Portugal Luxury Multi-sport Yoga Adventure Retreat

Join us this September for an exploration of some of Portugal’s best kept secrets. Held by the ancient beauty of multifaceted Portugal this rejuvenating retreat will give you space to explore and connect with yourself, your tribe and the tools to tune into your feminine wisdom. 

Our days will begin with guided yoga and meditation classes taught by Amanda and Colleen before we set off to see what Portugal has to offer. Our explorations will take us to beautiful “off the beaten path” hikes examining the hidden magic of the UNESCO world heritage site of Sintra, exploring the symbolism of the chapels and temples of the UNESCO world heritage site of EVORA, Kayaking the undiscovered coastline of Serra Arrabida, SUP boarding in calm bays of the national forest, and horseback riding in the expansive Alentejo region. We will be guided by locals who have nurtured a deep connection to the sacred knowledge of each site, guiding us on through the ancient knowledge into our own personal space of contemplation. 

We will start the trip by Immersing ourselves in the historic beauty of a chalet originally constructed in the Romantic Sintra era of 1910, which we will have all to ourselves. The beauty of the Portuguese Coast is on display from every room, giving you a view to the expansive peace and tranquility that is unique to Portugal’s Golden Coast. This small Portuguese family owned bed and breakfast will be the perfect starting point for all of our adventures exploring the UNESCO world heritage site of Sintra and the incredible hikes of the stunning coastline. 

Our adventure will then lead us inland to the sacred and misunderstood lands of the Alentejo region. Along our way we will stop in the UNESCO world heritage site of Evora to understand more about the hidden symbolism that is present in the sacred chapels and temples. Our home for the next two nights, São Lourenço do Barrocal is an enchanting estate that seamlessly blends traditional Portuguese charm with modern luxury, creating a haven that invites guests to unwind, rejuvenate, and connect with the timeless beauty of the Alentejo landscape. Situated on a vast property surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and cork oak trees, São Lourenço do Barrocal occupies a privileged location near the medieval village of Monsaraz. The estate spans over 1,900 acres, offering a sense of serenity and seclusion.

Continuing our explorations of the unique Portuguese antique beauty, we will make our way to the Serra da Arrábida to one  of the “small luxury hotels of the world” for the next two nights, Hotel Casa Palmela. Our beautiful 17th century estate is nestled within the lush landscapes of the Arrábida Natural Park, Casa Palmela stands as a haven of tranquility, where historic charm meets modern luxury. This will provide us with the perfect place to deeply relax and integrate all of our adventures from the week.

We invite you to join us as you are, and allow yourself to sink into the beauty of Portugal through adventure with sacred community, immersion in nature, nourishing meals and transformative rituals. You are guaranteed to return from this trip feeling restored and awakened!”

What to Expect:

IMAGINE a week dedicated to you. Too adventure, growth, connection, deep relaxation. This is an opportunity to immerse yourselves in two unique luxury hotels surrounded by stunning nature.  

Learn more about aligned living through Ayurveda, Qi Gong, yoga, meditation and other simple ways to nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Connected with like-minded people and feel the power of collective consciousness. 

This week will be well nourished with activities including: a hike along the stunning coastline of Portugal, horseback riding through the expansive Alentejo region, guided explorations of sacred UNESCO world heritage sites, kayak adventures through natural caves, yoga, meditation and connection with like minded women, sharing stories of her-oism, you will leave this week expanded and inspired

Experience old-world Europe, from hillside villages and sun-soaked vineyards to mystical landscapes sprinkled with palaces and other old world secrets.  Breathtaking natural beauty awaits us. 

Included in the Price:

• Healthy delicious food. 
• Beautiful coastal hikes through small Portuguese villages. 
• Transportation from Lisbon to Arrabida, to Alentejo and back to Lisbon 
• 2 nights stay at the beautiful Hotel Casa Pamela
• 2 nights stay at the historic Chalet Amorzinho
• 2 nights stay at the incredible São Lourenço do Barrocal. 
• daily yoga, meditation and or qigong 
• daily hikes with local experts, and transportation to and from the hikes
• Horseback Riding 
• Kayaking 
• Winery dinner with tasting and pairing 
• Portuguese cooking demo with a incredible Portuguese chef 
• Ayurvedic practices, and teachings: learn how to introduce the basics of Ayurveda into your life for health and longevity. 
• In depth lectures about the olive oil industry and the cork industry. 
• 6 breakfasts /4 lunches ( two opportunities to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure with a map and suggestions) / 5 dinners (one evening is at your leisure, you can enjoy room service or head into town and enjoy an evening on your own or with new friends) 

