Spring Retreat
Yoga, Psychology & Wabi-Sabi
11-15 of April in Costa Vicentina, Alentejo, Portugal
This is the peaceful escape you’ve been promising yourself.
ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT. cOME JOIN US!
Over the past years, amazing people from around the world have been joining us here, and together, we flourished. Now, it’s your turn.
This retreat is a transformative journey that brings together yoga, breath, psychology, journaling, nature, and the wisdom of Wabi-Sabi. A journey back to yourself, to nature, and to community.You’ll be in one of the most special places we know, Monte da Orada, a nature sanctuary in a beautiful green valley near the ocean in Costa Vicentina, Portugal. And of course, eat delicious healthy food.
If you’ve been carrying too much, moving too fast, craving deep rest, feeling overwhelmed, or standing at a crossroads unsure of what’s next, this is your moment to pause, and join us so you can reconnect with what truly matters. Here you will restore your body, clear your mind, soften your heart and feel empowered.
We created this space for those ready to fully live their human experience and ignite the magic within. There is room for silence, laughter, meaningful conversations, embodiment, expansion of the mind, and complete rest.
Come as you are. Enjoy your holiday, have an incredible time.
Go back home with practical wellbeing tools, renewed energy to take bold steps forward, new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a newfound peaceful harmony coming from a positive, serene approach to life.
Our intentions for this retreat,
inspired by the teachings of Wabi-Sabi
Accept your perfectly imperfect nature. There is nothing about you that needs fixing.
Feel complete right where you are, with all that you already have. We are nature.
Embrace life's impermanence and change.
Let it Be. Let it Go.
Slow down and return to what is simple and real. Step out of doing and into being. There is nothing to prove here.
Your Wellbeing Retreat Journey, Step by Step
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.
You'll be in a tranquil, green valley just 15 minutes from the beach.
monte da orada, Costa vicentina, Alentejo
You'll love it here. Welcome to our spiritual eco-retreat in the heart of a nature sanctuary on Portugal's Southwest Atlantic Coast. Legend has it that the water is sacred here.
Spread across 70 hectares of nearly untouched land and wildlife, and just 15 minutes away from some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, this authentic Portuguese countryside home offers the perfect getaway for those seeking tranquillity, deep connection, and transformation. Each room is thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and authentic experience, blending traditional Portuguese charm with modern amenities.
Guided by Experienced & Passionate Hosts
You will experience a truly holistic and supportive journey. With Claudia, you’ll explore yoga and meditation in a clear, wise, and embodied way. With Leonor, you’ll explore psychology (research, theories, and her own lived journey) and the wisdom of Wabi-Sabi. No taboos, no big words, and no clichés. We explore the themes that truly shape our daily lives and human experience, while keeping the space flexible and attuned to what organically emerges within the group.You’re welcome to share, to ask, to go deep or simply to listen.With you, we co-create this retreat.
Leonor Pinheiro, Psychology Wellbeing Guide
Leonor is the founder of myalfazema and a facilitator devoted to inner work, emotional awareness, and grounded transformation. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Amsterdam, specialising in Social Psychology, with studies in emotion, motivation, and behaviour change. She continues to explore how we create meaning in our lives, and how through that process, we come home to ourselves and contribute to society. Clients describe Leonor’s sessions as deeply supportive and attuned, leaving with greater clarity and confidence, having released emotional blocks, feeling calmer, and reconnected with themselves in a meaningful way.
Claudia Sousa Santos, Yoga & Meditation Teacher
“Claudia is one of the best yoga teachers I’ve ever met and I’ve learned so much from her.” It is just one of many powerful testimonials about her classes.
Claudia teaches yoga and meditation in a way that is both empowering and deeply intuitive and human, guiding you back to your body, breath and inner strength. Everyone always loves her classes. All levels feel that her teachings meet them exactly where they are, and they grow from them spiritually, mentally and physically. Her classes are intentional, and deeply rooted in anatomy, mindfulness, and compassion.
Watch video here
The story behind this retreat
Wabi-Sabi. Nothing is Forever. Nothing is Perfect. Nothing is Complete.
