Sintra · 5 days
This isn't a luxury wellness escape, and it doesn't pretend to be. It's a spiritual community in the hills outside Sintra, where you share dormitories, eat simple food and take part in the daily practices that keep the ashram alive. If you're looking for five days of deep practice, quiet reflection and genuine communit…
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Sintra · 5 days · From EUR 540 (indicative)
This isn't a luxury wellness escape, and it doesn't pretend to be. It's a spiritual community in the hills outside Sintra, where you share dormitories, eat simple food and take part in the daily practices that keep the ashram alive. If you're looking for five days of deep practice, quiet reflection and genuine community, you'll find it here. If you want spa treatments and private bathrooms, this probably isn't the place. You don't need any experience of Kundalini Yoga to join. The practices are about inner work rather than physical performance, so beginners are welcome and you can take part at your own level.
The programme follows the idea of self-initiation. You'll get the most out of it if you attend everything, but there's no pressure, and the teachers are there to guide you. Each morning begins at 5:30 with Aquarian Sadhana, which brings together a Japji reading, kundalini yoga exercises, relaxation, mantra meditation and prayer. During your stay you'll also join two afternoon kundalini yoga classes, and every evening closes with kirtan, a mantra meditation in the yoga space, before dinner with the community.
The ashram sits at the edge of the forest, with views over the valley below and Mafra Palace visible in the distance. The atmosphere is peaceful and homely, with a large dining room, a yoga space and a big garden full of spots to sit and read or chat. You're surrounded by nature, yet Lisbon is only about 45 minutes away by car, and the beach at Ericeira is close by for afternoon walks.
Between the morning practice and the evening kirtan, your days have a gentle rhythm. After breakfast you can join karma yoga, selfless service in the kitchen, garden or house, or simply use the time for walks, reflection and rest. One afternoon there's the option of a guided nature hike, weather permitting, and on your fourth day you can book one-to-one sessions such as healing, numerology or massage at extra cost. Some evenings bring optional gatherings, which may include a men's gathering, a women's circle, a poetry night or 5Rhythms dance. Meals are eaten together in the communal dining room, and the food is plant-based, following the principles of Ayurveda and made from fresh, mostly local and organic ingredients. Expect hearty dishes like lentil dahl with rice, vegetable curries, fresh salads and homemade chapatis.
Your stay includes four nights' accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, daily yoga, meditation and pranayama classes, and water, tea and coffee throughout the day. Nature hikes with a trusted guide, parking, luggage storage and Wi-Fi are included too. You can choose a place in a shared men's or women's dormitory for 540 EUR, or a private room with a double bed for 790 EUR. Both options give you all meals, the daily classes and access to every scheduled activity.
- 4 nights accommodation - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily yoga, meditation, and pranayama classes - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Parking - Luggage storage - Wi-Fi connection
- Travel insurance - Flights - Visa fees - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Additional treatments (e.g., massage, private classes) - Laundry (€3 per kg) - Extra day/night (€30-€50)