Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation & Walking Retreat
In a stunning location close to the beautiful beaches of the Silvercoast.
14-20 September 2024
Our Retreat
Join me on an invigorating and peaceful inner journey through yoga, pranayama, meditation, and hiking in a breathtaking environment. This program is geared to Iyengar levels II and up, and all students are welcome. I will work with your individual needs and will show you how to modify the postures to maximize the benefits of your practice regardless of physical abilities or the level of your experience.
You will leave stronger, more flexible, open-hearted and rejuvenated.
❤️ Eileen Muir
The Location
The retreat centre is located in a small village in a beautifully restored country villa surrounded by green hills and close to the exquisite beaches of the Portuguese silver-coast. The area is known for its cultivation of pears and lies along the western wine route, with many beautiful wineries nearby and the medieval village of Obidos only a few kilometres away. The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean with frequent rain falls during the winter months results in lush and green hills all year round, and there are beautiful hiking trails right from the property.
The nearest airport is Lisbon, which is a 45 minute drive to the retreat centre. Public transportation is available to the village.
Our Villa for the Week
The retreat centre consists of a main house with nine bed rooms and six bathrooms. The large south-facing terrace with beautiful views over the surrounding green hills is the ideal place to enjoy dinner or just to relax with a book.
The spacious living and dining room is the centre of the house where meals can be enjoyed together and the big fireplace makes sure that even during colder days it is warm and cosy. During the warmer days, there is an outdoor swimming pool to cool us down. The main house is surrounded by a big garden with numerous fruit trees which offers enough space for everyone to relax.
Yoga Studio
There is a spacious Iyengar-style yoga studio, complete with Manduka mats, blankets, bolsters, chairs, belts and blocks. and rope walls. I am so excited to be teaching with yoga ropes again instead using a belt on a door knob :-) Eileen ❤️
Our Daily Schedule
Each day begins with meditation followed by an asana class. There will be three vegetarian meals prepared for us, as well as an afternoon restorative yoga and pranayama class followed by Patanjali's Yoga Sutra study. After dinner there is meditation ... followed by silence.
Each day there will be personal time to recharge and reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with your fellow yogis. You can participate in the various optional activities, hike the local trails, swim in the pool, have a spa treatment, or just chill-out with a book on one of the many verandas.
Optional Activities
Optional Activities not included in price:
visiting the coastal fishing village of Peniche (15 minutes) with its endless sandy beaches to enjoy
wandering through the UNESCO recognized medieval castle and walled village of Óbidos (10 minutes), tasting the local cuisine
touring a local vineyard along the western wine route
surf lessons, horseback riding, local hiking trails and massage treatment
Retreat Price
The price of the retreat per person ranges from $1,550 to $1,750 per person, depending on your choice of accommodations.
Included in the Price
Accommodation for 6 nights
3 vegetarian meals per day.
2 yoga classes per day, daily meditation and Yoga Sutra study, and nature hikes.
Pick up from Lisbon Airport to Retreat Centre on 14 September at 3:00 PM.
Access to yoga studio, dining room, kitchen, many outdoor areas to explore, swimming pool, outdoor lounges with undisturbed views, and hiking trails.
Use of yoga props including yoga ropes. Manduka mats, blankets, bolsters, chairs, belts and blocks.
Not Included in the Price
Transportation from the retreat centre to the airport after the retreat.
Travel Insurance (recommended).
Optional trips in the area.
Optional activities.
Accommodations
The villa is built against a rock, and its different levels give it a unique character - full of wabi-sabi details. The guest rooms are divided over four levels, and each room is unique and offers different views of the surrounding area.
Click the button below to reserve your Housing Option.
Things to do in Portugal
Many of you have asked for travel ideas for before and after the retreat, so here are a few suggestions.
Lisbon is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It is a great place and worth exploring on your own, or you may want to choose one of the many walking/electric bike tours available. It is also a great city for foodies - no matter what your culinary preferences. Here are some of the best things to do in and around Lisbon:
Explore the historic city center. Lisbon is full of charming neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Be sure to visit Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon, with its narrow streets and traditional houses; Castelo de São Jorge, a Moorish castle that offers stunning views of the city; and Belém, a waterfront district home to the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower.
View Lisbon from the hilltop castle in the middle of the city, where human occupation dates to at least the 8th century BC.
This iconic tram takes you on a scenic journey through the city, passing by many of Lisbon's most popular landmarks.
Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower
These two UNESCO World Heritage Sites are must-sees for any visitor to Lisbon. The Jerónimos Monastery is a beautiful example of Manueline architecture, while the Belém Tower is a former fortress that offers stunning views of the Tagus River.
Take a walk along the waterfront. Lisbon's waterfront is a great place to relax and enjoy the views. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating, as well as a number of parks and gardens.
Take a day trip to Sintra.
Sintra is a beautiful town located in the hills outside of Lisbon. It is known for its romantic palaces and gardens, such as the Pena National Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira.
Explore the beaches of Cascais and Estoril. Cascais and Estoril are two popular beach towns located just outside of Lisbon. They offer a variety of water sports activities, as well as a number of restaurants and cafes.
Cascais Lisbon and Estoril: Beachside Paradise - Cascais and Estoril, neighboring towns, offer a delightful escape for those seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. Just a short train ride away from Lisbon, these beach towns boast gorgeous stretches of coastline, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or trying your hand at surfing or windsurfing. Explore the charming marinas, savor fresh seafood at the harborside restaurants, or visit the Estoril Casino, a historic landmark that played a role in World War II espionage.
If you want to venture further, 200 miles south of Lisbon is the Algarve, which has been a favorite expat destination because of the year-round warm climate, the epic coastline, and affordable lifestyle.
Norther Portugal
The retreat centre is in Central Portugal, and after the retreat, you could venture north to Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, and take a boat ride up the vineyard-lined Douro Valley. Some of you explored this area after last year’s retreat in Northern Portugal and loved it.
If your appetite for adventure goes beyond these suggestions, you can find cheap direct flights from Lisbon to many places in Europe, or for $100 roundtrip (Ryanair), you could fly to the island of Madeira, Portugal. This has become a popular destination for expats and tourists for good reason.