The inspiration for this retreat came from many moments and conversations with our guests. While exploring their dreams and wishes, a common theme would always emerge: a desire for a calmer, more content life. Stress came up again and again. It was affecting sleep, energy, eating habits, even the immune system. They just wanted to feel better, in a way that felt natural and lasting. They were seeking for a better way to navigate life and the world.
By some form of chance (or perhaps not), it's been a while since I began exploring Wabi-Sabi: the Japanese philosophy that offers a transformative shift in perspective from the modern world’s obsession with perfection. Rather it embraces imperfections as sources of wisdom and meaning. It encourages us to appreciate the blessings in our daily lives and celebrate things as they are, rather than longing for an idealized version of reality. It offered a perspective that softened me and helped me stop chasing an ideal version of life. It also echoed what I was seeing in others. This longing for acceptance, authenticity, and space to just be.
It became clear that this philosophy, together with Yoga and Psychology, could support the challenges we were all facing. Not to fix ourselves, but to reconnect with who we already are and live better.With all of this in mind, we curated this retreat with love and expertise. We knew Monte da Orada was the right place for it. This experience is here to guide you in resting, reflecting, and returning home to yourself. It also offers wellbeing tools that stay with you long after you leave, so you feel confident continuing on your own.
This is now the fourth edition of this concept, brought back because guests consistently share how much they love it and how deeply it transforms the way they live their lives. Not because of anything flashy or grandiose, but because it is real. Many people arrive carrying grief, burnout, life transitions, or hopes for change. They leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded. They leave with new friendships, practical tools, and a renewed sense of self that stays with them long after the retreat ends.
Over the years, myalfazema has become a trusted wellbeing place for people from all over the world. Join us and experience it for yourself.
Food is a highlight
Chef Orada
At Orada, every dish is crafted with care, love, and deep respect for the body, mind, and local traditions. A majority of the greens are grown onsite using organic methods, and the meals are inspired by Ayurvedic principles, ensuring a balance that supports both body and mind.
Orada’s cookbook is considered one of the best recipe books for retreat menus available today, a testament to the culinary expertise of their chefs.
Everything that’s included:
- 4 nights, all-inclusive, in Monte da Orada, a soul spiritual retreat center
- 3 daily plant-based meals, inspired by Ayurveda and delicious Orada Cookbook
- 2 x 1:1 psychology wellbeing individual sessions with Leonor
- Daily Yoga Asana Classes
- Yoga Nidra
- Meditation
- Talk | Wabi-Sabi & Yoga
- Journaling Workshop
- The myGuidebook to support your journey – Psychology, Wabi-Sabi, Spirituality, and more
- Sauna & Bio Pool & beautiful walks – and a sky full of stars!
- 20€ of your registration fee will be donated to an institution that promotes wellbeing.
- Yoga equipment (mats, straps, blocks, bolsters, blankets etc)
- And everything else that will flow into this experience…!
Your investment extends far beyond the retreat.
Curated with love, this holistic retreat is an investment that goes beyond the experience itself. It’s an investment in your health, happiness, and future.
Today, pay only a €200 deposit. You can book directly with us via bank transfer (just reach out using the form below) or use online payment by clicking the button below. Instant confirmation.
Shared Dorm Room
Only 2 left
A great choice for solo retreaters seeking comfort and affordability. You’ll share with 3-4 other retreaters.
890€ PER PERSON
Private Group Room with Bathroom
Bringing someone with you? This option is often shared by couples, friends, or family (2-4 people). You’ll have a private space with your own bathroom and either a double bed or single beds.
940€ PER PERSON
Private Room with Shared Bathroom
Only 1 left
Your own cozy room in the main house, with a bathroom shared with the room next door.
1190€ PER PERSON
Ensuite Private Room with Private Bathroom
Only 2 left
Perfect if you value privacy, comfort, and having space that’s entirely your own to unwind. Enjoy your own private room (double bed) with an ensuite bathroom.
1390€ 1340€
PER PERSON
Your Future Self Will Thank You
Some more testimonials
Looking for a place to rest, grow and have fun during your spring? This is it!
Simply provide your details below to get more info, secure your spot, or get a gift voucher. Leo will guide you every step of the way.
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 talking to you!
