Join us for a transformational 5 days of community living in the breathtaking nature of central Portugal's countryside. Expect epic Ecstatic Dance journeys, heart-opening workshops, delicious wholesome food, meaningful connections, tears, laughter and everything in between. Come as you are, all of you is welcome here ♥
Click here to see the program (please note this is subject to change).
• Renée Lacroix (Retreat leader, Ecstatic Dance facilitator & DJ)
• Esta Polyesta (Ecstatic Dance DJ & Shamanic Trance facilitator)
• Bernardo Rodrigues (Ecstatic Dance DJ)
• Pedro Paz (Contact Improvisation teacher)
• Juliane Lacroix (Breathwork facilitator)
• Catarina Pyrrait (Yoga teacher)
Quinta São José dos Montes' main purpose is promoting a greater connection with oneself through activities integrating personal, social and spiritual dimensions, as well as contact with nature. They hosts events and retreats throughout the year (meditation, yoga, breathwork, conscious dance, natural horsemanship and shamanic practices, among others). They aim to create the least environmental impact in everything they do and move towards self-sufficiency in terms of energy, food and water (they have an artesian well, solar panels and grow their own organic vegetables). They promote care for the land and care for people with the mission of contributing to a better world.
If you choose the accommodation option, you have the choice between a dorm, a shared or private yurt or an apartment. Bedding and towels are provided.
If you choose the camping & van option, you need to bring your own tent/van and camping gear (sleeping bag, mattress, pillow, blanket).
All meals are included (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners). Organic, fresh and unprocessed food is lovingly prepared on site using locally-sourced produce whenever possible. Meals will be vegetarian with vegan options available. Quinta São José's chefs work with mindfully balanced menus, providing all the nutrients for a healthy body and an inspired mind. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know when booking.
We ask you to arrive between 16:00-18:00 on Wednesday 16 April to allow time to check-in, explore the grounds and settle in before we start. The retreat will start with dinner at 18:30.
The retreat will end after lunch at 15:00 on Sunday 20 April.
We have a mini-bus leaving Lisbon at 15:00 on Wednesday 16 April and coming back around 17:00 on Sunday 20 April. If you're flying in, we recommend booking flights landing before 13:00 on 16 April and leaving after 20:00 on 20 April.
Cost for return travel: €70. You can add a transfer to your booking at checkout.
-Torch (head torches are really useful to walk around at night)
-Clothing & boots suitable for the outdoors (ground can become muddy when wet)
-Comfortable shoes (8-10 min walk between activity dome & dining area)
-Ear plugs (if sharing accommodation)
-Toiletries (natural & biodegradable products please)
-In what language will this retreat be held? Due to the international nature of our retreats, all activities and guidance will be held in English. Se precisares de tradução para português, podemos providenciar, já que a maioria da nossa equipa é portuguesa.
-Can I come on my own? Absolutely! More than half of our participants actually come on their own, and many not knowing anyone else. Our retreats are highly inclusive and welcoming, and the program is designed to facilitate connections between one another with ice-breakers, group exercices and a daily sharing circle in small groups.
-I've never been on retreat or done an Ecstatic Dance before. Can I still join? Yes. While we would suggest that you try at least a conscious dance session (of any modality) to get a feel first, we always have a handful of participants who have never done Ecstatic Dance before coming on retreat. And for many of them it's also their first retreat.
-Is this a festival? No. Festivals are generally larger events with several programs/workshops to choose from and participants can arrive/leave as they wish, and meals are not communal. Our retreat is a closed container: we start and finish together. We are limiting the number of participants in order to create a more intimate gathering. There is one program and all the activities, including meals, are communal. We will also ask you to turn your phone off. Our retreats are an invitation to dive deeper into your practice and let go of the outside world.
-Are the facilities heated? Yes, dorms and apartments are equipped with portable electrical heaters and yurts have a wood burner to keep you warm at night. The dome can also be heated if need be.
-Can I come for only part of the retreat? No. Part of the reason our retreats are so powerful is due to the energy field we create together as a group. Having participants arrive later or leave early clashes with this group field. If you come on retreat with us, we ask that you commit to staying for the entire duration.
-Are children welcome? Our retreats are not suitable for children.
-Are dogs allowed? Unfortunately not.
-What is your cancellation policy? Click here to read our retreat cancellation policy.
