My advice to you: don’t take yourself too seriously. Laugh a little (or a lot) and accept my invitation to make connecting to your body part of your everyday life. My yoga practice started to make me feel good physically. But, I soon noticed the mental clarity and energy that stayed with me long after the session ended… Five years ago, I was ready to dive deeper into yoga. I got my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training certification in India. This marked the start of some big life changes. I resigned from my job in Hotel Management and started working at a Retreat Centre In Portugal. Here I could combine my love for hospitality and my passion for teaching yoga. I have since trained with renowed teachers like Partick Beach (Art of Assists) and Jason Crandell (300hr Teacher Training).I am fascinated by the human body. I love how it moves and how bodywork can change how you feel, both physically and mentally. This led me to study Thai Massage. I set off to Chiang Mai, Thailand and learned about ancient techniques for healing the body and mind.As a yoga teacher and Thai massage practitioner, I offer sessions tailored to your unique needs. You may want to improve flexibility, relieve tension, or unwind after a long day. I am committed to giving you the best care and support. After a session, you’ll walk out feeling lighter, calmer, and with a deeper sense of self-awareness.
Years ago, after I had been doing yoga for some time in Johannesburg, I was drawn to find out more about meditation – what it is, exactly, and how one does it. In 2013 I approached the only centre I had heard about, where they practiced the only meditation I had heard about - a Transcendental Meditation ashram on the outskirts of Johannesburg. TM (Transcendental Meditation) was my launchpad to self-discovery; through it I realized that I had been meditating on and off for years prior to this without realizing it, and also that there are as many ways to meditate as there are teapots in my cupboard (I am a crazy tea lover!).My love of yoga and meditation fueled our search for a retreat centre; my long-held dream to create an incredible space where people can find peace, beauty and nurturing finally came to fruition in 2016, when I found our magical farm in the Ribatejo in Portugal. I dreamt about us holding many yoga and meditation retreats, making both practices accessible for all people wherever they find themselves on their life journeys. Obtaining my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in the Algarve in April 2017 was a logical next step, and this opened up more of the world of meditation.As I practiced and explored different meditation methods, I realized that my life flowed more smoothly when I meditated, and things felt harder when I didn’t. I also realized that this astonishingly simple exercise with its life-shifting results remains unexplored by many as it still seems shrouded in layers of mysticism and the perception that it is difficult. It is one thing that is available to everyone to immediately create shifts in their lives, lighten loads and bring in more joy, yet still seems out of reach.I began to teach and guide meditation out of a love for what it does in my life – and a deep desire to pass on to others the ease of it, the magic that is possible, and the lightness it can bring. Working with the mind, not trying to clear it, is one of the key aspects, and knowing that wherever you are in your life is the perfect place to work from.During our meditation sessions we explore two or three different methods and discover how to make them work in everyday life, anywhere. We also look at what meditation is and isn’t, what to do when you just can’t meditate, and how it improves your life in practical ways. You can expect to feel like you are on a journey, but the route is easier and the destination closer than you thought.The heart of meditation is taking yourself a little less seriously.
Details of this retreat
Do you long to feel truly grounded, calm and stable? Do you want to cultivate a deep connection to your body and the earth through movement and meditation? You have come to the right place.
Join us as we dive deep into the energy of the Muladhara Chakra, the foundation of our being. This retreat is your invitation to connect with your inner strength, courage, and trust. Through mindful movement, meditation, and immersive experiences in nature, we will explore what it means to feel rooted and at home, both in ourselves and in the world around us.
If you’re looking for a space to slow down, reconnect, and root yourself in the present moment, this retreat is for you.
Schedule
Yoga with Rianne
Nutritious Breakfast
Meditation with Michelle
Scrumptious Lunch
Optional Afternoon Workshop
Free Time
Restorative Yoga
Delicious Dinner
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Quinta Carvalhas, Quinta Carvalhas - AFV Retreats, Rua José Ferreira Fazenda, Casével, Portugal
Directions
The “greenest” way to get to the Green Farm from the Airport or Lisbon area is by public transport. The train station of Mato de Miranda is less than 5 minutes’ drive from the Quinta and we are happy to provide a complimentary pick-up.
Alternatively, we offer free parking at the Quinta, or we can help you to book a private transfer from Lisbon airport.
Accommodation
Think barefoot luxury, as you will stay at peaceful farm in the Portuguese countryside where you can enjoy quiet, peaceful nights in comfortable beds with luxury linen. We offer the options of shared rooms (maximum 2 guests) or a private room with ensuite bathroom.
