The Zen Path

Safe to Soften Retreat at Monte Velho Retreat Center, Portugal

Join us for a 7-day, 6-night retreat at Monte Velho Retreat Centre in the coastal hills of the Algarve, Portugal. This retreat offers a gentle pause to reconnect with and nourish your inner self through an alchemical blend of yoga, Somatic Experiencing, conscious breathing, NSDR (Yoga Nidra), and deep reflection.Surrounded by the preserved beauty of Portugal’s Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Monte Velho provides the perfect setting to slow down, step away from daily demands, and immerse yourself in nature.

Expect days filled with therapeutic yoga, pranayama, Yoga Nidra, Somatic Experiencing, and moments of deep stillness and insight. There will also be ample free time to rest, connect, or explore Portugal’s stunning southwest coastline — known for its dramatic cliffs, wild beaches, and rolling hills. Nourishing vegetarian and vegan meals will be thoughtfully prepared by Monte Velho’s talented chefs.

Reserve Your Space

(provide your desired room type in email)

Scroll down to select your accommodation.

Who This Retreat is For

This retreat is open to all — whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the path. If you’re feeling the call to: 

• Revive your mind, body & spirit
• Build consistency & safety
• Shift from burnout to resourced
• Realign with your purpose
• Spend intentional time in nature
• Nourish

…then this space is for you.

About Monte Velho

The Setting

Set on Portugal’s wild southwest coast in the heart of Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Monte Velho is a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by eucalyptus groves, pine forests, raw sandy beaches, and dramatic Atlantic cliffs. With sweeping ocean views and eco-conscious design, it offers the perfect space to slow down, reconnect with nature, and return to yourself.

• ​Surrounded by hiking trails and wild beaches with world renowned surfing
• Eco-luxury accommodations
• Organic, locally-sourced meals
• Sauna, hammam, and holistic spa

What’s Included

• 6 nights accommodation in serene, earth-inspired lodges
• Twice-daily yoga sessions: morning yoga & nourishing evening practices (Yoga Nidra, Conscious Breathing, Somatics)
• Fresh, organic vegetarian meals (3 per day)
• Salt water pool
• Yoga props
• Whatsapp group for community building and support before and after the retreat

What’s Not Included

• Flights
• Airport Transfer (can be arranged)
• Excursions
• Spa services
• Surf Lessons
• Travel insurance

Other Activities

• Relax on the beaches of Amado & Bordeira
• Surf lessons & board rentals*
• Hike the Rota Vicentina trails
• Swim or walk by the natural lake
• Spa, sauna & massage*
• Horse riding*
• Guided nature walks*
• Drum circle*
• Dolphin watching*
• *Additional cost

Accommodations (Early Rate til 3/1)

Deluxe Private Room with Private Bath

Single Occupancy- 1775 (early bird)/1975 euro per person

Double Occupancy- 1475 (early bird)/1675 euro per person

Adjoined Room with Shared Private Bath

Single Occupancy- 1475 (early bird)/1675 euro per person

Double Occupancy (setup as 1 or 2 beds)- 1365 (early bird)/1565 euro per person

A 50% deposit of the total price reserves your spot (500 euro non refundable). 

Remaining balance is due March 30th, 2027.

All rates are per person.

Please inquire for dorm options.

Book Now

(Email Deanna to Book Your Specific Room Type!)

You may book a private room (limited availability) or share a room with a roommate of your choice.

A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot, including a non-refundable €500 deposit. Final payment is due by March 30, 2027.

Tentative Schedule

• 7:45 am Yoga
• 9 am Breakfast 
• Free Time (excursion or relax)
• 1:30 pm Lunch
• Free Time
• 545 pm Evening Practice, Yoga Nidra, Somatic Experiencing, Conscious Breathing, Restorative, Meditation
• 7 pm Dinner
• Evening: Relaxing outside, sitting with friends & enjoying the stars

Traveling to Monte Velho

Monte Velho is easily accessible from both Faro and Lisbon airports, with Lisbon often offering more affordable and convenient international flights.

From Faro Airport (1 hr 15 min away):

• Rental car (about 1 hr 20 min drive)
• Shared or private transfer (€120–140 each way; lower cost when shared)
• 8-person shared van (€160–180 total)
• Public transportation (most affordable option)

From Lisbon Airport (about 3.5–4 hours away):

• Shared van transfer (€350–380 total for up to 8 people)
• Private taxi (€295–320 for up to 4 people)
• Rental car or bus options also available

Monte Velho is happy to help organize transfers and connect guests who would like to share rides and reduce costs.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended to help cover unexpected situations such as medical issues, flight cancellations, travel delays, or personal circumstances that may impact your trip. Many participants have found good rates and coverage through Faye Travel Insurance.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your reservation for any reason, all payments will be refunded minus the €500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit. No refunds will be issued after March 1, 2027 (90 days before the retreat start date), or for failure to attend or complete the retreat.

If the retreat is cancelled due to a pandemic, natural disaster, or other unforeseen circumstance, all payments will be credited toward a future retreat.