Flow, Nourish, & Thrive 2.0

Olhão, Portugal

MS
Matthew Shaw Yoga
  • Email address verified
3 reviews
Nov 14 - 19, 2024
Group size: 12 - 19
Flow, Nourish, & Thrive 2.0
Olhão, Portugal

Matthew Shaw Yoga
  • Email address verified
3 reviews

Nov 14 - 19, 2024
Group size: 12 - 19

About this trip

Join us on a thrilling retreat in the stunning Algarve region of Portugal. This five-night retreat takes place at Casa Fuzetta, an exceptional private residence in the heart of the authentic fishing town of Olhão, in the unspoilt eastern Algarve.


This will be our backdrop for a week of invigorating yoga, incredible plant-based dining, exploration, and rejuvenation.

Daily flow and nourishment

✨Please see the "Itinerary" section below for more details.✨


Each morning will begin with a dynamic vinyasa flow - a well-rounded, mindful practice that will invigorate your entire body. Throughout the week, you'll deepen your physical practice of hip openers, backbends, standing poses, arm balances, and inversions, while also incorporating meditation and pranayama. 

The yoga we'll do is for all levels, and options will be given to "level-up" or "level-down". Matthew's classes are often vigorous and sweaty, and you're always welcome to slow down, rest, and take modifications. That said, in order to take full advantage, we recommend having some experience in vinyasa yoga before you arrive.


Our morning yoga practice will be followed by a relaxed and hearty family-style brunch. 


Afternoons are yours, whether you wish to visit the markets, relax by the pool, or follow your heart to the ocean or the wonderful local islands; abundant culture and nature saturate the vicinity.


In the late afternoon/early evening, you'll be welcomed back for a two-part yoga practice, the first part being more challenging, focusing on arm balances and inversions, and the second part being a slow flow: quiet and restorative, concluding with Yoga Nidra. You are welcome to attend either or both of these sessions. This will be followed by a delicious plant-based dinner.

Travel to Casa Fuzetta

Getting to Casa Fuzetta couldn’t be easier. It is within a 15/20 minute drive from Faro International Airport (FAO), which itself is less than 3 hours flight from London Gatwick, and only just over 3 hours from many other European destinations. We are happy to recommend reliable transfer companies to get you to and from the airport.  Once at the house, you will be in the heart of the old town where family-run local restaurants, the spectacular waterfront market and boats out to the islands are all within easy walking distance. 


Other travel options from Philadelphia / NYC:: 

a brand-new, DIRECT flight from Newark (EWR) to Faro (FAO)

a direct flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to Lisbon (LIS) and a train (3 - 4 hours) or taxi (2 - 3 hours) to Faro.

About your hosts

Matthew is a certified yoga teacher (E-RYT 500), a former opera singer, a dog dad, an ambitious learner, and a recovering perfectionist with a B.S. in Psychology and both a B.M. and an M.M in Music. He helps busy, high achieving people improve their strength, flexibility and overall fitness through mindful movement (and probably a little sweat). Flowing with him will give you the mental escape you've been waiting for all day. To learn more about Matthew, CLICK HERE.


German food blogger & cookbook author Diana Scholl will be your culinary host for the week – providing you with delicious, plant-based meals highlighting the abundant Portuguese produce. Diana’s cooking is full of flavour, nourishing and fulfilling, she loves spices, herbs, carbs & grains, nuts, dips & dressings and will indulge you with freshly prepared delicious family-style meals throughout the retreat. 


Andrew is your program coordinator. During the retreat he will be around to assist and answer any questions you may have. Originally from Ohio, Andrew moved as quickly as he could to the New York City, where he earned his bachelor's degree in music, then Philadelphia where he earned his Masters. For the past six years Andrew has been working as a singer, photographer, and dog dad, based in Stuttgart, Germany.

Cancellation Policy

In the unfortunate event that you need to cancel your trip, you will be refunded the following amount:

·  up to 90 days before the retreat start date, a cancellation fee equal to the previously stated down payment (20%) applies;

·  from 60 to 90 days before the retreat start date, 50% of the total price of the trip is non-refundable;

·  from 60 to 30 days before the retreat start date, 70% of the total price of the trip is non-refundable

·  from 30 days or less before the retreat start date, 90% of the total price of the trip is non-refundable.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended. A travel insurance policy should include trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, accident, emergency assistance, and medical assistance.  

