Hidden in the remote hills of Monchique, our retreat unfolds in a landscape shaped by one of Portugal’s most treasured natural wonders — the alkaline mineral springs of the Algarve. Celebrated since Roman times for their high pH (around 9.5) and rich mineral composition, these waters are revered for their restorative and antioxidant properties.

Here, water is more than something we drink — it becomes a living element we'll explore in dance and all forms of life and movement. You’ll bathe in it. Swim in it. Be inspired by it in your dance. Let its minerals nourish your body, soften your nervous system, and renew your spirit.

Our dance sessions will be focused on embodying the sensuality of nature - a practice of awakening the senses, connecting to the elements, deepening your personal connection with your physical practice, and moving from presence rather than performance.

Our daily dance classes take place in a shaded open-air movement space — framed by flowing white linen, tall grasses, and rolling hills. Here, the land holds you. The wind moves with you. The body tunes inward, authentically sourcing your innate wellspring of energy, inspiration, and flow.

This retreat is intentionally curated to be small and intimate in size, ensuring a focused, supportive, and personalized learning environment. The intimate size allows your facilitator, Abagail, to provide individualized feedback, thoughtful guidance, and meaningful engagement with each participant. Consider this a semi-private learning environment where you will get more focused learning! 

Our private retreat villa set in a quiet mountain location embraces a minimalist, soulful design — a simple yet beautiful cocoon that removes excess and distraction while providing comfort in the essential. The space invites stillness, grounding, and integration, supporting you both in movement and in moments of deep rest so your nervous-system may recalibrate.  As expressed in the words of Hans Hofmann: “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” Our minimalist mountain villa supports just that! 

You will be lovingly nourished by Amy, our private local chef, who crafts each meal family style with intention and care, catered to your dietary needs: vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, or a light meat option (served at dinners only). Enjoy some complimentary local wines at dinner too! 

Sunday April 12th, guests arrive and will transfer from airport to retreat site. Transfer takes around 50 - 60 minutes from the Faro Airport.

Guests are welcomed with a snack, refreshments such as tea, coffee, and the best fresh mountain spring water in Portugal.

Rest, get settled in rooms, free time.

Just before dinner we'll do an opening circle to introduce ourselves, open our container with intentions for the experience, and do a little gentle mobility movement to shake off the travels and land gently into our retreat.

Dinner around 7pm

Morning before 9:30 AM - light breakfast, tea, coffee provided pre-dance session.

9:30 AM - 90 minute dance session: includes 15 minute mobility warm-up and 15 minute stretching cool-down.

11:15-12:15 - Lunch

12:15-4:00 PM - Free time. Rest, swim, hike, explore!

3:00 PM - Snack offered

4:30 PM - Second 90 minute dance session; includes 15 minute mobility warmup and 15-20 minute stretching cool-down.

7:00 PM - Dinner

8:00 PM - Fire pit, relax, converse, play games around the fire.

9:30 - 7 AM - Quiet hours

7-9:30 AM - Light breakfast offered, tea, coffee.

9:30-11:00 AM - 90 Minute dance session: includes 15 minute mobility warm-up and 15 minute stretching cool-down.

11:15-12:15 - Lunch

12:15-4:00 PM - Guided hike offered, free time. Rest, swim, explore!

3:00 PM - Snack offered

4:30 PM - Second 90 minute dance session; includes 15 minute mobility warmup and 15-20 minute stretching cool-down.

7:00 PM - Dinner

8:00 PM - Fire pit, relax, converse, play games around the fire.

9:30 - 7 AM - Quiet hours

9:30 AM - Depart for Lagos! 40 minute drive to the city of Lagos where participants may enjoy a free day to explore, go to the beach, shop, go to the seaside, taste local restaurants, sign up for a guided tour, visit the weekly farmers market. This day trip is totally up to the participants how they'd like to spend it, and are free to explore! We will take one meal (lunch) while in Lagos.

7:30 PM - Return to retreat villa to rest.

9:30 PM - 7:00 AM - Quiet hours

7:00 - 9:30 AM - light breakfast, tea, coffee provided.

9:30 AM - 90+ minute dance session: includes 15 minute mobility warm-up and 15 minute stretching cool-down.

11:15-12:15 - Lunch

12:15-:00 PM - Free time. Rest, swim, hike, explore!

3:00 PM - Snack offered

4:30 PM - Second 120 minute dance session; includes 15 minute mobility warmup and 15-20 minute stretching cool-down, + a special closing (for those who may have early departures the following day, we'll do a group closing at this session).

7:00 PM - Dinner

8:30 PM - Fire pit, relax, converse, play games around the fire.

9:30 - 7 AM - Quiet hours

7:00 - 9:00 AM - Light breakfast offered, tea and coffee.

9:00 - 9:45 AM - Optional gentle movement session, to get the blood flowing for the day and get the body sparked up! Depending on when participants depart, this session is optional and less formal than our group classes. A guided warmup-up then opening into a free-style session for play and exploration.

11:00 AM - Checkout. All guests must checkout of their rooms by 11AM, with pickup transfer to airport or next destination arranged.