A Return to the Rhythms of Nature – and to Your True Self
This retreat is an intentional withdrawal from modern life and an invitation to step into direct relationship with nature, stillness, and inner truth.
Held in a secluded off-grid mountain valley in southern Portugal, this is not a passive retreat, but a guided Vision Quest held within a supportive retreat container.
During this retreat Participants are invited into:
• A digital detox • A simplified way of living • Time in nature • Silence • A 24-hour fast • Practices designed to gently but clearly challenge habitual patterns
By removing distraction, stimulation, and comfort-seeking, we create the conditions for true listening to the body, the land, and the quiet intelligence beneath thought.
A Phoenix Moment – Vision Through the Inner Fire
A vision quest is not about escaping life, but about meeting it more honestly.
This retreat is a personal vision quest experience for each participant, a threshold moment where you are invited to step beyond familiarity, remain present through discomfort, and allow what is no longer needed to fall away.
This is the Phoenix Moment:
a conscious descent,
a shedding,
and a return with renewed clarity, direction, and inner authority.
Insight here is not forced but it is earned.
Rebirth
A Vision Quest Within a Held Retreat Space
This retreat is a deep immersion into your personal healing and rebirth process.
Through Integrated Kundalini Yoga, meditation, ritual, nature immersion, fasting, silence, and creative inquiry, you are supported to:
Reset and strengthen your nervous system
Release outdated identities and patterns
Reconnect with inner guidance and intuition
Receive insight into the next chapter of your life
Return with clarity that can be lived, not just imagined
Each day is carefully structured, yet spacious allowing insights to arise through direct experience, not mental effort.
This is not about self-improvement.
It is about remembering what remains when the noise falls away.
Digital Detox, Fasting and Nature Immersion
Throughout the retreat, participants are required to engage in a complete digital detox, creating space for the nervous system to recalibrate and perception to deepen.
At the heart of the week is a 24-hour fast, undertaken within a guided and supported container, as part of the vision quest process. Fasting has long been used across cultures to sharpen awareness, access intuition, and mark a threshold moment.
Supported by:
Extended time alone in nature
Forest walk at dawn
Time by wild water and open sky
Silence, simplicity, and rest
In the absence of constant input:
clarity returns,
creativity reawakens,
and a deeper inner rhythm is restored.
What’s included
This retreat is for those who feel ready to meet themselves at an edge, within a held and supportive environment.
Guided 24-hour fast as part of the vision quest experience
Structured solo time in nature
Kundalini Yoga
Ritual Practices
Journaling Prompts
Sound Bath
Conscious Connected Breathwork
Vegetarian meals
Guided hike
Airport transfer
Trip out
The Yoga and Meditative Journey
Two daily sessions support both activation and integration, helping participants meet challenges without overwhelm and insight without bypassing.
Morning practices build vitality, resilience, and inner fire.
Evening practices support assimilation, grounding, and nervous system repair.
All practices are accessible to all levels, and no prior experience with fasting or vision quest work is required — only willingness
Investment
Shared accommodation: £950 Early-bird before May 1st: £870
Single accommodation: £1175 Early-bird before May 1st: £1100
Instalment payment plans available
Contact me directly to book or enquire at ashley@loveisinyou.com
Retreat Leaders
Ashley Jones
With two decades of experience guiding transformative retreats and groups, Ashley draws from Integrated Kundalini Yoga, meditation, ritual, and spiritual inquiry to support deep inner change.
Her work is rooted in helping people reconnect with their inner well of wisdom and personal power not as something to strive toward, but as something to remember.
Ashley holds retreat spaces with clarity, warmth, and depth, supporting both individual healing and collective evolution during these potent times of change.
Camilla Bergman (Co-facilitator)
With over two decades of committed inner work, Camilla’s path has been shaped through 26 years in 12-Step fellowships alongside ongoing practice in yoga, breathwork, ritual, and sound.
She has been teaching yoga since 2012 and has guided retreats in Tenerife, Brighton, and Portugal. Recently certified as a Conscious Connected Breathwork facilitator and trained in Sound Healing with Don Conreux, Camilla brings a grounded, intuitive presence to the spaces she holds.
