Yoga and Tai Chi in Portugal

Castelo Branco, Portugal

Jul 10 - 16, 2016
Group size: 1 - 20
Yoga and Tai Chi in Portugal
Castelo Branco, Portugal


Jul 10 - 16, 2016
Group size: 1 - 20

About this trip

This summer retreat with Vonetta and Sean will provide a great opportunity to learn or to deepen your practice of Yoga and Tai Chi. Daily morning yoga classes with Vonetta are complimented by 3 afternoon Tai Chi workshops with Sean. Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise suitable for all ages and abilities. It works in accordance with the theory within Traditional Chinese Medicine that Qi, or life-powering energy, flows through our bodies keeping us healthy and enabling us to fulfil our potential. Classes will combine simple exercises, Tai Chi and Qi Gong practice, all designed to promote the flow of Qi, stimulating the pathways that channel energy throughout the body, promoting the bodies own internal healing and reducing anxiety tension and stress All are welcome and no previous experience of yoga practice or Tai Chi is required. VAL DE MOSES Vale de Moses is in the heart of the forested foothills of the Serra de Estrela. Life in these valleys 40 years ago was full of hard working Portuguese small holders who cultivated with their families every available piece of land by creating stone terraces on the hillsides. Small stone houses, adegas (wine making sheds), corals and water mills pepper the riversides and the valleys for miles around. Hence the name Moses, meaning a place of many millstones. These days, like so many rural communities across southern Europe, those small holdings have been deserted by younger generations of the families that built them, needing to emigrate to the cities or abroad to find work. Exploring the surrounding areas by foot, by bike or by car, you enter a by gone age, and marvel at both the views and the stonework of the river and terrace walls that seem to go on forever in all directions. An old forest farming life that thankfully is still being lived here by a handful of our neighbors, so we still can learn how to do it before those old ways are lost forever. DAILY SCHEDULE Retreats may differ slightly from each other,but generally you will follow a schedule similar to this, with a full orientation around the houses and valleys on Monday morning after yoga class and breakfast. 8.00-10.30am Morning silent walk followed by Yoga 10.45am Breakfast 11.00am-2pm Massages (if it’s one of your slots) 2.00-3.00pm Lunch 3-4.30pm Massages (if it’s one of your slots) Free time / swim / guided hike / trip to River The forest and River pools 5-6.30pm 3-4 afternoon Yoga Classes / Workshops, or More Massages (on no workshop afternoons) 7-9pm Dinner 10pm Begin a full, restorative night’s sleep.

What’s included

All food, accommodation (in shared room/tipi) and facilities Transport to and from Oleiros Guided silent morning walks in the forest 6 Morning Yoga and Pranayama Classes 3 Afternoon Tai Chi Workshops Half hour private health consultation with Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis One hour Body Harmonising massage - Thai, Tui Na, Indonesian, Ayurvedic and/or Acupuncture A mid week trip to the Rio Zêzere for a mud bath and swim (weather permitting). Additional treatments available from our therapists for 75€ per 90 minutes

Not included

Airfare Additional treatments Personal Expenses

Before You Go

What to bring To make the most of your stay here, take daily walks, hikes or runs in the forest accompanied by our dogs and then cool off from the heat of the afternoons in our natural river pools. Bring a good pair of walking shoes or trainers, swimming costume and waterbottle to rehydrate regularly, a warm jumperas the temperature drops in the mountains significantly at nightand to cover up after your morning yoga class, a raincoat in Spring and Autumn, and a good torch, as the paths at night, unless moonlit, are dark! For your yoga practice comfortable, soft stretchy clothingisall you need. We provide yoga mats and cotton towels, although you are welcome to bring your own. In summer sun tan lotion, and mosquito repellent in the Autumn. Please use the simplest, most natural version you can find of these and other washing products. You’ll be in and out of the rivers, and the water from your showersgoes directly to irrigate orchard trees and shrubs. We have a range of natural soaps, shampoos and toothpaste to buy. Pack Light. Remember that whatever you bring down the mountainside to Vale de Moses, you’ll have to take up again at the end of your stay. We live on the side of a very steep, deep and pretty valley. For any other questions just call us on 00351 272 634006 or email andrew@valedemoses.com

Available Packages

Trip Price
$790
Deposit: $150

Available options

Itinerary

Every morning
Start your day with a yoga class, followed by a breakfast and a guided, silent walk in the forest

Your Organizer


VW
Vonetta Winter
Joined in December 2015
See profile

References

"Vale de Moses is the most perfect place to retreat! You are surrounded by gorgeous nature, awe inspiring people, incredible yoga and delicious food" (Vale de Moses personal site, shortened)
By Lauraine . on 29 Dec, 2015

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