5 Day Ocean Valley Yoga & Wellness Retreat in Ericeira, Portugal

The retreat is hosted at Quinta dos Raposeiros, an 11-hectare organic farm located between the sea and the valley of Praia de São Lourenço, about 40 minutes from Lisbon and 7 kilometers from the surf town of Ericeira. The property is certified for organic farming, with apple, orange, plum, fig, and persimmon trees scattered across the land, along with pine woodlands, palm trees, and wild daisies. There's also a pedestrian path down to the beach that takes 20-40 minutes, so you can walk through the countryside to the shore if you want a more active morning.

Each day begins with a Hatha yoga practice in a 150m2 room with panoramic views over the Ecological Reserve of Vale de São Lourenço. The sequence focuses on mindful movement, alignment, balance, and breath synchronization, drawing on the traditional structure of Hatha yoga — from shatkarma (cleansing practices) and pranayama to asana, bandha, mudra, and yoga nidra. Nicole adapts every session to the people in the room, so whether you're brand new to yoga or have been on the mat for years, you'll find the right level of challenge.

After yoga, breakfast is delivered to your room in a traditional Portuguese basket — think fresh bread, local cheeses, homemade jams made from the farm's own fruit, and coffee or tea. The rest of the day is a mix of loose structure and free time: a guided nature walk, a surf lesson or stand-up paddleboarding on the river, a sound healing session, or an optional therapeutic massage. The retreat is designed so there's always room to rest, read by the pool, or simply sit with the countryside views.

The teaching is led by Nicole Carp, a Hatha yoga instructor since 2010 who brings a health-based, compassionate approach to her work. She has also written about her approach in her website copy (which repeats here), describing how she helps students find the right yogic tools and weave them into daily life. Reviews from past guests highlight her ability to make each class inspiring and enriching, and to help students build strength and vitality through the practice.

Ericeira itself is a short drive away — a coastal town known for its surf beaches, whitewashed houses, and laid-back atmosphere. During free time, you can head into the village for lunch at a local café, explore the market, or just walk the cliffs. The retreat includes one included surf or SUP session, but there are optional add-ons (extra surf sessions, massage, a private steam/banya ritual) if you want to go deeper.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in peaceful natural surroundings - Daily traditional Hatha Yoga classes - Sound healing experience - 1 surf lesson or 1 SUP river tour - 4 traditional Portuguese breakfast baskets delivered to your room - Airport pick-up and drop-off (for flights arriving before 2pm) - Shuttle from/to Lisbon airport (arrivals before 2pm, departures at noon) - Yoga mats and props - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Group excursions/activities - Specialized workshops - Professional event photos - Parking - Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (e.g., massage, banya) - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Lunches and dinners (except breakfast baskets) - Extra nights (unless booked as an upgrade)