Join us for a transformational 5 days of community living in the breathtaking nature of central Portugal's countryside. Expect epic Ecstatic Dance journeys, heart-opening workshops, delicious wholesome food, meaningful connections, tears, laughter and everything in between. Come as you are, all of you is welcome here ♥

Click here to see an example of a past program (please note even though the daily timings will be the same, the content of the sessions will be different).

• Renée Lacroix (Retreat leader, Ecstatic Dance facilitator & DJ)
• Bernice Raabis (Ecstatic Dance facilitator & DJ)
• Rute Novais (Ecstatic Dance facilitator & DJ)
• Shivani Soares (Movement Medecine teacher)
• Juliane Lacroix (Breathwork facilitator)
• Catarina Pyrrait (Yoga teacher & Ecstatic Dance DJ)

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.  

We have a wide selection of accommodation available to suit all budgets and comfort needs. Full bedding and towels are provided with all options (except camping).

If you prefer camping, you will need to bring your own tent/van and camping gear (sleeping bag, mattress, pillow, blanket).

All meals are included (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners). Organic, fresh and unprocessed food (all vegan) is lovingly prepared on site using locally-sourced produce whenever possible. 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.  

We ask you to arrive between 16:00-18:00 on Wednesday 21 Oct 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 15:00 on Sunday 25 Oct.

We have a mini-bus leaving Lisbon at 15:00 on Wednesday 21 Oct and coming back around 17:00 on Sunday 25 Oct. If you're flying in, we recommend booking flights landing before 12:00 on 21 Oct and leaving after 20:00 on 25 Oct.

Cost for return travel: €75. You can add a transfer to your booking at checkout.

-Torch (head torches are really useful to walk around at night)

-Reusable water bottle

-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)

-In what language will this retreat be held? Due to the international nature of our retreats, all activities and guidance will be held in English. Se precisares de tradução para português, podemos providenciar, já que a maioria da nossa equipa é portuguesa.

-Can I come on my own? Absolutely! Almost all 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.

-I've never been on retreat or done an Ecstatic Dance before. Can I still join? Yes! While we would suggest that you try at least a conscious dance session (of any modality) to get a feel first, we always have a handful of participants who have never done Ecstatic Dance before coming on retreat. And for many of them it's also their first retreat.

-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.

-Are accommodations heated? Yes, all accommodation options except for the bell tents have heating. Dorms, rooms and apartments are equipped with automated central heating or portable electrical heaters. Yurts and domes have a wood burner.

-Can I come for only part of the retreat? No. Part of the reason our retreats are so powerful is due to the energy field we create together as a group. Having participants arrive later or leave early clashes with this group field. If you come on retreat with us, we ask that you commit to staying for the entire duration. 

-I'm unemployed/student/on a low income. Do you offer concessions? We have a Pay-it-forward sponsorship scheme where we match generous sponsors with those who aren't in a financial position to pay full price to attend our retreats. You can fill in the application form here. If you're in a position to pay more and you wish to sponsor someone, you can do so here.

-Do you have any volunteering opportunities? We don't, but if you're not in a position to pay full price, you can apply to our sponsorship scheme above.

-Are children welcome? Our retreats are not suitable for children. 

-Are dogs allowed? Unfortunately not.

-What is your cancellation policy? In the unlikely case that we have to cancel the retreat, a full refund will be offered. Deposits are non-refundable. In case of cancellation from your side less than 60 days from retreat start date, no refunds or transfers will be offered, without exception.

-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.

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.

Quinta São José dos Montes

Estrada dos Montes Nº134 2300-087

Olalhas – Tomar 

+351 917 935 392

Quinta São José dos Montes is located 150 km north of Lisbon (1.5-hour drive). It is also possible to get there by train + taxi. The cost is approximately €45 each way (€10 train Lisbon-Tomar + €35 taxi). We offer a return transfer to Lisbon which you can add as an option when you book.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch via: Email | Facebook | Instagram 

We aim to reply to all messages within 24 hours (48 hours during weekends). 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Renée & the team

Please note this is last's year program and is only shown as an example. Timings will remain the same but the content of the sessions will be different.

Make your way to Quinta São José dos Montes, our stunning retreat centre

16:00-18:00 Upon arrival and check-in with our team and you will be shown to your accommodation or the camping area. Settle in, explore the grounds and get acquainted with the facilities.

18:30-19:30 Gather in the dining tent for our first meal together where you'll be able to connect with your fellow retreatants.

20:00-22:30 Join us in the geodesic dome for an Opening Circle where we'll introduce ourselves and share practical points. Our retreat leader Renée will guide you into a short warm-up before bringing on an Ecstatic Dance journey.

7:30-8:30 Rise & shine! Start the day with a gentle yoga class.

9:00-9:30 Fuel your body with a hearty continental breakfast.

9:45-10:30 Gather with your small group (6-7) for a daily sharing circle, where you'll be able to introduce yourself and get to know your new 'retreat family'.

11:00-12:30 Step into the wilderness with an outdoor guided movement class class (weather permitting).

13:00-14:00 Enjoy a hearty & delicious plant-based lunch.

14:00-16:30 Free time. Use this time to wander around (there's a gorgeous lake just a kilometer away), lounge by the pool, write in your journal, reflect, meditate or challenge yourself: do nothing!

16:30-18:00 Take part in an Authentic Relating workshop, a series of communication exercises (or games, as we like to call them) where you'll be invited to connect with others and explore your boundaries.

18:30-19:30 Back at the dining tent for a light yet wholesome dinner.

20:00-22:00 We will end the day with an heart-opening massage workshop focused on releasing tensions and repressed emotions.

7:30-8:30 Gently wake up your body with a yoga class.

9:00-9:30 Fuel your body with the Quinta's mouth-watering breakfast buffet.

9:45-10:30 Reunite with your sisters for our daily sharing circle.

11:00-12:30 Let go of all your unwanted emotional baggage (such as rage, grief, guilt, doubt) in a cathartic emotional release movement session.

13:00-14:00 Enjoy yet another nutritionally-balanced lunch.

14:00-18:30 Take advantage of your free time to do what your body or spirit need, whether it's a nap, a dip in the pool/lake, a walk in the forest, etc.

18:30-19:30 Gather for supper time in the dining tent.

20:00-22:00 Allow yourself to trust & surrender and explore the sensations of pleasure in Sensorium, a sacred journey though the senses.

7:30-8:30 Start the day with a yoga class.

9:00-9:30 Fill up your body with a nourishing breakfast.

9:45-10:30 Connect with your sharing circle and reflect back on your experience.

11:00-12:30 Connect with yourself and others in a guided movement class.

13:00-14:00 Enjoy your lunch in the dining tent or around the pool.

14:00-16:30 Free time to rest, reflect, digest or do whatever your body/soul needs.

16:30-19:00 Gather in the dome for an energising Cacao Ceremony followed by a wild & raucous Ecstatic Rave Ritual.

19:30-20:30 Indulge in an abundant and scrumptious dinner.

21:00-22:30 End the day with a grounding & soothing sound healing session.

7:30-8:30 Integrate your retreat experience with final yoga class.

9:00-9:30 Fill up your body with a nourishing breakfast.

9:45-10:30 Connect with your sharing circle and reflect back on your experience.

11:00-12:30 Dance your heart out with a Closing Circle & Ecstatic Dance.

13:00-14:00 Enjoy your last meal at the Quinta and swap numbers with your new friends.

14:00-15:00 Pack your bags and marvel at the majestic view before saying good-bye.