Dear Yoga Friends,

I am writing to you from Solar Alvura Health Hotel in Portugal where I have the terrace to myself and an Atlantic Breeze soothing me. I've just read through messages from many of you and had a lovely cry, I haven't cried much since my beloved Dad died. He was my favourite person in the world, my bestie, and my rock. Your kind words have given me solace and food for thought; it's humbling to be the teacher and know I have so much to learn from all of you. 

I'm no longer a daughter, no longer a carer. I am something brand new. I am in the space of the unknown. I don't know how much grieving is left, I don't know what to expect, | don't know what to do. I am taking the advice of all of you and minding myself and taking it easy. Teaching yoga is a nourishing support for me so you will all see me on the mat in the coming weeks. Being in nature with all of you is my refuge, we have lots of Marlay Park and Mutton Lane classes and workshops coming up. I've booked a trip to see family towards the end of summer and Trish will be looking after classes in my absence. Please know your kind words have meaningful impact and you are my precious, supportive community. I am very grateful. 

Below is a quick summary of what's going on in the coming weeks. Morning classes run as usual, everyone welcome! Evening classes are just on Mondays for now, everyone welcome. Marlay Park Friday mornings for the rest of the summer (it never rains on Fridays ;-)) Trish will be there this week. Mutton Lane events coming up are busy except for our Wednesday mornings - we have spaces next Wednesday and the following, join us. I'm hoping to keep these Wednesday sessions up into the Autumn as they are so well received and we all love them! 

We have Autumn retreats coming up in Portugal September, October and November, the most gorgeous time of the year to experience the Algarve, some of you are already booked for these, thank you, treasured repeat guests (miss you all here!) 

You can see all of this at a glance on the events and workshops page. Most classes are booked directly with me and most events are booked through Eventbrite - just drop me a quick text or Whatsapp (0876822362) if you need any help in booking, I can hold a space for you.

Signing off in appreciation of all of you, and for the space to discover something brand new. 

Kindest regards, 

Sylvia. 

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Does anyone else sometimes find themselves either thinking obsessively or not thinking enough, zoning out as such. How do we best reflect, what is skillful thinking? 

In our Mindfulness Practices we take a curious, compassionate approach to investigating the thinking mind while keeping our perspective open and adaptable by connecting with the body. You might hear this called expanded awareness or vipasanna meditation (which translates to insight meditation). The idea is to take the awareness into the body to wake up the more expansive areas of the brain, it can also be called meta awareness or dual awareness. A participant in a recent practice described it as being aware of the whole package, aware of the body as well as also being aware of all other processes going on, the emotions, sensations, changing thinking patterns. She said it felt very calm and comforting and complete, as if all the pieces of her had come together. 

Like any art, reflection can be explored, practiced and developed. We sometimes do this in small groups in Mutton Lane yoga studio with a blank page and a pen to help us clarify thoughts and sometimes categorize them. We take an open, light-hearted approach to putting language on our experience in chosen moments, breaking them down into thinking (thoughts or narrative), emotional tone, and body senses and sensations. Learning like this, in a welcoming, safe group, keeps things interesting for us, it keeps our learning rich and alive. We discover how much we all have in common as humans, our shared human condition. We also discover how unique we all are, each one of us having a brand new discovery and awakening each time we practice. Each one of us changing, moment by moment as we simply rest in the moment and thrive. 

Reflection leads us to a deeper understanding of life and to the fullness of wisdom. All too often we are pulled by the whim of the thinking mind, it’s unfounded fear and unnecessary repetitive patterns. With contemplation and insight we notice what we are thinking and we broaden the frame of how we think about it. In opening our awareness like this, including in our field of awareness the sensations of the body, we are opening up with our highest executive functions in the brain, the pre-frontal cortex.

Collectively called ‘Contemplative practices’, derived from the word ‘to contemplate’, practices like yoga, meditation, mindfulness and tai chi invite us to hold a spacious container in the physical body while we take ourselves to places of quiet reflection. In Mutton Lane Yoga Studio mini-retreats, in our beautiful supportive environment, I guide you through reflective practices to lead you to deeper insight. 

Join us for our last one in the current series of four:

Wednesday July 10th: Half-day Retreat for learning, immersion and practice. 

