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travel questions about our surf and yoga retreats in Portugal

 

find answers to your questions in regards to planning your travel, arrival and departure times, flights, airports, public transportation, and car rentals on our how to get here page.

 

 

general questions about our surf and yoga retreats in Portugal

 

YOGA

• what kind of yoga are you offering?

In Ocean & Yoga Retreats, you will be practicing Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra

In order to understand your individual physical shape and needs and to move accordingly, variations during the practice will always be available, this means, regardless of your experience, mobility and structure, the practices will be accessible and serve you as you are.

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• I have never practiced yoga before - or: I am pretty much a beginner. Can I still join?

Yes, all levels are welcome. The yoga and movement classes are accessible and adequate for any level. We make sure to give adjustments for beginners or practicioners with injuries.

 

 

MEDITATION

• I have never meditated before. Can I still join?

Yes, of course. In fact, our Classic Yoga and Surf Retreats are perfect to take the first steps into meditation and to start a meditation practice that you can bring home. Some of the special retreats may go deeper into the joyous world of meditation. If a certain experience level is required, this will be listed in the respective retreat description.

 

• What type of meditation are you offering at your retreats?

We provide a general orientation in the vast world of meditation and introduce meditation techniques from Tantric scriptures, Vedanta and Buddhist teachings. You don't have to try to control or get rid of your mind and thoughts, you are actually invited to not identify with them but to take the observers role. Our meditation practices are basically a devotion to your own experience that allows you to be OK with what is. Without struggle, reaction, nor judgement. Find a meditation technique that suits you and your life.

 

 

SURF & OCEAN EXCURSIONS

• I have never surfed before. Can I still join?

Yes, of course. All of our Ocean & Yoga Retreats offer various forms of experiencing the ocean. You can find a way that feels most joyful to you. Maybe it's surfing on a surfboard, maybe other forms of gliding on and through water: swimming, diving, floating, body surfing,... Let's play! No previous experience needed. 

 

• I don't want to surf or be in the water - can I join a retreat without surfing & water activities?

Yes, this is also possible. If the surf isn't calling at this moment in time, or if injuries prevent you from surfing & water activities, you can still come to the beach with everyone and read a book, go for a walk, or whatever you feel like doing!

...Or book one of our retreats that focus on other subjects such as our Mountain Retreats!

 

• I already know how to surf. Do you offer free surf or intermediate classes? Can I rent a board?

Yes, there are usually a couple of other people on the retreat who also know how to surf a little bit already, and we can give you contacts where to rent boards if you feel like going on your own additional surf adventure. If you've surfed for longer already and are bringing your own board, we can also go for some waves together during breaks! 

 

 

FOOD

• I have restrictions in regards to my diet. Can you individually cater to this?

Yes, this is no problem. We have experience with restricted diets. Don't be shy to ask what we can do to cater to your individual needs & please let us know when you sign up.

 

• Is all of the food organic? Is all of the food local?

We try to source most of the ingredients from the land of the farm. Of course, it depends on the season what's available. If we don't have certain things growing at the moment, we first try to source from local farmers and producers. However, there are usually some ingredients that come from the store. But even here, we will always make sure to go for bio/organic and local first!

 

 

LOCATION (OLHO BRANCO/ classic retreat)

• How far is the beach away from the farm? What are the closest beaches?

The closest beach is Vale Figueiras, approx. 8km drive, so it is not really within walking distance! That's why we recommend to rent a car for the duration of the retreat (or to share a rental car with other participants) so that you are flexible to visit all the beautiful beaches nearby: Praia da Arrifana (12km), Praia do Monte Clerigo (11km), Praia da Amoreira (12km), Praia da Bordeira (15km).

 

LOCATION (CHATO CHERIE/ family retreat)

• How far is the beach away from the farm? What are the closest beaches?

The closest beach is Praia de Monte Clerigo, 20 min drive. 

 

• Can I stay for a few extra days before/after the retreat?

Summer can be quite busy period to accommodate guests in the area so we cannot guarantee. We can always request it for you. Send us your request asap.