FAQs
Please 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
- Online payment - Stripe
- Mbway (Portuguese)
Rest assured, transportation won't stand in the way of your dream holiday retreat in Portugal. Last years, all guests arrived from all over the world. Orada is one of Portugal's most renowned retreat centers, with visitors coming year-round to experience this beautiful haven. this beautiful haven.
- Before the retreat begins, we’ll create a WhatsApp group for all participants to coordinate logistics and share rides. Guests have found this incredibly helpful, especially for arranging shared Ubers.
- If you're coming by car, there's a private parking area where you can leave your vehicle.
Additional transport information:
- From Lisbon (2.5 hours), you can take a FlixBus to Zambujeira do Mar, which takes about 2.5 hours. Prices range from €4 to €15, depending on the time and day. Zambujeira do Mar is a lovely coastal town, so this option gives you the chance to see a gem of the Portuguese coast. From there, you can take a 15-minute taxi to Orada Retreat Center.
- From Faro (1.5 hours), the easiest way is to take a cab, Uber, or Bolt directly to Orada. Another option is to take a train to Santa Clara-Sabóia and then a taxi to the center. If you choose this, we recommend pre-booking your taxi with us at least 3 days in advance.
From both Lisbon and Faro airports, we can organize airport transfers for you. The price will depend on the number of participants requesting this option. However, in the past two years, all guests preferred using public transportation and sharing Ubers, as it was more convenient.
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Please be aware that transportation is not included in the retreat package. While we strive to offer accurate and current information, public transportation details such as schedules and prices are subject to change by transport providers. Thank you!
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What's your next step?
The first thing to do is to secure your spot in this epic retreat before it's all booked up. Don't miss out like many guests who no longer could secure a spot in our last retreat! Once you've secured your spot, go ahead and book your flight or other transportation. Let's embark on this journey together 🙂
11 April: Room Check-in from 4pm. The retreat is set to begin at 5.30 pm.
15 April: The retreat wraps up by noon leaving you with a heart full of memories and a soul ready to flourish.
This is not a strict digital detox retreat, so you’re welcome to keep your phone and choose how you’d like to manage your offline time.
To support deep rest and presence, we kindly ask that mobile phones are not brought into the common areas at any time.
This retreat is designed to be a real break from the noise — and for that to happen, we consciously protect the space we’re creating together. Everyone joins with the intention to disconnect, and we trust that this shared boundary will be respected, for your own experience and for the benefit of the group.
Note: You may occasionally see staff using their phones. This is only for essential coordination and behind-the-scenes logistics.
No worries! We’ll be sending out a questionnaire to learn more about your allergies.
However, if you have any major or life-threatening allergies, please let us know before signing up so we can confirm that we can accommodate them.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive, and the answer is: 'Absolutely, yes!'
You are more than welcome to join us if you have never stepped on a yoga mat before, have never done a yoga class, have only just begun your practice, or even if you have been practicing for years and want to deepen your knowledge. Classes are adapted to all levels.
Yes!
We’ll share with you some contacts of recommended therapists so you can add a massage to your retreat experience.
Note: Massages are not included in the myalfazema pack.
Please note that ice bath is not included in the retreat and cannot be purchased separately.
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/
Another reason we host so many retreats at Monte da Orada is its location. Monte da Orada is nestled in the woods and about 15 minutes from the coast, so there’s natural shade and airflow. As an eco-retreat center, there’s no air conditioning in the rooms (AC is available in the yoga shala). Weather varies, but it often feels pleasantly warm during the day and tends to cool down in the evenings.
It is your responsibility to organize suitable travel and health insurance. myalfazema will not hold liable if your failure to arrange suitable insurance coverage leaves you exposed, medically, financially, or otherwise. myalfazema and its partners are not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses incurred by participants before, during or after the retreat.
The first thing to do is to secure your spot in this epic spring retreat before it's all booked up. Don't miss out like many guests who no longer could secure a spot in our last retreat! Once you've secured your spot, go ahead and book your flight or other transportation. Let's embark on this journey together 🙂
A retreat is not - and will never be - a magic potion for happiness. This one however, promises to be an eye-opening step in your wellbeing journey of growth towards a PEACEFUL life.