Unlock your true potential and awaken your inner power!
Remember who you are….. Join me for a transformational week of Yoga, Energy Work, Meditation & Nature.
Forest Hillside Eco Retreat . Vinyasa Flow Yoga . Meditation . Yoga Nidra . Kundalini Activation . Sound Meditation . Natural Bio Swimming Pool . Delicious Homegrown Vegetarian Food
23-30 June 2023
The retreat will be held at Monte Da Orada, a serene, eco-sustainable retreat centre, nestled deep in the privacy and tranquility of the Alentejo countryside. Located on Portugal’s Southwest Atlantic Coast, bordering the Algarve, Orada is surrounded by spectacular breathtaking scenery, unspoilt surf beaches and delightful coastal and hillside villages.
Situated between Faro and Lisbon, this beautiful valley lies in an abundant oasis where two creeks come together amid ancient lush forest and wildlife vistas.
One of the highlights of Orada is a wonderful natural Bio Swimming Pool, a fully self sustainable eco-system which keeps the water oxygenated and chemical-free, perfect for swimming and relaxation. There is a Finnish Sauna which sits in the forrest outside the Bio Pool. There is a panoramic wooden roof deck to sunbathe and watch the sunset from and many comfortable living spaces to relax and socialise in. The main house has a large traditional Portuguese dining and lounge space and a huge outdoor patio and terrace with pizza oven. A stunning glass-walled lounge overlooks the valley with comfy sofas, floor cushions and a woodburner for chilly evenings. There are many beautiful outdoor spaces to spend time exploring and relaxing in, including a stone fire-pit and amphitheatre.
Monte da Orada dates back to at least the XII century, it was known as the “Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Orada” (Our Lady of Orada Sanctuary). Its water fountain was considered sacred for its powerful healing properties and it was a coveted stop for many travellers including, the mystic Saint Nuno of Santa Maria as well as Generals on the route to Monchique and Algarve. The property has of the oldest buildings documented in the region, the name Orada means “prayed for” and legend goes that people and animals came to rest here to recover from their ailments, and to pay homage to The Lady of Orada, housed inside a tiny shrine in a stone barn. She still sits here in her shrine, watching over the Yoga Studio, lending an air of peace and solace to this sacred space.
Rhythm of the Day
Our days will be held in the beautiful spacious yoga shala overlooking the lush untouched forrest, bathed in natural light and surrounded by the mountain breeze.
Vinyasa Yoga: Our morning sessions with Pranayama & Meditation to awaken your energy before moving into a Vinyasa Yoga practice that is dynamic, fluid, energizing and self-motivating. Filled with technique, alignment and a systematic approach to building strength, mobility and balance. These sessions offer an array of intelligent sequences covering a wide variety of themes leaving you feeling refreshed for the day.
Aliveness Kundalini Activation: We will also be exploring Kundalini Activations using the AKA method. It is a tool for spiritual maturing and advancing the process of self-development. It has the power to evoke, amplify and support the integration of your own powerful life force energy – initiating growth that with continued sessions over time will expand and advance.
In this altered state of consciousness, sustained by our embodied connection and the fluidity of our life force emanating through all of our nadis – our true self is given recognition.
Benefits include: Clearing and unblocking energetic pathways, purifying your system from emotional energy blockages, release trauma and stagnant energy, connecting and aligning your energy centres, raising your vibration, shifting your perception, activating your kundalini and helping you to access higher states of awareness. You may leave the session feeling energized, experiencing more harmony within yourself and with a remembrance of your true self and purpose.
Through awakening this life force within we begin our returning to the source to the somatic knowing of our instinctual embodiment and all its capabilities and potentiality.
Immunity to Change:
We will use The Immunity to Change as a tool to overcoming unconscious assumptions which may have been created by our subconscious mind as a protective mechanism. Our desire to change something may be strong but our underlying driving force can be a set of “competing commitments” that can conflict with a genuine commitment to change. It is not the same as liking or disliking change but rather it is the existence of an internal conflict between your unconscious thoughts and desires, and the need for change.
The Immunity to Change, the process involves five steps which are designed to answer the question, “If you know you need to change something, and you’re fully committed to changing it, why are you not doing it?” We will spend 5 days mapping out what we would like to change and how to do it. Each day taking a step towards a change that is not only desirable but essential for you on your path to becoming who you are. As your internal world changes and evolves so does your external experience of the world.