Similar to a yoga workshop, we will start with movement, hopefully on the sunny deck. The intention for the movement is to move mindfully to bring the attention to the body - we will flow through a full range of motion yoga practice so everyone gets a good stretch throughout the whole body and a feeling of vitality and connection. We will sit outside sipping our tea and coffee for a short education piece supported by handouts, discussion, and journaling. Please bring a pen and a notebook (I’ll have spares!) The latter part of the class includes mindfulness practices designed to be quieter and more relaxing so you leave feeling completely rejuvenated. 

Tickets via Eventbrite: https://sylviafergusonevents.eventbrite.ie *Please note the Eircode and the gate code in your booking confirmation. 

Please bring: The code for the gate (in your Eventbrite booking confirmation). A warm coat you can move in for outdoor standing poses. Layers for inside the studio (a hoodie or sweatshirt, cosy socks, an eye pillow or scarf for over the eyes if you like darkness for relaxation).

Sylvia is teaching regular weekly yoga classes in Community Centres in Rathfarnham and Firhouse. Monthly Saturday morning workshops are usually 10am-12noon, Full Moon Meditations are are 7-8pm. All events are listed on the events and workshops page of the website and booked via Eventbrite. Outdoor yoga in Marlay Park in summertime. 

Bookings are via Eventbrite please. 

For updates please sign up for the newsletter on the homepage of sylviayoga.com. 

Sylvia has a range of online classes if you'd like to explore her style of teaching from home.

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Brand new this summer is a series of mini-retreats in Mutton Lane Yoga Studio. Numbers for this will be very limited so please plan early and book early; if you can I would highly recommend doing the series of 4 as we will explore a new topic each session. 

4 sessions, Wednesdays, 10am-12.30pm. 5th and 12th June, 3rd and 10th July. 

We’ll start with yoga on the deck to connect with the body and find a sense of presence and space. After exploring a mindfulness practice with a particular emphasis, we’ll enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in quiet in nature as I deliver a short education piece. We may use a whiteboard or handouts to support this and I’ll be offering you a chance to do some journaling around key learnings or nuggets of wisdom. We’ll have time for discussion and then a deep guided relaxation to allow it all to soak in.  

Cost per session €45. Tickets via Eventbrite please. 

Early bird offer until 1st May: €40 per session ~ 4 sessions €150 (please select a quantity of 10 at the link) 

At the end of our workshops in Mutton Lane I often ask participants to say something about their experience, particularly what was supportive or curious or new. This is always interesting - we have so much in common  as humans and yet our individual experiences are so unique. And of course, as many of you know, each time we can discover something new. 

The birdsong, the fresh air, the trees, that tree/that flower/that branch, the slow walking, the clouds, the sun, the rain, the way we moved our arms, your voice, the peace inside the studio, the freedom and the space, the quiet… the list goes on! 

The effects of practice are magnified by being in nature and studies have shown that the greater the immersion in nature the greater the benefits. Not just your typical yoga class or workshop, in these deeper immersions we can gain insight, we befriend our noisy mind, we soften and allow, and we take this back out to world with us afterwards. 

The intention is to have as much of the practice outdoors as makes sense but we always respond to the unique circumstances each event presents so every time we are there it’s different! 

What to bring: 
Please note the eircode and the gate code you will get in your Eventbrite confirmation upon booking. Please note the gate code in your phone so you have it handy on the day.

Your yoga mat if it’s your favourite (we have some.)
Warm, cosy, layers, it will be colder than you expect, is it ALWAYS colder in the mountains. 
Your hat and spf, flip flops or sliders or shoes you can kick off easily. 
A notebook and pen, maybe something a little new or special or meaningful to write in to add to the value of reflection and self-care (I’ll have spare pen and paper).
Your curious, open mind. 
A snack if you feel you will need one, a travel mug if you wish, I will be offering teas and coffees. 

Yoga workshops and full moon workshops run during the summer.

Join us and emerge brand new!

I’m here for any questions at all. x Sylvia.

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I’m delighted to announce a new Monday Class! 12 noon to 1pm. €12 drop in. All welcome!

We still have limited space in Tuesday and Thursday classes, current Tuesday and Thursday yogis are welcome to come on Mondays instead of your current class or as well as your current class. Monday’s class is simply drop-in basis unless it’s a class in lieu for you.

