Ay Lin completed an extensive mindfulness course at Radboud University in the Netherlands, with over 100 hours of guided practice. During the COVID period, she deepened her experience by completing an online mindfulness certification as well.
Health and well-being have always been part of her path. She began by sharing knowledge about nutrition and mindful eating, in her book Healthy & Happy Without Diets. In her younger years, she also worked as a sports instructor — a reflection of her lifelong dedication to balanced living.
Today, her focus is on mindful living at a slower, more natural pace. Through walking the Caminho in Portugal (she is the expert on all caminho's in Portugal). and guiding gentle mindfulness practices, Ay Lin supports others in reconnecting with themselves. Sharing health wisdom; physical, emotional, and spiritual, is part of her ongoing mission: to help others live a Healthy & Happy life, from the inside out.
Details of this retreat
Embark on a 6-day fully arranged pilgrimage (5-day walk) along a hidden and breathtaking route to Fátima. Journey through Portugal’s peaceful countryside, following ancient paths without the burden of a heavy backpack. Enjoy a comfortable stay and healthy meals while all logistics are taken care of. Experience nature, history, and reflection—simply walk, discover, and let the journey inspire. The caminho begins at Coimbra, where you will be welcomed. The walk starts directly just outside Coimbra to Casa da Lima (If your group need a travel-resting day, you could book a day extra and start the next morning, reach out to tell your wishes).
5 days of self-guided Camino walking (100+ km) on stunning pilgrimage routes
5 nights accommodation at Casa da Lima
5 homemade, healthy dinners, and nourishing breakfasts
Guided visit to Fátima’s sanctuary, sacred sites, and the shepherds' home
Transfers to/from Coimbra and daily route transfers
Caminho briefing with tips and insights
Daily reflections and mindful 'body scan' exercise (Day 2 and on request)
Schedule
Healthy & Happy Pilgrimate to Fatima includes:
Day 1: Morning: Meet and Transfer Coimbra to starting point
Walk Conimbriga-Casa da Lima
Communal Dinner
[Body Scan]
Day 2: Breakfast
Walk Casa da Lima - Ansiao
Communal Dinner
[Body Scan]
Day 3 Breakfast
Walk Ansiao - Freixianda
[Yoga body stretching]
Communal Dinner
[Meditation / Body Scan]
Day 4 Breakfast
Walk Freixianda - Ourem em baixo
[Yoga body stretching]
Communal Dinner
[Meditation / Body Scan]
Day 5 Breakfast
Walk Ourem-VIllage shepherds - Fatima
Information about the story of Fatima
[Some pilgrims decide to walk from Fatima to Tomar and do the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, then our caminho splits here]
Communal Dinner
Day 6 Breakfast Reflection
End transfer to Coimbra
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Casa da Lima, Canto da Ribeira de Baixo 25, Ribeira de Alcamalouque, Portugal
Directions
Casa da Lima is conveniently located between Porto and Lisbon, near Coimbra. If you're driving, simply follow the IC2 towards Porto or Lisbon, depending where you land. For those using public transport, frequent buses run to Coimbra. From the airport, take the metro to the bus or train station, then continue to Coimbra. Because we are in a tiny village, we offer pick-up and drop-off in Coimbra for an extra fee, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey. If you need help with finding bus tickets from the airport to Coimbra, we will help out.
Accommodation
The Casinha is a single-floor house with a patio, private entrance, hall, a room featuring two robust bunk beds, a bathroom with a shower and washbasin, and a separate toilet with a washbasin. The patio is just outside, along with a small garden.
Program Price
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
The location of the casinha is original, somewhere in nature. In between cows, birds, goats etc. We draw strength from nature and of the gorgeous views. The path to Fatima is a pearl in nature too where you mostly be alone. You pass old towns and villages and barely see other pilgrims on this path.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Healthy nutrition including vegetable soups, main course, fruits. Depending on preference of the guests.
Some nutrition photos are made for my Healthy & Happy Without Diets book just to show health.
What's Included
Healthy & Happy Pilgrimate to Fatima of 5 nights, and 6 days has:
5 meals
5 breakfasts
Water, tea, coffee
Transfer Coimbra to starting place day 1
Transfer Casa da Lima to Coimbra late morning day 6
Presenting detailed information about the pilgrimage