Afternoon and evening sessions: These sessions will be devoted to the quieter yoga systems that guide the body into states of profound rest. I will guide you through the deeply nourishing practices of Yoga Nidra & Sound Mediation. Be prepared to drop into deep states of bliss!
This retreat is an opportunity for personal transformation… Everything I offer, I do so because I think it is a powerful tool of personal development, growth and understanding. It is a process and the process is the path.
If you feel the call, please join us on this beautiful soul journey.
Retreat Daily Rhythm
*our beautiful flow is subject to change…
Everything is connected, including your personal transformation. Our schedule is varied to ensure we can access the opportunity to evolve on the levels of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Unleash your full potential and awaken your true self!
Friday 23 June
15:00: Arrive at Orada
18:30: Dinner
20:00: Grounding Sound Meditation
Saturday 24 June
8:00: Pranayama & Meditation
8:30 Breakfast
10:00 Vinyasa Yoga
11:30 Immunity to Change – Identify your personal transformation goal!
12:30 Lunch
17:30 Yoga Nidra
18:30 Dinner
Sunday 25 June
8:00 Pranayama & Meditation
8:30 Breakfast
10:00 Vinyasa Yoga
11:30 Immunity to Change – Step 2 on moving forward on your transformation goal.
12:30 Lunch
17:30 Kundalini Life Force Activation
18:30 Dinner
Monday 26 June
8:00 Pranayama & Meditation
8:30 Breakfast
10:00 Pilates with Jenny
11:30 Immunity to Change – Step 3: Uncover Your Hidden Competing Commitments.
12:30 Lunch
17:30 Yoga Nidra w Sound Meditation
18:30 Dinner
Tuesday 27 June
8:00 Deep Stretch Yoga
8:30 Breakfast
10:00 Kundalini Life Force Activation
12:30 Lunch
Free Afternoon to explore the local area
18:30 Dinner
Wednesday 28 June
8:00 Pranayama & Meditation
8:30 Breakfast
10:00 Vinyasa Yoga
11:30 Immunity to Change – Step 4: Tease Out Your Big Assumptions.
12:30 Lunch
16:30 Pilates with Jenny
17:30 Sound Mediation
18:30 Dinner
Thursday 29 June
8:00 Pranayama & Meditation
8:30 Breakfast
10:00 Vinyasa Yoga
11:30 Immunity to Change – Step 5: Test Your Big Assumptions.
12:30 Lunch
17:30 Kundalini Life Force Activation
18:30 Dinner
Friday 30 June
8:30 Breakfast
10:00 Departure
Accommodation
The center has a wide variety of accommodation to suit every taste and budget. There are 6 suites with ensuite bathrooms that can accommodate single, double or triple occupancy.
There are 2 large forest bungalows which are surrounded by nature with outdoor bath and shower overlooking the forrest.
All rooms that have outdoor bath can also use the indoor shared facilities in the main building.
Suite Rooms
Double shared room ensuite – €1,499.00
Single ensuite – €1,799.00
Bungalow Shared room / Single Bed with outdoor toilet- €1,275.00
Let me know what you would prefer and we can tailor your accommodation to suit your needs. All rooms are pictured below. Please send me an email for pricing and more infomation. Email here.
Each room is unique and limited, please reserve your space early to avoid disappointment!
Email Joanne to book your space!
About Joanne Smallwood
A yogini, a seeker, a creatrix, an avid reader, a believer in possibilities, a world traveller with a passion for living in exotic and faraway places.
Hobbies include diving into the deeper recesses of the mind, improv theatre, drinking coffee, watching sunsets, geeking out on self development and exploring ancient wisdom teachings on a quest for freedom.
My desire for freedom has led me along an unusual and colourful life path filled with experience, adventure and personal growth. I am a life coach. I teach yoga, fitness and facilitate sound mediations. I am curious and I love to travel. I lived in India for 12 years before I moved to the UAE, where I currently reside in Dubai. Even though I am driven by this desire to wander and explore the entire world as well as the inner workings of the mind, people still describe me as being grounded and stable.
I have been practicing yoga since 1997 and teaching since 2005. I like Vinyasa flow classes that are dynamic, fluid, energizing and self-motivating. Filled with technique, alignment with a systematic approach to building strength, mobility and balance.