Mondays 12 noon-1pm. Tuesdays 10.45-11.45am, Thursdays 9.30-10.30am.

Please bring your yoga mat, a small blanket for your comfort and warm comfortable layers you can move in.

Currently spaces for existing students to sign up for one of both classes; please prepay to book.

Morning yoga classes are ongoing in Ballyroan Community Centre, Marian Road, Rathfarnham. The centre is a spotlessly clean, warm, bright, spacious place brilliantly run by South Dublin County Council; we are very lucky to have very supportive staff, the beautiful hall and a coffee area for your post-yoga cuppa. I suggest adding yourself to the mailing list for the centre to keep updated on courses and classes here. Please note the area has PAID PARKING. The ticket machine takes card or coins or use the app, your first half an hour is free, €1 per hour thereafter. Please bring a yoga mat (I have some to borrow) and a small folded blanket which you could use as a cushion to sit on or to throw over you for final relaxation.

Monday 12 noon, Tuesday 10.45-11.45am, Thursday 9.30-10.30am.

Monday is a drop in class: €12 pre class please.

A four week course is €40. Drop-ins, when available, are €12. Courses run on an ongoing basis, you can join in any time. Sign up for both courses (two classes for four weeks, eight classes) for €70.

Please enter through the main doors of the centre. The coffee shop is open for a cuppa after class.

What to expect in class: 

The physical yoga practice is balanced and healthy… strength, balance, posture, muscle tone, flexibility and range of motion. We explore breath-work, mindfulness, meditation and guided relaxation practices. All poses are adaptable for beginners. If you have any injuries or medical concerns please check with your doctor before practicing yoga. More about my style of teaching here.

I will make some references to psychology, neuroscience and buddhism as I continue to share what I am exploring about the human mind and body as a Master of Science in MBI, Mindfulness Based Interventions. Please enquire about yoga retreats running in Dr. Eva’s Solar Alvura Health Hotel in Portugal. When I’m away teaching on retreat there will a substitute teacher there so class is always on unless there’s a last minute emergency.

Our yoga courses will run in 4-week blocks with the last week of each course focused on an aspect of restorative yoga… Yoga Nidra, Yin or Guided Body Scans. I will ask you to please confirm and pre-pay your next course on the final week of each course please.

I will always work with you if you are travelling and need to do part-of a course. I do appreciate you letting me know if you can’t make a class but I know life is busy and last minute things crop up. 

Monthly workshops, two hours long, will run to allow you to go a little deeper into your practice. At the moment these are happening in Mutton Lane Yoga Studio. Upcoming events are always listed on the Events and Workshops page of my website. Please book Eventbrite events early as they tend to book out quickly.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any queries, I’m available by email and can schedule a chat on the phone at a time that suits. We can also plan a quick chat before or after class any time you need to check anything with me.

We are incredibly lucky to have this beautiful, clean, warm spacious room to practice in, I’m so grateful you are considering joining us!

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When packing for your retreat we suggest you keep in mind the intentions you might set for yourself for your time with us, comfort, joy and ease! Keep an eye on the temperature in the Algarve on the weeks and days coming up to your retreat, during cooler months think clever layering for freedom of movement and warmth when needed. We suggest bringing the clothing that sparks feelings of joy and relaxation time, cosy and snuggly. The below are just our suggestions, please feel free to add your own.

1. Yoga clothing for classes twice daily, evening yoga is gentle. No need to bring your mat, we have everything you need. Optional extras you could bring are warm socks for relaxation, a warm layer of clothing, and maybe an eye pillow.

2. Runners for fitness walks. Your normal runners should be fine, no special hiking gear needed. I tend to travel in my comfiest runners and pack flip flops and flat sandals. A light rain jacket or puffa. A good hat. Maybe a light cashmere/wool hat-scarf-and-gloves combo for morning meditation on the rooftop.

3. Something practical for pottering around cobbled Portuguese towns and our local olive farm. A puffa or leather jacket, think Ireland in Spring/Summer/Autumn.

4. Slippers and a warm cardi for around the hotel. We light the big stove in the winter and your room has underfloor heating in the bathroom as well as your own air-con / heater but common spaces in the hotel can be cooler in the Winter/Spring months. I also love to bring a travel mug for wandering around with my endless cups of tea!

