The Spring Equinox is the perfect time to set intentions and plant some (proverbial) seeds.🌱Embrace the possibilities of Spring and join us from 16 to 21 March 2025 for a fun and energising Yoga & Meditation retreat in the Portuguese countryside.
Just Flow is both an inward journey of self-care and nourishment as well as an opportunity to connect to a supporting community. We’ll keep things light and easy, accessible to anyone and anyBody. This retreat is all about feeling good, inside and out.
We invite you to come and enjoy the Spring sunshine and prepare yourself to BLOOM 🌸🌿 with daily yoga to awaken your body and meditation tools to help you manifest and create. You will leave feeling recharged, inspired and ready for what’s next.
Wake up to the sound of birds chirping and soak in the natural beauty around you as we kick off the day with a fun and invigorating morning vinyasa flow yoga session, focused on functional movement for all levels.
During this Spring Retreat you are invited to see things anew. We will dive deep into some essential yoga poses and sequences to ensure they feel exactly right for you and your body.
Michelle’s meditation sessions are a mix of thought provoking conversations and hands-on practice. You will be guided through some creative ways to deepen your meditation practice, connect to your intuition and soul purpose.
Through meditation, a sound journey and journaling exercises, you will prepare to welcome the Spring Equinox with an intention setting ritual.
Spring is the perfect time to create. Step into your creative power and harness the essence of your goals with inspiring Creative Activities.
When you need some downtime, get lost in a good book, take a leisurely walk, or treat yourself to a relaxing massage. This retreat is about self-love and self-care.
Yoga with Rianne
Nutritious Breakfast
Meditation with Michelle
Scrumptious Lunch
Optional Afternoon Workshop
Free Time
Restorative Yoga
Delicious Dinner
“We were treated like rockstars! 😀 All the details, little gifts here and there. The journal prompts, the snacks, pool towels, blankets, fires, beautiful gardens, all the yoga props, the cards and the wonderful opening ceremony. So well organised, making us feel very special, and being flexible. Michelle, Rianne – everyone – at the farm is gentle, caring, beautiful humans. Thank you all so much.”
– Hande
This retreat is for you if…
You want to embrace new beginnings and set clear intentions
You could use some nurturing “me time”
You need some time out to recalibrate and reset
You want to deepen (or start) your meditation practice
You are looking for yoga that works for women of any level and any age
You want to treat your body to healthy and delicious food
You want to enjoy luxury on this pampering retreat
You could use some Portuguese Spring sunshine
You want to be Powerful Creator
Then Just Flow is the retreat for you!
“This Retreat was such a gift, going well above and beyond any expectations I might have had. The attention to detail and care is beyond any other ‘retreat’-like experience I’ve ever had. I simply can not wait to return!”
– Just Flow Participant
Nestled in the heart of the rustic Ribatejo region, the tranquil haven of Quinta Carvalhas is spread across 42 hectares. Picture a rolling landscape with majestic trees, sprawling gardens, a friendly herd of horses, and luxurious lodgings within charming, converted barns.
Your workshops and practices will take place in our beautiful, warm venues, where traditional stone walls and soaring ceilings set the scene.
In your free time, book a therapy or treatment, or bathe in those delightful first rays of early spring sunshine. Our inviting pool loungers and gardens are ready to welcome you. Country strolls, dips in the farm pond—options aplenty to connect with nature’s rhythm.
During the evenings get ready to be enveloped by the soothing embrace of Quinta Carvalhas, sharing experiences and laughter with the group, as we put another log on the fire.
A big part of your retreat experience is the food we grow and prepare. In fact, the food we serve is one of the biggest reasons you gonna want to stay on the farm and not go home. You will taste the flavours of the season, as most of the ingredients for the meals are grown onsite. From the scrumptious breakfast buffet all the way through to dinner, you will delight in vegetarian food that is incredibly yummy.
We strive to offer not just sustenance, but a combination of flavors that makes you feel nourished and deeply nurtured.
Nestled in the heart of the rustic Ribatejo region, the tranquil haven of Quinta Carvalhas sprawls across 42 hectares. Picture a rolling landscape with majestic trees, sprawling gardens, a friendly herd of horses, and luxurious lodgings within charming, converted barns.