I love to explore all aspects of the yoga spectrum. I have a deep appreciation for the quieter yoga systems that guide the body into states of deep rest. I have a passion for Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra, and Sound Mediation.
In the past few years I have been on a path of personal and professional development guided by Life Force Energy or Kundalini energy. I have been practicing, learning and creating with the energy and I feel that this would be a powerful to any soul on a journey of self discovery. I will be offering Kundalini Activations on this retreat as I believe this work is powerful beyond measure. It acts as a navigational tool on the path to personal peace and freedom.
Food
Orada is focused on organic farming, conscious nutrition and permaculture. It is a sanctuary of peaceful nature and healthy, organically grown food. All meals are vegan and delicious.
Includes: (see schedule above)
- Accommodation
- Pranayama & Vinyasa Yoga classes
- Yoga Nidra Meditations
- Pilates
- Sound Meditation
- Deep Stretch Yoga
- Kundalini Activation sessions
- Access to the Sauna and bio pool
- 3 Daily healthy vegetarian meals
Does Not Include:
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals outside the retreat
- Optional day-trips and other excursions
- Meals while on excursions
- Massage or spa treatments
We will arrive on Friday 23 June 2023, after 4pm. We will meet for the first time as a group at dinner. Check out 10am Friday 30 June 2023 after breakfast.
Located at Portugal’s Southwest Atlantic Coast, bordering Algarve, it combines an amazing set of spectacular wild surf beaches and the authentic countryside tranquility of Alentejo. The center is 1.5 hours away from Faro airport and 2.5 hours away from Lisbon. Transfers can be booked in advance from either airport. Cost will depend on how many people are sharing. If you wish to explore the local area you may want to rent a car although there is plenty to do on the property including nature walks directly within the surrounding forrest.
Retreat size is limited, so please register early.
Email Joanne to secure your place
Optional excursions & activities:
- Surf & Padel: The SW Coast has some of the best surf beaches of Portugal. It is an unforgettable experience. Prices are around 60€ per person/class.
- Hike: Rota Vicentina is a long distance path along the Sw coast of Portugal. Comprising the Historical Way and the Fishermen’s Trail. Circular circuits of 8km, 12km and 22km – 50€
- Mountain Bike: 45 min cycle away to the coast Rota Vicentina is a long distance path along the Sw coast of Portugal. Comprising the Historical Way and the Fishermen’s Trail. 60€
- Hours Riding: the wild west of the Alentejo in the saddle. Chris will ride with you through the wild landscape of the Alentejo. You will be touched by the unspoiled nature. 50 €
- Sailing: To sail on the calm waters of the Santa Clara dam, considered a paradise by many, in an ecological boat whose design is inspired by traditional Portuguese fishing boats. 70€
- Canoeing: From the mouth of the sea inland however, for over 40 km the Mira is subject to the tides, harboring a very special experience: Start in the right place at the right time, you can use the current to gently help you on your way inland, with usually a nice tailwind. 70€
- On Site Massage Therapy: Varies depending on the therapist.
Yoga Retreat Terms and Conditions
Covid-19 Policy
We have a fully flexible Covid-19 booking policy and offer a full refund or option to rebook with another retreat within 12 months.
In the unlikely event that the retreat is unable to go ahead and is cancelled and; or you are unable to travel due to Government enforced C-19 travel restriction or reasons (lock downs, major C19 country travel restrictions etc.). A PCR test will be required as proof of postive infection status.
1. It is the customer’s responsibility to check the reservation and ensure that the particulars contained therein are correct.
2. The customer shall pay a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit in the sum of €500 of the balance due for each person named in the reservation.
3. The balance monies due shall be paid by the customer not less than 8 weeks prior to the date of departure. Bookings within the last 8 weeks must be paid in full at time of booking. Payment can be made by bank transfer or cash.
4. If payment of either the deposit or the balance is not received by the due date we reserves the right to cancel the reservation and retain the deposit.
5. In the event of cancellation by the customer, regardless of the circumstances, the following refund fees, minus the deposit, apply. The deposit is non-refundable, as mentioned in #2:
Cancellation 2 weeks or less before due arrival date, 0% refund
Cancellation 2 to 4 weeks before due arrival date, 25% refund
Cancellation 4 to 8 weeks before due arrival date, 50% refund
Cancellation more than 8 weeks before due arrival date, 100% refund minus the deposit.