-If I can no longer make it, can I transfer my booking to someone? If you find someone to take your booking, there will be a €40 admin charge to transfer your booking to another person.
A non-refundable deposit is required to book and secure your place. Balance due 30 days before retreat starts. Please carefully read our Retreat T&Cs as by booking on our retreat, you become legally bound by these terms.
Quinta São José dos Montes
Estrada dos Montes Nº134 2300-087
Olalhas – Tomar
+351 917 935 392
Quinta São José dos Montes is located 150 km north of Lisbon (1.5-hour drive). It is also possible to get there by train + taxi. The cost is approximately €40 each way (€10 train Lisbon-Tomar + €30 taxi). We offer a return transfer to Lisbon which you can add as an option when you book.
All classes and workshops
Your choice of accommodation (dorm, yurt, room or camping)
Three vegetarian meals daily made from organic produce from onsite garden
You can book a transfer to the retreat centre as an add-on
Make your way to Quinta São José dos Montes, our stunning retreat centre
16:00-18:00 Upon arrival and check-in with our team and you will be shown to your accommodation or the camping area. Settle in, explore the grounds and get acquainted with the facilities.
18:30-19:30 Gather in the dining tent for our first meal together where you'll be able to connect with your fellow retreatants.
20:00-22:30 Join us in the geodesic dome for an Opening Circle where we'll introduce ourselves and share practical points. You be will be guided into a short warm-up before embarking on an Ecstatic Dance journey.
7:30-8:30 Rise & shine! Start the day with an awakening yoga class led by our yoga teacher (suitable for all levels).
9:00-9:30 Fuel your body with a hearty continental breakfast.
9:45-10:30 Gather with your small group (6-7) for a daily sharing circle, where you'll be able to introduce yourself and get to know your new 'retreat family'.
11:00-13:00 Discover new ways of moving and connecting with others with a Contact Improvisation class.
13:00-14:00 Enjoy a hearty & delicious plant-based lunch.
14:00-16:30 Free time. Use this time to wander around (there's a gorgeous lake just a kilometer away), lounge by the pool, write in your journal, reflect, meditate or challenge yourself: do nothing!
16:30-18:00 Take part in an Authentic Relating workshop, a series of communication exercises (or games, as we like to call them) where you'll be invited to connect with others and explore your boundaries.
18:30-19:30 Back at the dining tent for a light yet wholesome dinner.
20:00-22:00 Go on an inward Shamanic Trance Movement journey to get clarity or an answer to a question.
7:30-8:30 Gently wake up your body with a yoga class.
9:00-9:30 Fuel your body with the Quinta's mouth-watering breakfast buffet.
9:45-10:30 Reunite with your sisters/brothers for our daily sharing circle.
11:00-13:00 Reset your nervous system and clear your mind with an activating Breathwork session.
13:30-14:30 Enjoy yet another nutritionally-balanced lunch.
14:30-17:00 Take advantage of your free time to do what your body or spirit need, whether it's a nap, a dip in the pool/lake, a walk in the forest, etc.
17:00 - 19:00 Let yourself go with an Ecstatic Dance journey.
19:30-20:30 Gather for supper time in the dining tent.
7:30-8:30 Start the day with an invigorating yoga class.
9:00-9:30 Fill up your body with a nourishing breakfast.
9:45-10:30 Connect with your sharing circle and reflect back on your experience.
11:00-13:00 Dive deeper into your practice with a Contact Improvisation class.
13:00-14:00 Enjoy your lunch in the dining tent or around the pool.
14:00-16:30 Free time to rest, reflect, digest or do whatever your body/soul needs.
16:30-19:00 Gather in the dome for an heart-opening Cacao Ceremony followed by an epic Ecstatic Dance session.
19:30-20:30 Indulge in an abundant and scrumptious dinner.
21:00-22:30 End the day with a gentle Breathwork session to calm your nervous system and prepare you for sleep.
7:30-8:30 Integrate your retreat experience with a final yoga class.
9:00-9:30 Fill up your body with a nourishing breakfast.
9:45-10:30 Connect with your sharing circle and reflect back on your experience.
11:00-13:00 Dance your heart out with a Closing Circle & Ecstatic Dance.
13:30-14:30 Enjoy your last meal at the Quinta and swap numbers with your new friends.
14:30-15:00 Pack your bags and marvel at the majestic view before saying good-bye. Hug everyone and hop on the mini-bus back to Lisbon (or your own means of transport).
