Yoga Evolution Retreats Portugal, Oleiros-Amieira, Portugal
Up to 15 in group
July 5 - 11, 2026
About this Retreat
Peter was born in Liverpool
Peter's journey into the world of Eastern practices started at a very young age, as he began learning different styles of martial arts when he was just seven years old. He quickly developed a love for these practices and began teaching them at the age of just 14 in his hometown of Liverpool.
Eventually, Peter found his way onto the holistic spiritual path of Ninjitsu, where he learned the theory and philosophy of balancing Yin and Yang. He continued his journey by training in the ancient teachings of the Shamanistic Medicine Wheel, discovering the powerful healing capabilities of this approach.
Peter is a Yoga Alliance Senior Yoga Teacher, having trained in Ashtanga and Hatha yoga, as well as a QiGong practitioner and teacher. He has been teaching in Portugal for over 14 years, sharing his knowledge and passion with those who seek to deepen their practice and experience all the benefits yoga has to offer.
Peter has studied with many teachers over the years, including Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, Hiroshi Motoyama, Leo Rutherford, Steven Forest, and Master Mantak Chia. He has also trained in Yin yoga with Sara Powers, attending her course in France, and is a fully qualified mindfulness teacher.
Aside from his extensive experience in various Eastern practices, Peter is also an Evolutionary Astrologer. He interprets birth charts in a way that assists personal growth and development by looking through the lens of the ever-evolving soul journey.
Peter's expertise in fascia is also extensive. He studies the topic in great detail and brings its relevance to life in class, particularly following the work of Thomas Myers, Dr. Carla Stecco, and Dr. Robert Schleip. He has also completed a Medical Qigong training course at Tao Gardens in Thailand.
In conclusion, Peter's vast knowledge and experience in Eastern practices have made him a highly respected teacher, practitioner, and advocate for a holistic approach to wellness. His dedication to sharing his knowledge and passion for yoga and other healing practices is evident in the depth of his teachings, and his desire to help others find balance and inner peace through these practices. Join him in his classes and retreats to experience the transformative power of yoga and other Eastern practices.
Sue, a Yoga Alliance Senior Teacher, is an experienced and dedicated yoga practitioner who has been teaching yoga since 2006. She was born in the UK and lived in Portugal for 14 years. Sue's yoga journey began in 2000 when she decided to take a free yoga class while on a work trip to Singapore. The teacher told her she had a lot of tension in her body, which sparked her interest in yoga.
Sue has been on a healing journey for the past 19 years, gradually learning to let go of tension and unravel. She believes in the power of yoga and its ability to heal the body and mind. She has trained in various forms of yoga, including Dynamic Yoga, Hatha yoga, and Yoga for Pregnancy.
Sue has a particular interest in Yin yoga and has been teaching Yin yoga classes and workshops since 2011. She has undertaken in-depth trainings with prominent Yin teachers, including Sarah Powers and Paul Grilley, and studied the work of others such as Bernie Clarke and Norman Blair. Through Yin yoga, Sue has developed a deep understanding of the energetic principles underlying the practice.
In addition to her Yin yoga training, Sue has completed a 500-hour Yoga Therapy Training course with an emphasis on mental health. She deeply understands the connections between body and mind and how yoga can be used to address specific health concerns. Sue has also completed a Medical Qigong training course and has extensive knowledge of the organs of the body, meridians, vessels, and acupressure points.
Sue's personal journey of healing has led her to study shamanic homeopathy for four years. She has a profound appreciation for the power of alternative healing modalities and their ability to provide deep transformation and radiant good health. She generously shares her knowledge with others, offering free Yoga Therapy sessions to students with additional needs on her retreats.
Sue is a compassionate teacher who holds space for her students to explore their own journeys. Her teaching style is clear and precise, and she has a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and energetic principles. Sue believes in the importance of personal growth and invites her students to go deeper into their own practice to discover their true potential.
Details of this retreat
Looking to reset, recharge and reconnect this summer? From 5th to 11th July 2026, Yoga Evolution Retreats invites guests to experience a transformative week of yoga, wild swimming and deep relaxation in the heart of central Portugal. Set within a peaceful forested valley surrounded by mountains, rivers and pristine natural waterways, this immersive retreat offers the perfect antidote to busy modern life.
Designed for all levels - from complete beginners to experienced practitioners - the Summer Yoga Retreat blends energizing movement with restorative healing practices. Mornings begin with two-hour sessions combining Vinyasa Flow yoga, heart-opening Qigong and meditation techniques designed to awaken the body and calm the mind. Evening classes focus on Yin, Somatic and restorative yoga, helping guests release tension, re-balance energy and unwind deeply before dinner. Planetary gong baths throughout the week add another layer of relaxation and renewal.
What truly sets this retreat apart is its connection to nature. Every other day, guests are taken to breathtaking river beaches and lakes across central Portugal for wild swimming, gourmet picnics and peaceful time by the water. Excursions include the crystal-clear waters of Cambas River Beach, the stunning tributaries of the River Zezere and the spectacular Santa Luzia reservoir, where paddle boarding and kayaking opportunities await. The retreat center itself also features a saltwater swimming pool with panoramic valley views, quiet terraces and hammocks perfect for afternoon rest.
Led by experienced teachers Peter and Sue, the retreat combines decades of expertise in yoga, meditation, Qigong and holistic well-being practices. Their welcoming, non-competitive approach has made Yoga Evolution Retreats especially popular with solo travelers and those seeking a genuine wellness experience rather than a luxury “influencer-style” getaway. Recent online discussions around yoga retreats show that many travelers are increasingly seeking authentic, nature-based experiences that prioritize well-being, connection and simplicity - exactly the ethos this Portugal retreat embodies.
The six-night retreat includes accommodation, 11 yoga and meditation sessions, three vegetarian meals daily, transfers from Oleiros and optional workshops ranging from herbal walks to raw chocolate making. Accommodation options range from eco caravans to private veranda rooms, making the retreat accessible for different budgets.
For anyone craving sunshine, movement, stillness and meaningful rest this July, Yoga Evolution Retreats offers a rare opportunity to completely reset - surrounded by nature, nourishing food and a supportive community.