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About this trip
On this all-inclusive retreat, you'll claim your calm and enter a deep state of rest. Nestled in a verdant Portuguese valley, you'll spend 6 days and 5 nights with like-minded peace-seekers. You'll engage with nervous system soothing practices + embody tranquility such that you can successfully integrate stillness practices once back home. You will:
*Restore through stillness-based yoga asana such as Restorative yoga, Yin yoga + Yoga Nidra (see description below)
*Calm through daily sound bath meditations and breath work practices
*Unlock your inner wisdom through chosen stillness practices such as intuitive journaling, meditative nature walks, or afternoon siestas
*Connect to yourself and your community through ceremonies (examples: dance, fire, moon, cacao)
*Pamper your body with nourishing, chef-prepared, farm-to-table, vegan meals
*Understand Nature is for everyone + tune into its healing frequencies through nature hikes, meditations, or simply by uniting with the peace of this exquisite valley.
*Experience deep rest in your body and understand you are capable and deserving of stillness.
*Become motivated to establish stillness practices in your daily life.
Each one of our yoga and sound practices has a common intent: to get you to do less and relax more. In fact, the more you let your strong muscles go, the more you soothe your nervous system and benefit from the practice. The yoga asana (postures) we practice are accessible to all people - even if you have never practiced yoga before! Guided yoga pranayam (breathing) and gentle, guided sound meditation exercises will help you sink even further into your intentional stillness. All of these slow practices help you experience rest in your body, heart, and mind. Once you experience deep rest through these powerful practices, you will never forget it.
*Restorative yoga is practiced largely on the ground with the support of nourishing props.
*Yin Yoga is a type of yoga asana that targets your myofascial tissue. Postures are supported and held for longer amounts of time so the myofascial tissue can relax and release tension.
*Yoga Nidra is often called
Why is Resting Radical?
Because resting is radically important to our personal and physical well-being. And yet:
*We don’t give ourselves permission to slow down.
*We don’t know how to slow down.
*We don’t prioritize slowing down.
*We don’t stand for a slow-down even when we know we need it.
*We exist in grind culture + spend significant time operating at an unforgiving machine-like pace.
The Radical Rest retreat will help you take charge of your well-being. In this retreat, you are not Resting so you can return to your daily life “stronger” and able to produce more for the systems that grind forward despite your exhaustion.
*You are Resting for your self-care.
*You are Resting for community care.
*You are Resting to hear your thoughts.
*You are Resting to connect to your body.
*You are Resting to connect to your heart.
*You are Resting to revel in your creativity.
*You are Resting to learn what supports you + your uniquely beautiful self.
When we operate under a chronic state of stress, the risk of heart attacks, weight gain, insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and menstrual problems increases exponentially. Plus, the more drained we are, the more we experience a decrease in our zest for life, libido, and sensuality.
Radical Rest is a retreat to help you interrupt all this and learn to prioritize intentional stillness.
Who is this trip for?
Radical Rest is a welcoming retreat for all people. This means that adults of all shapes and sizes and folks of all ages, races, sexual orientations, genders, and backgrounds are welcome here. We see you, honor your life experiences, and are committed to a holding space in which you can feel safe enough to explore deep rest. Radical Rest is a retreat for you if:
*You want help + unconditional support in claiming your lifelong Radical Rest journey
*Your life’s work is centered on giving to others + you are feeling depleted
*You find yourself exhausted by the current state of the world or your lived experiences
*You work in a high-stress, high-demand field + need to schedule time for yourself
*Your work-life balance is off + you want structures for finding it
*You enjoy community but also crave time to yourself
During this peaceful week, you’ll slow down your mind and tune into what nourishes your body + heart. You will understand that Rest is the ultimate form of Self Love and you’ll learn to:
*Prioritize your well-being + commit to rest as a non-negotiable
*Release what no longer serves you + clear a pathway to calm
*Affirm yourself + use your inner dialogue to stand tall
*Communicate + stand for your needs with those around you
*Be equipped with meditation, gentle movement + intentional stillness practices to keep your rest practice going once back home.
R+ R Intentional Stillness Practices
Intentional stillness is the ultimate form of self-care. You are entitled to rest, and Radical Rest's yoga, sound meditation, and breathing exercises are a magical elixir that will help you connect with the power of slowing down and tuning in. Even if you have never practiced or liked yoga, the asanas (postures) we practice are for you! Supported yoga postures will help you relax your body, guided yoga pranayam (breathing) will connect you to your heart, and sound meditation will help you slow your over-thinking mind.