Casa Fuzetta

 The house has over 1000sqm of  internal space and 560sqm of external space including:

  • Each bedroom has a large ensuite bathroom (with walk-in shower, and in one, with an additional free-standing bath). None is smaller than 13sqm, with the largest being 32sqm (excluding in each case bathroom and outside spaces) Most are in the region of 23sqm
  • rooftop pool (9mx3m – heated when needed) and pool bar
  • rooftop yoga decks
  • indoor yoga space
  • meditation room
  • two dedicated massage/treatment rooms
  • multiple terraces and outdoor sitting areas for communal entertaining or sneaking away to read a book!
  • games room with pool table
  • large winter living room with open fireplace
  • library opening onto a central courtyard
  • large contemporary domestic kitchen, opening onto a large terrace with tables and seating for 24 in comfort
  • industrial prep kitchen on the ground floor - for larger events and/or winter dining downstairs
  • large entrance hall – for flexible use
  • laundry

The Islands

Not to visit at least one of the Islands (Armona, Culatra, Farol or Deserta) would be criminal! They each have a distinct feel but each one has beautiful unspoilt beaches, and wonderful low key restaurants/beach bars where you will happily while away the day. The islands are easy to get to: you can either take a small ferry which runs multiple times per day or a river taxi.  They all go from the same place, just 150m east along the waterfront from the market. If you rent a car, a host of wonderful places can be reached within a 30 minute drive and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, Seville is only two hours away.

What’s included

  • 5 Nights Accomodations
    Each room is unique and beautifully-appointed
  • Two Yoga Sessions Daily
    See the description in the "Itinerary" section for more details about our practices
  • Daily Light Breakfast
    Pre-yoga small breakfast: fruit, granola, coffee, tea
  • Daily Brunch & Dinner
    Plant-based, locally-inspired cuisine
  • Pool
    On the rooftop! Solar-heated (when needed) and private - just for us!
  • Midweek Cooking Class
    Learn how to prepare delicious vegan food from our amazing chef, Diana!
  • Midweek Outing
    Join us as we head to one of the islands for a day of fun in the sun
  • Yoga Props
    Casa Fuzetta has all the high-quality props that we'll need, including yoga mats, straps, and bolsters. You're welcome to bring your own mat, of course!
  • Set of Towels
    1 x hand towel, 1 x bath towel, 1 x bath mat, 1 x pool towel
  • Hairdryer
  • Laundry on-site
  • La-Eva bathroom sets
    Body wash, lotion, shampoo & conditioner
  • Midweek Maid Service
    a change of bath linen on day 3
  • WiFi
  • Welcome Bubbly

What’s not included

  • Airfare
  • Travel Insurance
    *Highly recommended*
  • Airport to Casa travel
    We will provide info for transfer companies
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    We will have welcome bubbly but during the rest of the stay it is BYOB
  • Extra Activities
    Besides our included group outing, there's so much to do and explore in the area -- we will send out suggestions as we get nearer to the retreat
  • Spa Treatments
    Massages / La-Eva Deep Release & Sensory Immersion Experience / La-Eva Full-Body Scrub
  • Private Yoga Sessions
    Work one-on-one with Matthew to deepen your practice.
  • Professional Photography
    Andrew, our program coordinator and professional photographer, will be on board the whole time if you want any portraits during your stay

Available Packages

The Tower Suite
Deposit:$404
Sold Out

The Tower Suite is 344 ft² and features two private terraces, a juliette balcony, and AC. It is located at the top of the house and provides exceptional privacy. The beds can be configured as two twin beds or one king bed. The room has a separate ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower. The White Company cotton bed linen and bath towels, and LaEva organic toiletries. For photos of this room visit: CLICK HERE.


Please note: Price per person, a 2-person room


$2,020
Deposit:$404
The Crystal Suite
Deposit:$404
Sold Out

The Crystal Suite is situated on the second floor and is 323ft². The beds can be configured as two twin beds or one king bed. The room has a separate ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and freestanding bath, silent ceiling fans, two Juliette balconies, The White Company cotton bed linen and bath towels, and LaEva organic toiletries. For photos of this room, CLICK HERE.


Please note: Price per person, a 2-person room

$2,020
Deposit:$404
The Dancer Suite
Deposit:$342
Sold Out

The Dancer Suite is situated on the second floor and is 248ft². Beds can be configured as two twin beds or one king-sized bed. The room feature silent ceiling fans, a separate ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and bath, The White Company cotton bed linen and bath towels, and LaEva organic toiletries.  For photos of this room, CLICK HERE.


Please note: Price per person, a 2-person room

$1,710
Deposit:$342
The Post Colonial Suite
Deposit:$342
Sold Out

The Post Colonial Suite is situated on the second floor and is 237ft². Beds can be configured as two twin beds or one king-sized bed. The room features silent ceiling fans, a separate ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and bath, The White Company cotton bed linen and bath towels, and LaEva organic toiletries. For photos of this room, CLICK HERE.


Please note: Price per person, a 2-person room  


$1,710
Deposit:$342
The Gallery Suite
Deposit:$508
Sold Out

The Gallery Suite is situated on the second floor and is 269ft². It is an open plan bed/bath design and has one king sized bed. The room features silent ceiling fans, an ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower, The White Company cotton bed linen and bath towels, and LaEva organic toiletries. For photos of this room, CLICK HERE

 
Please note: Single room, a 1-person room

$2,540
Deposit:$508
The Music Suite
Deposit:$508
Sold Out

The Music Suite is situated on the second floor and is 258ft². Beds can be configured as two twin beds or one king-sized bed. The room feature silent ceiling fans, a separate ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and bath, The White Company cotton bed linen and bath towels, and LaEva organic toiletries. Please note that there is no door between the bedroom and bathroom. For photos of this room, CLICK HERE.

