Holiday itinerary
Set in the heart of the Algarve in beautiful Portuguese countryside the Yoga Retreat Centre is a heavenly base to unwind and make the most of your refreshing yoga holiday far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just 15 minutes from stunning beaches.
Twice daily yoga classes take place in the fully equipped air-conditioned yoga studio, with a mouth watering brunch after each morning session. All meals are included (except one when you eat out) and you will enjoy delicious regional and vegetarian specialities made using fresh and healthy local produce, sampling the excellent local cuisine.
During this informative and fun yoga holiday your fantastic tutor Rachel, an Iyengar yoga practitioner for over 20 years will be on hand to guide you through a carefully structured programme of yoga, ensuring you have a successful and rejuvinating yoga holiday.
Accommodation is set in one of the superb twin en-suite rooms (for bookings of two persons only) in one of 3 renovated farmhouses, or you can opt for a dormitory space for up to 4 sharers above the yoga studio. There is plenty of space to sit and read, relax and swim or just lounge and chat with others. The gardens and pool are great to soak up the warm sun and the peaceful atmosphere too.
Enjoy an excellent yoga holiday with a difference with the perfect balance of world class tuition, great food and fun company for a relaxing yoga holiday among friends.
Suitability
- Yoga holidays are suitable for all levels from complete beginners seeking an introduction to the joys of yoga through to advanced practitioners
- Note: The holiday is focused on Iyengar yoga
- Minimum age 15 for the classes
- Please note that the 11 April and 24 October 2015 and the 23 April 2016 dates are for people have an intermediate level or above (regular Iyengar practice of 12 months or more)
Travelling Solo?
- This yoga holiday makes a great singles holiday as it is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people
- You can book your own private double/twin room for a single supplement
- Or you can stay in the shared room at no extra cost please follow this link for more information: Yoga Holiday - Shared Accommodation
Non Participating Partners
- Non participating guests are welcome to share a room with a yoga guest
- This includes 7 nights accommodation in a twin/double room, 6 brunches and 6 evening meals
- Prices for the non-participating guest can be found under the 'costing and extras' tab and can be added as an optional extra at the time of booking
Yoga Retreat Start Days
- Yoga holidays start on set dates throughout the year
- Yoga holidays are for 7 nights/8 days
- If you wish to stay for extra nights please email to check availability for your preferred duration and we will do our best to accommodate you
- If dates appear ‘on request’ please email us and we’ll check availability for your preferred day of arrival as quickly as possible
11 April, 6 June, 24 October – Olivais St. António
- Please note on the dates mentioned above the holiday will be held at a beautiful and tranquil retreat centre run by the same yoga tutor Rachel, also just 5 minutes from Loule in the Algarve
- Accommodation is in double/twin or triple rooms arranged in small cottages
- The main building enjoys stunning views overlooking the hills towards Loule and the Algarve coast
- The accommodation offers extensive and well tended grounds, wonderful facilities including a beautifully landscaped pool
- From here there is a weekly mini-bus service to the town and the beach just 15 minutes drive away
- It’s a serene retreat with no light pollution and great for star gazers and nature lovers
- The hosts offer a warm welcome and delicious vegetarian food
- All the accommodation is decorated and furnished with love and there are plenty of places to sit, read, relax, swim, lounge, chat, meditate and enjoy!
- Prices are based on 2 sharing a room but you can reserve a private room for a single supplement if you prefer
- All other details including itinerary and your host will remain the same
Yoga Holiday Itinerary
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
Day 1
- Arrival at the Retreat Centre where you can check into your room anytime after 2pm, take your time to explore the retreat or enjoy a swim in one of the lovely swimming pools
- Around 7pm you will join your host Rachel and fellow guests for a healthy and delicious vegetarian welcome meal, a few glasses of wine and some good company
Day 2 - 7
- At around 8.30am your yoga tutor Rachel will take you for 2 hour yoga class, you are welcome to discuss your goals and aims for the week on the first day
- After your morning practise you will enjoy a delicious brunch at your leisure
- You can take the afternoon as free time for resting, exploring, enjoying a massage or one of the excursions
- At 5.30pm it is time for the evening practice focusing on yoga and Pranayama (breathing focus, recuperative relaxation)
- At around 7pm, you will join fellow guests for a delicious vegetarian dinner prepared by the talented cooks at the retreat, a great chance to relax and enjoy the delicious regional food whilst getting to know your fellow guests
- Please note that dinner is served every evening except Wednesday when guests can go out to sample any of the excellent local restaurants in town or on the beach
Day 8
- Check out around 9am returning feeling relaxed, restored and revived with new skills and knowledge along with new friends and inspiration to continue your yoga practice at home
Your Yoga Tutor
- With over 20 years of Iyengar yoga experience, your passionate and talented host Rachel is an excellent yoga teacher and a great believer in the life-enhancing benefits yoga gives
- Qualifying over 12 years ago with Iyengar Certification her welcoming and relaxed approach sets the perfect backdrop to unwind and meet new people
- Rachel first experienced yoga at the age of 14 when she began to attend classes and is now a highly qualified teacher
- The attention to detail and the physical posture work combined with philosophy, compassion and understanding was everything that Rachel was looking for in yoga
- Rachel qualified in 2000 and has now attained Iyengar intermediate level III which means she has been examined as having the necessary skills and knowledge to teach
- With a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon her professional approach will not only inspire your yoga practice on holiday but in the future as well
What Will I Learn?
