Summer Retreat
Yoga, Psychology & Wabi-Sabi
1-5 August in Alentejo, Portugal
Your life is precious, enjoy it! This is the summer holiday you’ll always remember.
book today & save 200€
We are living in a time that pulls us away from ourselves. Too much noise. Too much stimulation. Too much speed. We need to disconnect from the outside world and zoom out.
This retreat was created in response to that. If you are ready to step away from the stress of daily life, fully reconnect, and create a more grounded and meaningful way of living, you found your home.
Together, these practices help calm your nervous system, quiet your mind, and create the conditions for a deep reset.
Wabi Sabi transforms your perspective, breaks the illusion of perfectionism, reveals what is real, and teaches you the art of noticing.
Yoga reconnects you to your breath and body.
Psychology helps you understand and shift the patterns shaping your life.
Nature slows you down and teaches a wiser rhythm.
You will be guided by trusted professionals, in one of the most special places on earth, a nature sanctuary just minutes from the beach.
This is also one of the best places in the world for a digital detox, so we invite you to turn your phone off and enjoy offline life.
Come as you are. Enjoy it fully. Let yourself be surprised.
Go back home with wellbeing tools, renewed energy to take bold steps forward, new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a more peaceful way of moving through life.
The transformation you'll feel and keep
Reconnect with yourself. Listen deeply. Find clarity and return to what matters.
Feel peaceful, light, and empowered. Feel whole just as you are.
Meet like-minded people and be held in a safe, kind, and supportive space.
Let it be. Let it go. Trust life’s impermanence and open to deep inner transformation.
Slow down. Step out of doing and into being.
Learn practical wellbeing tools you can use in your daily life.
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.
Guided by Experienced Facilitators
You will experience a truly holistic and supportive journey. With Filipa, you’ll explore yoga and Eastern philosophies in a slow, 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, Psychology
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.
Filipa, Yoga & mindfulness
As a yoga teacher, Filipa has found a way to share her profound understanding and passion for Eastern philosophy, alongside her deeply personal exploration of movement, breath, mind, and spirit. Her numerous trips to Asia and South America have expanded her interest and knowledge of ancestral wisdom as a means for personal growth and liberation. In her classes, she offers insights on Buddhism, Taoism, and various other philosophies to complement the practice of Yoga.
This is why we created 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 a better way to navigate life and the world.
By chance (or perhaps not), it's been a while since I began studying 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 you to appreciate the blessings in your daily life and celebrate things as they are. It offers you a perspective that changes you from the inside out.
It became clear that this philosophy, together with Yoga and Psychology, were the answer. Even better, it does not offer something to buy or add, but guides you back to the inner resources you were born with, so you can live more fully and more aligned. Yoga & Psychology are the methods to do exactly that.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 teaches you wellbeing tools so you feel confident continuing your journey back home.
This is now the fifth edition of this concept, brought back because guests always 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.
Escape to this tranquil, green valley just 15 minutes from the ocean.
monte orada, zambujeira do mar
You’ll be staying in one of the most special places I’ve ever been to. Legend has it that the water of the valley is sacred. Every year pilgrims come to worship and contemplate such spiritual energy.
This eco-retreat center is located in Costa Vicentina, just 15 minutes from Zambujeira do Mar, where the famous Fishermen’s Trail passes by, along with beautiful beaches.
Spread across 70 hectares of green, this authentic countryside home invites you to slow down, go back to your roots, and reconnect with nature. Each room is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, blending traditional Portuguese charm with modern amenities.
Monte da Orada offers immense comfort, but the real luxury is the nature around it, the silence, the light, and the wide night sky above you. During your retreat, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore all its gems: swimming in the biopool or the canal, unwinding in the sauna, taking walks, or deepen your yoga and meditation practice in one of the two shalas or on the beautiful nave terrace. Everyone always loves it here.
Food is a highlight
Chef Orada
Get ready to enjoy healthy, delicious meals with beautiful views of the valley. Orada’s cookbook is known as one of the best for retreat menus, reflecting the care and experience of their chefs. Every meal is prepared with love and deep respect for the body, the mind, and local traditions. Most of the greens are grown right there on the land, using organic methods.
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 trekkings – 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…!
Book today & Save 200€
Your investment goes beyond the retreat itself. It’s an investment in your health, happiness, and future.
Choose your room and reserve your place with a €200 deposit. You can book instantly online or contact us with any questions or to pay by bank transfer. Prices are per person.
Private Room
Your own private room and ensuite bathroom, perfect to rest, privacy, and space to fully unwind.
1540€ 1340€
Casita
Only 1
A private nature house with an open-air bathroom and private outdoor space. Ideal if you want a more secluded stay.
2100€ 1900€
Have a question before booking?
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 retreat in Portugal. In past years, guests have arrived from all over the world.
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 is a private parking area.
Additional transport information:
From Lisbon (2.5 hours), you can take a FlixBus or Rede Expressos to Zambujeira do Mar. Prices range from €4 to €15. Zambujeira do Mar is a gem of the Portuguese coast, so this option also gives you the opportunity to visit it. From there, you can take a 15-minute taxi or Uber to Monte da Orada. Guests often meet there and share rides.
From Faro (1.5 hours), the easiest option is to take a cab or Uber 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 option, 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 past years, guests preferred using public transportation and sharing Ubers, as it was more convenient.
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Please note that transportation is not included in the retreat package. While we strive to provide accurate and current information, public transportation schedules and prices are subject to change by the providers. Thank you.
1 August: Room Check-in from 4pm. The retreat is set to begin at 5.30 pm.
5 August: The retreat wraps up by noon leaving you with a heart full of memories and a soul ready to flourish.
We invite everyone to go offline during the retreat. However, this is not a strict digital detox retreat so you’re welcome to keep your phone and manage your offline time as you wish.
Mobile phones and digital devices are not allowed in the common areas at any time. This is a shared rule to protect the space we are creating together.
This retreat is designed to be a real break from the noise. We trust this boundary will be respected for your own experience and for the group.
If you choose to fully disconnect, we will share an emergency contact so friends and family can reach the retreat if needed. You’re welcome to bring a non-digital watch.
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. Please note that while we do our best to accommodate allergies and offer alternatives when possible, we cannot accommodate personal food preferences.
If you have any major or life-threatening allergies, please let us know before signing up so we can confirm whether we are able to 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 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 summer 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 🙂