6-Night Yoga Retreat Adventure in Monchique, Portugal

Nestled in the rolling hills outside Monchique, Portugal, this six-night yoga retreat offers the perfect blend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection with nature. Hosted by Zach and Carrie of Bigger Life Adventures, the retreat takes place at Rural Escapes Portugal, a sustainable, off-grid retreat center featuring comfortable glamping accommodations, a pool, and hikes with stunning views!

Dates:

June 3-9, 2025 – 11 spots available!

June 19-25, 2025 – Full, but you can contact us to join the waitlist for this week! We’ll also get to celebrate the Summer Solstice on June 20 with a special ceremony in one of the most beautiful places in Europe!

Location and Atmosphere

What is up with Portugal? It seems like everyone wants to travel there, move there, live there nowadays! Come explore the colorful, chilled-out Portuguese way of life with us at this yoga retreat at one of the most unique, sustainable venues in Portugal! Sip an espresso and watch the world go by at a street-side cafe. Paddle through stunning sea caves and watch out for dolphins on the horizon. And most importantly, get to know yourself better while you slow down and soak in the natural beauty of our home base in Portugal’s southern “Algarve” region.

Rural Escapes Portugal provides an inviting atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views of the Algarve region. The property features charming, eco-friendly accommodations designed to make you feel at home in the surrounding nature while providing all the amenities you need for a restful stay. From cozy, communal spaces to tranquil gardens, you’ll find plenty of spots to unwind, reflect, and connect with fellow participants.

The retreat location is strategically positioned for easy access to Monchique, a charming town known for its rich history and natural beauty. The town itself boasts cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and stunning views over the surrounding hills and coastline. You’ll discover local shops, quaint cafés, and markets where you can experience authentic Portuguese culture.

“Rural Escapes Portugal is set in six hectares of land with stunning views of valleys and mountains, Rural Escapes Portugal still has an intimate feel to it as they accommodate just 12 guests at any time, giving you an exclusive yet affordable experience. So if you are looking to get away from it all, then you really don’t need to look any further!”

June weather in the Algarve region usually brings hot, beach-weather days and balmy, comfortable nights. The average temperatures during our retreat week range from 64-78 degrees F (18-26 degrees C).

Daily Schedule

Each day of the retreat is thoughtfully structured to provide a balanced mix of yoga, adventure, and relaxation. Mornings typically start with a sunrise meditation and then an invigorating yoga session led by Carrie. Carrie’s classes are designed thoughtfully to awaken and energize both body and mind, while weaving in mythology and the philosophical “off-the-mat” principles of yoga along the way. Carrie’s classes are trauma-informed with lots of options for beginners and experienced yogis alike! She does her best to make every practice inclusive and keep everyone engaged and learning throughout the week!

After a wholesome breakfast prepared by Zach, the midday schedule will include either an adventurous hike, beach day, or town exploration, or a special workshop on mindfulness, Ayurveda, or yoga for recovery. These interactive sessions offer practical insights that you can integrate into your daily life long after the retreat ends.

Afternoons are designed for relaxation and self-exploration. You might enjoy a leisurely walk in the surrounding hills, spend time at the pool, or engage in one of the optional additional activities offered.

Evenings culminate in yin or restorative yoga sessions, and then a chance to share experiences with fellow participants over a delicious dinner. Each meal is a celebration of local ingredients, reflecting our commitment to wellness and nourishment throughout your stay. More about the food below…

What activities are included in this Portugal yoga retreat?

This Portugal yoga retreat will have lots of included activities, along with optional add-on adventures. What’s included:

Half-day hiking excursion in the wooded hills around Monchique

Ocean and sea caves stand-up paddleboarding tour with a guide

Half-day town exploration & local market visit in the vibrant beach town of Odeceixe

Daily or twice-daily yoga & mindfulness practices

Special Summer Solstice ceremony (only June 19-25), other special workshops

Plenty of time to relax at Rural Escapes Portugal, hike around the area, or relax by the pool

Optional additional activities:

Surf lesson

Massage or spa treatment at a nearby spa

Additional town or beach trip

Yoga classes with Carrie Hoffman

The trauma-informed yoga classes are at the heart of this retreat, led by Carrie’s expert guidance. Each class incorporates various styles, including Vinyasa, Yin yoga, chakra work, chanting, breathwork, and Tantric wisdom, ensuring a well-rounded approach to your practice. Classes are designed to not only improve physical flexibility and strength but also to bring mental clarity and nervous system relaxation.

