Yoga with Rianne
Nutritious Breakfast
Meditation with Michelle
Scrumptious Lunch
Free Time
Optional Afternoon Workshop
Restorative Yoga
Delicious Dinner
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. And when the day winds down, get ready to relax and find your zen with a slow and restorative yoga practice.
Throughout it all, Rianne will make sure every pose works for your unique body. We’ll find the perfect variations and use props to make you feel like the best version of yourself.
Now, let’s talk meditation. It’s all about exploring the dance of polarity and finding your inner North Star. Michelle will guide you through some creative ways to deepen your meditation practice, connecting you to your intuition and soul purpose. It’s gonna be mind-blowingly awesome!
Prepare for a powerful drumming and meditation session with horses, where you’ll feel the unconditional love and wisdom of these majestic beings. Plus, there’s more to explore, like optional workshops on inversions and partner yoga and diving into the art of Pranayama and exploring watercolour journaling.
If you’ve ever felt like your body’s going through changes and you’re not quite sure how to embrace them, fear not! We’re all about celebrating our bodies, just the way they are.
No more body-shaming or self-punishing here.
Oh, and here’s the best part—this Yoga and Meditation retreat is going to be super intimate, so you’ll get all the personal attention you need to take your yoga and meditation practice to the next level.
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.
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. 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! Although it started as something to make me simply feel good physically, I soon created a deep connection with this meditative discipline.
A few years later I felt ready to dive deeper into all aspects of the practice and traveled to Rishikesh, India, where I obtained my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training certification. This marked the start of some big life changes. I resigned from my job in Hotel Management and started working at a Retreat Centre, where I could combine my love for hospitality and newfound passion for teaching yoga.
Over the years I did trainings in Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra. This fusion has shaped my classes into a harmonious blend of energizing Vinyasa flows with longer holds and more restorative poses. I have specialized in body reading and adjustments, allowing me to guide you with precision and care in your practice. I am also a qualified Thai Massage Therapist, adding and extra layer of therapeutic expertise to our journey together.
My goal is simple – to make yoga a part of your everyday life, not just something you do on the mat. For me, yoga is a path to self-discovery. So, my purpose is not only to make you feel stronger and more flexible but also to guide you in translating your experience on the mat into tools that help you tackle stress and discomfort.
Look, I won’t promise you magic powers or instant enlightenment. But I can guarantee that after our classes, you’ll walk out feeling lighter, calmer, and with a deeper sense of self-awareness. Don’t take yourself too seriously, laugh a little (or a lot) and accept my invitation to explore your boundless potential for growth and possibility.
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.
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. Full belly, full life, is our motto.
Late 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 realize 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 cozy get-gatherings and introspective moments curled up in a blanket with a cup of tea next to the fire place. Thes mornings usually start with delightful crisp and fresh air.
Bring your favorite yoga outfit(s), comfortable clothes for meditation, shoes you can easily take on and off, as well as closed footwear for the horse activity. 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 / meditation equipment, as well as a personal journal / notebook 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.
Just FLOW
From €1212 €1650,95
Invest in yourself
"Don't work on yourself because you think you are broken.
Work on yourself because you love yourself."~ Skye Quadling
Copyright © 2022 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