A unique experience of wellness, yoga, connection with nature and outdoor activities - 8 days in 4 amazing places from North to South of Portugal.
Detox body & mind with Ayurveda and vegan food, breathe pure air, exercise and stretch with a combination of yoga, mountain trekking, swimming in natural pools, surfing and watersports, experience deep relaxation with sound healing and guided meditations, and discuss wellness topics in informative workshops.
Embark on a magical and transformative experience in four very different places with one thing in common: each is unique and magical. Nestled in stunning locations across the country, the Yoga Tour of Portugal is not the typical yoga retreat – it combines yoga with great outdoor activities, Ayurveda detox, deep relaxation therapies and informative workshops. You will be captivated by the beauty of the country and it’s people.
While promoting wellbeing, healthy lifestyle and detox, this is not a strict and rigid program full of rules and forbidden things… we encourage a balanced life-long approach to health and wellbeing, which encompasses having a good time with friends and like minded people, savouring the pleasures of life. At OM Academy we believe in creating an environment of positive energy and good vibes where you can feel well and be inspired for a happier, healthier and more meaningful life. It’s not just practicing yoga, it’s trying new things, creating shared memories and embracing joy and wellness as part of life.
 
Highlights
Yoga in mountains, forest valley, beach and lake
Trek in the mountains and swim in natural streams and pools of Gerês National Park
Sleep in the enchanted forest valley of river Zêzere, with Portugal’s highest mountain Serra da Estrela in the horizon, exploring the forest and swimming in natural streams and pools
Surf in Peniche, one of Portugal’s best surf spots (optional)
Watersports in Alqueva great lake (optional)
Star gazing in Alqueva big lake, a Unesco dark sky reserve 
Ayurveda and Vegan detox food (last 3 days non-vegan traditional Portuguese food, with vegan options)
Ayurveda show cooking workshop and offer of Ayurveda Cook Book
Sound healing with gong and crystal bowls at night with a full moon
Pranayama and meditation practices 
Workshop discussions on wellness topics: mindfulness and stress; happiness and disciplined mind; healthy lifestyle
Option for hot air ballon ride in Alqueva big lake
Option for massages and therapies
Hot Yoga in a unique Ganban room and Aerial Yoga at OM Academy & Mind Spa 
 
Minimum 6 participants. Maximum 12 participants
8 days/7 nights in twin or double rooms. Option for single occupancy (extra cost) ​
Fly in to Porto / Fly out from Lisbon or Porto
Arrival Saturday morning to Porto (or Friday with extra night at 5* HF Ipanema Park)  
Departure Sunday afternoon from Lisbon (or Monday from Porto with extra night at 5* HF Ipanema Park)
 
The team
Rui Lopes (OM Academy founder)  
Prof Sandra Gaio 
Prof Luis Guilherme  
Prof Ana Dias
 
Location and accommodation
A unique experience of wellness, yoga, connection with nature and outdoor activities over 8 days staying in 4 amazing places from North to South of Portugal, each of them unique and magical, offering genuine experiences to detox and nurture body and mind. 
Fly to Porto airport and depart from Lisbon or Porto airport. 
We start the Yoga Tour of Portugal at OM Academy & Mind Spa, with a welcome tea, hot yoga or vinyasa yoga, followed by aerial yoga or pilates mat. 
Then, a minibus will take the participants and OM Academy team in a magical experience to 4 stunning retreat centers: 

1. D'Alijo Retreat Center (Cabeceira de Basto): a peacefull and large resort with natural streams in the North of Portugal (Minho). Ayurveda detox meals, yoga, swimming in natural pool. Full day trekking in Gerês national park with yoga in the mountain, swimming in natural pools
Alijo Retreat Center provides twin share, couple or single occupancy rooms in river cabins, garden suits, mountain lodge or main house. It has a beautifull yoga shala overlooking the valley and restaurant with terrace. Outdoor swiming pool and trecking tracks to a natural cascade and pool.

