Longing: a Jivamukti Yogawood Retreat to Portugal

Longing: Jivamukti Yogawood Retreat to Portugal

September 2-9, 2017

Portuguese Fado music is known for it’s mournful soul-stirring. There’s an inescapable feeling of being ripped from something larger. It’s easy to understand this music bubbling up over the wind-swept cliffs of the Algarve in Southwest Portugal.

Yogis know this longing and use it, too. The epics of their native lands are inspiration: the mere hearing of Krishna’s flute draws his beloved Radha near. We are told that to reach the harmonious state of yoga we can employ the curiosity of a monkey or soft, openness of a new kitten. In this receptivity, calling out to be heard, we may remember our true nature and state of inter-being.

These are the ideas we’ll explore through Jivamukti yoga practice, pranayama, meditation, chanting, and simply being in this dramatic landscape. Expect vegan Portuguese meals, locally sourced whenever possible, good community, and time to be.

Location

We’ll base our experience at Monte Velho EcoRetreat (http://www.montevelhoecoretreats.com/) located within the National Park of Costa Vicentina. (https://www.visitportugal.com/en/NR/exeres/40048323-D0A9-4FAC-B8A6-FEFFC9B4267F) On-site enjoy a swimmable lake, request the sauna or steam room, book massages, and explore the of walking trails. You’ll experience many ways that Monte Velho respects the environment. There are permaculture gardens as well as no wifi. This is intentional. With a rented car, you can go into town to use wifi when needed. Plan accordingly and relax into being off the grid!

A short drive away take in the traditional Portuguese village of Carrapateira, the beaches of Praia do Amado or Praia da Bordeira both great for surfing or sunbathing. You can also visit the lighthouse and dolphin watching of Sagres or the variety of beaches up and down the coastline.

View the retreat here: https://vimeo.com/153089765

Or read reviews from past visitors: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1444458-d569091-Reviews-Monte_Velho_Nature_Resort-Carrapateira_Faro_District_Algarve.html

Tuition

Tuition includes accommodations, three daily vegan meals, and twice daily yoga. It does not include any transport. All rates listed are based on full payment by June 1,2017. We cannot extend the discount past that. Later payments increase by $150.

*We are happy to make suggestions for rooming together but ultimately can only give you a rate reflective of how many occupy your room. If you do not secure a roommate, you must pay the single occupancy rate.

Single occupancy rate $1,675

There are 5 rooms that could be used for single or double occupancy. Each has a queen-sized bed and private attached bath.

Double occupancy $1,395

These are the same rooms described under single occupancy. An additional twin bed can be added for friends sharing a room.

Triple or quadruple share rate $1,320

There are 7 suites with two areas in each. One area has two twin beds and the other area has a king bed. In the event of 4 people sharing one of these suites, the king would be separated into two twins, offering one twin bed per person. Each suite has a private attached bath.

One twin in the 6 person dorm room $1,200

The dorm has 6 twin beds, one per person, and a shared outdoor bathroom and shower.

Check in 4 pm Saturday September 2. Check out 10 am Saturday September 9.

Deposit

A $500 deposit is due to hold your space. We cannot hold space without a deposit. The balance on your tuition is due by June 1,2017 for early bird discount, or by August 1, 2017 with the surcharge.

Not included

Transport to the retreat site.

Cancellation

We understand that things happen. We will refund all payment but a $100 administrative fee before May 1, 2017. There are no refunds after May 1, 2017.

Travel

Fly into Lisbon International Airport. We strongly urge all participants to rent a car to drive the 3 hours down to Carrapateira, a small village on the western coast of the Algarve. From Lisbon use highway A2 to Lagos. From Lagos travel up to Monte Velho. There is no included transport to get to the retreat site. Feel free to check in with Maiga for help in coordinating getting to the retreat.

What to Bring

• A current passport.
• Two color photo copies of your passport.
• Euros. Consider converting $200 USD into the Euro equivalent for any spending you might want to do in the nearby town or for extras like saunas and massages.
• Your own reusable water bottle.
• Medications with their prescription.
• Your yoga mat if you’re attached-- there are mats to use at Monte Velho if you’d rather not travel with your own mat.
• Small towels for sweaty practice.
• Clothing for twice daily yoga practice.
• Clothes for day time adventures
• Some layers for cooler evenings, like a pair of yoga pants, sweat shirt, and long sleeve shirt.
• Flip flops.
• If you plan to be adventurous, a good sports sandal like keens or chacos.
• Swim suits.
• Beach towels.
• Beach gear-- sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, hat, etc.
• Books and music.
• There are no hairdryers but remember they try to conserve energy and that we think you look beautiful as you are.
• Reading lamp, flashlight or headlamp. For some reason, flashlights and headlamps are amazingly helpful when traveling.
• An adapter.

Communicating with family back home

If you have a good international cell phone plan, great! Know signals are often dodge-y in remote places like coastal Portugal. Consider turning off your cellular data once you fly out to Portugal. Once you have wifi, you can use the connection to Facetime with friends and family. There is no wifi on-site at the retreat but you can access it in town.

In the event of an emergency, your family can reach you by contacting Monte Velho:

t.: (00351) 282973207

m.: (00351) 966007950 Henrique

e.: info@montevelhoecoretreats.com