators. We have had guests from age 18 to 78. The average age tends to be 45-55 years old.
 
We ask that guests help create a retreat experience that values the dignity of each person. We actively promote awareness and sensitivity toward differences in race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, and disabilities. If you have a physical disability, please reach out to discuss your specific needs so that we can best accommodate.