Retreat in Portugal
About venue
Retreat in Portugal is a secluded, ecologically conscious retreat centre set in the peaceful hills of southern Alentejo. Surrounded by unspoilt countryside and overlooking a warm, tranquil lake, the Quinta offers an intimate setting where groups can step away from everyday distractions and immerse themselves in nature.
Hosting retreats for more than 38 years, the venue combines the relaxed character of a traditional Portuguese country property with extensive experience in supporting retreat leaders and their guests. The atmosphere is warm, personal and unpretentious, with attentive on-site support and home-cooked food forming an important part of the experience.
The property is particularly well equipped for yoga, meditation, sound healing, holistic wellness, creative and nature-based retreats. Purpose-built facilities include a spacious yoga shala, a heated yurt suitable for group practices and sound healing, a lakeside sauna and a heated Watsu pool. Groups can also make use of the extensive gardens and secluded lawns, while complimentary canoes and stand-up paddleboards offer opportunities to enjoy the lake.
Nature is central to the experience. The Quinta is surrounded by walking trails and wildlife-rich countryside, with an experienced nature and birdwatching guide based at the property. Its secluded location, gardens and lakeside setting create a particularly peaceful environment for reflection, connection and restorative group experiences.
Sustainability is also an important part of the venue's philosophy, alongside fresh, nourishing food and ingredients from its organic garden. Retreat in Portugal welcomes a broad range of groups, from yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound healing and wellness retreats to art and creative retreats, nature experiences, company offsites and intimate group gatherings.
Above all, this is a venue designed around hosting groups. Retreat leaders can bring their own programme and vision while benefiting from an experienced team, dedicated practice spaces, nourishing food and practical on-site support throughout their stay.
- Yoga studio
- Hot yoga studio
- Outdoor yoga deck
- Yoga mats
- 6 more
- Sauna
- Hydrotherapy pool
About host
Born in Africa and growing up in Ireland and the UK, Frank came to Southern Portugal in 1987 with a dream of living an off-grid and sustainable life beneficial to both the local community and the planet in general. Having found a secluded hillside in the southern foothills of the Alentejo on the shores of a huge fresh-water lake, he was joined twenty years later by his Austrian wife Daniela and together they've created a Paradise in Portugal for all those who search a peaceful place in which to find balance in today's hustle and bustle. With over 500 reviews and a 5 star rating on Tripadvisor it seems they've been successful in achieving their goal!
Location
- Mountains
- Countryside
- Lake
- Forest
- Remote
Retreat in Portugal is located at Quinta do Barranco da Estrada near Santa Clara-a-Velha, in the hills of southern Alentejo. The property sits directly beside the Santa Clara reservoir, surrounded by unspoilt countryside and far from neighbouring properties, creating an exceptionally peaceful and private setting.
The landscape is ideal for retreats centred around nature, mindfulness and outdoor experiences. Guests can explore walking trails through the surrounding hills and valleys, enjoy birdwatching and wildlife observation, or spend time on the lake using the venue's complimentary canoes and stand-up paddleboards.
The combination of lakeside surroundings, extensive nature and genuine seclusion makes the location particularly well suited to retreats where privacy, tranquillity and connection with the natural environment are importa
How to get there
Despite its secluded setting, the Quinta is accessible from both Faro and Lisbon. Faro Airport is approximately 1.5 hours away by car, while the nearby Santa Clara-Saboia railway station provides train connections from both Faro and Lisbon. Private group transfers can also be arranged by the venue.
- Airport 110.00 km
- Train station 17.00 km
Availability & Dates
Venue pricing
Accommodation
About accommodation
7 double, twin or triple bedded rooms, 1 Family Suite and 1 Honeymoon Suite.
All rooms are on the ground floor, all have private bathrooms and balconies/terraces and all are south facing with lake views.
Accommodation at Retreat in Portugal is designed around comfort, simplicity and restful group stays. Rooms are spread throughout the traditional Quinta and have a relaxed Portuguese country-house character, with comfortable beds, quality mattresses and views across the gardens and lake.
All of the main guest rooms have private en-suite facilities, while flexible double and twin configurations make the accommodation particularly practical for retreat groups. Larger family-style accommodation is also available for guests who prefer to share.
The peaceful setting is an important part of the experience. Surrounded by countryside and far from traffic and neighbouring properties, the accommodation provides a quiet environment where guests can rest between retreat sessions and activities.
Meal plan
Current weather
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