Yoga & Artist's Residency by the Atlantic in Figueira da Foz

The residency is built around a clear daily structure that frees you from decision-making and lets you focus. Mornings start with breakfast at 8, followed by a 90-minute yoga session led by Madhura. The rest of the morning and afternoon are split into focused practice blocks—time you can use for asana work, meditation, writing, painting, or whatever brought you here. Lunch and dinner are shared, with residents taking turns to cook. Evenings might include workshops, breathwork, or creative get-togethers, but the schedule is mostly self-managed.

What sets this apart from a standard yoga retreat is the length and the commitment. You're not here for a week of classes; you're here for at least a month of daily practice. The self-catered setup and the shared chores mean you're building a routine rather than being waited on. Reviews mention renovation and gardening work alongside the yoga—this is a working residency, not a spa. Guests talk about laughing a lot, feeling part of a family, and leaving with a deeper sense of trust and presence.

The venue is Casa Grande, a 100-year-old building that used to be a winery. It's described as spacious, simple, and functional—no luxury, but everything you need. Some residents stay at the old Beach Café right next to the sea. Both have shared bathrooms and full kitchens. The location is a lively coastal town with a long beach, surfing, and easy transport links to Porto and Lisbon.

Madhura, the founder, has been practicing yoga for over five decades. He's assisted by Liz and Andre, who guests describe as warm and welcoming. The residency is a not-for-profit project under the Bhava Foundation, which supports conservation, indigenous communities, girls' education in Nepal, and tribal communities in Vietnam. Your monthly fee essentially becomes a charitable donation.

What's included

- 29 nights accommodation - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Free wifi - Free bike rental - Free use of yoga mats - Luggage storage - Parking - Pre and post retreat support

What's not included

- Meals (self-catered) - Flights - Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments - Additional activities not included - Utilities (€50/month) - Administrative fee (€10/month)