3 Day Plant-Based Yoga & Ayurvedic Detox Escape in Portugal's Lake Country

The retreat runs a loose but grounded rhythm across the three days. Mornings begin with a Hatha yoga and meditation class on the yoga shala, led by Nicole Carp, a teacher based in Ericeira who has been practicing since 2010. Hers is a calm, health-oriented style—expect a focus on breath, slow movement, and finding what feels right for your own body rather than pushing into advanced postures.

The afternoons mix guided nature hikes through the cork oak and pine landscape around Santa Clara Lake with open time. You can swim in the lake (or one of the two pools on site), borrow a kayak, or simply rest in a hammock. Later in the day there are breathwork and intention-setting sessions, and one evening closes with a sound immersion—sixty to ninety minutes of gongs and singing bowls that leave most people deeply relaxed.

Food is central to the experience. Meals are plant-based, Ayurveda-influenced, and sourced largely from the property's own agroforest project—which means salads that were growing a few hours earlier. The hosts call it 'food as medicine,' and given the organic focus and the zero-carbon-footprint sourcing, it's hard to argue. You'll have a welcome drink on arrival, plus brunch and dinner each day, with herbal teas and water always available.

This is the work of Ocean Valley Retreats, run by a small team on the property at Santa Clara-a-Velha. It's the same group that hosts longer yoga retreats in Ericeira, and this lakeside outpost feels like their nature-adventure arm. It's a small operation—groups run between six and twelve people—and the atmosphere is less like a retreat centre and more like staying at a friend's off-grid country place, if that friend happened to be a yoga teacher with a serious vegetable garden.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in an eco-cabin, private house, or solar-powered room - Welcome drink on arrival - Brunch and dinner each day (plant-based Ayurvedic meals) - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Daily yoga and meditation classes - Guided nature hike with a trusted local guide - Sound immersion session - Sauna onsite - Pre- and post-retreat support from the team - Free parking - Wifi connection in communal areas - Natural, off-grid setting with lake views - Free cancellation up to 1 day before arrival

What's not included

- Airport transfers (shuttle from nearest bus stop available for €50 per trip) - Flights and other travel costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (e.g., massage) - Additional activities not included in the itinerary