Our morning practice will take place in the beautiful Yoga Shala, where traditional stone walls set the scene, whilst during other sessions you will practice in full connection with all elements: on the wooden deck overlooking the pond, accompanied by a symphony of birdsong.
In your free time, venture into the serene meditation garden, a sanctuary of calm and the perfect backdrop for a walking meditation.
As it is early in spring, bathe in those delightful first rays of sunshine, our inviting pool loungers and gardens are ready to welcome you. Country strolls, dips in the farm pond—options aplenty to connect with nature’s rhythm.
During the evenings get ready to be enveloped by the soothing embrace of Quinta Carvalhas, sharing experiences and laughter with the group, as we put another log on the fire. 🌿🧘♀️
A big part of your retreat experience is the food we grow and prepare. In fact, the food we serve is one of the biggest reasons you gonna want to stay on the farm and not go home. You will taste the flavours of the season, as most of the ingredients for the meals are grown onsite. From the scrumptious breakfast buffet all the way through to dinner, you will delight in vegetarian food that is incredibly yummy.
We strive to offer not just sustenance, but a combination of flavors that makes you feel nourished and deeply nurtured.
Years ago, after I had been doing yoga for some time in Johannesburg, I was drawn to find out more about meditation – what it is, exactly, and how one does it…
Years ago, after I had been doing yoga for some time in Johannesburg, I was drawn to find out more about meditation – what it is, exactly, and how one does it.
In 2013 I approached the only centre I had heard about, where they practiced the only meditation I had heard about – a Transcendental Meditation ashram on the outskirts of Johannesburg. TM (Transcendental Meditation) was my launchpad to self-discovery; through it I realized that I had been meditating on and off for years prior to this without realizing it, and also that there are as many ways to meditate as there are teapots in my cupboard (I am a crazy tea lover!).
My love of yoga and meditation fueled our search for a retreat centre; my long-held dream to create an incredible space where people can find peace, beauty and nurturing finally came to fruition in 2016, when I found our magical farm in the Ribatejo in Portugal. I dreamt about us holding many yoga and meditation retreats, making both practices accessible for all people wherever they find themselves on their life journeys. Obtaining my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in the Algarve in April 2017 was a logical next step, and this opened up more of the world of meditation.
As I practiced and explored different meditation methods, I realized that my life flowed more smoothly when I meditated, and things felt harder when I didn’t. I also realized that this astonishingly simple exercise with its life-shifting results remains unexplored by many as it still seems shrouded in layers of mysticism and the perception that it is difficult. It is one thing that is available to everyone to immediately create shifts in their lives, lighten loads and bring in more joy, yet still seems out of reach.
I began to teach and guide meditation out of a love for what it does in my life – and a deep desire to pass on to others the ease of it, the magic that is possible, and the lightness it can bring. Working with the mind, not trying to clear it, is one of the key aspects, and knowing that wherever you are in your life is the perfect place to work from.
During our meditation sessions we explore two or three different methods and discover how to make them work in everyday life, anywhere. We also look at what meditation is and isn’t, what to do when you just can’t meditate, and how it improves your life in practical ways. You can expect to feel like you are on a journey, but the route is easier and the destination closer than you thought.
The heart of meditation is taking yourself a little less seriously.
My yoga journey really began when I discovered Ashtanga yoga in the heart of Amsterdam back in 2016. It was love at first stretch!..
My advice to you: don’t take yourself too seriously. Laugh a little (or a lot) and accept my invitation to make connecting to your body part of your everyday life.
My yoga practice started to make me feel good physically. But, I soon noticed the mental clarity and energy that stayed with me long after the session ended…
Five years ago, I was ready to dive deeper into yoga. I got my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training certification in India. This marked the start of some big life changes. I resigned from my job in Hotel Management and started working at a Retreat Centre In Portugal. Here I could combine my love for hospitality and my passion for teaching yoga.
I am fascinated by the human body. I love how it moves and how bodywork can change how you feel, both physically and mentally. This led me to study Thai Massage. I set off to Chiang Mai, Thailand and learned about ancient techniques for healing the body and mind.