* Airfare and transportation to and from the airport is not included in the cost

Ayurveda

Throughout our beautiful week together in Portugal Amanda will share knowledge about Ayurveda teaching us how through self enquiry and personal development we can apply the tools and ancestral knowledge of Ayurveda as a foundation. During this week she will be sharing daily element based yoga classes with guided meditations that will help align the doshas and release abundant energy within our beings. We will also cover the following: 

• your unique constitution, honoring your strengths and the gifts you have to offer
• Practical tips on how to maintain a balanced digestive system as well as other ayurvedic tips for graceful aging..
• how food affects your mood and can be used as mental health medicine
• how to leverage seasonal foods and cleansing practices to support your natural detox system (mind and body)
• how your thoughts create your reality and root cause psychology
• what is no longer serving you and subtle shifts you will make to change your trajectory
• morning meditation and breathing practices to align your energy
• evening meditation tools to promote contentment & manifest the future you want
• Tips for preparing simple nutritious gratifying meals. 
• Action and qualities of Spices in ayurvedic cooking. 

***The daily schedule is subject to change***

What are the accommodations?

We will be staying in three beautiful locations for our tour. The first is located along the coast of Sintra, and is a small local owned and run bed and breakfast.The Chalet O Amorzinho (in English, the Sweetheart) is a centennial property, located in Azenhas do Mar, one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal.

Its construction dates back to 1910, with an architecture that transports the visitor to a Romantic Sintra – where art deco remarks stand out, revealing an architectural and decorative quality with a simple façade enriched with bush-hammered masonry, the sills, the pillar of the covered porch in bush-hammered stone and the artist Abel Reis Santos’s tile pane that represent the true essence of this villa.

From the coast of Sintra we will travel inland to the Alentejo region to São Lourenço do Barrocal. A captivating retreat nestled in the heart of the Alentejo region in Portugal that seamlessly blends traditional Portuguese charm with modern luxury, creating a haven that invites guests to unwind, rejuvenate, and connect with the timeless beauty of the Alentejo landscape.  

Our home for the last portion of our adventure will be Located in the heart of the Arrábida Nature Park, the Luxury Hotel Casa Palmela is a luxury small boutique hotel, a house with a history dating back to the 17th century.
The Hotel Casa Palmela is an experience that guides us along different paths…. from nature to the sea, through wine experiences, coastal explorations, Casa Palmela provides unforgettable moments of deep relaxation and total immersion in nature.

What airport do I fly into? 

LISBON

Arrivals:
Arrive to Lisbon on September 12th or 13th to get over jet lag and explore Lisbon on your own or with other Questers. The retreat officially starts at 9:00 am on September 14th.

We will meet at 9:00 am on Sept 14th at the Emerald House Lisbon, Curio Collection.  Here is a recommended list of hotels that are close to where we will be picking up:

1. Garam Lisboa Guesthouse. Garamlisboahotel.pt
2. The Emerald House Lisbon. (This is a Hilton)
3. Palacio Ramalhete palácio-ramalhete.com
4. Hotel York House Lisboa. yorkhouselisboa.com

There are many hotels in Lisbon, feel free to look at Airbnb as well as other hotel options. We recommend organizing a taxi to meet at the Emerald House Lisbon on Sept 14th before 9 am. We will be loading the bags up and heading out from there. 

Departures:

We will depart for Lisbon in the morning on the 20th,  we HIGHLY suggest looking at travel options that are departing LISBON after 3 pm on Sept 20th. (traffic in Lisbon can be bad and unpredictable, please plan accordingly for your post trip travel arrangements) if you are still looking to explore more in Portugal talk to Amanda and she can help arrange travel for you.

What will the food be like?

Typical Mediterranean cuisine, with a Portuguese twist. Imagine beautiful fresh ingredients, mixed with creative fish dishes and unique dishes you will only find in Portugal. Wonderful wines, fresh vegetables.. And CHEESE! Sheep and goat cheese are quite popular… 

If you have any dining preferences and or allergies we can likely accommodate your needs. Gluten free and vegetarian options are available and to date we’ve been able to easily accommodate any allergies. Just let us know. 

What is a typical day?
Most mornings we will begin with yoga to awaken our senses and limber our bodies before enjoying a wonderful breakfast. Then we’ll set out for different adventures.

