Portugal Retreat
Sunday, October 18 - Saturday, October 24
A week to nourish through practice, wholesome meals and coastal nature in Portugal’s West Algarve.
Surrounded by the preserved beauty of Portugal’s Costa Vicentina Natural Park on the West Algarve coast, this retreat offers a quiet sanctuary for holistic growth and deep connection with nature. Each day begins with early morning pranayama, followed by a rejuvenating morning practice and an energizing afternoon session accessible to all levels, with generous space for rest, reflection and exploration of the surrounding land and sea. Nourishing vegetarian and vegan meals are prepared with care and love, supporting a week of steady practice, ease and renewal.
Monte Velho Retreat Centre is a family-run, eco-conscious sanctuary nestled within the wild beauty of Portugal’s Costa Vicentina Natural Park in the West Algarve. Framed by dramatic coastlines, open skies and expansive beaches, the centre offers private and shared ensuite accommodations, ocean-view practice spaces and nourishing vegetarian and vegan cuisine prepared with care.
Just a short drive from Amado and Bordeira beaches, the area invites walking, swimming, surfing and quiet exploration of the surrounding cliffs and trails. Surf lessons with board and wetsuit are available at the beach, while nearby inland paths are ideal for hiking and mountain biking.
On site, you can enjoy holistic therapies such as massage, sauna and energy work, all within a remote and peaceful setting where the land meets the Atlantic. Additional activities such as horseback riding, dolphin watching, e-bike and walking tours through the Natural Park, and visits to a local winery can be arranged through the retreat centre.
The nearby village of Carrapateira is 4 km away, and Faro airport is approximately a 90-minute drive.
The Menu
Each day begins with tea, coffee and fresh fruit after pranayama, followed by a nourishing lunch after the morning practice and a wholesome dinner in the evening. Thoughtfully crafted by our Monte Velho’s chefs, the menus are plant-based, balanced and designed to support vitality and good health.
Meals are fresh, vegetarian and made with unprocessed, locally sourced ingredients, including herbs and vegetables from Monte Velho’s own garden. They work closely with nearby farmers and prepare as much as possible in-house, creating simple, beautiful food that feels both grounding and uplifting.
Dietary needs and restrictions can be accommodated.
The Schedule
Classes are accessible for all levels of students.
Sunday, Oct 18 | Arrival
4pm Check-in
7pm Dinner
Monday, Oct 19 / Tuesday, Oct 20 / Thursday, Oct 22
8-8:45am Pranayama
9-10am Tea / Fruit
10:30am-12:30pm Rejuvenating Practice
1pm Lunch
4-6pm Energizing Afternoon Practice
7pm Dinner
Wednesday, Oct 21
8-8:45am Pranayama
9-10am Tea / Fruit
10:30am-12:30pm Rejuvenating Practice
Afternoon Off
Friday, Oct 23
8-8:45am Pranayama
9-10am Tea / Fruit
10:30am-12:30pm Rejuvenating Practice
1pm Lunch
4-6pm Specialty Class (optional)
7pm Dinner (optional)
Saturday, Oct 24 | Departure
8-8:45am Pranayama
9-10am Tea
10am Checkout from Rooms
12pm Checkout from the Venue
The Logistics
The closest airport to fly into is Faro. Participants organize their own travel to and from the venue. Monte Velho is approximately 90 minutes from Faro Airport.
Transfer options include:
- Car rental: ~1h20 drive
- Private transfer: €120–140 each way (shared rides possible, 8-person van ~€160–180)
- Public transport: Bus + train to Lagos, bus to Vila do Bispo, taxi to Monte Velho (€25)
- Transfers from Lisbon are also possible:
8-person van: €350–380
4-person taxi: €295–320
Monte Velho can help organize these transfers and once booked, it’s the participants responsibility to stay in touch with the driver for any delays or changes. For more information see Monte Velho’s FAQs page here.
Monte Velho, Carrapateira
8670-230 Aljezur – Portugal
+351 282 973 207
info@montevelhoretreatcentre.com
Health Insurance: Participants are required to have travel medical insurance.
Immunization: Please check with a travel clinic in your city about recommended immunizations.
Money: Portugal uses the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, restaurants, hotels and most shops. Contactless tap works almost everywhere. That said, it’s useful to carry a bit of cash for small cafés, local markets, taxis in smaller towns, or rural areas.
Accommodation, yoga practice, tea/coffee and listed meals are included. Travel to Portugal, transfer to and from Monte Velho, massage treatments, sauna or additional activities/excursions are not included.
Props: Please bring a yoga mat and any specific props you need for your practice. All other props are provided.
Pricing | $1750 USD
Registration Deposit | $1000 USD due upon registration to secure your spot.
Final Payment | $750 USD due August 1 (an email reminder will be sent to you).
We have 12 spots available. Waitlist names will be taken if we are full and in the case of cancellations. We will contact you if/when a space becomes available (please fill out the registration form and submit your deposit and we will refund you fully if a space doesn't open up).
Cancellations: Participant cancellations up to 60 days are subject to a $100 USD admin fee and within 60 days of the retreat are subject to waitlist availability and/or a $250 USD admin fee.
Your Teachers
Sharoni Fixler
Sharoni resides in Calgary, Canada and is the founder and Director of CIY. She began her yoga studies in 2002 and met Faeq Biria in 2007, who profoundly inspired her in the subject. Sharoni has taken many trips to study with Faeq and Corine Biria at Blacons, Chaise Dieu and various places in North America, Asia and Israel. She completed her teacher training under Margot Kitchen and continues to work locally with Norman Sjoman on the advanced asana practice. Norman is a Sanskrit scholar and studied with Yogacharya BKS Iyengar in the late 1960s, before RIMYI (Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute) was founded. Sharoni currently trains with Corine Biria and Jawahar Bangera and has taken multiple trips to Pune, India, to study with the Iyengars.
Sharoni has a degree in philosophy and has a lifelong interest in spirituality and human potential. She brings intensity, enthusiasm and joy to her teaching and encourages dedication and insight. Sharoni believes in the transformative power of the practice to illuminate our living.
She serves as an assessor for the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC) , a member of the Education Round Table and President of the Board of Directors. Sharoni is also a mentor for apprentices and teachers in Calgary. She was a demonstrator and editor for Eyal Shifroni's book, Props for Yoga IV: Backbends. Sharoni holds a Level 3 Iyengar yoga teaching certificate.
Deanna Oliphant
Deanna is the Director of CIY and has a deep respect and passion for the tradition of yoga and the culturing of intelligence, wisdom and health in body, heart and mind. She brings over 15 years of dedicated practice and community involvement to her teaching. She continues her training with Corine Biria, Jawahar Bangera, Ty Chandler and Sharoni Fixler. Deanna holds a Level 2 certificate completed through the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC). She served on the national Board of the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada as Communications Chair. Her teaching style is vibrant, engaging, sincere and fun.