Surf2Renew
Surf2Renew
Swellnest, R. Rui Arsénio, Ericeira, Portugal
Up to 16 in group
Dec 1 - 5, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Luxury retreat with only 8 suites (maximum 16 guests)
- Perched above the Atlantic with sweeping ocean views
- Ocean-view terraces and calming gardens
- Dedicated wellness area with sauna, ice bath, heated and cold pools
- Contemporary design blended with authentic local character
- Purpose-built spaces for yoga, breathwork, and recovery
- Intimate, supportive atmosphere balancing privacy and community
- Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, yet worlds away in atmosphere
About this Retreat
Hello, I’m Michelle. As a thanatologist (expert in death, dying, and bereavement), I am passionate about making an impact on the modern experiences of loss and grief. I come to this work after many years as a corporate executive and a lifetime of significant personal loss. I translate the science and theory of grief into workshops, classes, and retreats where education and guidance meet community, movement, and reflection.
The goal is to help make these difficult, universal, highly unique realities of life easier to understand and integrate, so that you can better support yourself and others through loss. I seek to create a welcoming, understanding, knowledgeable environment where grief is seen and supported. I would be honored to support you in tending to your grief at Surf2Renew.
Co-founder of Magikvanilla Surf School, Steve brings more than a decade of teaching experience and a contagious passion for the ocean. Known for his boundless energy and encouraging approach, he creates an uplifting atmosphere in the water where every guest feels supported, safe, and inspired. Steve combines technical expertise with a genuine love for surfing, guiding beginners and advanced surfers alike to progress with confidence while enjoying the unique beauty of Ericeira’s waves. His enthusiasm, patience, and care make learning with him both transformative and fun.
Details of this retreat
Surf2Renew is an intimate five-day retreat designed for those navigating grief in its many forms. Whether through the loss of a loved one, a major life transition, or the quiet shifts of identity that mark new chapters, this gathering offers a safe space to pause and rediscover balance.
The retreat unfolds in Ericeira, a coastal village where the raw beauty of the Atlantic meets Portuguese charm. Here, ocean views, modern comforts, and dedicated wellness facilities set the stage for a journey of renewal. Guests are guided with care by grief specialist Michelle Desmond, whose unique blend of professional knowledge and heartfelt compassion ensures a supportive environment throughout.
Surf2Renew combines structured workshops with the healing rhythms of the sea. Daily surf sessions encourage presence and resilience, meeting each participant at their own level, from first-time surfers to experienced riders. On land, yoga, meditation, and breathwork bring calm and grounding, while bodywork options such as massage help integrate the emotional process through physical release.
Time is woven for connection and reflection, with sharing circles and nourishing communal meals balanced by moments of quiet solitude. The program includes luxury accommodation at Swellnest, freshly prepared breakfasts and lunches, as well as curated dinners both in-house and at local restaurants. Guests also enjoy access to the sauna, ice bath, and both warm and cold pools, allowing for recovery and restoration.
By the end of these days together, participants often leave not only with renewed strength and perspective, but also with lasting connections and memories of joy that emerge alongside the work of grief. Surf2Renew is more than a retreat; it is an invitation to honour your journey, embrace the ocean’s wisdom, and step forward with clarity and care.
The retreat unfolds in Ericeira, a coastal village where the raw beauty of the Atlantic meets Portuguese charm. Here, ocean views, modern comforts, and dedicated wellness facilities set the stage for a journey of renewal. Guests are guided with care by grief specialist Michelle Desmond, whose unique blend of professional knowledge and heartfelt compassion ensures a supportive environment throughout.
Surf2Renew combines structured workshops with the healing rhythms of the sea. Daily surf sessions encourage presence and resilience, meeting each participant at their own level, from first-time surfers to experienced riders. On land, yoga, meditation, and breathwork bring calm and grounding, while bodywork options such as massage help integrate the emotional process through physical release.
Time is woven for connection and reflection, with sharing circles and nourishing communal meals balanced by moments of quiet solitude. The program includes luxury accommodation at Swellnest, freshly prepared breakfasts and lunches, as well as curated dinners both in-house and at local restaurants. Guests also enjoy access to the sauna, ice bath, and both warm and cold pools, allowing for recovery and restoration.
By the end of these days together, participants often leave not only with renewed strength and perspective, but also with lasting connections and memories of joy that emerge alongside the work of grief. Surf2Renew is more than a retreat; it is an invitation to honour your journey, embrace the ocean’s wisdom, and step forward with clarity and care.