5. Swimwear, flip flops or sliders. We will need swimwear for the pool, the beach and maybe even the boat. Winter can be surprisingly warm in the Algarve so prepare for it all! Something to cover up is essential for the boat, a hat and a top with long sleeves. Bring your best sun hat, SPF 50+, and your water bottle to refill regularly from our chilled, flavoured, filtered water.

6. Some cash can be handy, they don't always use card in Portugal. It can be helpful to have some cash but we do have an ATM in our local town just minutes from the hotel. 

7. Prepare for mosquitos at night, just in case; our sea breeze tends to keep them at bay but you never know. We have been badly caught out when we least expected them so come prepared!

8. We might dine out on the orange grove terrace, a shawl or wrap or cardigan can be handy. Many guests like to change for dinner, a simple smart-casual dress or shirt. The ethos for the retreat is relaxation so please feel free to come as you feel comfortable.

9. Maybe bring a book (we have plenty to borrow), a notebook and pen. We will have opportunities for journaling and reflection. Although Solar Alvura has excellent wifi we encourage a digital detox. The opening circle will have discussion around group ground rules for photos, social media and phone use during our group time and in group spaces; your private space is always available to you.

10. Bring your intention to relax; plan your favourite things, maybe browse the spa menu and book some treatments in advance.

11. Bring your open mind! We’ll explore mindful consumption and mindful communication as we spend time getting quiet with ourselves. Let your retreat time be rich for discovery of new patterns of movement, behavior and thoughts. Bear in mind others are here to experience quiet time, we ask you to remain attentive to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in our lovely chilled space.

I’m here for any questions at all! Happy packing. xS

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Sylvia Ferguson is a yoga teacher and a Masters of Science in Mindfulness Based Interventions. Her education gives her a background in psychology, neuroscience, and an understanding of the scientific studies supporting contemplative practices. Her own curiosity infectious, Sylvia weaves in education about the thought processes we experience as she guides participants through immersive practices. This approach makes the sessions educational, interesting and alive. 

Practices are engaging and interactive, together we explore the nuances of the mind. Everything is undertaken with a light touch to awaken a non-judgmental curiosity - this exact mindset is the one we take into an awakened, full, rich, vibrant life! 

Come to her workshops to learn more about the human condition, the endless studies in the field and what they are telling us, come to learn more about you! Workshops include short, easily-learnt practices and techniques supported by follow-on material - recordings guided by Sylvia to repeat the learnings in your own time at home. You can find an example of Sylvia’s guided meditation here. 

sylviayoga.com

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Why curiosity can be your best friend on the yoga mat. 

Yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices focus our attention and awaken curiosity. We sometime get the impression that these practices, collectively called contemplative practices, are there to relax us, to take us away from our busy lives and allow us an opportunity to chill. And indeed they do have those benefits, they reduce stress levels in the body, enhance sleep and overall feelings of wellbeing. There is a deeper benefit, however, that we can explore together in our practices when we apply time, patience and curiosity.  

The word contemplative is derived from the work to contemplate, to mull things over. When we contemplate something we are doing so in a way where we are engaged and interested, we are open. We are curious about things. So these practices teach us to be open and curious about ourselves, about life, keeping an open mind as our life unfolds. With this approach we are less likely to be stuck and rigid in our thinking. We are less likely to repeat the patterns of thought and behaviour that keep us stuck in old (usually fear-based) ways of being. We are open to change. And who doesn’t want to explore change, new-ness, fresh ways of thinking, moving and being in the world?

Join us on monthly Saturday morning 2-hour workshops for a deep-dive from your own little corner of the world; we will gather online together to explore with curiosity! Suitable for all levels of practice, our yoga flow is designed to get playful with familiar poses and sequences, and mix things up a little to wake up sensations in the body. We’ll pause at the roughly half-way mark for a short contemplation. You are invited to write something down during this part of the workshop - our journalling will be exploratory and playful. For the latter half of the workshop we explore yin-style yoga stretching with longer, deeper holds with an emphasis on body-scan, training the mind to settle for a little while on specific parts of the body while keeping a sense of expanded awareness of the body as a whole. Emerge brand new! 

