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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
What to Do When You Want to Give Up ??
Almost from the beginning of this project, people would visit the farm and tell me I was crazy to take on so much work. I would show them around, waving my arms enthusiastically while I showed them spaces with crumbling walls and dirt floors that would one day be venue spaces or bedrooms. Thank goodness […]
Manifestation Mindset ?✨
Last weekend I was chatting to some guests about the peace and beauty on this farm. They were remarking about how easy it is to feel good here, but when they go back to their apartments in the city it is not nearly as easy to feel at peace and happy. This got me thinking about […]
Unlocking the Mysteries of Tantra: Exploring Tantric Practices
Unlocking the Mysteries of Tantra: Exploring Tantric Practices In the realm of spirituality and personal development, Tantra often evokes a sense of intrigue and mystery. This ancient tradition, rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism, offers a path towards spiritual awakening, self-discovery, and liberation. However, Tantra is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Let’s delve deeper into the essence […]
Our Food Story
A big part of Quinta Carvalhas is the food we grow, prepare and serve to our guests. In fact, the food we serve is one of the biggest reasons our guests want to stay on the farm and not go home – there is genuine delight and surprise that vegetarian food can be so incredibly tasty. This is a huge win for us; we strive to create the tastiest food with the best possible ingredients to leave you feeling nourished and nurtured.
Attention to detail
What brings that feeling of relaxation and comfort you would get if you were really at home? Here at Quinta Carvalhas, we think it’s the attention to detail – the loving care and attention we give to the guests, the décor, and the food. You can feel this in the books lying around that you can dip in and out of, the super comfy couch with plenty of cushions to support an afternoon nap, or the soft lighting to help you feel relaxed while reading on the blue veranda.
Connection to Nature
One of the first things that caused me to fall in love with Quinta Carvalhas when I first saw it in 2016 was the abundance of trees: a variety of mature trees close to the barns and farmhouse which would later be the foundation of the meditation garden, as well as the natural cork oak forest on the other side of the road. This was priceless – finding these precious tall trees – as they are an integral part of the peaceful energy of the farm.