As a yoga teacher and Thai massage practitioner, I offer sessions tailored to your unique needs. You may want to improve flexibility, relieve tension, or unwind after a long day. I am committed to giving you the best care and support. After a session, you’ll walk out feeling lighter, calmer, and with a deeper sense of self-awareness.
Don’t be shy, yoga and meditation are for everyone! Whether you are a beginner, a bit rusty or an avid practitioner, there are always different angles and layers to explore.
Think barefoot luxury, as you will stay at peaceful farm in the Portuguese countryside where you can enjoy quiet, peaceful nights in comfortable beds with luxury linen. We offer the options of shared rooms (maximum 2 guests) or a private room with ensuite bathroom.
Solo travellers are welcome to book a shared room, we will pair you up with another participant.
You can find more information about our accommodation here.
The “greenest” way to get to the Green Farm from the Airport or Lisbon area is by public transport. The train station of Mato de Miranda is less than 5 minutes’ drive from the Quinta and we are happy to provide a complimentary pick-up.
Alternatively, we offer free parking at the Quinta, or we can help you to book a private transfer from Lisbon airport.
There will be lots of fresh, healthy vegetarian goodness waiting for you during this retreat. Before morning yoga, we will have fruit, coffee and tea available. After practice, a full buffet breakfast awaits, with fresh bread rolls, homemade muesli, loads of fresh fruit and juices. Water, tea and coffee are available throughout the day. For lunch, we serve a soup or starter, and a main course… and make sure you save space for dessert! To keep you going throughout the day, there will be an afternoon snack. The last meal of the day, dinner will see you enjoying a scrumptious three-course dinner.
All our meals are 100% vegetarian, but we are happy to cater to vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free or nut-free diets, as well as any serious allergies or intolerances.
Mid-March in Ribatejo offers a gentle transition from winter to spring. Days are pleasantly mild, ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit), on sunny days, you will soon realise that this is probably the best time to come to Quinta Carvalhas, the surroundings are green and it is the perfect time to soak in the goodness of the sun, without getting too hot. Evenings bring coolness, perfect for cosy get-gatherings and introspective moments curled up in a blanket with a cup of tea next to the fireplace. These mornings usually start with delightful crisp and fresh air.
Bring your favourite yoga outfit(s), comfortable clothes for meditation, shoes you can easily put on and take off, as well as closed footwear for horse activities. We recommend wearing layers during the colder evenings and mornings. If you are feeling brave, bring your swimwear for a refreshing dip in the pond or pool!
We provide all yoga and meditation equipment, as well as a personal journal for you to keep. You will find bath and pool towels in the rooms, as well as a reusable water bottle, shower gel and shampoo. Of course, you are welcome to bring your own, if you prefer.
We can imagine you want to enjoy the magic of Quinta Carvalhas a bit longer. You can book pre- and post-retreat nights, contact us for more details and prices. Subject to availability.
Check-in on the 16th is available from 15:00. The first planned group activity is at 18:00. On the 21st we will finish the retreat at 11:30, after a delicious brunch.
Just Flow
Spring Edition
Invest in yourself
From €1220
"Don't work on yourself because you think you are broken.
Work on yourself because you love yourself."~ Skye Quadling
“This Retreat was such a gift, going well above and beyond any expectations I might have had. The attention to detail and care is beyond any other “retreat”-like experience I’ve ever had. I simply can not wait to return!!!!”
“An Oasis of Beauty and Calm
Quinta Carvalhas is a beautiful farm. It oozes calm and beauty from every corner, with hidden mosaics, sculptures, buddha’s, scented jasmin flowers, meditation books in rooms, soft pool towels in your cupboard, coffee and tea stations everywhere, baskets of blankets, fireplaces, lounge chairs around the pool, little vases of flowers in your room and on tables, grazing horses in the distance, a meditation garden to stroll through… all nestled in the rolling hills an hour away from Lisbon. All staff there are kind, friendly, and make you feel welcome and comfortable the moment you set foot there. Love it!”
– Karin
Copyright © 2025 Quinta Carvalhas ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | Complaint Book | Powered by Solidweb | vídeos and photography by laura fontoura
Complaint Book
Powered by Solidweb | vídeos and photography by laura fontoura
Copyright © 2022 Quinta Carvalhas
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED