Learn About Off-Grid Living
With Ellis
26-29 March, 2026
Message us on WhatsApp to check dates and availability
4 Day Off-Grid Learning with Ellis
Learn to Live with the Land – Naturally & Sustainably
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
- 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
Who Is this Retreat For
This 4 day workshop 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.
Food and 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
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 hosts
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.
Your Investment
This workshop is for 4 days and 4 nights:
Single accommodation 500€
Shared accommodation 400€
To book you will need to secure your place with a 100€ deposit, the total to be paid by 1st February, 2026.
Contribution includes:
4 nights accommodation
All vegetarian meals
Tea, coffee, snacks, filtered spring water
Accommodation (shared)
Optional daily gentle yoga
Transfer from Faro Airport
Flight Transfer
The flight transfer from Faro Airport is included as part of your package.
Please do not book your flights before speaking with us so we can confirm timings and make sure everything runs smoothly.