2. Vale de Moses (Oleiros): nestled in a forest valley at the bottom of Serra da Estela, Portugal's highest mountain, with a yoga shala overlooking the valley and natural trekks for forest walking and swiming in natural streams. The absence of light polution in the valley makes it perfect for observing the night sky. Option for massages and therapies
Vale de Moses is an eco resort elected in 2018 as one of the top 5 Yoga retreats in Europe by Natiomnal Geographic Collection magazine. It provides twin, couple and single occupancy rooms in Xisto stone cottages, which were recovered with great care and respect to the old local Portuguese traditions of building with natural materials: clay, lime, stone and wood. Accommodation available in the main stone farmhouse, the Xisto cottages, the converted Adega (wine cellar) and glamping tents for a restaurative sleep close to nature. An open shala at the top of the valley for yoga practices surrounded by the sights and sounds of the mountain, river and sky. Outdoor swiming pool and many natural pools in the streams that cross the valley.

3. Surfers Lodge Peniche (Peniche): a laid back resort full of good vibes, a surfer’s and yogi’s paradise in Peniche, a picturesque fishing village, wide bay of rolling sand dunes with surf spots for beginners to advanced. Option for surf classes and massages in SLP Wellness center
Surfers Lodge Peniche is a laid back resort with positive energy and good vibes, a surfer’s and yogi’s paradise. It provides well appointed twin, couple and single rooms, and a wellness center with sauna and massage treatments. Yoga practice in the outdoor rooftop terrace or indoor room. It has a confortable living room, rooftop terrace and outdoor swiming pool.

4. Herdade dos Delgados (Alqueva): a "herdade" in Alentejo flat land, on the edge of Alqueva big lake, and part of Unesco dark sky reserve perfect for star gazing. Let yourself wonder at the immense night sky, enjoy reflected in the flat water of the lake, try the delitious traditional Alentejo cuisine and practice yoga by the lake. Optional watersports (wakeboard, efoil), hot air baloon and massages at the resort SPA
Herdade dos Delgados is an immense property in Alentejo with nothing around for miles, on the edge of Alqueva big lake. It provides garden or lake view twin, couple and single rooms, indoor and outdoor swiming pool and a SPA with massages therapies.

What to expect 
The programme can be as intensive or laid back as you like. You can go for a deeper experience, combining yoga, trecking, swimming, surf and watersports with meditation and deep relaxation sound healing, while benefiting from the pure air and healthy food. Or you may prefer a more relaxed experience, enjoying the clean air, reconnecting with nature, walking in the forest or beach and taking in the awesome views. 
 
Program
Saturday 13 July (afternoon: prof Sandra Gaio)
09h15 welcome tea at OM Academy & Mind Spa
09h30 Power Hot Yoga or Vinyasa Yoga
10h30 Aerial Yoga or Pilates Mat
11h45 Departure to Guimarães 
12h30 Lunch in Guimarães 
14h15 Departure to D’Alijo Retreat Center
15h00 Check in
Afternoon: Relax at the pool or trek to the nearby cascade for a dive in the river
17h30 Welcome circle and introductions
18h00 Yoga practice 
19h00 Pranayama breathing practice
19h30 Show cooking and Workshop on Ayurveda food with chef Kirel, offer of Ayurveda Cook Book
20h30 Ayurveda detox dinner 
 
Sunday 14 Julho (prof Sandra Gaio)
07h30 Yoga practice
08h30 Breakfast 
09h00 Departure to Geres National Park 
10h00 Arrival at Gerês National Park. Mountain trekking and swimming in natural streams and pools in a 8km medium difficulty trek in Vale da Abelheira, guided by Fernando Fernandes from Estado Puro Natura
Packed lunch Ayurveda detox
Yoga Practice and Pranayama in the mountain (morning or afternoon)
18h00 Departure to d’Alijó Retreat Center
20h00 Ayurveda detox dinner 
21h00 Sound healing live session with gong, crystal bowl, Tibetan bowl and other instruments with low frequency sounds to promote meditative states and deep relaxation of body and mind
 
Monday 15 July (morning: prof Sandra Gaio/ afternoon: prof Luis Guilherme)
08h00 Yoga practice
09h00 Ayurveda detox breakfast
10h00 Departure to Vale de Moses Eco Resort (stop in Porto)
14h00 Check in at Vale de Moses Eco Resort
14h30 Vegan lunch at Vale de Moses Eco Resort
16h00 Forest bathing and wild swimming in natural streams
17h30 Yoga practice 
18h30 Guided meditation
19h00 Dinner at Vale de Moses Eco Resort
 