Each yoga type we practice has a common intent: to get you to do less and relax more. In fact, in these practices, the more you let your strong muscles go, the more you soothe and benefit your nervous system.
*Restorative yoga is practiced primarily on the ground with the support of nourishing props. This practice is all about helping your body let go and experiencing the sensation of deep relaxation.
*Yin Yoga is a yoga asana that targets the myofascial tissue. Postures are supported and held for extended periods of time so the myofascial tissue can relax and release tension.
*Yoga Nidra involves "nesting" into the most comfortable position you can and following guidance into a deep state of relaxation. Practitioners often describe this yoga asana as a "waking sleep." It is a profoundly therapeutic practice that helps you reclaim your dream space.
Our location: Vale de Moses, Portugal
Lauded as one of the top 5 retreats in Europe, Vale de Moses will play a pivotal role in claiming your Radical Rest. This sanctuary is tucked off the tourist track in the forested foothills of Portugal’s Serra da Estrela mountains + is has been internationally recognized by each of these publications for its peace-supporting environment:
*National Geographic
*Forbes
*The Guardian
*The Telegraph
*Yoga Journal
*OmYoga Magazine
The country's center isn’t as well known to those outside Portugal. Amieira/Oleiros is 2.5 hours from Lisbon or Porto and is quiet, humble, and beautiful in its remoteness.
At every turn, you'll connect with nature and yourself here. The shala is suspended across the valley, serving breathtaking views during your yoga and meditation practices. A natural spring plunge pool invites you for an afternoon dip, and endless options for nourishing nature walks connect you to Mother Earth in the best possible way.
You’ll arrive with your to-do lists, technology, and swirling mind. In your own time, you’ll put all that down and step into your unwinding.
About your Facilitator
Hi! I'm Tara, and, like you, I’m up to big things in my life. In my career, I’m a licensed educator, social-emotional learning coach, and registered yoga teacher. I'm also a certified sound meditation facilitator, mindfulness facilitator, and writing workshop facilitator. In my personal life, I’m an avid solo traveler, a mom to two beautiful grown humans, and a person deeply committed to equity + loving kindness. Over my 15+ year career as an educator and social-emotional learning specialist, I've guided thousands of individuals of all ages to find their unique well-being signatures. My approach is equitable, trauma-informed, and anti-racist. This means the spaces I hold are inclusive, brave, and affirming.
No matter where you are in your life's journey, I look forward to holding space for you + your unfolding story.
What’s included
- 5 nights accomodationTraditional Portuguese stone farmhouse, cottages, or SoulPad glamping tents (shared or single occupancy)
- 16 vegan meals/drinks3 Sustainable, fresh, vegan meals will be provided each day. Only breakfast is served on departure day.
- 5 themed AM practicesRestorative/yin yoga, meditations, journaling activities, or nature baths. Some self-guided experiences, some supported.
- 5 themed PM practicesRestorative/yin yoga, yoga Nidra, sound meditation, therapeutic art activities, intuitive journaling, and/or meditative nature walks.
- 1 Radical Rest NotebookA place for you to document your rest experience and capture ideas for supporting at-home rest practices.
- 1 natural mud bathNatural spring water bathing + therapeutic mud experience (weather permitting).
- 1 opening ceremonyA circle designed to get to know your community.
- Evening ceremoniesEvening rituals designed to help you harness your learning, release what no longer serves you + utilize nighttime energy to curate restorative energy. (Ex: moon or fire ceremonies)
- 1 closing ceremonyA circle designed to close your Radical Rest experience with community, dancing, and joy.
- Use of yoga equipmentMat, blanket, bolster, blocks, straps, etc.
- Transportation from townTransportation from Oleiros/Amieira bus station to Vale de Moses.
What’s not included
- Travel InsuranceRequired
- AirfarePorto or Lisbon are the closest cities to Vale de Moses. Before booking airfare, please contact trip organizer for advice.
- Transport to OleirosYou will need to get from the airport to Amieira/Oleiros. From Porto, you will need to rent a car or private taxi. From Lisbon, you can take a comfortable, inexpensive public coach bus.
- Sundry itemsSnacks, alcoholic/special beverages, and expenses other than what is listed as included.
- Spa treatmentsMassages will be available to support your restorative healing. They are tailored to your unique body and preferences.
Available Packages
Soulpads offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to glamp in the Portuguese mountains!