Throughout the retreat, you will have personal and individualized professional instruction and guidance during all activities. Our staff consists of world-class athletes and coaches, who will offer you heartfelt support and instruction. 

Tell me about yoga?
We begin each adventure-filled Women’s Quest day with Colleen’s unique “Awakening the Senses” Yoga. This gentle but powerful practice draws inspiration from Gyrokinesis, Qigong, and Tai Chi, and is a perfect way to prepare the mind, body and senses for the activities of the day.

Do I need to be an athlete to attend this retreat?
We feel the definition of an athlete is one who enjoys being active on a regular basis – not a competitive warrior. We have a wonderful supporting staff to help you every step of the way and all sessions will be made accessible for all participants.

Am I in good enough shape to do the camp?
We adapt to all levels of fitness. Groups are formed according to each woman’s level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge themselves. We do suggest that you start a training or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat. Your training does not need to be a hard-core program…just get out and PLAY and BE ACTIVE several days a week.

Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?
You do not need to participate in everything; you can pace yourself so that it is the perfect amount of activity for you. We fully support you in doing as much or as little as is right for you in the moment. The schedule gives you a sense of the flow of each day. It is subject to change, depending upon the needs of the group, weather, etc. We will go over the schedule each day at breakfast.

What is the average age on this retreat?
We have a wide range of people who attend our retreats, from 15-70 years young. Each retreat will vary. Please contact us if you have questions about the ages on a specific retreat.

What if I come alone?
The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Portugal is a safe and easy country to travel as a single female… Although you may come alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends!

What if I am new to Portugal or Europe?
If you’ve never been to Europe, relax! You will love it. If you’ve been many times- you’ll be surprised, refreshed, and delighted by our intimate version of the European experience. We will pick you up and always be available for any questions and with a helping hand.

What weather can I expect?
Daytime temperatures are generally in the mid 70’s and nights tend to be cool, but of course temperatures can have significant swings. Visit: www.weather.com and type in Ericeira or Setubal to check the local weather forecast before departure.

Payment Policy
A deposit is required to hold your reservation at a retreat. Deposits are $500 for domestic and $1,000 for international retreats. Additional deposits may be required to reserve a single room. All deposits are non-refundable.

We cannot hold your reservation until we have received your deposit. If you would like to reserve an available spot in a retreat 90 or fewer days prior to the retreat date, we require payment in full for the retreat to hold the spot. This is in accordance with our payment policy below.

Payment in full for all retreats is due 90 days prior to the retreat date. If you do not provide payment in full by 90 days prior to the retreat you risk losing your reservation.

A 4% payment processing fee will be added to all payments made using PayPal, Stripe or Venmo. 

You are welcome to send in a check or pay by Zelle to avoid this fee.

Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel a reservation, a full refund, less your deposit which is non-refundable, will be provided for any cancellation we receive in writing at least 91 days prior to the commencement date of the retreat. We are sorry but we cannot refund any payments for cancellations made 90 or fewer days prior to the commencement of the retreat.

We reserve the right to cancel retreats with inadequate participant interest. Women’s Quest IS NOT responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in schedules or tour cancellations.

Covid-19 Policy
Cancellations by Women’s Quest: Women’s Quest reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or reschedule any retreat due to concerns over Covid-19. As a small company Women’s Quest is unfortunately not able to provide refunds of payments for retreats cancelled by Women’s Quest due to the Covid pandemic. This is primarily due to our financial commitments with the various retreat venues. As a result, in the event Women’s Quest cancels or reschedules a retreat due to Covid-19 Women’s Quest will apply all payments to the rescheduled or following year’s retreat, or to any other Women’s Quest retreat of your choosing through the end of the next year after the year in which the retreat was cancelled by Women’s Quest.  Because of the unforeseen and unprecedented circumstances of the outbreak, this policy supersedes earlier policies.

Cancellations by You: If you need or desire to cancel your reservation due to Covid-19, or failure to comply with the requirements of a negative test and being symptom free, this cancellation is subject to the Cancellation Policy above.  This is why we urge everyone to purchase travel insurance when signing up. 

Covid Waiver and Release
This waiver, release and acknowledgement of responsibilities is unfortunately necessary during this unique time of the Covid 19 pandemic. By signing up for and or attending any Women’s Quest retreat you agree to be bound by the terms of this document. We understand these times are challenging, however, these provisions are necessary to protect all attendees and staff members of Women’s Quest.

