RETREATS
ASHTANGA YOGA + HIKE RETREAT, ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
October 11-18, 2023
UNPLUG IN A STUNNING MEDITERRANEAN ENVIRONMENT WHILE EXPLORING NATURE & NOURISHING YOUR BODY & SOUL WITH YOGA
This week-long retreat on the Algarve Coast of Portugal offers an opportunity to practice Yoga in a warm, Mediterranean climate, and hike through picture-perfect whitewashed villages, along golden sandy dunes, and beaches dotted with dramatic red- hued cliffs and rock formations. The Algarve is host to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe.
The retreats kicks off in the small, historic port city of Lagos. Boasting a rich seafaring history and heritage Lagos dates back to the Celts around 2000 BC. From then on it was the Moors, Romans and the Phoenicians that really shaped and created the charming seaside village of Lagos. But is was in the 15th Century that Lagos became the main port for the Age of Discovery due to its strategic location directly across the massive continent of Africa. The earthquake of 1755 destroyed a good amount of the old city and it took decades to rebuild Lagos and bring it back to prosperity. Today Lagos is a major tourist destination due to its lovely year round weather, ample sunshine and some its many spectacular beaches tucked along its coastline.
Tavira, our second location, is a small city on Portugal’s Algarve coast. It straddles the Gilão River, which reaches the sea through the inlets and lagoons of Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Tavira Island has a long, sandy beach, plus salt pans that attract flamingos, spoonbills and other wading birds. In the center, medieval Tavira Castle has city views.
The morning Yoga practice will start with a short, sitting practice, followed by Yoga asana. Expect a mix of chanting and music, philosophy, restorative, or gentle yoga in the afternoon.
The carefully selected hikes will lead us along the rugged coastline and with stops in the quaint and laid back beach villages of Prai de Luz and Carvoeiro. The Fisherman’s Trail from Burgau to Lagos will not disappoint and the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is one of the most beautiful coastal hikes anywhere in Europe.
Our accommodations include a spectacular located boutique hotel within walking distance to one of Lagos’ stunning beaches, and a beautifully converted convent dating back the 16th century, located in the heart of Tavira. The food will consist of delicious, regional cuisine with an emphasis on local, vegetarian dishes, as well as freshly caught fish. Breakfast will be buffet style, dinners are usually a sit-down meal.
This retreat offers an opportunity to unplug in a stunning, Mediterranean environment, while exploring nature and nourishing your body and soul with yoga.
Expect yoga twice a day, breathing, meditation and sitting practices, as well as chanting, philosophy and restorative practices.
More info + booking details on the Ryder Walker website.
RETREAT SCHEDULE*
Morning Practice: breathing, sitting (meditation) and asana practice
Breakfast
Hike, excursion, or beach time
Afternoon Practice: restorative, gentle yoga asana, chanting, etc.
Dinner
* Schedule is subject to change; this is a suggested daily retreat schedule.
All level practitioners are welcome but to make your experience fuller and more beneficial, it is recommended to have some experience of the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series.
RETREAT LEADERS
Barbara Glanznig: meet Babsi here
Dave Gruss: meet Dave here