These canvas glamping tents are secluded within the trees. Each SoulPad has electricity, a wood-burning stove, a traditional mattress, and amenities like the other rooms (towels, robes, etc.). Surrounding the SoulPads, you’ll enjoy numerous hammocks and seating spaces perfect for reading, journaling, painting, and enjoying the solitude of this precious valley. Each day, you'll enjoy a short nature walk on your way to the courtyard and shala, taking in serene views of the forest and valley along the way.
The toilets utilize a dry compost system that preserves water and nourishes the surrounding land. Showers are open-air with expansive sky views. They are solar-heated, minimizing reliance on electricity and using the naturally available power instead. If you prefer to shower indoors, gas-heated showers in the shower house are also available whenever needed.
***Important Pre-Booking Gender note: With this option, you will have a private single bed in a shared Glamping tent. (1 other person in the glamping tent in their own single bed). If you are 2 men or 1 man traveling with a friend/companion of a different gender than you, you can rent this shared room together. If you are a solo male traveler, you cannot book this room as it will be a female-only accommodation!***
If needed, contact the trip organizer with questions about this.
This female-only shared accommodation is in an open floor plan, restored 2-story cottage. This cottage will help you connect more closely with our community and nature. It features stone walls and original architecture. When staying here, you will feel the history of this property, appreciate its hand-built architecture, and connect to the time-honored ways Portuguese properties were traditionally built.
Below the Moses Cottage, you’ll find a natural spring plunge pool and deck with loungers, plus several hammocks and seating spaces. The cottage includes a bathroom with a gas shower. A dry compost toilet is available next door. The toilets utilize a sophisticated dry compost system that both preserves our water and nourishes our surrounding land.
The Moses Cottage is the only space outside the main shala courtyard with a strong WiFi connection, so Moses is an ideal choice for anyone needing a consistent internet connection during your stay.
***This is a female-only accommodation***
Built into the mountainside and traditionally used to make and store wine, the Adega is now a 2-bed shared cottage space featuring a unique floor plan and quiet outdoor seating areas with expensive views of the valley. The Adega will help you connect more closely with history, community, and nature. Two single beds occupy duplex levels in this shared space (the Ninja suite shares a wall with the Adega, but it is a separate space). This is a good option for those wanting the experience of community and refuge simultaneously. You'll enjoy serene views of the valley as you walk to the courtyard and shala each day.
Next to the Adega, you’ll find a high-end dry compost toilet and outdoor solar heated shower with sky views. The toilets utilize a sophisticated dry compost system that preserves water and nourishes the surrounding land. If you prefer to shower indoors, gas-heated showers at the Moses Cottage or our shower house are also available whenever needed.
Outside the Adega are lounge chairs featuring stunning views of the serene valley.
***Please note: If you are 2 men or 1 man traveling with a companion of a different gender than you, you can rent this shared room together. Otherwise, this is a female-only accommodation!*** If needed, contact the trip organizer with questions about this.
The Ninja room is up a stone staircase from the Adega cottage and shares a wall with it. When it was converted, this room was intended to be meditative lodging with enough space to stretch out in solitude and without the distractions of excess. It has a door that opens to a view of the sky, but there are no windows. This is a good room for those looking for solitude while still being close to others. You'll enjoy expansive views of the valley as you walk to the courtyard and shala each day.
Next to the Adega, you’ll find a high-end dry you'll toilet and outdoor solar heated shower with expansive sky views. The toilets utilize a sophisticated dry compost system that preserves water and nourishes the surrounding land. If you prefer to shower indoors, gas-heated showers at the Moses Cottage or the shower house are also available whenever needed.
Outside the Adega are lounge chairs featuring stunning views of the serene valley.
***This is a solo accommodation and all genders can rent this room.***
Soulpads offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to glamp in the Portuguese mountains!
These canvas glamping tents are secluded within the trees. Each SoulPad has electricity, a wood-burning stove, a traditional mattress, and amenities like the other rooms (towels, robes, etc.). Surrounding the SoulPads, you’ll enjoy numerous hammocks and seating spaces perfect for reading, journaling, painting, and enjoying the solitude of this precious valley. Each day, you'll enjoy a short nature walk on your way to the courtyard and shala, taking in serene views of the forest and valley along the way.
The toilets utilize a dry compost system that preserves water and nourishes the surrounding land. Showers are open-air with expansive sky views. They are solar-heated, minimizing reliance on electricity and using the naturally available power instead. If you prefer to shower indoors, gas-heated showers in the shower house are also available whenever needed.