Her work is devoted to supporting honest self-inquiry, embodied awareness, and the gentle unfolding of insight through breath, practice, and connection.
Join Us
This retreat is for those who feel the call to pause, reset, and listen more deeply.
For those standing at a threshold.
For those ready to let something old fall away and allow something truer to rise.
Step away from the noise and reconnect with your recovery in a peaceful, supportive environment immersed in nature. This intimate retreat is designed for those who are serious about their program and ready to take time for deeper step work.
Whether you’re completing Step Four, making your way through amends, or simply seeking space for quiet reflection and spiritual growth, this retreat offers the time and setting to do just that — with others who understand and are on the same journey.
Each day includes morning and evening meetings, personal time for step work, and optional early morning Yoga sessions to support body, mind, and spirit.
With space for up to ten participants, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to slow down, focus inward, and strengthen your connection with recovery and fellowship.
Who Is This Retreat For?
If you have at least one year of continuous abstinence in a 12 Step program and are committed to your recovery — yet want to wear it lightly — this retreat is for you.
We remember that “We are not a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 132 (4th Edition)
This retreat is designed for those who take their recovery seriously but also know that joy, laughter, and fellowship are part of the journey.
What’s Included
Daily Morning Gentle Yoga optional
Daily 12-Step Meetings
Walk to the Lake guided
Breathwork Session for release
Shared or Single Accommodation available
All Vegetarian Meals provided
Tea and Coffee help yourself
Relaxation hammock and pool time
Encouragement and Support for your step work
RTN Flight Transfer from Faro airport to Rural Escapes Portugal
Sample Retreat Schedule
Time
Activity
8:00-9am
Yoga in silence
9:00am
Breakfast in silence
10:00–1:15pm
Conscious Time for Step Work (with tea/coffee break)
1:30–2:30pm
Lunch (with washing-up rota – service)
2:30–6:00pm
Free Time (on some days this time will include an activity)
6:00-7pm
Dinner (with washing-up rota – service)
7:30–9:00pm
Evening Meeting
10:00pm
Lights Out
Living Off-Grid
At Rural Escapes Portugal, we live in harmony with nature — and that’s part of the magic. Our centre is completely off-grid, using the sun for power and sustainable systems for water and waste.
You’ll find compost toilets and outdoor showers, both clean, well-designed, and easy to use. Many guests arrive a little unsure — and leave saying it’s one of their favourite parts of the experience! There’s something grounding and freeing about showering in shower cubicle with a view of the mountains and knowing your stay treads lightly on the earth.
This simple, natural way of living helps set the tone for the retreat: slower, more mindful, and deeply connected to what really matters.
Accommodation
Rural Escapes Portugal is an off-grid retreat centre created by Camilla and her husband Ellis, offering both glamping tents and cosy cabins nestled in nature. Each tent includes slatted beds with cotton bedding and is designed to be warm, comfortable, and inviting.
How to book
This retreat is a low-cost retreat for people who are serious about their recovery and have at least 1 years abstinence from their addiction/behaviour. Spaces are limited and you will need to speak with Camilla before booking your place.
The price is on a sliding scale of 500€ – 600€ per person for shared accommodation or 700€ single accommodation. Prices include RTN flight transfer at a specific given time. Please contact us directly before booking flights.
I’ve been sober since 1999 and part of the 12-step community for over 25 years. I’m also a certified yoga teacher (hatha, vinyasa and kundalini yoga), a breathwork facilitator and the founder of Rural Escapes Portugal. I’ve been hosting 12-step and yoga retreats both here and in Tenerife since 2014. I teach Y12sr at Point-O a Dutch 12-step treatment centre here in Portugal and I hold monthly women circles for local women. My passion is helping others find peace, laughter, and connection in recovery — because we truly are not a glum lot!
Learn to Live with the Land – Naturally & Sustainably
April 17-21, 2026
Are you curious about living more sustainably or going fully off-grid?
Thinking about buying some land or have bought some and dont know where to start, Start here.
join us for an immersive 4-day workshop dedicated to empowering you with the skills and knowledge to live in harmony with the land and thrive in an off-grid lifestyle. Set in a beautiful natural environment we’ll take care of all your needs as you enjoy a hands-on introduction to off-grid living – real, raw, and inspiring.
What You’ll Learn:
Gain practical skills and expert guidance on everything you need to know about off-grid living.
Solar Power:
Choosing the right solar setup for your needs
Where to purchase solar for the fraction of the costs
Understanding your power consumption
DIY installation basics
Water Storage & Use:
Borehole/water-mine/well/rainwater – discussing the best options
Filtering and storing water
Natural Building:
Building with what’s on the land
Mud building techniques
How to build a compost toilet
Starting your own vegetable garden:
Starting a basic yet productive garden
Companion planting and crop rotation for seasonal food production
Soil health, composting options, and watering systems
How to build a simple polytunnel
Food & Accommodation is all included:
Meals: Delicious, nourishing vegetarian meals included
Accommodation: Rustic, shared rooms in cabins
Extras: Optional yoga and enjoy full access to the on-site pool
Who Is This Workshop For?
This retreat is ideal for anyone interested in:
Sustainable living
Homesteading or starting an off-grid property
Building with natural materials
Creating a deeper connection with the earth
Having a friend to call for help and advice after this workshop
No prior experience needed — just an open mind and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
To book
This workshop is for 4 days and includes 4 nights shared accommodation and all meals for 500€ all inclusive.
To book you will need to secure your place with a 100€ deposit, the total to be paid by 1st February, 2026.
Getting here
The closest town to us is Monchique, and the nearest international airport is Faro. We can arrange a pick-up and return shuttle from the airport (shared costs with other participants) depending on your arrival time or alternatively you can get a taxi or Uber. We can also arrange a pickup from Monchique. Portimao has a train station and there are buses that go from Portimao to Monchique. Please contact Ellis for more information +447767795999.
More about the facilitator
Ellis is the co-owner of Rural Escapes Portugal, a small off-grid glamping retreat nestled in the heart of the Serra de Monchique. When he purchased the land in 2014, it was completely untouched—just two old ruins and wild nature. Since then, Ellis has restored one of the mud ruins and built a passive house using natural clay. He’s also designed and installed a reliable solar power and water system that now supports the retreat.
Together with his wife Camilla—a yoga teacher and passionate cook—they love hosting guests and sharing their peaceful, sustainable lifestyle. Their retreat has earned glowing 5-star reviews on both Google and Airbnb.
With years of hands-on experience, Ellis is a go-to source for off-grid living advice in the Monchique area, often helping others who are on a similar path.
What is up with Portugal? It seems like everyone wants to travel there, move there, live there nowadays! Come explore the colourful, chilled-out Portuguese way of life with us at this yoga retreat at this unique, sustainable venue. Sip an abatanado (espresso to you and me) and watch the world go by at a street-side cafe. Explore beautiful beaches, paddle board along coastal rivers and if you’re lucky spot a dolphin on the horizon. And most importantly, get to know yourself better while you slow down and soak in the natural beauty of our home base in Portugal’s southern “Algarve” region.
Rural Escapes Portugal provides an inviting atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views of the mountains. The property features charming, eco-friendly accommodations designed to make you feel at home in the surrounding nature while providing all the amenities you need for a restful stay. From cozy, communal spaces to tranquil gardens, you’ll find plenty of spots to unwind, reflect, and connect with fellow participants.
The retreat location is strategically positioned for easy access to Monchique, a charming typically Portuguese town. The town itself boasts cobbled streets, traditional Portuguese houses, and stunning views over the surrounding hills and coastline. You’ll discover local shops, quaint cafés, and markets where you can experience authentic Portuguese culture.
Daily Schedule
Each day of the retreat is thoughtfully structured to provide a balanced mix of yoga, adventure, and relaxation. Mornings typically start with a sunrise meditation and then an invigorating yoga session led by Carrie. Carrie’s classes are designed thoughtfully to awaken and energize both body and mind, while weaving in mythology and the philosophical “off-the-mat” principles of yoga along the way. Carrie’s classes are trauma-informed with lots of options for beginners and experienced yogis alike! She does her best to make every practice inclusive and keep everyone engaged and learning throughout the week!