You can find out more about these workshops and other opportunities to gather in contemplation on the events and workshops page of the website. Why not take a deep-dive and join us for 5-night yoga retreats in Solar Alvura in Portugal where we begin our days in silence, restorative practices are guided by Sylvia in the light of the rising sun. Smaller events are booked via Eventbrite. Weekly community centre yoga classes have very limited spaces. Events in nature in Mutton Lane and Marlay Park as soon as it’s warm enough!

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First classes back in the new year this week and I know I’m not the only one who cannot wait to get back! Back to our tranquil space to reconnect with the silence, peace and solitude of our yoga mats in a room full of other people. Our mats are like a little island in the big sea of life and we have taught ourselves to find refuge there. 

The psychology of this is really interesting, and it applies whether in-person or doing yoga in a group online. One of our biggest fears as humans (sub-conscious or not) is the fear of being isolated from the tribe. In our ancestory this would no doubt lead to our death (another subconscious fear we all have); in our modern world we could survive alone but the gripping fear is still there. Fear causes constriction - tight muscles and fixed negative thoughts. We thrive in community, we relax when we are supported. In our yoga classes we instinctively know we are accepted, we belong. After all, all you need to do is show up to be a part of the group. We are less inclined to be self-absorbed and more inclined to feel a part of the human race, I love to call it a feeling of 'being a pea in large pot of pea soup!' Think of the vibe when you are at a gig or a match, or on a dance floor, part of a big, happy, energised group of humans. Who doesn't love that? That's what's happening to your brain, your nervous system and to every cell in your body every time you make it to class. A feeling of belonging, of coming home. No pressure to be special or to be the best, nobody cares if your warrior pose is amazing or if it's wobbly, just an acceptance of who you are, as you are, simply showing up. 

With that in mind, a few reminders: releasing what keeps us stuck is the goal; you are amazing just as you are; we all struggle, you are not alone.

The Goal of Yoga

The yoga pose is not the goal.
Becoming flexible is not the goal. Standing on your hands is not the goal.

The goal is to create space where you were once stuck. To unveil the layers of protection you’ve built around your heart. To appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and the noise it creates. To make peace with who you are.

The goal is to love, well… You.

Come to your yoga mat to feel; not to accomplish.

Shift your focus and your heart will grow.

Rachel Brathen. 

I'm so grateful to be returning to another year of time on the yoga mat with you all with so much exploring and discovery awaiting us! This year I’m focusing on more regular on-line time together, one workshop a month, you are welcome. Thank you all so much for your commitment to your practice (and to yourselves). 

Kindest regards, 

Sylvia.

All upcoming classes and events are listed on the events page of the website.

Online workshops weave in a bit of optional journalling to assist with brain-dumping and finding clarity! Dress code pyjamas or yoga pants or a bit of both. Tickets for our next event on January 20th are €20, please book by selecting a quantity of two here or you can book via Eventbrite. 

For those of you who like your yoga under sunny blue skies I have been working with Solar Alvura in Portugal, Dr. Eva's stunning health hotel, to create a full calender of retreats for you to choose from. One a month. It's a short hop on a Ryanair or Aer Lingus flight to Faro Airport and the hotel is only 30 mins away from there, we collect you. While I am on retreat I have a substitute teacher taking classes in Dublin so everything runs all year round and you can be consistent in your yoga practice.

In Portugal we combine yoga with relaxation, incredibly healthy food (think big colorful plates bursting with flavour and vitality; dessert, wine and treats if you wish) and excursions around the area. Swimming in the  Atlantic Ocean (our local beach is on a little inlet), we boat to magical islands, we visit olive farms and cobbled Portuguese Villages, we relax beside the orange grove in the evenings. We get a lot of repeat bookings so please enquire early for your favourite month. Often people come alone, it's very safe and welcoming. All upcoming retreats are listed on the events page of the website, we would love to see you there!

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A supportive online yoga class that combines the power of yoga and mindfulness with a light touch of guided journaling. A moment to stop, release and reset in life, so you can embody yourself from a place of calm awareness, this is the space for you. 

We began with grounding and breathwork and our first writing prompt, a clearing of your thoughts and a setting of intentions. 

We took the body through a good full-range-of-motion stretch, like a big yawn for every muscle! A big release of tension and a good spacious stretch. Nothing too fast or sweaty but moments of strength, connection and inner awareness. 

