Yoga, Breathwork & Sound Healing Retreat in Brazil's Atlantic Forest

Mama Shanti is a private retreat center set on the side of a hill, far from city noise, inside the Teresópolis Municipal Nature Park in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The property has been in the owner's family for over 80 years, and the surrounding forest was planted tree by tree by the great-grandfather, who called it his paradise on Earth. Over 60,000 trees now stand here, and in 2009 the land became part of the protected municipal park.

A typical day begins gently. Around 8:00 AM, your teacher leads a 90-minute session that might be an energizing vinyasa flow or something more restorative — she reads the room and adjusts. After breakfast, the middle of the day is open. You might join a guided hike on trails leading to waterfalls that few tourists ever reach, or wander into the Serra dos Órgãos National Park. The natural pool, the hammocks, and the quiet are always there if you'd rather do nothing.

In the evening, the second session draws everything inward — a sound bath with crystal singing bowls, a deep yin practice, guided meditation, or breathwork. Dinner follows, unhurried. The rest of the evening belongs to you.

The retreat is hosted by Rie, who has been teaching yoga for more than a decade and has a 200-hour certification from India. She also brings training in Reiki, sound therapy, and meditation instruction to her sessions. Christian, who co-hosts, is mentioned by guests as an excellent host and teacher. Because the group is so small, the experience shapes itself around you — there is no fixed syllabus to keep up with, and nothing here is at scale.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Hike to Pedra Alpina in the Teresópolis Municipal Nature Park with a trusted guide - Hike to waterfalls in Serra dos Órgãos National Park - Parking - Wifi connection

What's not included

- Flights costs - Visa fee - Travel insurance - Additional treatments - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Shuttle pick-up from Rio de Janeiro (arranged separately for €82 per person return or €42 each way)