Testing For and Symptoms of Covid 19.  Irrespective of vaccination status you are required to provide a negative test for Covid 19 taken within 3 days of the commencement of the retreat. This test can be either a PCR test or a home antigen test. Also, irrespective of your vaccination status, you agree you will not attend the retreat if you have any symptoms of Covid 19 immediately prior to the beginning of the trip. These symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea (these, along with symptoms outline in the following link and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control shall be collectively referred to as the “Symptoms”.) More information on symptoms of Covid 19 can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Symptoms During the Retreat. In the event you develop any Symptoms during the retreat you must immediately leave the retreat and follow protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and all local regulations. We understand this may result in you incurring significant expenses associated with separate accommodation and travel, however, you understand these expenses are not the responsibility of Women’s Quest and must be incurred by you. You agree to be fully honest with Women’s Quest staff in regard to any Symptoms you may develop and agree to comply with a request by Women’s Quest staff to depart as determined by Women’s Quest staff in their sole discretion. As provided below, this is why we strongly urge everyone to get travel insurance covering these and other expenses prior to departure.

Procedures During the Retreat. During the retreat Women’s Quest may, but need not, endeavor to practice social distancing and wearing of masks when traveling in close proximity. You agree to comply with all requests of Women’s Quest staff during the retreat related to these procedures. Any such procedures implemented by Women’s Quest are not a guaranty you will not be exposed to Covid 19 and you understand you are responsible for taking any precautions you deem necessary and providing your own personal protective equipment during the retreat. You also agree to comply with any reasonable requests by other attendees to respect their social distancing and other protective measures (“Participant Requests”.) Notwithstanding the foregoing, you are responsible to comply with all laws and regulations of the locality visited relating to protections against Covid 19.

Waiver of Coronavirus Related Illness; Indemnification. You understand that irrespective of protective measures that Women’s Quest or you may or may not take, you may be exposed to Covid 19 by another retreat attendee, a Women’s Quest staff member and or an individual to whom you may be exposed during, or traveling to or from the retreat. You agree to waive and release Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any claims, liabilities or damages you may incur in the event you contract Covid 19 at any time during travel to, attending or after attending the retreat. You further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any loss, liability or damages it or they may incur as a result of your failure to receive a negative test for Covid 19 prior to the retreat as provided above, attending the retreat with any Symptoms, not respecting Participant Requests, and not immediately departing the retreat if you develop any Symptoms.

Cancellation. In the unfortunate event you need to cancel your trip, cannot attend due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms prior to the retreat, or must leave the retreat due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms, Women’s Quest cannot provide any refund of any amounts you paid.

Travel Insurance. As provided in this document you could incur significant personal expense in the event you contract Covid 19 or develop any Symptoms during the retreat. As such, you are strongly urged to obtain travel insurance that provides adequate protections against these risks.

Additional Waiver. This waiver is incorporated into and made a part of other waivers you agreed to in connection with signing up for the retreat. In the event of a conflict between these terms and the terms of any other waiver, this waiver shall govern.

Purchasing Travel Insurance
We highly, highly recommend you get travel insurance to cover your expenses and losses in the event you test positive or come down with Symptoms prior to the retreat, develop Symptoms during the retreat, or cannot return home due to Covid related issues.  We recommend getting insurance that covers the cost of your trip, medical care while at the retreat, and coverage to pay for the necessary quarantine period if you test positive or come down with Covid.  Please remember, if you have to cancel your trip in the unfortunate event you come down with Covid, test positive, or suffer Symptoms prior to or during the retreat and need to leave, Women’s Quest cannot provide a refund since we have to pay your trip expenses well ahead of time.

If you are concerned about travel and the changing environment in which we are living irrespective of your Covid status, we recommend getting travel insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. This coverage is more expensive, however, may provide you with the coverage and flexibility you desire.

We spoke with Allianz Travel Insurance about travel insurance primarily for Covid issues – trip cancellation, medical treatment and delay in coming home due to catching Covid. From our understanding, Allianz does offer policies providing for trip cancellation due to Covid and extended trip interruption coverage for Covid quarantine periods, however, you should talk to them via the phone to ensure you have the coverage you need. Irrespective of the travel insurance you get, please make sure you talk to a travel insurance agent prior to buying any insurance and make sure you have the coverage you desire and that the policy will cover trip cancellation, medical expenses and trip interruption due to Covid. We are providing this only as our understanding after talking to Allianz and not as a representation of what Allianz will cover.  You should do your own investigation including directly calling Allianz or any insurance provider you choose, and not rely on this overview to ensure you get the coverage that is right for you.