After a wholesome breakfast prepared by Zach, the midday schedule will include either an adventurous hike, beach day, or town exploration, or a special workshop on mindfulness, Ayurveda, or yoga for recovery. These interactive sessions offer practical insights that you can integrate into your daily life long after the retreat ends.
Afternoons are designed for relaxation and self-exploration. You might enjoy a leisurely walk in the surrounding hills, spend time at the pool, or engage in one of the optional additional activities offered.
Evenings culminate in yin or restorative yoga sessions, and then a chance to share experiences with fellow participants over a delicious dinner. Each meal is a celebration of local ingredients, reflecting our commitment to wellness and nourishment throughout your stay. More about the food below…
What activities are included in this Portugal yoga retreat?
This Portugal yoga retreat will have lots of included activities, along with optional add-on adventures. What’s included:
Mount Fóia highest point in Southern Portugal – a hike (5 miles, 1000 feet of elevation gain)
Beach day at a popular nearby beach in the Algarve region
Sea cave kayaking tour
Half-day town exploration in Monchique
Daily or twice-daily yoga & mindfulness practices
Special Summer Solstice ceremony, other special workshops
Plenty of time to relax at Rural Escapes Portugal, hike around the area, or relax by the pool
Join us for five days of self-discovery, connection with others, and a deep re-connection with your heart, soul, and inner being. Immerse yourself in the healing practice of yoga and Social Psychology, coupled with the vibration of crystal bowls, gongs and the didgeridoo as you relax into and embrace the boundless presence within. This retreat is designed to guide you toward profound inner peace in the tranquil heart of the Monchique Mountains, where nature’s serenity surrounds and embraces you.
Schedule
Day 1
We begin with a welcome circle, connecting our souls through mindfulness practices, followed by a healthy, delicious, and nutritious dinner. A complimentary shuttle from Faro airport is available on this day for your convenience. Please contact us about the flight transfer before booking your flight.
Day 2
We start the day with hatha yoga, combining meditation, pranayama, asanas, and a soothing gong meditation. Afterwards, we gather together to enjoy a deliciously nutritious brunch. In the afternoon, Maria leads a therapeutic group session, and in the evening João offers a calming sound healing experience.
Day 3
On this day, we begin with a beautiful sound yoga practice, blending mantras, mudras, kundalini yoga, and gentle breathwork. The soothing sounds of the Gong and Didgeridoo will leave you feeling calm and rejuvenated.
In the afternoon, Maria will guide a psychodrama session, followed by a transformative evening featuring a Cacao ceremony, Ecstatic Dance, and Sound Healing—an unforgettable experience.
Day 4
Our fourth day begins with yoga and gong meditation, followed by a delicious brunch.
In the afternoon, João leads a Puja Sound Healing session using the Gong, crystal bowls, shamanic instruments, and light language activation. These transformative practices help you reconnect with your true self and inner purpose, opening your heart to greater abundance and love.
Day 5
Start your day with Sound Yoga and a delightful brunch.
In the afternoon, reconnect with your essence through Art Therapy led by Maria. As the evening unfolds, prepare for a profound experience: João, Jean-Jacques, and Vanessa will perform a seven-and-a-half-hour Gong Puja while you sleep. This immersive sound journey will impact you on a deep, subconscious level, reaching beyond what you can consciously observe.
Day 6
We wake up early after the regenerative Gong Puja, allowing you to watch a sunrise or take some time to integrate all activations of this week.
We get together for our final brunch and end this magical retreat in a sharing circle. For those needing an airport transfer we will leave Rural Escapes after 12 noon.
Meet the Facilitators
João Rafael Viana
Maria Jose
João Rafael Viana
Sound Healing / Gong Bath / Meditation
João a certified holistic therapist from Portugal, his mission is to spread love, peace, and light to all he encounters. His spiritual journey began in his childhood, when his mother introduced him to the world of energy and healing. At the age of twelve, João discovered Reiki, which sparked a deep and lifelong passion for holistic healing.
João embarked on a six-month pilgrimage through South America, where he encountered the ancient practice of Crystalline Sound healing. This modality initially came to him as a whisper during meditation, has become his calling.
