Wellness Escape: Spirit, Mind & Body Retreat in Cerdeira, Portugal

The Eightlight Retreat is the culmination of Célia Alturas' life's work—a performer, choreographer, and intuitive healer who has crafted a unique wellness approach that integrates the wisdom of the body, the clarity of the mind, and the depth of the spirit. The retreat is inspired by themes from her feature-length screenplay 'Galhorp' but stands alone as a universal practice for anyone seeking greater well-being and daily-life productivity. The philosophy is simple: spirituality is not something outside of you to be achieved, but something present in everything you do. The more centred you are, the more your spirit, mind, and body align, connecting you to your inner light.

Your journey begins with a welcome briefing where you'll meet your host and fellow participants. Over the following days, each morning starts with a delicious breakfast at the village restaurant, followed by the two-hour Eightlight Movement workshop at the House of Arts. This active meditation combines guided visualizations, creative movement, and physical exercise, practiced both individually and in groups. By engaging in these figure-8 movements, you’ll experience a profound sense of grounding and freedom, as the movements integrate your body and mind. After a wholesome lunch, you’ll embark on a silent walk through the surrounding forest, allowing nature to deepen your introspection. Evenings feature rotating one-hour creative leisure sessions—'Find your Voice' to explore sound and music, and 'Group Sound' to unify participants through collective auditory experiences—before a final dinner together.

The retreat’s setting in Cerdeira amplifies its benefits. This lovingly restored schist village, over 300 years old, is a sanctuary of tradition and creativity. Each of the nine guest houses has been sustainably remodelled to blend historic charm with modern comfort, and are adorned with original artwork by international artists. With the Ria da Lousã mountain views, clean air, and profound silence, Cerdeira offers a natural environment that supports introspection, meditation, and rest. Guests can also use the House of Arts during free time for meetings, making it an ideal choice for corporate groups focused on team building and well-being.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in a traditional schist house - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily Eightlight Movement workshops (2 hours each) - Silent forest walks - Creative leisure sessions (Find your Voice, Group Sound) - Group excursions/activities - Free WiFi connection - Welcome briefing and orientation

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Visa fee - Travel insurance - Drinks (alcoholic beverages and extra drinks) - Optional upgrades (extra nights, late start)