Beginner Surf & Yoga Wellness Escape in Sintra, Portugal

The Peak House is the creation of two brothers, Diogo and Duarte, who traded in their previous lives to share their hometown of Sintra with travellers. Their project grew out of their own travels, where they found that the best way to understand a place was through its people and its daily rhythms. The house itself sits in the hills of Sintra, with views towards the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, and it’s designed to feel like a home rather than a hotel. The retreat is a proper introduction to surfing: five days of guided sessions at local beaches, with boards and transport included, so you just need to show up and get in the water. Instructors are patient and focused on building confidence, whether you’ve never touched a board or you’re working on turning and catching green waves. Back at the house, yoga sessions are held on the deck overlooking the landscape, and they’re kept accessible for beginners too. Morning breakfast and evening dinner are communal affairs, with pescatarian and vegetarian dishes served at a big table, and you can help yourself to tea and coffee all day. The brothers are hands-on hosts, often joining guests for sunset drinks at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, which is a short drive away. It’s an authentic, unpretentious week that’s about as far from a generic wellness retreat as you can get. The focus is on having fun, learning something real, and feeling like part of a temporary family. There’s a bouldering retreat also available if you want to mix the two, and extra nights can be added. Previous guests consistently mention the friendly atmosphere as the highlight, and it’s easy to see why when you’re sharing a wave, a meal, and a sunset with the people who run the place.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in shared or private rooms - 5 days of surf sessions with instructors - 3 yoga sessions at the house - Breakfast and dinner daily (pescatarian/vegetarian) - Water, tea, and coffee available throughout the day - Transfer to and from the beach for surf sessions - Access to all house facilities (pool, yoga deck, garden, chill-out zones, tennis table) - A lot of fun

What's not included

- Airport transfers (available at extra cost) - Flights - Travel insurance - Lunches - Optional surf session on rest day - Extra nights