Description

Steps Towards Freedom – a retreat for 12-steppers 

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.

To book please email Camilla at info@ruralescapesportugal.com or send a message to her via WhatsApp +447786527686

About your host

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!