Tuesday 16 July (prof Luis Guilherme)
08h00 Herbal teas, fruits, nuts and coffee in the courtyard
08h30 Yoga practice
09h30 Workshop discussion: Mindfulness and meditation (Luis Guilherme)
10h30 Breakfast at Vale de Moses Eco Resort
Free time to explore the forest, alone or in group (forest bathing; wild swimming in rivers, streams and cascading pools, hiking and nature listening)
Optional: massages and therapies with Vale de Moses therapists (Tui Na or relaxation massages)
14h00 Lunch at Vale de Moses Eco Resort
17h30 Yoga practice 
18h30 Guided meditation
19h00 Dinner
 
Wednesday 17 July (morning: prof Luis Guilherme) 
07h30 Herbal teas, fruits, nuts and coffee in the courtyard
08h00 Yoga Practice
09h00 Breakfast
09h30 Departure to Peniche (stop in Leiria)
13h00 Check in at Surfers Lodge Peniche 
13h30 Lunch at Surfers Lodge Peniche
Optional: Surf class with Surfers Lodge instructors (extra cost)
Optional: massages or Reiki at Surfers Lodge wellness center (extra cost)
19h00 Workshop: Healthy living – develop your Superpowers (Rui)
20h30 Dinner at Surfers Lodge Peniche
 
Thursday 18 July (morning: prof Elisabeth Ippel; afternoon: prof Ana Dias)
07h30 Yoga class 
08h30 Breakfast
Optional: Surf class with Surfers Lodge instructors (extra cost)
Optional: massages at Surfers Lodge wellness center (extra cost)
12h30 Departure to Lisbon
13h30 Lunch in Lisbon (Parque das Nações)
15h00 Departure to Herdade dos Delgados on Alqueva great lake, Unesco’s Dark Sky Reserve
17h00 Check in at Herdade dos Delgados 
18h00 Workshop: Happiness - a lighter and more disciplined Mind (Rui)
19h00 Yoga practice
20h00 Pranayama practice
20h30 Dinner 
Evening Star gazing in Alqueva, a Unesco’s Dark Sky Reserve
Optional: canoe or kayak in the Alqueva lake under the night sky (extra cost)
 
Friday 19 July (prof Ana Dias)
08h00 Yoga practice
09h00 Breakfast
Optional: Morning water sports in Alqueva lake (extra cost)
Optional: Hot air balloon (extra cost)
Optional: massages in Herdade dos Delgados SPA (extra cost)
14h00 Lunch in Monsaraz
15h30 Visit to Monsaraz castle
17h00 Return to Herdade dos Delgados
18h30 Yoga practice
19h30 Pranayama practice
20h00 Dinner 
Evening Star gazing in Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve 
Optional: canoe or kayak with a swim in the Alqueva lake under the night sky (extra cost)
 
Saturday 20 July
07h30 Yoga practice
08h30 Breakfast
09h00 Departure to Lisbon airport 
Option to continue to Porto for extra night and fly out from Porto airport
 
Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama
Yoga practices throughout the retreat are inspired by different yoga styles, as teachers share their love and knowledge inspired by the surroundings and daily program. Classes are usually more energetic in the morning (Vinyasa, Power, Mandala Yoga) and slower and deeper in the evening (Hatha Yoga).
A retreat is an immersive experience, where you can take time off to reconnect with yourself, improving self-knowledge and mindfulness. It is an opportunity to focus on “TO BE” instead of “TO DO”. The sound healing and guided meditation sessions provide an opportunity for deep relaxation, a time to try subtle but powerful techniques and train the mind to settle down, leaving the daily struggle and stress behind – powerful tools youi can take with you for the rest of your life to better deal with stress, avoid burn-out and achieve a more serene and happy life.
Yoga is an excellent physical activity, developing core strength, flexibility, balance and mind-body coordination. But it is much more than a fitness class: improve body conscience, accept challenges and rest into the discomfort without rushing to eliminate it – this acceptance of discomfort and relinquishing the constant search for momentary pleasures improve mind resilience and can create the conditions for a more contented and fulfilling life. 
Guided meditations provide a safe environment to try or deepen your meditation practice, with explanation of key techniques and regular prompts to help you gently guide the wandering mind back to a point of focus, developing a gentler relationship with your thoughts, becoming aware of your larger conscience as an observer of the flow of the mind and, over time, achieve a more disciplined mind. 
Pranayama encompasses a variety of ancient breathing techniques that can bolsters lung capacity, resistance and help control the nervous system. Pranayama is the practice of breath regulation for physical and mental wellness. In Sanskrit, “prana” means life energy and “yama” means control.
 