Schedule
The Surf2Renew program is carefully designed to move with the rhythm of the ocean and the natural flow of each day. While exact timings may adjust, the retreat blends active experiences, guided learning, and restorative moments in a way that feels both structured and spacious.
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
Guests are welcomed with light snacks and fresh juice before gathering in the evening for an introduction to the group and an overview of the week ahead.
Day 2 – Opening
The first full day begins with an energizing breakfast and surf coaching in small groups. After a nourishing mid-morning pause, Michelle leads the opening grief class, exploring the realities of loss. The afternoon offers time for reflection before moving into meditation, with the evening marked by a mindful blindfold dinner — a unique experience that invites presence and connection.
Day 3 – Deepening
Surf sets the rhythm of the morning once again, followed by time to rest and enjoy light seasonal food. Michelle’s second class focuses on grief and leadership, offering insight and perspective. The day continues with restorative breathwork and closes with a curated wine-paired dinner, deepening the sense of community and conversation.
Day 4 – Honoring
After surf and shared meals, Michelle’s final class addresses the modern experience of grief. The afternoon opens space for a remembrance ceremony, a healing moment of reflection and creation. The group gathers one last time in the evening for a relaxed barbecue dinner, celebrating the journey shared.
Day 5 – Closing & Departure
The retreat concludes with a full breakfast and a closing yoga session, gently preparing body and mind for departure. Guests leave with renewed strength, clarity, and a deeper connection to self, the ocean, and community.
Throughout the retreat guests may schedule one-to-one sessions with Michelle and opt for therapeutic massages, ensuring each journey remains personal and restorative.
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
Guests are welcomed with light snacks and fresh juice before gathering in the evening for an introduction to the group and an overview of the week ahead.
Day 2 – Opening
The first full day begins with an energizing breakfast and surf coaching in small groups. After a nourishing mid-morning pause, Michelle leads the opening grief class, exploring the realities of loss. The afternoon offers time for reflection before moving into meditation, with the evening marked by a mindful blindfold dinner — a unique experience that invites presence and connection.
Day 3 – Deepening
Surf sets the rhythm of the morning once again, followed by time to rest and enjoy light seasonal food. Michelle’s second class focuses on grief and leadership, offering insight and perspective. The day continues with restorative breathwork and closes with a curated wine-paired dinner, deepening the sense of community and conversation.
Day 4 – Honoring
After surf and shared meals, Michelle’s final class addresses the modern experience of grief. The afternoon opens space for a remembrance ceremony, a healing moment of reflection and creation. The group gathers one last time in the evening for a relaxed barbecue dinner, celebrating the journey shared.
Day 5 – Closing & Departure
The retreat concludes with a full breakfast and a closing yoga session, gently preparing body and mind for departure. Guests leave with renewed strength, clarity, and a deeper connection to self, the ocean, and community.
Throughout the retreat guests may schedule one-to-one sessions with Michelle and opt for therapeutic massages, ensuring each journey remains personal and restorative.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
The Swellnest, Swellnest, R. Rui Arsénio, Ericeira, Portugal
Directions
Your retreat begins the moment you arrive in Lisbon. From the airport, our team will be there to welcome you and guide you effortlessly into the experience. A private transfer is arranged so you can simply sit back, relax, and take in the first impressions of Portugal’s coastline and countryside. From that moment forward, everything is taken care of — the journey to Swellnest is seamless, setting the tone for the days of renewal and connection ahead.
Accommodation
🌿 Garden Suite The Garden Suite is a calm sanctuary surrounded by Swellnest’s lush outdoor spaces. It is ideal for a solo traveller seeking peace or a couple sharing the retreat experience. Natural tones, soft light, and premium bedding create an atmosphere of effortless relaxation, while a private terrace opens directly into the gardens. After days of surf and wellness practice, this suite offers the perfect place to rest, reflect, and reconnect. Blending privacy with easy access to shared areas, the Garden Suite supports renewal throughout Surf2Renew. 🌄 Hillside Suite The Hillside Suite is your serene escape with sweeping views over Ericeira’s rolling landscapes. It is ideal for a solo traveller seeking peace or a couple wishing to share the experience. Soft interiors, premium bedding, and abundant light create a calm atmosphere to rest and renew. After days of surf and wellness practice, step onto your private balcony to take in the hillside scenery, a peaceful backdrop for reflection. With direct access to Swellnest’s wellness facilities and shared spaces, the Hillside Suite offers the perfect balance of privacy, comfort, and connection during Surf2Renew. 🌊 Ocean View Suite The Ocean View Suite offers front-row serenity to the Atlantic. It is perfectly suited for a solo traveller seeking calm or a couple wishing to share the experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony open directly to the ocean, filling the space with light and sea air. After a day of surf coaching and wellness practice, unwind in refined interiors with premium bedding and soothing tones. This suite connects you to the rhythm of the waves while keeping you close to Swellnest’s shared spaces and wellness facilities, creating a luxurious sanctuary for reflection and renewal.