Today, João integrates the wisdom gained from his travels, continuous study, and meditation into his therapeutic practices. Specialising in Crystalline Sound healing, which he offers to individuals and groups within the Algarve.
Maria Jose Social Psychologist / Yoga Instructor
Maria shares her elder wisdom and uses creative approaches to help you awaken to a deeper awareness. She will guide you in processing internal challenges and unconscious patterns with compassion, facilitating the release of old structures that no longer serve your growth. This process opens the way for a more loving and liberated connection with all aspects of your life, including relationships, your profession, habits, and your soul’s path.
Jean Jacques
From a very young age, music has accompanied Jacques at every step of his journey. For him, music is vibration, and everything that lives vibrates. Life itself pulses in a constant search for harmony.
Jacques is a dedicated therapist specializing in Tui-Na massage, a sound therapist since 2018, a certified Gong Master since 2020, and an accredited facilitator of Biodanza SRT®. He conducts individual and group sessions, utilizing Tibetan singing bowls and planetary gongs to foster balance and well-being.
Costs: €850 per person (all incl.)
Includes: Shared accommodation, all meals, all sessions, and airport pick-up and drop-off.
What is up with Portugal? It seems like everyone wants to travel there, move there, live there nowadays! Come explore the colourful, chilled-out Portuguese way of life with us at this yoga retreat at this unique, sustainable venue. Sip an abatanado (espresso to you and me) and watch the world go by at a street-side cafe. Explore beautiful beaches, paddle board along coastal rivers and if you’re lucky spot a dolphin on the horizon. And most importantly, get to know yourself better while you slow down and soak in the natural beauty of our home base in Portugal’s southern “Algarve” region.
Rural Escapes Portugal provides an inviting atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views of the mountains. The property features charming, eco-friendly accommodations designed to make you feel at home in the surrounding nature while providing all the amenities you need for a restful stay. From cozy, communal spaces to tranquil gardens, you’ll find plenty of spots to unwind, reflect, and connect with fellow participants.
The retreat location is strategically positioned for easy access to Monchique, a charming typically Portuguese town. The town itself boasts cobbled streets, traditional Portuguese houses, and stunning views over the surrounding hills and coastline. You’ll discover local shops, quaint cafés, and markets where you can experience authentic Portuguese culture.
Daily Schedule
Each day of the retreat is thoughtfully structured to provide a balanced mix of yoga, adventure, and relaxation. Mornings typically start with a sunrise meditation and then an invigorating yoga session led by Carrie. Carrie’s classes are designed thoughtfully to awaken and energize both body and mind, while weaving in mythology and the philosophical “off-the-mat” principles of yoga along the way. Carrie’s classes are trauma-informed with lots of options for beginners and experienced yogis alike! She does her best to make every practice inclusive and keep everyone engaged and learning throughout the week!
After a wholesome breakfast prepared by Zach, the midday schedule will include either an adventurous hike, beach day, or town exploration, or a special workshop on mindfulness, Ayurveda, or yoga for recovery. These interactive sessions offer practical insights that you can integrate into your daily life long after the retreat ends.
Afternoons are designed for relaxation and self-exploration. You might enjoy a leisurely walk in the surrounding hills, spend time at the pool, or engage in one of the optional additional activities offered.
Evenings culminate in yin or restorative yoga sessions, and then a chance to share experiences with fellow participants over a delicious dinner. Each meal is a celebration of local ingredients, reflecting our commitment to wellness and nourishment throughout your stay. More about the food below…
What activities are included in this Portugal yoga retreat?
This Portugal yoga retreat will have lots of included activities, along with optional add-on adventures. What’s included:
Mount Fóia highest point in Southern Portugal – a hike (5 miles, 1000 feet of elevation gain)
Beach day at a popular nearby beach in the Algarve region
Sea cave kayaking tour
Half-day town exploration in Monchique
Daily or twice-daily yoga & mindfulness practices
Special Summer Solstice ceremony, other special workshops
Plenty of time to relax at Rural Escapes Portugal, hike around the area, or relax by the pool
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