Come and join us at our first international retreat in Portugal! A transformative 4 days of connection, movement, nature, delicious food and magic in central Portugal's picturesque landscape.
DAILY PROGRAM (EXAMPLE)
8.00-8.50 Breathwork & meditation
9.00-10.15 Breakfast & sharing circle
10.45-12.45 Guided movement class
13.00-14.00 Lunch
14.00-16.30 Free time
16.30-18.00 Class/workshop
18.30-19.30 Dinner
20.00-22.30 Ecstatic Dance
TEAM & FACILITATORS
• Renée Lacroix (Retreat Leader, Ecstatic Dance Facilitator & DJ)
• Alex Sevilla (Ecstatic Dance DJ)
• Sabino Soares (Ecstatic Dance DJ)
• Gaëlle Tuffigo (Dance Therapy Facilitator & Meditation Teacher)
• Juliane Lacroix (Breathwork Facilitator)
• Rui Sebok Bizarro (Shamanic Trance Dance)
• Ricardo Pinto (Sound Healer & Musician)
RETREAT CENTRE: QUINTA SÃO JOSÉ DOS MONTES
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.
ACCOMMODATION: 3 NIGHTS
1. 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.
2. If you choose the camping & van option, you need to bring your own tent/van and camping gear (ex. sleeping bag, mattress, pillow, blanket).
FOOD: 9 MEALS
All meals are included (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners). Organic, fresh and unprocessed food is lovingly prepared on site using locally-sourced produce whenever possible. Meals will be vegan with vegetarian extras on the side (ex. cheese, honey). 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.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
We ask you to arrive between 16:00-18:00 on Thursday 5 May 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 14:00 on Sunday 8 May.
TRANSFER
We have a mini-bus (22 seats) leaving Lisbon Airport at 15:00 on Thursday 5 May and coming back between 16:30 and 17:00 on Sunday 8 May. If you're flying in, we recommend booking flights landing before 13:00 on May 5 and leaving after 18:30 on May 8. If already in Lisbon, you can take the metro (red line) to Aeroporto (about 30 min from downtown Lisbon).
Cost for return travel: €50. You can add antransfer to your booking at checkout.
WHAT TO BRING
-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)
PAYMENT
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.
FAQ
-I'm coming from abroad. What are the current travel restrictions for entering Portugal? As of Feb 9, vaccinated travelers can enter Portugal without a covid test (providing proof of vaccination). Unvaccinated travelers can enter with either a pre-flight test (rapid antigen 24 hours before boarding or PCR 72 hours before boarding) OR a valid recovery certificate. For more details, you can find the latest updates on Visit Portugal.
-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.
-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.
-What is your cancellation policy? In the unlikely case that we have to cancel the retreat, a full refund will be offered. In case of cancellation from your side, no refunds or transfers will be offered, no matter the reason.
-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. If the retreat is fully booked and you want us sell your booking on your behalf, we will retain your deposit and refund you the balance only if we find a replacement and once they have paid in full. Please note we will only accept booking transfers and allow posts on our Facebook event/page if the retreat is fully booked.
ADDRESS
Estrada dos Montes, Nº134
2300-087 Olalhas – Tomar
+351 917 935 392
GETTING THERE
Quinta São José dos Montes is located 150 km (1.5 hour drive) from Lisbon. It is also possible to get there by train + taxi. The cost for each way is approximately €25 (€10 train Lisbon-Tomar + €15 taxi). We offer a return transfer to Lisbon for €50.
ABOUT ECSTATIC EXPERIENCES
Ecstatic Experiences is a transformational events company run by Ecstatic Dance organiser, facilitator and DJ Renée Lacroix, co-founder of Ecstatic Dance UK. Our mission is to create safe and sacred spaces for people from all ages and backgrounds to come together to connect and work on themselves through movement classes, sharing circles, self-development workshops and freeform dance. Our retreats embrace inclusivity, freedom of expression, openness and positivity. Join us for a truly transformative experience!
Choose this option if coming from abroad or live in Portugal on an 'international' wage (ex. expat, digital nomad). Please note this doesn't include accommodation. Choose your preferred accommodation option from the list below.
To honour the difference in wages and disposable income between Portuguese residents and those of other countries in Europe, we reserve a few places for Portuguese participants at a discounted rate. Please email us a copy of your resident card or passport as a proof.
Please note this doesn't include accommodation. Choose your preferred accommodation option from the list below.