We came to seated for our second journaling prompt, focusing the attention.

From seated we took our stretching closer to the floor and explored a guided body scan. Our final journaling prompt guided us towards intention and a noticing of the body.

A reflection to close and reset you for heading back to life with freshness and clarity. 

When exploring intention, we looked at it in a very free and easy way with a curious, open-minded approach. My suggestion was that you allow your intentions for yourself, and your focus and your energy, to ebb and flow over the two hour period while maintaining, as best you can, the continuity of the awareness of the physical body. We mostly used breath, and/or sensations in the feet, as an anchor. 

Page 1. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness = Awareness (paying attention / calm and awake)

Awareness is imbued with curiosity, non-judgment and compassion

Page 2. Language and terminology behind the concepts we are actively exploring together, our learning has structure and it is designed to be a shared learning journey, ie. you learn from you, supported by the larger learning circle. 

Discernment: a wise way of making decisions

Introspection: awareness of the body

Contemplative: practices that are practical and (potentially) transformative. Practices that assist with deep concentration and quieting the mind. 

Vipassana meditation: seeing things as they really are (don’t dwell, don’t judge). 

Intention: ebb and flow out of conscious learning, day dreaming, resting, concentrating. 

Page 3. Writing (1). 3 minutes - blank page - ‘brain-dump’.

- How am I? - what’s going on for me? - what’s going well? - what’s needing attention? 

Qualities to support us: being with what is, curiosity, non-judging, where am I feeling it in the body. 

Page 4. Writing (2). 3 minutes - 3 things - FOCUS

- 3 ways I bring joy to others AND/OR - 3 things that make me happy - 3 things I am aware of NOW in the body.

Page 5. Writing (3). 3 minutes. 3 intentions. Body. 

How was my experience today? What arose for me? What might ‘future me’ need to be reminded about after today? 

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space lies our power to choose our response. In that choice lies our growth and our freedom.” Viktor Frankl. 

I'm hoping to run one workshop a month in 2024. We will explore one education piece each month and a journaling piece in the middle of the workshop. The next one is on Saturday 20th January 10am-12noon, €15 early bird (€20 after 6th Jan.)

You will need: 

Your mat, two pillows, a blanket, something to cover the eyes, a do-not-disturb sign for your door! A pen and paper, either a notebook or three blank sheets. something to sit on when you are writing and something to lean on while you are writing like a table or a book. It’s fine to use table and chair for some of the workshop if it’s easier. 

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Solar Alvura Yoga Retreats

Join us for a rejuvenating yoga retreat at Solar Alvura, where you can immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Algarve. We explore daily yoga and meditation sessions, complemented by delicious and nutritious meals to nourish your body and soul. You'll also have access to our spa and wellness facilities, as well as the opportunity to explore the breathtaking natural surroundings through guided excursions and adventure. Come unwind and find your inner peace at our idyllic yoga retreat. Please book by contacting Solar Alvura Health Hotel or let me know if you have any questions.

 

Nurture, Heal & Transform Yoga Retreat Dates

 

27th Jan - 1st Feb

10th - 15th February

2nd-7th March

20th-25th April

15th - 20th June

21st - 26th September

19th - 24th October

16th - 21st November

 

5 nights (6 days) Yoga Retreat starting 5pm Satruday, ending 12 noon Thursday. Extend your stay with a discounted rate on nights booked before or after the retreat; most guests come a day early to join us for the Saturday morning market in our local fishing town.

 

Please check the hotel website for pricing, prices start at €1,055 per person sharing, €1335 single occupancy.  

 

Solar Alvura Yoga Retreats are supportive, invitational and fun. They are designed by Sylvia Ferguson who has over 20 years of experience in teaching yoga. There’s an option to add on a detox programme or a weight-loss programme to your stay but no obligation to, many guests enjoy wine and dessert in moderation!