Surf and watersports
Surf is a natural complement to yoga, sharing the same basic principles of communion with nature, core strength, flexibility, balance and focus, embracing the flow of the ocean. 
Peniche is truly a surfer’s and yogi’s paradise, a picturesque fishing village, wide bay of rolling sand dunes with surf spots for beginners to advanced. 
You will get to the end of the day tasting the sun and salt on your skin, the rolling waves still rocking your body, feeling energized and at peace. 
Watersports in Alqueva great lake, wakeboard or water skiing, warmed by the sun and surrounded by Alentejo flat land, is an exhilarating and adrenaline-filled experience that will leave you tired but happy. A high speed thrilling experience.  
 
Sound healing
The sound healing therapy live concert with a large gong, crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, shamanic drum and other instruments induces deep relaxation of body and mind and facilitates meditative states. It is an introspective “journey” supported by the low frequency long sound waves of these instruments. Sound therapy is a subtle but powerful way to release emotions and anxiety, promoting overall wellbeing.
 
Workshops 
The wellness talks are an opportunity to discuss and reflect on specific wellness topics, sharing experiences and providing useful information, inviting you to reflect and make conscious choices:
• Mindfulness and meditation (Luis Guilherme)
• Healthy living – develop your Superpowers (Rui)
• Happiness - a lighter and more disciplined Mind (Rui)
 
Ayurveda and Vegan Detox programme
The meals at d’Alijo Retreat Center (Friday dinner to Monday breakfast) are based on Ayurveda principles, prepared by chef Kirel, supporting a natural detox with delicious easy to digest food that gives a rest to the digestive system and leaves you feeling light and fresh, reducing inflammation, and bloating and promoting gut health. Eliminating “heavy food” at the beginning of the retreat will also help achieving a lighter and more relaxed mind. 
Ayurveda is a form of holistic medicine from India that focuses on promoting balance between your body and mind. The Ayurvedic diet is an eating pattern based on the principles of Ayurvedic medicine and focuses on balancing different types of energy within your body, which is said to improve health.
The show cooking and workshop on Ayurveda food with chef Kirel is a hands on intense voyage through the colours, smells, techniques and benefits or Ayurveda cooking. 
At the end you will receive chef Kirel’s Ayurveda Cook Book. 
Meals at Vale de Moses are vegan/vegetarian, prepared locally.
The following meals are traditional Portuguese food (not vegan, please let us know if you prefer a vegetarian/vegan option): 
• Lunch in Guimarães on Saturday
• Meals in Peniche, Lisbon and Alentejo (Wednesday to Saturday)
Please let us know if you have any food allergies. 
 
Treking in Gerês
Medium difficulty 8km trek in Gerês national park, guided by Fernando of Estado Puro Natura. 
Accumulated elevation: 981 meters
Points of interest:
• Abelheira valley
• Biduiça meadow
• Biduiça and Dola water streams
• Wells and ponds, with emphasis on the Dola well
• Several natural viewpoints
 
Optional services (extra cost)
• Surf classes in Peniche
• Watersports in Alqueva big lake
• Hot air ballon in Alqueva
• Tui Na Massage and Acupuncture at Vale de Moses
• Massages and Reiki at Surfers Lodge wellness center
• Massages at Herdade dos Delgados wellness center
• Several massages and therapies at OM Academy & Mind Spa if you decide to arrive on Friday or stay longer in Porto.