What about the accommodations?

Our Luxury accommodations: 

We will be staying in three beautiful locations for our tour. The first is located along the coast of Sintra, and is a small local owned and run bed and breakfast.The Chalet O Amorzinho (in English, the Sweetheart) is a centennial property, located in Azenhas do Mar, one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal.

Its construction dates back to 1910, with an architecture that transports the visitor to a Romantic Sintra – where art deco remarks stand out, revealing an architectural and decorative quality with a simple façade enriched with bush-hammered masonry, the sills, the pillar of the covered porch in bush-hammered stone and the artist Abel Reis Santos’s tile pane that represent the true essence of this villa.

From the coast of Sintra we will travel inland to the Alentejo region to São Lourenço do Barrocal. A captivating retreat nestled in the heart of the Alentejo region in Portugal that seamlessly blends traditional Portuguese charm with modern luxury, creating a haven that invites guests to unwind, rejuvenate, and connect with the timeless beauty of the Alentejo landscape.  

Our home for the last portion of our adventure will be Located in the heart of the Arrábida Nature Park, the Luxury Hotel Casa Palmela is a luxury small boutique hotel, a house with a history dating back to the 17th century.
The Hotel Casa Palmela is an experience that guides us along different paths…. from nature to the sea, through wine experiences, coastal explorations, Casa Palmela provides unforgettable moments of deep relaxation and total immersion in nature.

What will the food be like? 

Typical Mediterranean cuisine, with a Portuguese twist. Imagine beautiful fresh ingredients, mixed with creative fish dishes and unique dishes you will only find in Portugal. Wonderful wines, fresh vegetables, And CHEESE! Sheep and goat cheese are quite popular and outstanding. 

What is a typical day?

7:00 Yoga / meditation / movement 

8:30 Breakfast 

9:00 Daily adventures 

1:00 Lunch 

4:00    Return to hotel for relaxation, group activities and organized talks 

7:00    Dinner 

8:00     Gathering for sharing, connection 

Do I have to be experienced at Yoga?
The retreat is open to all levels of yoga experience, from fresh beginner to the practiced yogini, as each will practice according to individual desires. We also do Qigong and a great “Awakening of the Senses” practice.

Do I need to be a swimmer to attend this retreat?
No. There are floatation devices available for rent. Also available for rent are masks, fins and snorkels. We provide levels of support from our staff for everyone from the non-swimmer to the experienced swimmer. Sea kayaking and stand up paddleboard has been a favorite for all! Colleen likes to bring a swim buoy which you can find on the packing list

How many participants will the retreat include?
This Retreat is cozy. It is limited to 16 Amazing Women.

What will the weather be like?
The weather in September in Portugal is ideal.  Warm days reaching into the high 70’s and evenings cooling off to the mid 60’s.  September tends to be dry, but of course a shower is always a possibility.  Portugal in September is the perfect location to extend your summer and enjoy the warmth and beauty of this magical land.

Am I in good enough shape to do the retreat?
All levels and abilities are welcome and we adapt our activities to align with all levels of fitness. Groups are formed according to each woman’s level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge themselves. We do suggest that you start a training or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat. Your training does not need to be a hard-core program…just get out and PLAY and BE ACTIVE several days a week.

Do I need to be an athlete to attend this retreat?
Absolutely not.  The retreat is open to all levels and abilities.

We feel the definition of an athlete is one who enjoys being active on a regular basis – not a competitive warrior. We can adapt to all levels in yoga, hiking and relaxation! We have a wonderful supporting staff to help you every step of the way and all sessions will be made accessible for all participants.

Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?
This retreat is for you.  You do not need to participate in everything; you can pace yourself so that it is the perfect amount of activity for you. We fully support you in doing as much or as little as is right for you in the moment. The schedule gives you a sense of the flow of each day but is subject to change depending upon the needs of the group, weather, etc. We will go over the schedule each day at breakfast.  There is a wonderful spa at Immerso so get ready to be pampered.

What is the average age on this retreat?
We have a wide range of women who attend our retreats, from 15-70 years young. Each retreat will vary but Portugal is for EVERYONE. 

What if I am coming alone?
The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Portugal is a safe and easy country to travel as a single female.. Although you may come alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends.