Inner Recharge • Ignite a New Cycle
Two editions:
13-17 February & 15-19 May in Ericeira, Portugal
Holistic Wellbeing Retreat • Yoga, Psychology, Pranayama, Meditation, Sound, and Dance.
It's not just a retreat; it's a precious eye-opening experience.
Say “adeus” to the hustle and bustle of daily life and let this retreat be your precious (and perhaps much-needed) escape.
Our vision is for you to (re)connect, recharge, and start a new cycle with a clear, inspired, and expanded mindset. It’s not about clichés like "new year, new me." Instead, you’ll embrace the process, sparking an inner revolution and discovering that you can create a meaningful life beyond what you think is possible - whatever that means to you. Nothing grandiose, just simple and authentically yours.
We’ll be at Quinta dos Raposeiros, a premium retreat center overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Just minutes from the beach and surrounded by hiking trails, it’s the perfect setting for an eye-opening experience where you’ll find peace and renewal. We curate every detail with love and care; all you need to do is secure your spot, pack your bags, and head to Ericeira - just a quick 40-minute drive from Lisbon Airport.
Will you join us on this journey?
Testimonials
Leonor is truly gifted; she knows how to balance the days with great programs and surround herself with fantastic and talented people in beautiful settings.It was time for me to take care of my emotional state and needed the right environment to do so. I was able to tap into unresolved pain and allow myself to feel it and then let it go.
I had a very long list of criteria, and this retreat met it all!
Was able to trully disconnect, leaving my phone away for the entire retreat. I left with a feeling of being deeply well rested and happy! Definitely recommend myalfazema if you are looking for a retreat in Portugal. The staff is super caring and professional, the people attending were very nice and there was a strong sense of community. The venue was breathtaking (especially the Shala!), the food was amazing and the yoga practices demanding but doable even for me!
Thank you to everyone who participated too - my old friend Serendipity had a plan for me, and as such, I have met some fantastic people - big love and bountiful blessings. 💖💞🧘🏾♀️
I am deeply grateful for all the new tools, insights, mantras, and new friends this journey has given me.
I genuinely wish that everyone could have this experience.
The Story Behind This Retreat's Curation
It seems that everyone is eager for a fresh start, ready to change and begin anew. But is this truly the most meaningful path?
Let’s take a moment to draw inspiration from the moon. The moon changes daily, with each new phase offering a chance to explore different paths and let go. Yet, the moon’s cycles honour those that came before, as yesterday’s phase has shaped the moon into what it is today and will become tomorrow. The moon evolves step by step, it is a journey much like our own.
This is why we curated this retreat: to offer you the space to step back, rest, reflect, and reconnect with yourself and nature. While quick fixes or radical changes might offer short-term excitement, they aren’t sustainable for long-term contentment, as scientific research suggests. True, lasting change comes from gradual, authentic growth supported by conscious and balanced practices.
The truth is, the mind is rarely content; even when we achieve our goals or experience pleasure, it often fears that this joy will fade and either tries to hold on to it or immediately starts seeking the next thing. To enhance our human experience on Earth, we need to step back, recognise what is already within our field of vision, engage in our Sadhana practice, and find contentment in life's imperfections and simple joys.
People from all walks of life are joining us and together we will we flow into this new cycle, one that values the journey and embraces its phases. Our teachers will guide you through this process with a blend of Eastern wisdom and Western psychology. Just come as you are.
A myalfazema day
This retreat is more than just a relaxing getaway; it's an epic inner journey.
We’ll spend plenty of time flowing in a beautiful shala overlooking the ocean. You will be guided through authentic yoga classes, dance, sound journeys, and insightful talks, all while enjoying delicious plant-based food.
We curate a balanced program that lets you fully engage in scheduled activities while also leaving plenty of time each day to relax, visit the beach, take a walk, or explore the charming, typically Portuguese town of Ericeira.
Please note that this retreat is not a substitute for medical or psychological advice, evaluation, or treatment. Each participant is responsible for ensuring that they are fit and adequately prepared to participate in the retreat.
A retreat is not - and will never be - a magic potion for happiness. It is, however, an eye-opening step in your wellbeing journey of growth towards a MEANINGFUL life.
Some more testimonials
Highly recommend 💙🌞
I confess that the first day was tough, tough in the silence, tough returning to yoga after 5 months of a life without time, tough living with myself, with time for thoughts we don't deal with due to lack of time with ourselves.
Without wanting to write a bible about this 3-day journey into my interior, I want to say that if you're considering whether or not to go, go and do it for yourself.
I was fortunate to do it with the best, organized by the dear Leonor and her dear mother, and with the best yoga teacher who crossed my path, Claudia Sousa Santos....
Thank you for planting the first flower in my garden. Now every day I am sowing, and one day, I will have a beautiful garden. That's the path. ♥️🌸🪷🌼
Who will guide you?
Leonor, Psychology Host
It's been a profound and fascinating journey to arrive here – from street knowledge to scientifically-based knowledge, and onward to ancient and inner wisdom. Learning from numerous teachers across diverse fields worldwide, each with a unique approach, Leonor delved into various subjects at 6 universities across multiple countries. Furthermore, she's traveled to over 50 countries, opening her mind, soul, and body to the diversity of the world, seeking to comprehend and navigate the vast universe we inhabit.
Leonor, the founder of myalfazema, is a passionate seeker of knowledge and inherently curious human being. Motivated by a strong passion for self-actualization and overall well-being, as well as the collective pursuit of a better society, Leonor applies her degree in psychology to curate this unique retreat. She uses a scientific reasoning approach combined with spiritual practice to explore ways to flourish and flow, so in the end, each of us uses our talents to contribute to a better world.
In recent years, Leonor has explored deeper into the scientific study of psychology at the University of Amsterdam, which holds the top Psychology program in Europe according to the World University Rankings by Times Higher Education (2020). Throughout her degree, she has gained insights from various fields and perspectives. As a passionate enthusiast of social constructivism and humanistic psychology approaches, she consistently immerses herself in questions like 'What is right with you?' and 'What is the meaning of life?'. These questions explore the role human beings play in their own lives on a global, non-personal, aiming to maximize human potential. Leonor is dedicated to unlocking the inherent potential of each human being. Ultimately, the journey unfolds, empowering each of us to use our talents for the greater good of society.
Leonor has developed diverse workshops and masterclasses where she will teach you about psychology and explore psychological research on happiness, well-being, wabi-sabi, yoga and the meaning of life together. This journey will be two-way, where your experiences will also contribute to her growth and development.
Claudia Sousa Santos, Yoga Host
Claudia is more than just a yoga and meditation teacher; she's a guiding force who believes in the transformative power of creative sequencing using breath and movement to help her students grow and transform. With over 15 years of experience as a physiotherapist and a rich background in gymnastics and dance, Claudia approaches teaching holistically. She empowers her students by building a strong foundation, paving the way for personal liberation and growth. Take a moment to read the testimonials from her classes and talks at our past three retreats - it’s definitely worth it! 🙂
Claudia founded Shambhala, a highly esteemed studio in Lisbon known for its authenticity, with the intention of fostering an authentic community and holding a space where everyone can freely express themselves and their unique practices. Her dedication and expertise led to her role as the primary assistant in a Teachers Training program at the Manu School of Yoga in 2022.
Our aspiration is for you to further connect with your inner voice, your flow, and feel empowered to live and share it confidently.
Chef Amabile
While looking for the right person, Amabile’s name came up time and again in recommendations, and when we met her, we instantly knew she was the one to join the team! 🙂
We were eager to learn more about her journey, and we discovered that she has been passionately involved in functional gastronomy since 2013. Over the years, she has taken on various roles, including retreat chef, culinary workshop facilitator, restaurant consultant, and content creator for her popular Instagram page, @amabilekolenda. Additionally, she founded a creative culinary studio in Lisbon called UNA Create and co-authored the first book on functional gastronomy in Portugal, titled Cozinha Funcional, published in 2022.
She’s constantly in learning mode, driven by her curiosity for diverse culinary traditions and ancient healing practices. Her passion lies in the simplicity of natural ingredients and the limitless possibilities they bring in flavors and textures. At retreats, her mission is not just to serve food but to nourish souls. Seeing participants well-fed, content, and happy is her greatest joy, making her feel connected to a broader human experience.
Get ready for delicious, vibrant dishes, all lovingly prepared by the always sweet and good-vibes Amabile.
Where?
Quinta dos Raposeiros, Ericeira
It was definitely love at first sight. When we first visited this venue, we were completely blown away. This place has it all!
The shala is absolutely breathtaking, offering an ocean view and stunning sunsets. The rooms are spacious, super comfortable, and fully equipped, with their own ocean views. There are two pools, and the entire place is so spacious that it offers plenty of room to walk around, listen to the birds, and feel the peace.
It’s a magical location, just minutes from the ocean and surrounded by beautiful hiking trails in Ericeira, one of Portugal's most famous traditional fishing villages. During our previous retreats, the group would walk to the beach and enjoy it together.
And it's just 35 minutes from Lisbon Airport, making it very easy to reach!
What is included?
- 4 nights in premium Retreat Center, Quinta dos Raposeiros
- 2 Pools & beautiful trekkings – and a sky full of stars!
- 3 daily plant-based meals prepared by the amazing Chef Amabile
- Daily Yoga Asana classes guided by Claudia
- 2 talks on Psychology & Yoga by Claudia and Leonor
- Yoga Nidra
- Guided Meditation
- Night Reflections
- Surprise Night – A Sound Journey
- Free-Soul Dance Session
- 20€ of your registration fee will be donated to an institution that promotes wellbeing.
- And everything else that will flow into this experience…!
The retreat certainly did not disappoint, in fact, it surpassed all my expectations and more: it's given me a new found confidence in my practice and has really motivated me to learn more, explore and push my boundaries.
I cannot put into words how life changing this experience has proved to be for me (and, as my fellow yogis have learned, I am not one to be rendered speechless!). So, I will say this: thank you for creating and holding such an incredible, inspirational and safe space for me to find myself again; my cup fills every time I think back to my time (with you all there) and I continue to release and let in lots of emotions I didn't even know were there.
Everytime I go to the mat (which has been everyday since my return) I can feel the energy of the Yoga Shala filling me with positive light, which makes me excited about life and my practice - you've really awakened a passion in me, for which I am eternally grateful.
The investment
Our lives are shaped by our experiences. Investing in yourself, trust us, a retreat is one of the best gifts you can give yourself
BRING YOUR FRIEND
Private Double Room
Bringing someone with you? Stay in a private room with a private bathroom all to yourselves - single or double bed.
990€ 950€
PER PERSON
Book on your own
Shared Room
The ocean-view shared rooms are both spacious and comfortable. Each room accommodates a maximum of 3 or 4 people.
949€ 849€
Book on your own
Private Individual Room
Enjoy a private ocean-view room with your own bathroom. We offer two types of rooms, both featuring stunning ocean views, spacious bathrooms, and private balconies. Experience the bliss of a comfortable and charming room, perfectly nestled close to nature.
1449€ 1399€
20€ of your registration fee will be donated to an institution that promotes wellbeing.
Join our community for this beautiful retreat.
Don’t just go with the Flow. Be the flow.
If you are interested in joining the retreat or offering it to someone else as a gift voucher, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you soon.
Please check if you got a confirmation email that your message was sent. If not, please contact us directly at leonor@myalfazema.com.
Looking forward to meet you!
FAQs
Let us know if you do not find what you are looking for.
Our team is here to help you 🙂
Payment plan:
- Your spot will be confirmed after payment of a 200€ deposit
- The remaining amount is to be settled until one month after the deposit has been paid
- We can adjust the payment plan according to your needs. If needed, we can divide the payment into 3 or more installments. Please contact us so we can discuss your options
Payment options
- Bank transfer
- Mbway (Portuguese)
Don’t let anything stand in the way of your dream retreat in Portugal.
Over the past four years, guests from around the world have safely arrived in Ericeira, just a convenient 35-minute drive from Lisbon Airport. Various transportation options are available, including Uber and Bolt in Lisbon, as well as public transit.
To make your arrival even smoother, we’ll set up a WhatsApp group before the retreat to help with ride-sharing. This has been a great way for guests to connect and arrange shared rides from the airport or central Lisbon.
Check-in starts at 3pm. The retreat officially begins at 5.30pm.
On the last day, the retreat ends around 12pm, allowing you plenty of time to return home without rushing.
We’ll send out a questionnaire to gather information about your allergies and intolerances. Our chefs are skilled at adapting the menu to various dietary needs, so you'll be fine 🙂
If you have any major or life-threatening allergies, please let us know before signing up so we can confirm whether we can accommodate them and assure your safety.
Sure! We’ll provide you with contact details for some recommended massage therapists that our guests have loved in the past.
Please note that massages are not included in the myalfazema package, and you’ll need to confirm the availability of the massage room with us before booking.
Please check our T&C to know all the details about the cancellation policy. By enrolling in a myalfazema retreat, you are automatically agreeing to the terms and conditions.
https://myalfazema.com/terms/
Sometimes, I look back at photos from last year’s winter retreat in Ericeira and can’t believe how sunny it was. Early January treated us to beautiful weather - so much so that we swam in the pool, went to the beach, and enjoyed lunch outside! ☀️
Typically, winter in Ericeira is mild, with daytime temperatures around 16°C and nights cooling to about 9°C. Out of the five winter retreats we’ve hosted here, the weather has mostly been pleasant and sunny, perfect for beach walks. We only had few cloudy days, which gave our guests a chance to cozy up indoors and enjoy the warmth of the venue.
While the weather can be unpredictable, Portugal’s climate usually stacks the odds in our favor. This is one of the many reasons we love hosting our retreats here in our home country.
Who knows what February will be like? It’s entirely beyond our control - and not that important! Regardless, it will be wonderful because, more than anything, it’s the people who make a retreat special. It’s the deep sense of community that we create and share.
And we’re already planting the seeds to make it flourish.