Portugal Retreat with Desiree Pais (founder of Benshen) + Tony Lupinacci
July 31 - August 6, 2025 at Cocoon Portugal
Join us for a week at Cocoon Portugal a 275 acre farm on Portugal's breathtaking Atlantic coast.
You’re invited to linger in the pregnant pause of summer, feel the sun on your face, and celebrate the joy of having a human body!
We’ve crafted an immersive experience that offers a balanced mix of daily Hatha Vinyasa and Kundalini Yoga in a supportive + grounded environment.
What to Expect:
We’ll have two classes (most days).
Tony will guide you through Hatha Vinyasa classes that aim to help you reconnect with your body and move with intention. These saatvic (equanimous) classes are designed to ground your energy with longer holds and detailed physical cueing.
Desiree will teach Kundalini Yoga which focuses on awakening and balancing the energy centers along your spine. Her teachings blend movement, breathwork, and meditation in a way that’s both approachable and accessible.
Our Approach:
Between the two of us, we have deep experience in yoga and meditation, including Kriya, Pranayama, and Mantra. No matter where you are on your spiritual path, our goal is to make these teachings practical and useful. Whether you're eager to learn new techniques or want space to reflect, we’ve designed this immersion to offer both.
Nourishment & Surroundings:
We believe that a nourishing meal and a delicious feast don’t need to be exclusive of one another. The food at Cocoon is local, with most of our produce coming from our property and nearby farms. Since we’ll be right on the Atlantic coast (10min by car) we’ll also explore a different beach each day, enjoy a seaside lunch out and maybe even a have a boat day!
Who Should Join:
This retreat is for anyone who wants to dive into community, reconnect with their practice, and experience the sweetness of Portugal at the peak of summer. All levels are welcome—whether you’ve been practicing for years or are just starting out, you’ll find value in the rigor of daily practice, the warmth of community, and plenty of time for personal reflection.
accommodations at cocoon portugal
3 fresh daily farm to table meals
1 morning class each day + 1 afternoon class 4x throughout the retreat
Lots of fun will be had!
No refunds once payment is made, payment due within one week of submitting your application. By clicking here i agree to these terms + conditions.
You are responsible for getting to and from cocoon. We strongly recommend renting a car
It is great to have a car here! please rent one so that you can have the freedom to explore the area
No one ever books with the intention to cancel! Please purchase travel insurence!
Anytime we eat outside of Cocoon you will be responsible for paying for your own food
If there is a boat day this sill be an additional charge
7am - Coffee + Light Snacks
8am - 10am: Morning Practice
10am - 11am: Breakfast
11am - 5pm: Play! Beach, Swim, Hike, Lounge, Journal, Nap
530pm - 7pm: Evening Class
830 - Dinner
I began my practice over a decade ago in an attempt to metabolize deep grief and to understand the human condition through my own. After countless hours of practice and self-study, I began to shed the protective layers of my personality. I found myself thinking less and feeling more. I know now that our true nature is to love and to move from a space of open-hearted compassion. I aim to get students back to this simple truth.
My classes weave Ashtanga, Kundalini Gosh and Katonah Yoga together to create a rigorous inward exploration of the self. I also use vedic meditation, mantra and kriya as tools to reach higher states of consciousness through the physical form.
My goal is for practitioners to leave with a stronger connection to themselves and to all sentient beings.
