Deep Summer Yoga Retreat for Women in Portugal's Serra de São Mamede

Golden Season is the summer installment of a series of three seasonal retreats held at this estate in Marvão, Portugal. The retreat runs from Wednesday to Sunday, with check-in at 4:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM. On the first day, you'll arrive, settle in, and enjoy a welcome drink before a gentle opening practice and grounding session, followed by a welcome dinner. From Thursday to Saturday, the rhythm is consistent: mornings start with herbal infusion and journaling, then an energizing yoga flow, followed by a nourishing brunch. Afternoons are free for rest, swimming, exploring the land, or using the sauna, with afternoon tea served later. Each day includes a seasonal ritual and a sound journey with Alchemy crystal singing bowls, and evenings close with a restorative yin yoga practice and a seasonal dinner.

What makes this retreat distinct is the setting and the seasonal focus. The estate is tucked into the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, surrounded by cork oaks, chestnut groves, and olive trees. The land is quiet and unhurried, with no passing cars or crowds. The retreat is limited to ten guests, so you'll never feel like part of a large group program. Instead, the retreat folds into the rhythm of the land, leaving long spaces for personal time. The sound journeys and seasonal rituals are designed to connect you with the energy of deep summer, while the outdoor drawing class, led by Luci Eyers, invites you to observe the landscape closely.

Lisa Hood, the lead instructor, has over 18 years of practice and is the author of Moon Yoga, The Little Book of Yoga, and The Yoga Box. She blends yoga, breathwork, lunar rituals, and cacao ceremonies into her teaching. Her style is approachable, and all practices are offered in variations, making them suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The retreat is women-only and adults-only, with a recommended age of 25 and above. It's ideal for solo travelers, as the intimate setting makes it easy to connect with other guests, though it's also lovely for couples or friends.

The estate offers a handful of houses, each with its own character. Casa Esteva is a 260m² house with two suites, ideal for those seeking silence. Casa Rosmaninho is a 260m² guest house with three suites, arranged around a shared living space. Casa Oliveira is a 160m² house with two en-suite bedrooms, a living room, and a terrace. All houses feature high-quality amenities like super king-size beds, Portuguese cotton linens, and organic toiletries made from the estate's olive oil. The property includes a heated pool, sauna, and rooftop terrace, and guests have access to the full 30 hectares.

Overall, this retreat is about deep rest and reconnection with nature. You'll leave not just rested but rooted, carrying the ease of deep summer back into your daily life. It's a chance to unplug completely, enjoy delicious seasonal food, and experience the quiet beauty of one of Portugal's least-trodden landscapes.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - Specialized workshops - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Parking - Wifi connection

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional treatments - Additional activities not included in the itinerary