Step away from the pace
of everyday life.
Into something slower.
A week in the mountains of the Algarve.
- Mornings Embodied practice
- Afternoons Nowhere to be
- Evenings Gently into rest
A retreat centred on movement, yoga, and reconnection — not a programme to complete, but time to arrive.
In your body. In the landscape. Among others who have chosen the same pause.
The retreat experience
Space to reset, realign,
reconnect and recharge
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Move
Embodied yoga and movement practices — two sessions each day, shaped by the awakening of the senses, in tune with our breathing bodies and in the presence of the natural beauty of the landscape around us.
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Rest
Spacious afternoons and restorative sessions. Unstructured time to lie down, read, write, draw, walk, swim, or simply do nothing at all — and choose a pace that feels sustainable.
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Reconnect
Time with yourself, with nature, and with others — without the rush and the need to perform. Reconnect to your own self and come home to your body. Reconnect with the natural world around us.
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Nourish
Brunch and dinner made with healthy local produce, with fruit and coffee before morning practice and light snacks through the afternoon.
Daily rhythm
A typical day
Each day holds two embodied practices with plenty of unstructured time between them.
- Early morning
Fruit and coffee before practice
- Morning
Embodied practice, approximately 8–10am
- Brunch
Shared meal at 10:00, with leftovers available for afternoon snacking
- Mid-morning
Spacious time for rest, walking, swimming, or reflection
- Afternoon
Free time; fruit and light snacks available
- Evening
Practice, approximately 5–7pm
- Dinner
Evening meal at 19:00
One practice-free day during the week — for rest, or an optional local or beach excursion. On that day, an optional early yoga practice will be available in the morning.
A stunning location
The Setting
High on Mount Picota near Monchique, in the Algarve hills, Bodhi Bhavan sits within more than six hectares of terraced land. Mountain views stretch across the northwest side of Monchique; on clear days, the wild west coast is visible in the distance.
Walking trails surround the venue. Natural spring water flows from the mountain. The grounds hold quiet corners for rest, a swimming pool, and spaces to gather — all within a landscape that invites you to slow down.
Practice spaces
Studio and platform
A dedicated yoga studio sits above the main house — a separate building with generous windows opening onto the hills. In summer, the doors fold back entirely; in cooler months, a wood stove keeps the space warm.
Outside, a wooden platform stretches even wider than the studio itself — room for outdoor practice with the valley below. Mats, blocks, bolsters, and belts are provided.
Accommodation
Where you'll stay
The venue offers individually styled rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Choose shared or single occupancy, or enquire about glamping tent options.
Early-bird price until 30 October 2026
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Shared room
Individually styled room with ensuite bathroom, shared occupancy.
Early-bird * £1,250
Standard £1,350
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Single room
Individually styled room with ensuite bathroom, single occupancy.
Early-bird * £1,450
Standard £1,550
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Glamping tent
Bell tent on the grounds, with access to shared retreat facilities.
Early-bird * £1,000
Standard £1,150
Rooms
Individually styled
Each room has its own character — terracotta floors, ensuite bathroom, and doors that open onto the gardens and the quiet of the hillside.
Glamping
Bell tent option
For a closer connection to the land, glamping tents offer an alternative way to stay — comfortable bedding within the grounds of the retreat.
Food
Nourishing and local
Brunch at 10:00 and dinner at 19:00 — prepared using healthy local produce. Fruit and coffee are available before morning practice; fruit and light snacks are available through the afternoon, including leftovers from brunch.
Please share any dietary requirements when you register your interest.
Your package
What's included
- Seven nights' accommodation
- Two embodied practices each day
- Brunch and dinner, with fruit and coffee before morning practice and light snacks through the afternoon
- Use of the retreat facilities
- A practice-free day
- Group airport transfer
- Suitable for all levels of yoga
Getting there
Travel arrangements
A group airport transfer is included. Detailed directions, recommended arrival times, and travel guidance will be shared when you book.
Bodhi Bhavan is located near Monchique in the Algarve hills, within easy reach of Faro airport.
Your facilitator and guide
Macarena Ortúzar
Macarena is a dance artist and movement teacher based in Oxford. Her practice weaves Somatic Yoga, creative movement, and embodied exploration — shaped by years of training in formal dance, experimental performance, and immersion at Body Weather Farm in Japan.
She teaches from the senses and presence rather than prescription — inviting participants to move intuitively, with curiosity and care.