Bed in a Shared Twin Room
Single bed in a shared room with ensuite bathroom.
Private Room
Private Room with ensuite bathroom and Kingsize bed.
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Yoga session will either be at our bright and beautiful Yoga Shala or at the outdoor deck overlooking the farm pond. Meditation sessions could take place here too, or in the Meditation Garden.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
There will be lots of fresh, healthy vegetarian goodness waiting for you during this retreat. All our meals are 100% vegetarian, with locally sourced ingredients.
What's Included
5 Nights accommodation in a luxurious room
3 Nutritious, vegetarian farm-to-table meals per day
Daily yoga sessions
Daily meditation sessions
Workshops and afternoon activities
Complimentary pick-up from Mato de Miranda trainstation
What's Not Included
Transport to Quinta Carvalhas
Additional treatments and massages
Customer Reviews
4.95 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
Lovely stay at Quinta Carvalhas
I just had a great experience at this peaceful retreat. My room was spacious, clean and had everything I needed. The host, Gerard, was amazing and did absolutely everything for us to make us feel home. Bram, the chef made sure we had fantastic healthy vegan meals. I loved the mediation garden and the yoga "barn", it was peaceful and had good equipment.
Absolutely a great place to relax and wind down from daily life!
Loes S.
5.0
Verified
Absolutely wonderful staff and venue
My group of 22 guests and 2 leaders had an absolutely wonderful week at the Quinta. There's something about the property, the quality of the clean air and magical sunlight that makes you feel at peace. The staff, including Gerhard, made you feel like nothing was too much to ask. They were so on top of all the logistics. I've led 30+ retreats across 5 continents and truly this is one of the best run places I've ever worked with. We are already booked for next year and I'm sure it will be an annual spot for us. The yoga studio is incredibly well-equipped as well!
5.0
Verified
Perfection
Our week at Quinta Carvalhas was nothing short of magical. G, the host, truly made the experience. He went above and beyond for everyone, attentive in every way and with such an incredible eye for detail. He even remembered how each guest took their coffee. We miss him already. G was there at every moment we needed him and even when we didn’t know we needed him, haha. His support made running our retreat feel seamless and stress free.
The horse therapy with Connie was an unforgettable highlight. Every single guest raved about it and we could not recommend it more. Michele’s art class was a 10/10 experience that brought us so much insight, joy, and connection, beautifully uniting our group.
The massages with Micaela were some of the best we have ever had. She is so knowledgeable and helped our bodies release and restore after full days of movement.
The shala was a beautiful place to move and we especially loved our yoga session by the pond. Laying by the pool with the horses grazing in the background was the cherry on top. The grounds themselves feel like heaven on earth, the most peaceful place in the world and the perfect setting to recharge.
And then there was the food. Chef Carina nourished us in every sense. Every meal was made with love and care and not once did we sit down to something we did not absolutely enjoy. You can taste the heart she pours into her recipes.
We could not recommend Quinta Carvalhas enough. 100 out of 10 stars.
With gratitude,
Dani, Robin and Marce
5.0
Verified
Unforgettable private retreat
A peaceful and nourishing place, held with care.
My time at Quinta Carvalhas was deeply restful. The land and its facilities invites you to slow down and reconnect, while everything around you is held with quiet dedication.
Gerhard is a wonderful steward of this space — present, respectful, and always willing to support without imposing. You feel genuinely welcomed and gently cared for.
The vegetarian meals were absolutely delicious — fresh, colorful, made with love and intention.
If you’re looking for a place to breathe, to reset, or to host a retreat rooted in nature and country side luxury, this is a rare gem.
5.0
Verified
Special peaceful place, full of love ♡
My experience couldn't be better:
The peaceful atmosphere all around, the flowers' fragrance in the air, the happy birds chirping, the landscape, the beautiful pond, the horses, everything was perfect to enjoy, rest, restore energy, and connect with myself!!!
The kindness and sympathy of Daniela and all the stuff is amazing.
I felt love all the time.
The meals created by Carina were amazing and made with the best ingredient: love.
Thank you very much for how you have received us. I am very grateful to have experienced the week in Quinta Carvalhas.
An experience to be repeated ♡
Thank you very much
Carla Velez
Select your options
Available Dates
November 8 - 13, 2025
Select a Room
Bed in a Shared Twin Room
€1,320.00
Single bed in a shared room with ensuite bathroom.
Private Room
€1,670.00
Private Room with ensuite bathroom and Kingsize bed.
Top Rated
Verified
