6 Day Pause: A Mindful Movement Retreat in Monchique Portugal
6 Day Pause: A Mindful Movement Retreat in Monchique Portugal
Monchique, Portugal
Up to 12 in group
October 14 - 19, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Each day begins with a sunrise smoothie, followed by morning meditation, movement, and a nourishing brunch overlooking the mountains.
- Afternoons offer a mix of workshops, free time, and space to rest, swim, or explore.
- Evenings flow into gentle yoga, shared meals, and fireside gatherings under the stars.
About this Retreat
Christian is a certified Zen Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher and an accredited Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Teacher.
He blends the Yogic system with the Zen tradition to provide unique practices of meditation, mindfulness, and movement that evoke the embodiment of Yoga and the simplicity of Zen to help students connect to their present and selves.
Born in Paris and having spent most of his life living in Europe and North America, he discovered mindfulness when he burned out as a finance and technology executive in Los Angeles.
"Like many in the Western world, I lost track of the fundamentals of my human experience, losing any sense of real purpose beyond fulfilling the cookie cutter life before me. I set out travelling across South-East Asia to experience something different, and stumbled into Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, Ayurveda, and the Yogic system. Finally I had found practices to rediscover myself, and I have since made it my purpose to embody these and share them for the benefit of others".
I am a highly trained yoga teacher with a 500-hour RYT certification and extensive experience teaching Kinstretch. My journey into the world of yoga began in 2009 when I started practicing yoga regularly. Since then, I have attended numerous yoga trainings, including my first training in Tulum, Mexico in 2011. My love for yoga and its benefits has only grown stronger over the years, and I am deeply committed to sharing this transformative practice with others.
As a teacher, I draw on a diverse range of disciplines I have learned throughout my journey to create a unique and dynamic teaching style. I strive to provide an educational, playful, and empowering class that caters to the diverse needs of my students. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, my classes are designed to help you deepen your practice and connect with your mind, body, and spirit.
Details of this retreat
Step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in a deeply nourishing experience of connection, stillness, and transformation.
This 5-night retreat invites you into a rhythm of presence and renewal, set in a serene mountain sanctuary surrounded by nature’s healing beauty.
Each day begins with grounding yoga and meditation practices, gently awakening the body and calming the mind. Throughout your stay, you’ll be guided through movement workshops and mindfulness ceremonies, offering space for inner exploration and embodied awareness.
As the sun sets, we gather for fireside conversations and sharing circles, creating meaningful connection and community. You’ll also experience powerful breathwork ceremonies, as well as intentional periods of noble silence, allowing for deeper introspection.
To support your physical well-being, massage and acupuncture are available by booking, providing personalized care and relaxation.
This 5-night retreat invites you into a rhythm of presence and renewal, set in a serene mountain sanctuary surrounded by nature’s healing beauty.
Each day begins with grounding yoga and meditation practices, gently awakening the body and calming the mind. Throughout your stay, you’ll be guided through movement workshops and mindfulness ceremonies, offering space for inner exploration and embodied awareness.
As the sun sets, we gather for fireside conversations and sharing circles, creating meaningful connection and community. You’ll also experience powerful breathwork ceremonies, as well as intentional periods of noble silence, allowing for deeper introspection.
To support your physical well-being, massage and acupuncture are available by booking, providing personalized care and relaxation.
Schedule
Mornings
7:30am - Sunrise Smoothie
8am - Morning Meditation
8:30am - Yoga / Movement Practice
9:45am - Morning Gathering
10am - Brunch on the Terrace
11am - Free time to soak up the sun and enjoy mountain life
Afternoons:
1:30pm - Workshops & Masterclasses
3:30pm - Free time to enjoy the pool or explore the mountains
3:30pm - Tea & Snacks
Evenings:
5pm - Evening Yoga & Meditation
7pm - Dinner on the Terrace
8:30pm - Evening Gathering
7:30am - Sunrise Smoothie
8am - Morning Meditation
8:30am - Yoga / Movement Practice
9:45am - Morning Gathering
10am - Brunch on the Terrace
11am - Free time to soak up the sun and enjoy mountain life
Afternoons:
1:30pm - Workshops & Masterclasses
3:30pm - Free time to enjoy the pool or explore the mountains
3:30pm - Tea & Snacks
Evenings:
5pm - Evening Yoga & Meditation
7pm - Dinner on the Terrace
8:30pm - Evening Gathering
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Alegria Retreats, Monchique, Portugal
Directions
The Retreat venue - Casa de Cura is in The Monchique Mountain in the Algarve, also known as Serra de Monchique. Roughly an hour and ten minutes by car. Airport transfer is not included in the price but we are happy to help support you in organising transfer, if needed. If you fly into Lisbon Airport you can take the bus or train to the Algarve
Accommodation
Private or Shared Doubles: Comfortable and beautifully designed double rooms, each with an ensuite or adjacent private bathroom. Shared Double - €875 (early bird) Double Room Private - €1350 (early bird) Shared Triple: An airy and spacious converted barn with three canopy singles and an adjacent private bathroom. Shared Triple Room - €775 (early bird) Private Single: A single bed private room in the Mill House for those seeking their own space, with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Private Single Room - €975 (early bird)
Shared Double Room - comfortable and beautifully designed double rooms, each with ensuite or adjacent private bathroom
Private Double Room - Same as the shared double room but booked privately
Shared Triple - An airy and spacious converted barn with three canopy singles and an adjacent private bathroom
A single bed private room in the Mill House for those seeking their own space, with a shared bathroom and kitchen
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
Casa de Cura has been built with one deeply rooted intention, to build community and connection. In a world full of distractions and noise, Casa de Cura offers a sanctuary - a safe space to explore, reconnect, and rediscover who you are at your core.