Carrie’s teaching style is trauma-informed, emphasizing mindfulness, curiosity, and self-compassion. She helps attendees connect with their deepest selves, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

What do we eat on this Portugal yoga retreat?

One of the standout features of the retreat is the focus on nourishing the body with wholesome, delicious plant-based food. Zach, the retreat’s chef, crafts each vegan retreat meal using local, organic ingredients, reflecting the culinary traditions of the Algarve region. Expect a variety of vibrant dishes that cater to different dietary needs, ensuring everyone feels satisfied and energized.

From hearty breakfasts featuring fresh fruits and homemade granola to lunches packed with seasonal vegetables and flavorful plant proteins, every meal is an opportunity to explore the region’s gastronomy. Meals bring the group back together each evening, fostering a sense of community as participants gather to share stories and enjoy each other’s company.

Exploring Monchique, Portugal.

The town of Monchique offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration. Known for its beautiful landscape, Monchique is home to the highest point in the Algarve, Foia, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. The area is also rich in history, with charming architecture and cultural sites that tell the story of this traditional Portuguese town.

You might explore the quaint streets lined with local shops, cafés, and art galleries. The town’s markets are a great place to sample regional delicacies and perhaps bring home a piece of Portugal to share with loved ones. 

Monchique is also known as a spa town, and has a variety of different places for treatments.

Community and Connection

One of the most enriching aspects of this retreat is the sense of community that develops among participants. All of Bigger Life Adventures’ retreats are alcohol-free and supportive of any type of recovery, whether its from addiction, an eating disorder, or just the stress of the modern world! You’ll share meals, engage in meaningful conversations, and support each other in your yoga practice. This shared journey fosters connections that often lead to lasting friendships with extend far past the end of the retreat.

Carrie and Zach encourage an open and inclusive atmosphere, where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. This openness helps participants feel connected not just to each other but also to themselves, enhancing the overall experience.

Self-Care and Mindfulness

Throughout the retreat, there is a strong emphasis on self-care and mindfulness. Each day provides opportunities to slow down, reflect, and recharge. Whether it’s through guided meditation sessions, quiet moments in nature, or simply enjoying the present moment during yoga practice, you’ll leave the retreat with tools and techniques to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life.

Carrie and Zach offer practical strategies that empower you to continue your self-care journey long after the retreat concludes. By the end of the week, you’ll have a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit filled with practices to carry you forward.

Conclusion

This six-night yoga retreat in Monchique, Portugal, is more than just a getaway; it’s an opportunity to reset, rejuvenate, and connect with yourself and others in a beautiful setting. With Carrie’s expert guidance in yoga and Zach’s culinary skills, participants can expect a transformative experience that balances yoga, community, and personal growth.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your yoga practice, explore the stunning landscapes of the Algarve, or simply take some time for yourself, this retreat provides a perfect backdrop for your journey. Join us for an unforgettable week of yoga, nature, and connection at Rural Escapes Portugal. As our long-awaited first European offering, we expect this retreat to sell out fast, so don’t wait too long! This retreat will max out at 11 guests total.

Who are Carrie and Zach?

Carrie and Zach host retreats worldwide in Thailand, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and many locations in the United States. Learn more about their story here!

Just like all of our retreats, this is a alcohol-free, recovery-supportive environment! Although you don’t have to be sober in real life to come on our retreat, you do need to be willing to take a break from any recreational substances throughout the entire retreat experience. We believe everyone is recovering from something, whether it’s addiction, stress, trauma, eating disorders, or just the disconnection of life in our busy, high-tech world. Bigger Life Adventures strives to create a safe and open space for vulnerability and openness about each and every healing journey. Our retreats don’t include formal recovery meetings, but our guests are always sharing and learning from each other as we all work to use the tools of yoga and community to become better and live bigger lives.