 
Please note: Single room, a 1-person room

$2,540
Deposit:$508
The Courtyard Suite
Deposit:$302
Sold Out

The Courtyard Suite is situated on the second floor and is 248ft². It has two twin sized beds. The room features a silent ceiling fan, a separate ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, The White Company cotton bed linen and bath towels, and LaEva organic toiletries. For photos of this room, CLICK HERE.

 
Please note: Price per person, a 2-person room

$1,510
Deposit:$302
The Buddha Room
Deposit:$302
Sold Out

The Buddha Room is situated on the second floor and is 248ft². It has two twin sized beds. The room features a silent ceiling fan, a separate ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, The White Company cotton bed linen and bath towels, and LaEva organic toiletries. For photos of this room, CLICK HERE.


Please note: Price per person, a 2-person room

$1,510
Deposit:$302
The Clock Room
Deposit:$302
Sold Out

The Clock Room is situated on the second floor and is 248ft². It has two twin sized beds. The room features a silent ceiling fan, a separate ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, The White Company cotton bed linen and bath towels, and LaEva organic toiletries. For photos of this room, CLICK HERE.


Please note: Price per person, a 2-person room 

$1,510
Deposit:$302
The Spiral Suite
Sold Out

The Spiral Suite is situated on the second floor and is 205ft² with bed and features a private terrace, AC, silent ceiling fans, an ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower, The White Company cotton bed linen and bath towels, and LaEva organic toiletries. This room offers an antique wood-framed french bed 140cm wide. It is not suggested for guests taller than 180cm (5'11). For photos of this room, CLICK HERE.


Please note: Single room, a 1-person room

$2,340
The Vaulted Room
Deposit:$468
Sold Out

The Vaulted Room is situated on the first floor and is 194ft² and features silent ceiling fans, an ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower, The White Company cotton bed linen and bath towels, and LaEva organic toiletries. This room offers an antique wood-framed french bed 140cm wide. It is not suggested for guests taller than 180cm (5'11). For photos of this room, CLICK HERE.


Please note: Single room, a 1-person room

$2,340
Deposit:$468
Second Spiral Suite guest booking
Sold Out

Only applicable for the Spiral Suite.

$1,120


Itinerary

Day 1 • Thursday, Nov 14
Arrival day 😀

CHECK-IN TIME IS 4pm, so feel free to arrive any time after that  - we'll be ready to welcome you and show you to your amazing room!


6pm • Welcome Practice 

We'll do a short slow-flow practice to help you shake off the travel (think: juicy hip openers, shoulder stretches, and grounding breathwork). 


7:30pm • Dinner

We'll pour the bubbly, toast to the start of an incredible week, and then sit down (most likely al fresco!) to enjoy our first dinner together.

Your Organizer


MS
Matthew Shaw Yoga
3 reviews
Matthew (E-RYT 500) came to yoga teaching after a fulfilling career as a professional opera singer. He was already a long-time yoga practitioner when he started teaching in 2018, and as both a student and a teacher, he found that yoga helped him to find more mental tranquility while also becoming stronger in his body. Matthew’s offerings combine the physicality and athleticism of a strong, breath focused vinyasa flow, along with the powerful mental benefits of mindfulness and introspection. His main teacher is Jason Crandell.

Reviews

SP
It was amazing! I still can’t believe it was real. The villa is beautiful, having dinner every night I felt like legit Royalty. I am a full meat and cheese lover but I didn’t miss any of it because the plant based food was so tasty and filling. I couldn’t fit in dessert some nights I ate so much. Diana’s recipes are incredibly delicious. Matthew is an amazing yoga teacher. I got to learn a lot of technical stuff for being new to yoga and was really able to deepen my appreciation for the practice. Everyone involved in the retreat I consider my new but good friend now. It was perfect and I wouldn’t change anything. Best week of my life so far. 100/10 would do it again.
By Stephanie P for Flow, Nourish, & Thrive // a yoga retreat in Tuscany on Jul 25, 2023
KO
AMAZING retreat! So well organized, from the yoga to the food. I was nervous about a vegan diet for the week, but I am dreaming about that lasagna and desperately need Diana's recipe. I would love to have those cold towels at the end of the yoga sessions since it was so hot, and I would love to come back during the shoulder season if it's available. The heat was too much some days. Otherwise, fantastic experience all around! Big thank you to Matthew, Diana (and team), and Andrew!
By Kevin O for Flow, Nourish, & Thrive // a yoga retreat in Tuscany on Jul 24, 2023
Guys! This was the absolute best vacation and a truly life changing experience. Each one of you added so much value, care, and joy to the trip. 100/10.
By Jill L for Flow, Nourish, & Thrive // a yoga retreat in Tuscany on Jul 24, 2023