- Iyengar yoga concentrates on postural alignment and body awareness coupled with specific sequencing of yoga postures (asanas)
- Iyengar yoga is a Hatha yoga method which works to harmonise the movement of the body and instil clarity and peace of mind
- In general the class will start with a few moments of quiet to prepare for the yoga
- The practice could then focus on specific postures and pranayama for the day
- The class will end with recuperative and re-energising postures
- Some of the many benefits of yoga are as follows:
- Mobilise joints and strengthen muscle weakness
- Aid balance and coordination
- Increase flexibility and movement
- Improve posture and correct misalignments
- Improve circulation and imbalances
- Increase performance in sports and improve recovery time
- Increase a sense of peace of mind
- Develop self-awareness and assist with self-development
What To Bring
- Please bring comfortable clothing you can move in easily for your yoga practice
- It can be very warm in the summer months so please bring clothing that will be suitable for practicing in hot weather and warmer clothes for cooler nights
- All yoga mats and equipment are provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer
Treatments / Massages
- Therapeutic massage and other treatments are available to book at the yoga retreat from visiting guest therapists and can be organised on arrival with your host
- Prices begin at 55 Euros per session and depend on treatment and duration
The Accommodation
- The accommodation where you’ll stay consists of 3 converted farmhouses, set in beautiful grounds with lovely views
- The 3 stunning Portuguese farmhouses boast 3 beautifully furnished en-suite twin/double bedrooms
- Set in the heart of the striking Portuguese countryside the retreat boasts gardens and exceptional views, the perfect setting for your yoga holiday
- The rooms and shared rooms are very comfortable and decorated to high standard
- Prices are based on 2 people travelling together and sharing a twin ensuite room on the standard yoga holiday
- If you are travelling solo, you can reserve your own private room for a single supplement
- The farmhouses offer 2 beautiful swimming pools for all guests’ use
- In the gardens you'll find a host of fruit trees and flowers providing shade and a great place to relax
- Wi-fi is available in all areas of the propety
- Your hosts have dogs and cats but they are not allowed in the house
- Accommodation is included for 7 nights / 8 days
- Check in anytime after 2pm on day 1 and check out by 9am day 8
- The yoga studio itself is bright, airy and fully-equipped with yoga mats and all the equipment needed
- Please Note: 11 April, 6 June, 24 October accommodation will be in Olivais St. António
Meals
- The retreat has excellent cooks who prepare wonderful vegetarian brunches and evening meals as an added highlight to your holiday, ensuring you are well fuelled for your yoga sessions
- Delicious meals are prepared from fresh local produce and include Portuguese classics and regional specialities
- All brunches are included
- Please note that dinner is served every evening except Wednesday when guests can go out to sample any of the excellent local restaurants in town or on the beach
- If you have dietary requests/allergies these must be communicated to us at the time of booking
Free Time In The Algarve
- Plenty of time is scheduled between classes to allow for other activities, quiet time, excursions or extended sunbathing sessions or perhaps a massage treatment from one of the visiting massage therapists
- Within easy reach are historic towns & villages, spectacular scenery, excellent beaches, golfing, horse riding, tennis, sailing and walking routes
- The beach is a short (and reasonably priced) taxi ride away and you can easily reach the busier tourist towns on the Algarve for shopping if you wish
- For those who seek the surf, the famous Atlantic west coast is only 50 minutes away with some of the best surfing beaches in Europe and in the other direction, Spain is only an hour away
Practise yoga in this fascinating Portuguese haven of rich culture and natural beauty, breathe the fresh air and take time out for yourself on this Yoga retreat with a difference.