WHERE IS THE RETREAT
It's in Central Portugal so you truly get away from modern reminders. You'll be surrounded by forests, rivers and lots of nature but you still have modern luxuries staying at the villa. You'll be 2.5hours from Lisbon, near a city called Coimbra and near the popular summer destination, Gois.
WHAT'S THE SCHEDULE
This is the schedule for the Inner Peace Retreats in 2025.
There maybe changes due to weather conditions and/or for the groups needs.
8am self serve breakfast (noble silence Tue & Wed up until practice starts).
10-11.15/30am yoga practice
11.30-12.00 Reflections on the practice with medicinal tea's. Informal sharing on how the practice supported you. This allows us follow up on what can be moved off the mat and into your day so it supports you long after you've finished practicing. Totally optional.
1pm lunch
3/4/5pm tension releasing techniques, restorative yoga, yoga nidra, breathwork, woodland walk & meditation. Time will depend on the groups needs and the weather. Totally optional.
6.30/7pm evening meal
- Massages take place on Monday & Thursday at €55 per hour.
- Excursion to a beauty spot and castle with picnic on Tuesday.
- Soundbath Wednesday 4pm.
- Noble silence up until morning practice Tuesday & Wednesday.
You can skip anything on the schedule if you feel you need time on your own.
WHAT FOOD IS SERVED ON RETREAT
All the meals are served with love! It's vegetarian but easily adapted for vegans if you mention at the time of booking. The food is ecclectic and delicious with breakfast being stewed fruits, burcher, toast, eggs, tea and coffee etc. Lunch various fresh salads with quiche, soups, caponata & nut loaf. Evening meals are curries, enchiladas, lasagna's and you can purchase a glass of wine if you like.
WHO COMES ON RETREAT
Anyone that needs a break away from modern life to spend time on nurturing themselves. Modern life is so stressful, my retreats are about down regulating and learning techniques to help when you return home.
HOW DO I GET TO THE RETREAT
We organise a group transfer both ways so you have nothing to worry about and the cost is included in the retreat price. 90mins on a high-speed train and 40mins taxi to the retreat. You are met and chaperoned to the villa by my husband. He ensures you are on the right train for your return.
WHAT FLIGHT SHOULD I GET
Fly into Lisbon airport [LIS] before 3pm to rendezvous with my husband at 4pm. Factor in late arrivals, or any other travelling disruptions, especially if you are catching more than one flight.
Your return flight should not be booked before 3pm. You arrive back into Lisbon Oriente station at 12.30. If there are any unforeseen return transport issues, Sweetyoga will organise alternative transport with the cost being split between the number of participants.
Please check your flight times with me before you buy one.
CAN I FLY INTO PORTO
Yes you can but you will need to get yourself to Coimbra train station to meet with the rest of the group. Instructions can be given and your transfer will be paid for.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RETREAT
Your flights, travel insurance (recommended), massages, any soft or alcoholic drinks, sundry purchases from a supermarket/river beach cafe.
I'M NEW TO YOGA IS THAT OK
Absolutely! I think an immersive experience will be really beneficial. You are invited to do as little or as much as you want and I like people asking questions. There is often a mixture of abilities on retreat, I can teach to who is in the room.
CAN I BOOK IF I'M A YOGA TEACHER
Yes, I will welcome you with open arms. I have had many tired teachers needing a rest and reset. It's likely our styles will be different but that might be refreshing in itself. There is no judgement here, it'll be lovely to connect with you.
SHALL I BRING MY YOGA MAT
All yoga equipment is provided, you don't need to bring anything. I have mats, blankets, bolsters, blocks, straps, Yoga Tune-Up Balls, Sweetyoga eye pillows.
WHAT SHALL I PACK
We strongly advise you travel with carry on luggage if you can. The villa has two washing machines and plenty of sun to dry your clothes. Pack a warm fleece and some comfortable, sensible shoes for walking around. Some bring slippers to wear around the villa! All towels are provided, even pool towels.
IS THERE COFFEE & TEA
You can help yourself throughout the day to coffee and herbal tea's. If you are a black tea drinker I strongly advise you bring enough for the retreat because PG Tips are not readily available!
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE
I wish I had a straight answer for this question! As a retreat comes closer I keep an eye on the weather. What I will say about the Central region is often the mornings can be nicely fresh and by mid afternoon hot. The evenings it cools down a bit. Mid summer it can be very intense and that tails off by September.
ARE THERE MOSQUITOS
Yes, but we have gekko's that like to chase the mosquitos! If you are prone to being bitten bring a bug spray of your choice.
WHAT'S JUSTINE'S CREDENTIALS
Justine is a professionally trained Yoga Teacher with extensive training in therapeutics, anatomy and restorative yoga. Her journey started in 2000, her first TT concluded in 2006. She has studied with renowned teachers ever since and remains in CPD, a mentor study group and personal research. Her qualifications award her senior status and E-RYT recognised by British Wheel of Yoga and Yoga Alliance Professionals.
Professional Yoga Anatomy Training (Practices), current
Breathwork Fundamentals, O2 Collective, Dan Bruleé, 2024
Professional Yoga Anatomy Training (Principles), Leslie Kaminoff, 2022
Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), The Yoga Clinic, Foundational Course.
Mindful Movement, Bo Forbes, 2020
Integrative Yoga Therapeutics, Bo Forbes, 2019
The Science of Well-Being: Interoception, Social Emotions, and Relationality Masterclass, Bo Forbes, 2019
Preventing & Healing Injuries through Yoga & Case Studies, Leslie Kaminoff, 2019
Inflammation, mental health & the body Masterclass, Bo Forbes, 2019
Yoga Therapeutics & the Productivity Paradox: Self-Compassion, Self-Care, & Creativity Masterclass, Bo Forbes, 2019
Mind Games: the inflammatory effects of projected identification Masterclass, Bo Forbes, 2019
Supporting the Psoas & the Nervous System, Brea Johnson, 2019
Trauma Informed Yoga, Ralph Marzen, 2018
Sequencing: The Deeper Dimensions, Graham Burns & Susanne Lahusen, 2016
Embodying Empathy, Judith Lasater, 2015
Finding your Dharma, your one true thing, Judith Lasater, 2014
Yoga Therapy & Experiential Anatomy, Susanne Lahusen & Tony Watson, 2013
The Sacral-Skull Polarity, Tias Little, 2012
Advanced Relax & Renew - Therapeutic Aspects of Restorative Yoga, Judith Lasater, 2012
Tantra Shakti: The Radiant Soul of Yoga, Rod Stryker, 2011
Yoga & the Three Stages of Life, Paul Harvey, 2010
The Art of Energetic Sequencing, Graham Burns, 2010
The First Exploration of Ayurveda, Felicity Leigh, 2009
Yoga & Ayurveda, Scott Blossom, 2009
Chakras & Nadis, Ranju Roy, 2008
Accessing the Power of Yoga, Rod Stryker, 2007
Teacher Training Diploma 200hr, YogaCampus, British Wheel of Yoga, 2006
Yoga & Ayurveda for Health & Healing, A G Mohan, 2006
Sequencing the Prana Vayus, Graham Burns, 2005
Teacher Training Intensive, Shiva Rea, 2005
Relax & Renew Teacher Training Intensive, Judith Lasater, 2005