Steps to Freedom - a 12 Step Retreat
18-23 June 2026
Message us on WhatsApp to check dates and availability
A Dedicated Space to Deepen Your Recovery
Step away from the noise and reconnect with your recovery in a peaceful, supportive environment immersed in nature. This intimate retreat is for those who are committed to their program and ready to take time for deeper step work.
Whether you’re completing Step Four, making amends, or needing space to focus on your recovery, this retreat offers the time and setting to do just that — alongside others in 12 Step fellowships.
Held in a peaceful, off-grid setting, this is an opportunity to step away from daily life and focus fully on your recovery — supported, guided, and held within a small and intentional group.
What to Expect
Each day includes morning and evening meetings, dedicated time for step work, and space to rest, reflect, and connect. Morning yoga/meditation sessions are offered to gently support body, mind, and spirit.
With space for up to ten participants, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to slow down, focus inward, and strengthen your connection with recovery and fellowship.
By Joining this retreat you will
- Actively strengthen your connection to your program
- Share and reflect within a supportive group environment
- Build routine, consistency, and self-care into your recovery
- Step away from distractions and reconnect with yourself
- Develop a daily gentle yoga and meditation practice
- Experience breathwork to support your recovery
- Enjoy a day out at a beautiful beach (optional)
- Have fun with other 12-steppers!
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 — and want to connect with others within the 12-step community and in a structured space — then this retreat is for you.
This will be a small retreat with no more than 14 people on site – maximum of ten participants, one facilitator, a chef and two onsite helpers.
“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
Structure of the Day
Each day follows a steady rhythm
- 9am – 10.45am > Gentle yoga & themed 12-step meeting
11am – 12pm > Brunch
12.15pm – 1.45pm > Quiet time for step work/Journalling
2pm-5pm > Chill time – pool, hammock, walk in nature, rest
5.15pm – 6.45pm > Group step work
7pm – 8pm > Vegetarian dinner
8 – 8.30pm > Washing up Rota
8.30 – 9.30pm > Check-in – All Fellowships meeting
There’s a balance here – structure to support the work, and space to simply be
Accommodation & Food
Our accommodation is simple, comfortable, and immersed in nature.
Our accommodation is simple, comfortable, and immersed in nature — designed to help you slow down, rest, and feel at home.
Guests stay in a mix of thoughtfully prepared spaces, including bell tents with proper beds and mattresses, two cabins (Om Shanti – a studio, and Sunrise Lodge with two rooms and a kitchen), and The Shepherd’s Hut. The cabins and Shepherd’s Hut each have their own showers, while the bell tents share two outdoor showers. Across the land, we use eco-friendly compost toilets.
Accommodation is available on a shared or single basis, and spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please let us know your preference when booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
There is also a natural swimming pool, offering a refreshing place to cool off, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.
Food
Meals are vegetarian, nourishing, and prepared with care, using ingredients sourced mainly from local farmers’ markets, along with seasonal produce from our own garden wherever possible. We aim to use organic ingredients, and always offer vegan and gluten-free options.
We understand that everyone’s needs are different, and we’ll always do our best to be as flexible and accommodating as possible. If you are following a specific food program or your diet includes meat, you’re welcome to bring or purchase your own — we can stop in Monchique on arrival if needed, and we’ll provide fridge space so you can store and combine it with the meals we prepare.
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 private showers, all clean, thoughtfully 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 surprisingly grounding (and even joyful) about showering in a private shower 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 gently connected to what really matters.
About your host
Hi, my name is Camilla and I’m a recovering alcoholic, adult child (and various other things). I’ve been sober since 1999 and part of the 12-step fellowship for over 26 years. I’m a certified yoga teacher (hatha, vinyasa and kundalini yoga), breathwork and sound healing facilitator. I’ve been teaching yoga and hosting 12-step and yoga retreats in Portugal and in Tenerife since 2013.
I teach Y12sr (Yoga 12 Step Recovery) at Point O a Dutch 12-step treatment centre here in Portugal and I hold monthly women circles for local women. My husband and I have been living in Portugal since 2016, where we built and created Rural Escapes Portugal.
My passion is helping others find peace, laughter, and connection in recovery — because we truly are not a glum lot!
Your Investment
Investment (sliding scale):
Shared accommodation: €500 – €700 per person
Single accommodation: €800 per person
The sliding scale is offered with affordability in mind, while still honouring the value of the space, food, the yoga and shared experience. In keeping with the spirit of the fellowship, this retreat is offered at a lower rate than our usual retreats.
Important
To book and hold your place you will need to pay a €100 non-refundable deposit and the entire amount paid by 18th May after this date there is no refund if you cancel. If for some reason we cancel the retreat you will receive the full amount that you have paid including your deposit or a credit for a future retreat if you prefer.
* Please note you will need to get travel insurance before your trip.
Contribution includes:
5 nights accommodation
All vegetarian meals
Tea, coffee, snacks, filtered spring water
Accommodation (shared or single)
Daily gentle yoga with meditation practice
- Trip out to the beach
Airport transfer
Flight Transfer
The flight transfer from Faro Airport is included as part of your package.
18th June (arrival day) pick up at 17:00 from Faro Airport
23rd June (departure day) drop off arriving at Faro Airport 12:00
Please consider the flight transfer times before booking your flight, and contact us so we can confirm timings and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Step away, go deeper into your program, and return with greater clarity, connection, and trust in your path.
“A space to go deep, stay connected, and remember — we don’t have to do this alone.”