Whether it’s sunrise hikes through our mountain trails, practicing yoga in The Shala, or moving intuitively on The Deck - we honour the beauty of moving in ways that reconnect you to yourself.
Whether it’s sunrise hikes through our mountain trails, practicing yoga in The Shala, or moving intuitively on The Deck - we honour the beauty of moving in ways that reconnect you to yourself.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Portugal is renowned for its mouth-watering cuisine that is characterized by the use of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The chefs at the retreat villa will spoil you daily.
What's Included
- Daily Yoga and Meditations
- ▫️ Movement Workshops &
- ▫️ Mindfulness Ceremonies
- ▫️ Fireside Gatherings & Sharing Circles
- ▫️ Breathwork Ceremonies
- ▫️ Noble Silence Periods
- ▫️ Massage & Acupunture (By Booking)
- ▫️ 5 Nights Accommodation
- ▫️ Deliciously Fresh Local Meals
- ▫️ Mountain Trails & Sunrise Hikes
- ▫️ Natural Pool Overlooking the Valley
- ▫️ Ice Bath (For the Brave!)
- ▫️ Lots of Hideouts and Hangouts
- ▫️ Teas, Coffee & Fresh Mountain Water
- ▫️ Fresh Smoothies and Snacks
- Daily Yoga and Meditations
- ▫️ Movement Workshops &
- ▫️ Mindfulness Ceremonies
- ▫️ Fireside Gatherings & Sharing Circles
- ▫️ Breathwork Ceremonies
- ▫️ Noble Silence Periods
- ▫️ Massage & Acupunture (By Booking)
- ▫️ 5 Nights Accommodation
- ▫️ Deliciously Fresh Local Meals
- ▫️ Mountain Trails & Sunrise Hikes
- ▫️ Natural Pool Overlooking the Valley
- ▫️ Ice Bath (For the Brave!)
- ▫️ Lots of Hideouts and Hangouts
- ▫️ Teas, Coffee & Fresh Mountain Water
- ▫️ Fresh Smoothies and Snacks
- Daily Yoga and Meditations
- ▫️ Movement Workshops &
- ▫️ Mindfulness Ceremonies
- ▫️ Fireside Gatherings & Sharing Circles
- ▫️ Breathwork Ceremonies
- ▫️ Noble Silence Periods
- ▫️ Massage & Acupunture (By Booking)
- ▫️ 5 Nights Accommodation
- ▫️ Deliciously Fresh Local Meals
- ▫️ Mountain Trails & Sunrise Hikes
- ▫️ Natural Pool Overlooking the Valley
- ▫️ Ice Bath (For the Brave!)
- ▫️ Lots of Hideouts and Hangouts
- ▫️ Teas, Coffee & Fresh Mountain Water
- ▫️ Fresh Smoothies and Snacks
- Daily Yoga and Meditations
- ▫️ Movement Workshops &
- ▫️ Mindfulness Ceremonies
- ▫️ Fireside Gatherings & Sharing Circles
- ▫️ Breathwork Ceremonies
- ▫️ Noble Silence Periods
- ▫️ Massage & Acupunture (By Booking)
- ▫️ 5 Nights Accommodation
- ▫️ Deliciously Fresh Local Meals
- ▫️ Mountain Trails & Sunrise Hikes
- ▫️ Natural Pool Overlooking the Valley
- ▫️ Ice Bath (For the Brave!)
- ▫️ Lots of Hideouts and Hangouts
- ▫️ Teas, Coffee & Fresh Mountain Water
- ▫️ Fresh Smoothies and Snacks
- Daily Yoga and Meditations
- ▫️ Movement Workshops &
- ▫️ Mindfulness Ceremonies
- ▫️ Fireside Gatherings & Sharing Circles
- ▫️ Breathwork Ceremonies
- ▫️ Noble Silence Periods
- ▫️ Massage & Acupunture (By Booking)
- ▫️ 5 Nights Accommodation
- ▫️ Deliciously Fresh Local Meals
- ▫️ Mountain Trails & Sunrise Hikes
- ▫️ Natural Pool Overlooking the Valley
- ▫️ Ice Bath (For the Brave!)
- ▫️ Lots of Hideouts and Hangouts
- ▫️ Teas, Coffee & Fresh Mountain Water
- ▫️ Fresh Smoothies and Snacks
- 5 Nights accommodation
- Delicious fresh local meals
- Tea, coffee and fresh mountain water
- Smoothies and snacks
- Daily yoga and meditation
- Movement Workshops
- Mindful Ceremonies
- Fireside Gatherings and share circles
- Natural swimming pool overlooking the valley
- Ice baths
What's Not Included
- -Flights/Airfare
- -Travel Insurance
- -Bodywork/massages
- -Own excursions off property
- -Gratuities
- -Transfer to and from Faro Airport
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