Portugal Retreat 2026
Loving Life Yoga Retreat in the Amazing Arrabida Natural Park, Portugal
"The warmth Sara and Akhil exude through the yoga practice and teachings was exactly what I needed and wanted from the retreat. The location and surroundings were beautiful and relaxing. The experience has reconnected me, with my love of their authentic yoga style."
Sam Thandi, IT Consultant.Oct 20-24 2026
4 nights in shared or private room. All rooms include an en suite bathroom
£850-1050
What to expect?
We will give you a warm welcome at your beautiful home for 5 days from the afternoon, around 3pm Tuesday 20th October and begin practising that evening in the indoor Yoga space. A programme of morning and afternoon Yoga practices follows. Included in the schedule will be the opportunity to take part in a beach excursion, planting and drawing sessions, guided meditation and Tai Chi, Breathwork or taking a leisurely stroll (a hike if you wish) in the stunning Arrabida Natural Park on the Western Coast of Portugal. We’ll be embracing our inner child with play sessions from the playground and throwing in an Inversions Clinic. There is plenty of free time indulge in the steam, go for a swim, torture yourself with the cold plunge :), treat yourself with a treatment or get on with that writing or painting or {insert interest} you’ve been meaning to put your attention on. Departures are after our practice and breakfast on Saturday 24th October around 11.30am. You can expect to leave feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and ready to begin anew with fresh insights and practices to enhance your yoga journey.
The Practice
Our practice together will be grounded in the wisdom of the ancient teachings of Yoga and provide a chance for you to dive deeper into your practice. The yoga classes will be Sivananda, Hatha and Yoga Flow styles with the influence of other styles of Yoga and exercise modalities coming through in our sequencing. Adaptions and progressions will be offered in each class to suit your practice. The instructor can support with alignments and adjustments to help you get the best out of your practice. This is the perfect chance to get all those questions answered and leave with a greater understanding of the postures as well as how to acquire greater depth with your practice. We have more time to be playful with movement and more time to explore your own practice more deeply than we do in an hour session once a week.
The Accomodation
The retreat venue we have chosen this time is a stunning blend of traditional Portuguese charm and modern elegance, with earthy stone facades that gently blend into the lush, rolling hills. You’ll find elements of rustic sophistication in the wide, sun-dappled terraces, where centuries-old oak trees stretch their branches overhead, offering shade and serenity. Imagine opening your wooden shutters to breathtaking views of the surrounding river and valley, under warm terracotta roof tiles, natural light floods through expansive windows.
There are at least 10 rooms and they are all ensuite with twin or double bed options.
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The Food
A delicious natural vegetarian menu to energise and boost emotional wellbeing. All meals can be adapted to your dietary requirements and are provided as part of your retreat*, tea, coffee, fruit bowl, and water is available 24 hours. Breakfast will be served on the last morning before we depart. *Three meals a day*
The Weather
October is generally considered a good time to visit, offering pleasant weather (16-25 degrees) and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. The sea is about 20 degrees which is a perfect temperature for swimming. So pack light clothing like cotton shirts and comfortable shorts. But also bring a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings, even a rain jacket or small umbrella for occasional showers. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for the abundant sunshine, and comfortable shoes with good grip for strolls in the area.
Who’s it for?
This retreat is ideal for those who would like to experience the feeling of dedicating more time to their practice. Whether you're returning to fitness or seeking to elevate your current routine, this retreat is suitable for all levels. You will be fully supported and encouraged through group-led exercise classes, with expert guidance to help you progress and more importantly feel the joy of your own movement and breath. Designed for those who want to immerse themselves in yoga, if even only briefly. Free yourself from the stresses of daily life and take this opportunity to embrace your inner-joyfulness, renew your passion for self-discovery and reconnect with yourself.
Meet the hosts
We are not specifically followers of any organisation or guru but rather admirers of the Yogic traditions and we appreciate what a vast and complex resource the teachings provide. While we are serious about what we do, we have approached Yoga with lightheartedness and simplicity which has helped us to dive into this vastness. What we want to share is that it doesn’t have to be scary and you don’t have to be a stereotype to practice Yoga. Yoga is beyond all the stereotypes and it can be as simple or as deep as you need it to be. The journey is unique for each and every person who taps into this incredible resource.
We are not only yoga teachers but also body experts, with experience of rehabilitating injuries through massage (Akhil) and personal training (Sara). Born in India, Akhil’s early immersion in Indian culture gives him a unique insight into the tradition of Yoga which informs his teaching style. He has extensive experience in mountaineering, climbing and is a natural healer. His care and attention to the individual and his understanding of human anatomy is profound. Meanwhile, Sara is a former martial arts practitioner and triathlete, mixing her knowledge of various movement modalities with physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques and restorative practices. Her curiosity in rehab, stemming from recovering from her own injures, means she has a unique and effective methodology which is complemented by her training in pre and post natal exercise. The style we teach is essentially classical Hatha Yoga.
Example of retreat schedule
| Morning - 8.30am | Mid Morning | Midday | Early afternoon | Late afternoon | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoga | Breakfast | Workshop/Free time/ walking/ reading etc. | Lunch | Workshop/Free time/ walking/ reading/ swimming/ treatment | Yoga | Dinner |
Cancellation Policy
There is a £200 deposit which is non-refundable if the booking is cancelled, and is included when you book. In the event of cancellation 120 days before the retreat there is a 50% refund. There is no refund 60 days ahead of the retreat
Pricing
* Please drop an email at contact@energyoga.co.uk
Prices begin from
£900 for a shared room
or£1050 for single occupancy
The early bird offer until January 30 2026 is £850 shared and £990 single occupancy.
Here’s the breakdown: After Jan 30 2026: En Suite Private £1050 En Suite Double Sharing £900 (1800 for two people) Before Jan 30 2026: Early Bird Ensuite Private Room - £1000 Twin/Double Ensuite £850 (£1700 for two people) Upfront payment only. A non-refundable £200 deposit is taken from your payment. Special offers for those on low income. Please reach out.
Getting There
We can arrange a transfer at £15-30 each depending on numbers. To get to Quinta do Rio in Arrabida Natural Park, via rental car, the easiest way is to drive from Lisbon, as the location is about a 35-minute drive away. From Lisbon, you can cross the Tagus River via the Vasco da Gama Bridge or 25th of April Bridge, and then continue south towards the park. By car From Lisbon: Drive south from Lisbon towards Arrabida Natural Park. Time: The drive is approximately 35 minutes from Lisbon. Directions: Follow the signs for the Arrabida Natural Park, which is located in the Setúbal district. We will set up a group chat on WhatsApp for all participants after booking so we can match drivers with passengers.
Getting Around
Our beautiful quinta is surrounded by beaches like Portinho da Arrábida and Figueirinha, historical sites such as the 16th-century Arrábida Convent and Cabo Espichel, and activities including dolphin watching, kayaking, and visiting local markets and castles. The area is known for its natural beauty, with diverse fauna and flora, underwater reserves, and viewpoints, and is close to cities like Setúbal, Sintra and Lisbon. We arrange one outing to the beach which you can opt to join or not - you only need to let us know after you arrive at the quinta :) On foot Hiking: The park is ideal for hiking, with numerous trails to explore. This is a great way to get around the more remote areas and enjoy the natural beauty. Walking between viewpoints: You can walk between certain viewpoints and beaches that are close to each other. Taxi: Taxis are an option if you prefer not to drive yourself.