 

• I see that you recommend to rent a car for the duration of the retreat. Can I also manage without one? 

If you like road trips, if you don't get stressed on unknown roads and if you can afford, we recommend that you rent a car to drive from the airport (Faro: 1hr or Lisbon: 3hrs) to Olho Branco or to Balsa Mae d'Agua.

This is the easiest way to get to both locations and you are flexible to explore the area and nearby beaches in the free time. During the off-season, you can find quite inexpensive deals (check how to get here page for details) but in the summer, prices can go up. That's why we'll put you in touch with other attendees prior to the retreat so that you can possiby arrange car-pooling and sharing costs.

However, it is absolutely possible to come by public transport and we'll pick you up in Aljezur (for Classic retreat or Family retreat) or Monchique (for Mountain Retreat) (check how to get here page for details) and to chill out at the farm and go for walks in the beautiful nature around there during the free time - and/or spontaneously arrange with other attendees to join for beach excursions. The transport to the beach for surfing lessons is provided by the surf school.

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• I am traveling alone. Do you have many solo travelers? And can I still share a room?

Yes, most attendees are solo travelers interested in taking some time for themselves away from their normal surroundings, and connect with nature, dive deeper into a yoga practice and meet like-minded people. However, we sometimes have a couple of friends coming together, or couples or mother and daughter, or father and son.. (and all other possible combinations ;-))

Yes, if you are coming by yourself, you don't have to necessarily pay more for a single room: you can still sign up for a regular double room - and you will share a room with another solo traveler (same gender normally).

 

• What types of accommodation do you have? Are there different options and prices?

We have single rooms, double rooms,the shared cabin and camping options. Please check the retreat location page page for pictures and the respective retreat description for availability on certain retreats and possible price differences.

 

• Is there WiFi? Can I work during the retreat?

Yes, there is free WiFi.  We recommend that you keep work at a minimum during your retreat, but if you need to be reachable and have some online tasks every now and then, the signal is good enough for phone calls/skype calls, emailing etc. If your work requires a super speedy connection (uploading and downloading large files) please check with us - and we can recommend places with faster connections close by.

 

PROGRAM & PEOPLE

• It looks like a packed program. Is there some free time to chill out by myself?

Yes, even though we try to pack the retreats with as many wonderful tools, practices and family style meals, you are absolutely free to go your own way whenever you need it! And we also make sure that there is a bit of free daily time for personal contemplation, walks, naps or whatever you need.

 

• How many people are joining the retreat? And what is the average age?

For Summer retreats we have a maximum group size is around 12-15 people (depending on the amount of campers). Minimum participants is siz people. The average age is end-twenties to mid-forty on the Classic Yoga and Surf Retreats and mid-thirties to mid-fifties for Family retreats or for the special/deeper study retreats.

 

• What shall I bring?

You will receive an email with all info needed prior to the retreat. But in general, it is good to pack for various weather scenarios. Daytime temperatures are mostly summery, but the winds can be cool at certain times a year, even in the summer, and evenings also tend to be way cooler than the days since we are very close to the ocean. You will receive an email closer to the start of the retreat with latest weather information. Mosquito repellent is always a good idea, and sun protection is important at all times of the year.

If you want to go hiking, bring a wind jacket and appropriate shoes. Otherwise you’ll mostly be wearing flip-flops. Towels, bedding and linen are all provided for. Please bring your own toiletries and a beach sarong/towel if you have.

Yoga gear: bring your own mat only if you want to. Mats, meditation cushions and blankets are available here. Your normal yoga clothing will also work here. Temperatures on the yoga deck may be slightly colder than what you are used to from a city yoga studio. An extra sweater will be good to have, just in case.

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If you are camping in one of our retreats, please bring all the extras you find necessary.

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PAYMENT

• I see that you require a deposit payment to confirm my space. Can I also pay the full amount in one wire?

Yes this is possible, in that case please mention this in your email and we will give you further information.

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if you can't find answers to your questions here, feel free to send us an email!