*With this option, you will have a private double bed in a private Glamping tent. Therefore, this private accommodation is for people of all genders.
*If you have a friend/companion (of any gender) you want to share a bed with, the price = $2444 total. If this is you, you can book at this listed price, and then you should reach out to us and let us know you have 2 people. You will be up-charged for the extra person after you let the retreat organizer know there are 2 travelers.
This option is for a single bed in a shared room in the restored Portuguese farmhouse. There will be 1 other person in this room with you in their own single bed. In the farmhouse, you'll marvel first-hand at the traditional hand-built stone structure and enjoy valley views from various locations in the house. The yoga shala and treatment rooms are conveniently located in the Farmhouse, and the central courtyard is located just outside these rooms. The farmhouse/shala/courtyard has wifi. There are 3 bedrooms in the farmhouse with 1 shared bath (not ensuite).
***Important Pre-Booking Gender Note: If you are 2 men or 1 man traveling with a friend/companion of a different gender than you, you can rent this entire shared room. If you are 1 man traveling solo, you cannot book this accommodation as it will be a FEMALE-ONLY room. If needed, contact the trip organizer with questions about this.***
This option is for a private bedroom with a double bed in the restored Portuguese farmhouse. You can either rent this room alone or with a friend (see friend pricing in the description below). In the farmhouse, you'll marvel first-hand at the traditional hand-built stone structure and enjoy valley views from various locations in the house. The yoga shala and treatment rooms are conveniently located in the Farmhouse, and the central courtyard is located just outside these rooms. The farmhouse/shala/courtyard has wifi. There are 3 bedrooms in the farmhouse with 1 shared bath (not ensuite).
**If you are traveling with a friend and want to rent a private room together and share the double bed, the total room cost is $2666. Book this room at the single price, then reach out to let the retreat organizer know there are two of you, and you will be up-charged.**
***Since this is a private accommodation, all genders can rent this room.***
1 farmhouse room is potentially accessible for those with physical disabilities. Before booking, please get in touch with event organizers to discuss accessibility.
Itinerary
Each day, you will rise to the rhythm of nature and dwell in community silence until breakfast time. You'll engage with an offered morning practice (ex: meditation, nature walk, gentle rise and shine yoga asana), or maybe you'll opt to pamper yourself with a slow rising. The choice is yours! After your chosen morning activity, you'll nourish yourself with soothing beverages, a hearty vegan breakfast, and conversations with Radical Rest community members.
In the afternoons, you'll experience a combination of nervous system soothing activities such as restorative yoga practices, meditation offerings, creative activities, journaling, or time in nature. A hearty vegan afternoon meal will await you after practice.
Each evening, we will enjoy a simple, delicious meal together and have time to process our day. Sometimes, we will meet during the later evening for a communal event such as star gazing or a community ceremony. Other evenings will be yours to fill on your own.
The community activities or ceremonies are important moments for marking your progress and reveling in the beauty of our stillness-based community.
Please note: You should plan to arrive by 10 am on arrival day. Refreshments will welcome you, and then programming will begin around 10:30/11:00 am. We will have an opening ceremony followed by lunch, an afternoon stillness practice, and an evening meal. On departure day, if you are taking a coach bus to Lisbon or Porto, you will rise early to eat in the nearby village before departing for your final destination city. If you have rented a car, you can leave later, but breakfast will not be available at Vale de Moses.
Arrival options:
Programming begins around 11:00 am on the retreat starting day. The following options will get you to the retreat on time on the starting day: Traveling from Lisbon, you can take a 7 am bus on the retreat starting day (around $30), hire a private taxi for an early morning departure to the retreat on the starting day (around $200), or rent a car, leave early in the morning, and arrive on the starting day (prices vary). If you choose to, you can take a bus or taxi during the weekend and arrive early in Olieros. You would need to rent an Air b n B to stay in for the weekend.
Traveling from Porto, you can take a bus the day BEFORE the retreat (due to the bus schedule from Porto, you CANNOT take a bus from Porto on the starting day of the retreat!!), hire a private taxi (around $200) for an early morning drive to the retreat center and arriving on the starting day, or rent a car to arrive on the starting day (prices vary). The taxi or rental car will get you there on the day of the retreat. The bus would get you there the day before the retreat starts. If you choose to arrive the weekend before in Olieros, you will need to rent an Air b n B to stay in for the weekend.
On departure day, you can take a coach bus to Lisbon or Porto. Of course, you could also hire a private taxi or use your rental car to return to either city, as well.