How to Love Yourself When You Think It’s Impossible
I was at a funeral of a dear friend a few years ago. The service had not begun yet, and in that hushed and sniffling stillness one of my friend’s grandchildren bounced down the aisle to me and said in a clear and piping voice, “Would you like to see my belly button?” She held […]
Painting the Town Orange: Orange Oatmeal Crepes
As winter unfolds, nature offers a vibrant palette of citrus treats, with oranges taking centre stage. Bursting with flavour and nutrition! To continue the celebration of the citrus season we bring you a delightful recipe that combines the goodness of oats with the zesty charm of oranges – Oatmeal Crepes. A Wholesome Twist on a […]
Five things to Consider – When Choosing a Retreat Centre
Location Choosing the right retreat centre begins with pinpointing your non-negotiable location preferences. Consider how far you and your participants are willing to travel, and assess whether the location is easily accessible via public transport.Take a moment to envision the ideal surroundings—do you dream of being nestled in nature or close to majestic mountains? Having […]
Unlocking the Power of Yoga: 5 Transformative Benefits for Holistic Wellness
Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, has transcended centuries and borders to become a global phenomenon embraced by individuals seeking physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Beyond the graceful poses and mindful breathing, yoga offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the mat. Let’s delve into the five transformative advantages that yoga […]
Your Hidden Superpower 🦋
Where were you when you were first told to stop feeling? When I was four years old my sister pushed me down the stairs and I landed on my head. An egg the size of a rugby ball emerged on my forehead, and our neighbour who was a nursing sister was called. She came at […]
Power Up Your Surfing Game with Arm and Shoulder Strengthening Yoga Sequences
Power Up Your Surfing Game with Arm and Shoulder Strengthening Sequence Paddling out, catching waves, and manoeuvring on the board – these essential surfing skills heavily rely on the strength and endurance of your arms, shoulders, and upper back. To amplify your performance in the water, integrate the Arm and Shoulder Strengthening Sequence into your […]
Quinta Carvalhas Beetroot and Granny Smith Apple Salad Recipe
✨ Chef Andrea’s Special: A Taste of Home ✨ Autumn is the season for wholesome comfort food. Here’s a delightful recipe that embodies the essence of family, and the bountiful harvest of this time of year. Prepare this Beetroot and Granny Smith Apple Salad with the same love that Chef Andrea brings to every meal […]
Failing Fantastically
Question: Dear Michelle, do you ever fail? Seeing what you have created motivates me, but I am scared to fail. Answer: ‘Yes,’ I said, ‘Of course. I fail at something weekly at least. Failure got me here.’ This question came from a retreat guest. I had just told them how I manifested the farm and […]
It’s Citrus Season! 🍊🧡
Welcome to the vibrant and fruitful season of citrus! As the air turns crisp and the festive spirit fills the air, the citrus trees adorning the farm come alive with a spectacle of juicy orange baubles. It’s nature’s way of decking the halls with vibrant, vitamin C-rich delights just in time for the winter. There’s […]
How to find peace where you are
Achieving a state of time spaciousness Following my own advice to be kind to myself, I booked a short break last week for Richard and I to Rome and Naples. We explored Rome in my favourite way – we wandered around wherever our feet took us, drifting in and out of shops and up and […]
Home-grown Beetroot Burgers
Welcome to our garden’s finest, the vibrant and earthy beetroot! Bursting with deep purple hues, these homegrown treasures have thrived in the changing seasons, developing a unique autumn flavour. Their natural sweetness and earthy undertones are the stars of our beetroot burgers. Join us in our farm-to-table experience as we transform these beautiful beets into […]
Discovering Quinta Carvalhas: A Divine Retreat Centre in the Portuguese Countryside
Nestled in the serene countryside of Portugal, Quinta Carvalhas stands as an idyllic retreat venue catering to holistic well-being and the harmonious alignment of body, mind, and soul. As a premier divine retreat centre, our sanctuary offers an oasis for those seeking transformative experiences and rejuvenation. The Essence of Quinta Carvalhas Quinta Carvalhas embodies the […]
Surf Yoga – Boost Your Surfing Skills: Best Yoga Sequences for Surfers
Discover the top yoga sequences specifically designed to enhance your surfing skills and performance on the waves. The Benefits of Yoga for Surfers Yoga offers numerous benefits for surfers, both physically and mentally. Practicing yoga can improve your overall strength, flexibility, and balance, which are all important for maintaining stability and control while riding the […]
The Christmas River ✨
It was almost seven years ago when we moved onto our new farm, five days before Christmas in the middle of what felt like a freezing winter for my South African bones. We had no furniture as we waited for our container of goods to arrive – we knew it was in port in Lisbon […]
Cape Malay Butternut or Pumpkin Soup
It’s Butternut and Pumpkin Season at the Quinta! Introducing the stars of our garden this autumn, the butternut and pumpkin! Plump and radiant, our homegrown butternuts have thrived under the gentle sun and copious rains. Their earthy, sweet flavour makes them the perfect ingredient for comforting butternut or pumpkin soup. As we gather these golden […]
Enhance Your Surfing Flow with a Hip Opening Yoga Sequence
Enhance Your Surfing Flow with Hip Opening Sequence Surfing is all about fluidity – the seamless transition between turns, the graceful glide across the face of a wave. To unlock your full surfing potential, prioritize hip mobility and flexibility with the Hip Opening Sequence: By integrating the Hip Opening Sequence into your pre-surf warm-up or […]
Laughter, A Brilliant Tool for a Sharp Mind✨
Today, the day of dressing up and eating candy in some parts of the world, is a good day to have some light-hearted fun. The first time that someone told me that we were born to experience joy and happiness, I did not believe them. No way! If that is true, then we wouldn’t experience so […]
Ask Michelle…✨ Part Two – Your Dream Created
Question: Dear Michelle, I have had a big dream for many years, but I don’t know how to take it from dream to reality. Something seems to always hold me back. Seeing what you have created motivates me, but how did you get from where you were to this dream come true? In last week’s Part One we […]
Ask Michelle… ✨
How to Order Your Dreams Part 1 Question: Dear Michelle, I have had a big dream for many years, but I don’t know how to take it from dream to reality. Something seems to always hold me back. Hearing your story on how you created this centre motivates me, but how can I do the […]
Unleash Your Inner Strength with Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar)
Unleash Your Inner Strength with Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) Sun Salutations, or Surya Namaskar, aren’t just a series of yoga poses; they’re a transformative full-body workout that can elevate your physical and mental well-being. Originating from ancient Indian tradition, this sequence offers a holistic approach to fitness, blending strength, flexibility, breath control, and focus. Here’s […]