The Garden Suite is a calm sanctuary surrounded by Swellnest’s lush outdoor spaces. With a comfortable double bed, it is ideal for a solo traveller seeking peace or a couple sharing the retreat experience. Natural tones, soft light, and premium bedding create an atmosphere of effortless relaxation, while a private terrace opens directly into the gardens. After days of surf and wellness practice, this suite offers the perfect place to rest, reflect, and reconnect. Blending privacy with easy access to shared areas, the Garden Suite supports renewal throughout Surf2Renew. The price listed is for one person.
The Hillside Suite is your serene escape with sweeping views over Ericeira’s rolling landscapes. With a spacious double bed, it is ideal for a solo traveler seeking peace or a couple wishing to share the experience. Soft interiors, premium bedding, and abundant light create a calm atmosphere to rest and renew. After days of surf and wellness practice, step onto your private balcony to take in the hillside scenery, a peaceful backdrop for reflection. With direct access to Swellnest’s wellness facilities and shared spaces, the Hillside Suite offers the perfect balance of privacy, comfort, and connection during Surf2Renew. The price listed is for one person.
The Ocean View Suite offers front-row serenity to the Atlantic. With a spacious double bed, it is perfectly suited for a solo traveler seeking calm or a couple wishing to share the experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony open directly to the ocean, filling the space with light and sea air. After a day of surf coaching and wellness practice, unwind in refined interiors with premium bedding and soothing tones. This suite connects you to the rhythm of the waves while keeping you close to Swellnest’s shared spaces and wellness facilities, creating a luxurious sanctuary for reflection and renewal. The price listed is for one person.
The Garden Suite is where tranquility meets understated luxury. Nestled among Swellnest’s serene outdoor spaces, it offers a refined escape with two single beds that can be prepared separately or joined as a double, making it ideal for friends, family, or couples. Soft natural tones, premium bedding, and a private terrace opening into lush greenery create an atmosphere of effortless calm. It is the perfect retreat after days filled with oceanfront activities. The price listed is per room based on double occupancy.
The Hillside Suite is your serene escape with sweeping views over Ericeira’s rolling landscapes. It is well-suited for friends, family, or couples, featuring two single beds that can be arranged apart or together as a double. Soft interiors, premium bedding, and abundant light create a calm atmosphere to rest and renew. After days of surf and wellness practice, step onto your private balcony to take in the hillside scenery, a peaceful backdrop for reflection. With direct access to Swellnest’s wellness facilities and shared spaces, the Hillside Suite offers the perfect balance of privacy, comfort, and connection during Surf2Renew. The price listed is per room based on double occupancy.
The Ocean View Suite offers front-row serenity to the Atlantic. With two single beds that may be placed separately or joined as a double, it is perfectly suited for friends, family, or couples sharing the experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony open directly to the ocean, filling the space with light and sea air. After a day of surf coaching and wellness practice, unwind in refined interiors with premium bedding and soothing tones. This suite connects you to the rhythm of the waves while keeping you close to Swellnest’s shared spaces and wellness facilities, creating a luxurious sanctuary for reflection and renewal. The price listed is per room based on double occupancy.
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
Swellnest is a luxury surf and wellness retreat in Ericeira with just eight suites and a maximum of sixteen guests. Perched above the Atlantic, it blends contemporary design with authentic local character. Guests enjoy ocean-view terraces, calming gardens, and a dedicated wellness area with sauna, ice bath, and heated and cold pools. Every space is designed to support restoration, connection, and lifelong positive experiences.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Wholesome meals nourish body and mind with fresh breakfasts, light ocean-fueling lunches, and curated dinners that celebrate connection, local flavours, and the rhythm of the retreat.
What's Included
- What’s Included:
- 4 nights luxury accommodation at Swellnest
- Daily surf sessions (all levels welcome)
- Group grief-focused workshops and conversations
- Daily yoga, meditation, and wellness practices
- One-to-one grief guidance session with Michelle
- Transportation to and from Lisbon Airport
- Massage therapy (optional)
- Group dinners (a blend of in-house dining and local restaurants)
- Daily nourishing breakfast and lunch
- Access to sauna, ice bath, and two pools (one warm, one cold)
- Time and space for rest, reflection, and connection
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Visa Costs
- Travel Insurances
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