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22 February - 25 February 2024 | D'Alijo Yoga Retreat Centre
Weekend Winter Retreat 2024 in Portugal with Esther
Escape to beautiful Portugal for a transformative 4-day retreat with Esther Ekhart. Experience rejuvenating yoga, meditation, and breathtaking nature, while disconnecting from technology for a truly immersive journey.
Rejuvenate, Expand & Empower
Picture yourself in the mountains of Portugal, surrounded by like-minded friends, as you immerse yourself in a few days of yoga, meditation, breathing and inquiry, all geared towards relaxing you on the deepest level possible.
One participant said :
The experience was like stepping into a warm bath and was nourishing on every single level. Esther is an incredibly skilled teacher and from the moment I stepped into her first class, I knew I was in safe hands. The practices were designed to settle and soothe the nervous system and I came away with loads of different techniques that I still use almost a year later. The retreat centre is stunning and whether you want to go for a walk in the hills, or simply sit on the balcony with the wind chimes, everything is a treat for the senses.
More About this Retreat
Your Daily Schedule
Wake up to the mountain views enjoying the special energy of the early morning as Esther guides you through the first hour of practices that will help you learn to be able to sense the state your nervous system is in, at any given moment. When you know where you are, you can find your way back home to a state of connection and safety, where you can be present and restoration, healing, and growth are taking place. Following a light breakfast, you'll be invited to participate in a mindful flowing yoga practice tailored to suit all levels. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, rest assured that every session will be customized to your unique needs, fostering a sense of empowerment and progress.
After a wonderful lunch, you can go for a walk, a swim when the sun is out, or just rest in the comfort of your cabin. As the sun begins its descent, we gather for rejuvenating yin yoga sessions and mindful practices, focusing on deep relaxation, introspection, and embracing the magic of the present moment. The day gracefully concludes with a wonderful dinner, a feast for both body and soul.
Our daily schedule is carefully curated to provide a good balance of yoga and downtime:
Please note that to facilitate the restoration of body and mind, we observe silence in the mornings until the yoga practice at 11:00.
February 22nd:
15:00 onwards: Arrive and check-in
17:00: Warm welcome and introduction to the retreat.
17:30: Yoga class, feel your body come alive
19:30: Dinner
February 23th and 24th:
08:00 - 09:00: Meditation and Pranayama and regulating nervous system practices
09:00 - 11:00: Light breakfast and time for yourself
11:00 - 13:00: Mindful Yoga practice
13:00 - 17:00: Lunch and free time,
17:00 - 18:30 / 19:00: Enlightening talks, mindfulness practices, Yin and Restorative yoga
February 25th:
7:30 - 9:30: Yoga and meditation
9:30: Closing circle
10:30: Brunch
Unplugging
We also kindly request that you leave your phones behind in your rooms during the retreat. This simple act allows you to fully immerse yourself in the transformative experience that being on retreat offers you. By disconnecting from the distractions of technology, you create space for genuine connections—with yourself, fellow participants, and the beautiful nature surrounding us.
For those seeking a truly powerful, immersive and rejuvenating experience, we really recommend handing in your phone. This will enhance your experience so much. We will provide you with an emergency contact.
Pricing
Twin Share: FULLY BOOKED
Immerse yourself in a supportive and communal environment with our Twin Share option. Share your experience with a fellow student.
€695
Single Occupancy (Shared Facilities)
Enjoy the tranquillity of your own space while still benefiting from shared facilities. The shared facilities, including the living room and bathroom, are shared among a maximum of three people in one of the mountain lodges. Indulge in privacy and convenience.
€785
Single Room (En-suite Facilities) FULLY BOOKED
Treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation with our Single Room option, complete with en-suite facilities. Unwind and recharge in your own private haven in one of the main house rooms or in a river cabin.
€825
Garden Suites FULLY BOOKED
Elevate your training experience with our luxurious Garden Suites, designed to provide a serene environment. Bask in comfort and elegance.
€895
NOTE: A minimum deposit of €250 is required to secure your spot on this training. The remainder is due before the end of december 2023. Read about our Teacher Training Terms & Conditions and Booking & Payment Policies here.
The cost includes 3 nights of accommodation, all vegetarian meals, light breakfast, lunch and dinner per day, plus the complete yoga, meditation and awareness program spread over 4 days.
Book and Pay Online Today
You can secure your spot immediately be selecting to pay your deposit or full amount. Accepted payments include credit/debit cards, iDeal and Klarna (online bank transfer for specific countries)
Book and Pay by Bank Transfer
You can also choose to pay via bank transfer. If you want to book via this option please fill out our registration form.
We Are Proud Tree Sisters
By booking an in-person training with us, you are actively contributing to the global tree-planting efforts led by Tree Sisters. For every individual attending our retreats and trainings, we make a donation on your behalf.
About Esther Ekhart
Esther, the founder of EkhartYoga.com, is a down to earth well-loved spiritual teacher and a renowned global authority on yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Esther has a reputation for providing exceptional guidance both online and offline and has captivated countless students over 25 years. Esther's teachings incorporate diverse influences, making her online classes, “live” workshops, and trainings a fusion of wisdom. Her practice has evolved from dynamic styles like Hatha and Vinyasa flow to include slower practices such as Yin Yoga and Meditation & Mindfulness. Continually expanding her knowledge, she remains open-minded and integrates new insights into her work all the time.
More Information
Transportation options from the airport to the retreat centre
D’Alijo Centre is around 70 minutes by car from Porto airport (the closest airport). There are no public transport options to the centre.
Transfer service offered by D'Alijo
Transfers to and from the D'Alijo centre are not included in the prices. If you wish to avail of the transfer service, you can let us know by filling out our transportation form. This form will be emailed to you closer to the retreat start date.
If you are availing of the transfer service, please be aware there may be a short wait for other flights, but we will endeavour to minimise the waiting time. If you wish to be part of a group transfer, please try to arrive at Porto airport by 1:30 pm. Later group transfers may also be possible but are entirely dependent upon the arrival times of all participants. If you are already in Portugal, we can meet at the airport to avail of the group transfer.
The cost for transfers organised by the retreat centre will be approximately €40-€60 per person each way based on a group transfer rate. In the event that you need a private car, the cost will be EUR120 per car (maximum of 3 people). This is one way.
Other Options
Renting a car: This can be cost-effective, but local companies may require a substantial deposit.
Public transportation: Take the metro and train to Guimaraes, then a taxi (Uber) to the retreat location. It can also be a cheaper option to arrange a taxi yourself to Porto airport if you like your own private taxi.
About D’Alijo Retreat Center
D’Alijo Retreat Center in North Portugal is an exclusive retreat centre located in the village of Cabeceiras de Basto in the province of Minho, with its beautiful city of Porto. Porto offers an international airport just one hour away from our retreat centre. The area is well known for its Vinho Verde vineyards, olive fields and beautiful national parks. Their studio and accommodations are cohesively blended with nature and are sure to awaken the mind, body and spirit.
D'Alijo has a vast knowledge of hospitality and is capable of tailoring your needs as you desire. D’Alijo’s intention is to nurture its guests by providing a space to learn, develop and grow, coupled with outstanding client communication and customer service.
Since they do have mild winters and can heat all buildings, bookings are accepted year-round. D’Alijo boasts an inspiring studio space, along with stylish accommodations, and a gorgeous terrace surrounded restaurant set amongst vibrant lush gardens. Those who come to this centre will feel empowered to reconnect with nature, in a truly spectacular location.