7 Day Yoga and Wellness Retreat in the Portuguese Countryside

Each day at Buddha Retreats follows a slow, dependable pattern that leaves plenty of room for both activity and doing nothing at all. Mornings start with a generous breakfast of fresh fruit, homemade granola, and bread baked that morning, followed by a dynamic yoga class at 10.00. Lunch is at 13.00, after which the afternoon is yours to use as you like — some guests nap by the pool, others take the path into the woods, and a few drive out with the team to try surfing at Baleal if they've added that on. The second yoga class of the day runs at 17.00 and is more restorative, then everyone comes back together for a home-cooked dinner at 19.30. On the final morning you'll do one last yoga session before a brunch and check-out at 11.00.

The yoga is a genuine mix of Hatha and Vinyasa rather than one fixed style. The teachers are all certified and have trained for several years, and they tailor each class to whoever is in the room. Beginners are never left behind, while more experienced students get variations to go deeper. Every class ends with at least five minutes of savasana, which after a week of moving twice a day becomes a habit you'll likely want to keep up at home. The evening sessions, in particular, are where the 'restorative' side comes in — slower poses and longer holds, designed to undo the tiredness that's accumulated over the year.

What sets this retreat apart is the balance between structure and freedom. You're never obligated to join every class, and nobody checks up on you. There's a pool, a terrace with views across the hills, and a garden with enough space that even with 18 guests it feels private. The village of Columbeira itself is tiny, but it's a short drive from the medieval town of Óbidos, which is worth an afternoon if you want a change of scene. The owner, Stephan, lives on site and is known for being genuinely welcoming — several reviews mention how kind and helpful the whole team is.

The house is set up for retreats, not as a hotel. Rooms are spread over four floors, with no more than four per floor. It's cosy and lived-in, not luxury, but everything is clean and comfortable. The real luxury is the food: all meals are included, and the kitchen cooks vegetarian food that gets consistently praised in reviews — one guest called it 'unbelievable, so tasty'. Dinners are often served on the terrace, with Portuguese red and white wine available, which adds to the communal feel of the week.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in single or double room - 12 yoga sessions with a certified yoga teacher - 3 daily nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily selection of fresh fruit, herbal teas, and water - Coffee and tea served throughout the day - Free Wi-Fi connection - Free parking - Pool and beach towels - Linen and towels

What's not included

- Flights costs - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Airport transfers (available at extra cost) - Additional massage treatments - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Surf lessons (when not booked as part of a package)