Here are a few reviews from guests who have stayed here either as bed & breakfast guests or as retreat guests. For more up to date reviews visit Facebook or Google Maps!
“Best place in Portugal!
We decided at the first day, that we needed to come back to this magical place, Rural Escape, and visit our sweet hosts, Camilla and Ellis. My boyfriend and I had booked 3 nights at Rural Escapes, and we enjoyed every moment of it.
In the morning we had yoga classes with Camilla. It was only my boyfriend and I who stayed at the camp at the time, so it was like a private class for us. Camilla’s yoga classes are the best that I have tried so fare. But even though she is a great teacher, the surroundings and setting had a great effect too.
In the morning and afternoon Camilla cooked dinner for us, and it’s the best we have had on our 16 days of holiday in Portugal.
Ellis showed us around on the camp and told us, about how they had managed to build up the camp in the mountains. It was very exiting and fascinating. And they have the sweetest dogs.” Facebook review from Danish bed&breakfast guests
Fantastic yoga retreat in the beautiful mountains near Monchique. Camilla and Ellis were warm and friendly hosts, the yoga classes were brilliant (this one was Kundalini, but Camilla also teaches other types), the accommodation was comfortable, the views were magnificent and the vegetarian food was delicious and copious! Highly recommend. Harriet, UK
My name is Constança, and I participated in Rural Escapes Portugal, a yoga retreat during the first week of September. I only have good things to say, our wonderful hosts are very professional and organized. I was very welcomed by both, the tents are very spacious, warm and cozy. The food is great, fantastic breakfast, lunch and dinner. The yoga teacher was wonderful and very careful with each one of us. The atmosphere was always full of good healthy, positive energy. The place is beautiful and amazing. I highly recommend these retreats, and i want to share this unique experience. I will definitely go again! Thank you everyone, who was part of this retreat! Constança, Portugal
“Ellis and Camilla were friendly and helpful with anything that you needed, there is an honesty box set up if you run out of supplies. We had trouble with our hire car, and Ellis was straight on the phone advocating for us and helping us sort things out. We did a yoga class with Camilla, she was a knowledgeable and thoughtful instructor and would strongly recommend doing at least one session, as it does really set you up for the day (the class was also reasonably priced which is obviously good). The two dogs Manni and Shuva are SUPER CUTE and made the stay even better, if you’re a dog person then you want to visit this resort for sure. Manni even shared a hammock with us at one point which was pretty hilarious. There is also a cat called Boo who is very sweet and came all the way from the UK! The bell tents where really comfy and we slept great there (apparently a lot of people say that). The resort is very eco friendly and uses solar power which is cool. Also looking out over the mountains using the outdoor shower, and using a full kitchen that is built outside is flippin’ MAGICAL. There is also a pool that you can cool off in, it’s on the edge of the hill so the views are breath-taking. The resort itself is a drive away from the beach, where you can go surfing or body boarding (because Ellis and Camilla were kind enough to lend us body boards), or you can explore nearby villages. On Saturday nights there is a local restaurant that has live music on, you can go in the van with Camilla and Ellis so easy to get to. All in all, a marvelous experience and would highly recommend people to spend some time here. Hopefully we’ll come again one day!” Facebook review from bed & breakfast guests from Nottingham, UK
I had wonderful 6 days in the beautiful mountains of Portugal, off grid living, delicious vegetarian food and Kundalini yoga twice a day, exploring chakras. Camilla is a caring and experienced teacher.
Camilla and Ellis our hosts were attentive and fun and facilitated trips to the local beaches and towns.
Great experience all round! Just what I needed to rejuvenate the soul. Thank you!
Diane, UK
“The week was really well structured, there had obviously been a lot of planning gone in to it before we arrived – there were seven guests in total – but it never felt rigid or over-planned – it was still gloriously laid back. There was loads of laughter, trips to local beaches, and lots of mind and body work that left me feel amazing. Camilla used the chakra system as a framework, which was really interesting and informative. There were a lot of high points – meals outdoors around the huge table, each meal a feast of vegan and veggie wholefood. The bell tent overlooking the whole valley, with no noise other than the owls at night. Ellis and Camilla’s 2 dogs, the puppy Chuva and the fluffy Mani – the most friendly adorable dogs ever, (apart from my own!) and a very chilled out black cat called Boo who came all the way from Brighton. Morning yoga as as the sun rose over the mountain onto the purpose built yoga platform – and the scent of the eucalyptus. Honestly, the place will make you poetic. Even the compost loos are a delight – they are loos with a view. I came home feeling recalibrated, chilled out, satisfied, content. I would definitely recommend Rural Escapes if you enjoy rugged outdoor living that still has all the comforts you need – hot water, wifi, great food, and great company. And huge bell tents with proper beds, solar lights, and you even get a head torch on arrival. Every detail has been thought of. The only downside was that it got a bit unseasonably cold for a day or two. Which is hardly a downside at all – I can’t wait to go back” Suzanne, UK
Loved staying with Camilla and Ellis, they have managed to bring together the beauty of spiritual practice with off grid living so perfectly, diligently and caringly. Stayed in their gorgeous log cabin with stunning views as you look down the sun drenched valleys. Camilla brought fire to our bellies with her learned knowledge of kundalini practice, which was transformative – I came away from the retreat restored and energised and full of hope. Ellis’ incredible work with the local ecosystems means you can be reassured you are staying in a place completely in tune with nature. Absolutely adored being there, adore both Camilla and Ellis and can’t wait to come again, highly recommended for yogis and those on any spiritual path in tune with their surroundings. Lucy, UK
“I spent a blissful week in the serene, stunning surroundings of Rural Escapes in April this year. Despite some unusually unpredictable weather, the entire experience of explorative yoga combined with trips to the amazing Atlantic coastline, a spa in Monchique and delicious, wholesome locally sourced food, made this a truly magical experience. Ellis and Camilla, alongside their cook – Olivia and volunteer guest Cloe worked hard to provide their guests with a relaxed, fun environment where although it’s encouraged to “muck in together”, there are equally ample opportunities for solitude and quiet reflection. The additional members of the family Chuva and Mani (two gorgeous friendly stray dogs adopted by the couple) help contribute to the overall caring family atmosphere created in the “middle of nowhere”. I personally can’t wait to make a return trip to soak up the idyllic setting that helps make a truly unique rural escape” Vanessa, UK
I recently enjoyed a wonderful yoga of the Heart retreat at Rural escapes Portugal with the extremely welcoming Camilla and Ellis. It is a beautiful off beat mountain location with stunning views from the Yoga platform and the Hamocks! Camilla lead a relaxing, self compassionate, and truly varied week of yoga practices, including a beautiful one on the beach.
The food was absolutely delicious, freshly made at every meal and abundant, especially the courgette muffins, the home made falafel, lentil Curry, & the banana & chocolate bread. Namaste. Dorothy, Ireland