 

Retreat includes:

 

Full use of the extensive facilities and optional group excursions with optional extra treatments, procedures and excursions available

5 nights luxury accommodation 

All meals

Alcohol free drink (cocktail) or one glass of wine or beer per meal

Twice daily yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices with all of your equipment provided, no need to bring your yoga mat unless you'd like to

Excursions with the group (depending on the time of year) beach days, hiking, a visit to a local olive farm, cooking demonstrations

Airport collection on arrival from Faro airport (only 25 minutes away)

 

Add ons:

 

Weight loss program / detox program

Colonic hydrotherapy

Massage and all other Spa treatments

 

We are expecting you to leave with a healthier body and mind having had the space to nurture and relax with the support of your group and your mentors. Your learning programme will include practices for daily meditations, yoga and mindfulness as well as education on nutrition. Our intention for you is that your practices explored on retreat could come home with you to be incorporated into your daily life: 5 Tibetans, Dr Eva's method of healthy daily maintenance diet, daily mindfulness practices. 

 

A typical day includes: 

 Sunrise meditation and yoga followed by a healthy indulgent breakfast

Morning excursions or enjoy the property, book a treatment, or relax by the pool or in the Hammam. Wander through the orange grove, take a short stroll to the local town or nap!

A healthy lunch

Afternoons to enjoy the property, book a treatment, or relax by the pool or in the Hammam

Evening yoga or sunset meditation, or group Hammam depending on the time of year

Evening dip in the nearby Atlantic Ocean, summer or winter, we meet in the hot steam room after winter dips.

A leisurely dinner

 

Please contact the hotel directly to pay your 50% deposit to secure your place. We look forward to welcoming you!

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Our lovely guest on our July yoga retreat, Rachael, recently review our yoga retreat in gorgeous 3-page spread in the Sunday Mirror Magazine. Here’s a little flavour or what impressed her the most while giving you an idea of what you might expect when you join us. 

Although the retreats are in a stunning, luxury hotel in the Algarve they are surprisingly affordable so knowing first that your 5 days / 6 nights starts at €1062 for all your yoga, your delicious food, the facilities in the beautiful hotel in a shared room*. The Ryanair fights are frequent and affordable, the hotel is only 25 minutes from Faro Airport and arrange collection for you. It’s more accessible than you might think! 

Rachael adored her stunning room, the outdoor dining area with heaps of flavourful veg at every meal. Our morning meditation is on a rooftop at sunrise with views extending to the Atlantic Ocean not that far away. We drift from there to a purpose-built yoga yurt with soft cream fabric overhead and warm red stone below, sunlight pouring in and the scent of lavender and orange-grove ever-present in the property. 

The pool area is an infinity pool with shade or sun, luxurious sun loungers and the perfect place to chill for a few hours. It is a very peaceful location with maybe just an occasional distant passing car or the neighing of Eva’s pet donkey Divo to interrupt the silence. 

Eva is a doctor specialising in weight-loss and diabetes management, some hotel guests are there for specific tailored programmes, most on the yoga retreat are simply there to enjoy an abundance of healthy food. 

We have excursions daily, these are optional if you’d rather chill at the hotel or book a treatment at the spa. The Algarve Coast is a short drive away and we all pile into the hotel’s mini-bus for the ride. We take a ferry for the short ride to an island with white sand beaches, sun-loungers and umbrellas and cute bars with snacks and drinks. Tropical island experience with the Atlantic Ocean for a dip. We go to our local Olive Farm for a potter and a tour, our local historical town, Tavira, is perfect for a wander or a bit of shopping. We sea-kayak to another nearby island, more cute bars and coffee shops and a manageable, fun kayaking experience as we all paddle our own canoes! Life jackets and waterproof phone holders are all provided, the services in Portugal are excellent. 

We eat together three times daily but nobody minds if you’d rather spend quiet time with your book or gazing out over the extensive property admiring Divo’s gorgeous ears! Mornings are in silence until breakfast so we get used the endless chattering mind and learn how to appreciate silence and stillness and moments of peace. Our retreat is designed so you build skills and learn things, short yoga sequences to develop your home practice, little tips and tricks on creating plates of gorgeous healthy food, meditation practices that can drift into your life with ease. 

Rachael is still doing her daily meditation months later, many other guests (including me!) adopt some of Eva’s clever ways of maintaining healthy food choices, many others develop a short daily yoga practice. Eva and I are both scientist and educators and we love to support you in finding ways to live your best life. 

Rachael’s full article can be accessed here. I’m here for any questions at all, get in touch! xS

*Please note prices are due to increase in 2024

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