How many times in the rush of everyday life do we fail to connect with our essence?

How many times do you forget who you really are? We stop observing, creating, feeling, and being. This experience is an invitation to return home. It is a journey of reconnecting with who we were and are but have forgotten along the way. They say that when we grow up, we stop playing. And if we started playing again, would we grow up again?
 

In the stillness of nature and the rhythm of your breath, a soft voice inside begins to whisper—you remember. You remember who you were before the noise, before the deadlines, before the days got so full you forgot to feel.

This retreat is not just an escape; it's a remembering.

Set in the heart of our 30 hectares of untamed beauty, surrounded by the healing silence of southern Portugal, this experience invites you to pause the world and return to your essence. To the you that creates, that plays, that simply is. The you who once danced barefoot under the sun without needing a reason.

Guided by the compassionate presence of Mayara Goulart and Jullia Poell—two souls deeply rooted in the art of movement, yoga, and emotional alchemy—you’ll be held in practices that honor your body, your pace, and your personal evolution. Expect no pressure to perform, only permission to feel.

From early morning meditations to twilight bonfire circles, painting sessions to integrative movement, every offering is a doorway—back home, to yourself.

Because healing doesn’t always look like stillness. Sometimes, it looks like painting with your eyes closed. Sometimes, it’s laughter by the fire. Sometimes, it’s moving without choreography. And sometimes, it’s simply sitting in the quiet and remembering—you are enough.

Come as you are.
Leave as more of you.

Mayara Goulart

For Mayara, yoga is more than a practice—it’s a place. A sacred space of acceptance, reconnection, and gentle experimentation. It’s where the noise fades and the real conversations begin—between breath and body, heart and mind.

Originally trained in advertising, Mayara spent years navigating the fast-paced world of media before answering a deeper calling. What began as personal healing soon became a life’s devotion. With over 11 years immersed in the study and teaching of yoga and more than 600 hours of training and mentoring, she brings to her classes not only expertise but also heart.

Her teaching is rooted in empathy and presence. With a deeply intuitive approach, Mayara invites you to meet yourself where you are—to explore your edges without judgment and to allow yoga to become a mirror for your own emotional and physical truths. Her sessions are not about perfection but about permission—the permission to feel, to rest, to stretch, and most importantly, to simply exist as you are.

Whether you're stepping on the mat for the first time or returning to deepen your journey, Mayara offers a space where every movement is a homecoming.

Jullia Poell

Jullia believes that the journey inward is a lifelong adventure—one paved with movement, awareness, and the kind of freedom that only comes when we truly meet ourselves.

Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: When we move with intention, we awaken something deep within. That inner shift—subtle or seismic—holds the power to transform, to heal, and to unbind the parts of us that have long been forgotten or overlooked.

With six years of dedicated practice, Jullia’s roots in Vinyasa Flow Yoga and Swasthya Yoga are grounded in both tradition and dynamic expression. A graduate of Yoga em Movimento and Yoga School, her teaching blends fluidity with mindfulness and discipline with play.

What she offers is more than just a class—it’s an invitation. A safe, vibrant space where you can move freely, breathe deeply, and remember the language of your own body. Her sessions are about returning to joy, honoring your rhythm, and allowing the practice to meet you—wherever you are, however you arrive.

For Julia, yoga is the art of reconnection. And through her guidance, you’ll remember that you were never really lost—just waiting to feel again.

Nestled within 30 hectares of pure, untouched nature, the villa is a serene eco-sanctuary located in the heart of Alentejo, Portugal. Just 90 minutes from Lisbon, this consciously designed space offers total disconnection from the noise of modern life and a deep reconnection with yourself.

With sustainably built wooden houses, peaceful walking trails, cozy corners for journaling or quiet reflection, and wide open skies. The property also includes a yoga shala with panoramic views, nourishing vegetarian meals sourced locally, and plenty of space to breathe, move, and just be. Here, nature isn't just a backdrop—it’s part of the healing.

4 Standard Rooms: Each with unique charms like private courtyards or sunrise views over the Alentejo hills. One room is wheelchair accessible.

6 Standard Plus Rooms: Three overlook the natural swimming pond, one features a cozy fireplace, and all promise sweeping views of the serene landscape.
 

🛁 Room Features:

• King-size bed (or twin option)
• Private bathroom
• Personal outdoor entrance & sitting area
• Heating system & heated towel rack
• Roof fan
• Wardrobe
• Hot water kettle with in-house herbal teas
   

🌿 Additional Notes:

• Sustainably sourced wooden furniture, some crafted from trees that once stood on the property
• No smoking, no pets policy
• A calm sanctuary where design and nature co-exist in perfect balance

The Villa is beautifully tucked away in the tranquil Alentejo countryside, just under two hours from Lisbon. While secluded and serene, it’s surprisingly accessible.

Flights

Illuminate provides a complimentary travel concierge to advise and help you book your flights. Before booking your flight, we recommend consulting with us. Our team can help you source the best options available.

 No worries — we’ve got you. If the listed dates don’t align with your schedule, simply gather a group of 8 or more, and we’ll curate a private retreat experience just for you in Portugal. Reach out to us, and let’s create something beautiful together. 

Cancellations 

You can cancel your retreat booking for free up to two weeks before it starts. If you cancel within two weeks, you’ll get half of your money back. Plus, if we find someone else to take your spot, you’ll get 75% back. We know plans can change, so we’re here to help. Just ask if you have any questions about our cancellation policy. We want you to feel happy and relaxed about your booking!

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that our luminees get travel insurance to mitigate any unforeseen losses that may occur. This goes a long way to securing your travel and ensuring that your experience is as hassle-free as possible. Illuminate Retreats will not be held responsible for any travel-related damages.