Luxury Yoga & Astrology Retreat: Comporta, Portugal
June 23 - 28, 2024
OVERVIEW
We really can’t think of a better way to kick off the warm summer months than to spend it in the bohemian chic beach area of Comporta Portugal. Just 1 hour south of Lisbon, it is easily accessible yet when we arrive we will relax into the peace and nature of the area. This retreat is meant to offer a true escape from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. With daily yoga and astrology sessions to start off each day, it will set the tone for a soulful journey into the heart. Then we will take indulge in the beauty, cuisine, wine, and local activities of the area. Each day is designed to give you some space to enjoy what feels right for you and also offers group dinners and activities that will lend itself to a wonderful social experience. A mini trip to Lisbon on the front or back end of this retreat is highly recommended!
THE AREA
This small village in the literal Alentejo is an authentic painting. Instead of Van Gogh's infamous sunflowers, we are presented with groves, pines, dunes, and traditional houses, here silence fills our hearts, it's impossible not to feel at home. It is for this reason that personalities such as Madonna, Christian Louboutin (who seek the location for its simplicity), and Jacques Grange, among many others, choose Comporta and the regions that surround it as the location to live and relax. Dream beaches, unmissable restaurants, and hotels where we wouldn't mind living. The country's hippie-chic region, is a refuge for the rich and famous yet, still maintains a genuine side, with typical restaurants and untouched sands. More than a holiday paradise, this region, located just an hour south of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, the breathtaking and elegant Comporta, is where we will be spending a luxurious week together.
Rice farmers have been in Comporta since the beginning of time, as have the fishermen and salt makers. They have shaped the look of the landscape in this part of Portugal, dotted with cork oaks, covered with glowing red poppies and yellow carpets of wildflowers, and conserved the unique architecture - small, low-built, thatched cabanas, hooped with tightly packed grasses from the riverbanks and beams of wood from the pine forests.
The area is well looked after, not only because much of it is a highly protected nature reserve (look out for huge nesting storks and flamingoes in the river), but because it is owned and managed by the Espírito Santo, the country's leading banking group. These two factors have kept this slice of the Alentejo astonishingly preserved and pristine.
HOTEL
We will be staying at the 5 star resort Quinta da Comporta amidst the rice fields and a short bike ride to the beach. We are also a 5-10 minute drive to town, other beaches, and wineries. The location truly is the best in the area to enjoy the area without moving too much, and this retreat is all about relaxing, unwinding and enjoying the nature, cuisine, and beauty of the area. There is a pool and spa and a beautiful restaurant that will complete the experience.
Infused with a contemporary feel, the resort’s simplicity unveils elegance in every detail and invites you into a deep retreat, where wellness and tranquility play a leading role. Discover a new sense of belonging creating authentic memories at Quinta Da Comporta. From traditional architectural lines to all décor details, everything at Quinta da Comporta was thought of to be a genuine translation of the local way of living, and at the same time provide a deeper connection to the neighbouring natural reserve for a real journey inwards.
Cuisine
This is truly a highlight of the week as we will be going to the best restaurants in the area for wonderful group dinners in the evenings. Comporta has a reputation of offering excellent culinary and wine experiences and it’s a priority on this retreat! Additionally the restaurant at the hotel, Mar D’Arrozal, is one of the best in Comporta where we will dine twice throughout the week. Rising between Comporta’s rice fields that extend to the Atlantic Ocean and the resort’s own vegetable garden, Mar D’Arrozal takes shape in the form of a local barn, built using recovered wood beams that trace back over a hundred years. Here, Comporta’s gastronomical culture is represented in signature dishes, rich in diversity, flavour and local heritage, served in an elegant yet relaxed environment.
activities
Although each morning will start with yoga and breakfast followed by astrology class with Donna, we have some special excursions planned that center around the best offerings of Comporta. The beaches are a must so an afternoon at Sublime Beach Club will kick off the week. On one of the days you will have some free time mid-afternoon to choose what feels best for you (rest, pool time, walk on beach). We will then convene in the late afternoon for a sunset horseback ride through the rice fields and on the beach, an exceptional experience for sure! Another day we will indulge in massages at the spa and enjoy the property followed by a visit to a beautiful winery and rice museum for wine tasting. We will also be going into the charming town of Comporta where there are beautiful boutiques and very cool restaurants. The idea is to offer the best activities and must-do’s of the area without it feeling too rushed. Restful, reflective, and rejoicing is the goal!!
ASTROLOGY
Donna Flood will bring a deeply personal aspect to this retreat by adding the dimension of Astrology. Donna is a Spiritual Counselor who draws on her knowledge, education and experience in health, fitness, nutrition and Astrology to intuitively guide her clients on their Spiritual journey towards reaching their optimal potential and living an overall more integrated life. She has a Bachelor's degree in Human Kinetics, a Master's Degree in Spiritual Psychology, and has spent the last 25 years studying and practicing Astrology throughout North America. Donna currently lives in Indio, California after moving from Manhattan Beach where she lived for over 20 years and originally coming from Vancouver, Canada with her husband and 3 daughters. Donna offers one-on-one astrology and personal coaching sessions along with a variety of personal growth workshops and retreats around the globe.
"I feel it is important for us to nurture every layer of ourselves, Inner and Outer, nourishing both a healthy body and a healthy Soul." - Donna
YOGA
This retreat will feature daily yoga classes led by certified yoga instructor, Michelle Lee. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and will be led in both an Ashtanga-inspired general vinyasa flow and Yin Yoga. We will begin each day at 8am with a yoga class to bring intention and an uplifted energy for the day ahead.
ABOUT YOUR RETREAT LEADER
After leading a successful 13-year career in the corporate world, Michelle transitioned her career into a soul coach, retreat organizer & leader, and internationally certified yoga instructor in Florence Italy - following her passions and sharing this with others around the globe. She holds an MBA in Finance from USC, an MA in Spiritual Psychology from University of Santa Monica, and became a certified Ashtanga yoga instructor in Florence, Italy. She now currently lives in Santa Monica, CA working in the corporate world, coaching entrepreneurs, and leading yoga retreats in places that inspire the soul.
* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!
Included in the Retreat:
5 nights at a luxury 5 star hotel
Daily Breakfast
Daily Dinner at the hotel or hand-picked special restaurants including select wine and alcoholic beverages
Daily Morning Yoga Class
Daily Astrology Class - personalized to your chart
50 minute massage at the hotel’s Oryza Spa
Beach Day including beds at Sublime Beach Club
Sunset horseback riding on the beach, dunes and rice fields
Local winery tour, tasting and tour of the rice museum
Shopping in the charming town of Comporta
Farewell Tasting Menu Dinner
Transportation on all group day trips
* airfare not included
PRICING -
5 nights/6 days luxury room accommodations
Inclusive Retreat Price, Shared Room = $4,600 (Single Room is a $1600 supplement)
Deposit to hold space = $950
Final balance due 30 days before retreat start date.
Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions