Portugal: Yoga & Wellness Retreat
Coast of Algarve, Portugal: Yoga & Wellness Retreat
Please email info@savonn.com if you would like to hear about future retreats to the Coast of Algarve. Our trip in October of 2023 was SOLD OUT. If there is enough interest in another retreat we may schedule one in 2025.
The information below was specific to the October 2023 retreat. Future retreats would have a similar itinerary with updated excursions and the potential for some changes to activities.
Southern Portugal has become a must-see destination. The retreat is in the Algarve area near the town of Lagos. The region is protected by mountains to the north and bordered by the sea to the south, offering 125 miles of coastline carved with cliffs, long sandy beaches, and spectacular views. Take part in daily yoga classes and other wellness activities while enjoying the many hiking trails that overlook the 300-foot-high cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea.
Itinerary
DAY ONE: Welcome to Algarve, Portugal
Group transfer to the Cascade Wellness Resort. After checking in, enjoy some time to explore the property before having a welcome dinner with the rest of the group.
Meals included: dinner.
DAY TWO: Hike the Famous Fishermen’s Trail
Start your day with yoga overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, followed by a leisurely breakfast. Afterwards, head out to hike the famous Fishermen’s Trail. This route starts in the village of Figueira and heads towards the beach. The hike continues along the Vicentine Route to Casa das Furnas, passing through deserted beaches and hidden corners.
Following the hike, enjoy lunch served at a local restaurant before returning to the resort. The rest of the day is yours to do what you want.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch. Dinner on your own.
DAY THREE: Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) in the Pristine Waters of Lagos
Let yourself be amazed by the magic of the waters of the Algarve by “SUP-ing” on them. Early this morning, we will depart for our stand-up paddle tour, meeting at Praia Dona Ana. We will experience the coves and caves from a unique and mesmerizing perspective.
Lunch at a local restaurant is followed by free time to check out Lagos, then returning to the resort for an evening of leisure. The resort has a full-service spa, adults-only pool and hot tub, fitness center, and hiking trails.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch. Dinner on your own.
DAY FOUR: Visit Monchique Mountain and a Thermal Spa
After morning yoga and breakfast, we’ll head to the green heartland and highest point in the Algarve, Fóia’s peak, Monchique Mountain. En route, we will make a stop at the Caldas de Monchique, a thermal spa area used since Roman times. We’ll also make a quick stop in the village, where you can try a shot of “Medronho,” a firewater made with the fruit of the arbutus tree, or take some time to peruse the local craft and pottery shops.
Return to the resort for free time in the late afternoon and evening.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch. Dinner on your own.
DAY FIVE: Sail and Boat in the Bay of Lagos
Yoga in the morning, along with breakfast, before heading to the Bay of Lagos for a scenic sailing experience, where we’ll explore some of the most impressive caves and rock formations in Southern Portugal. We will anchor in a sheltered bay where the crew will prepare and serve lunch.
After lunch, we will continue our journey to see the famous caves of “Ponta da Piedade” on a smaller boat. We will return to the sailboat and make our way back up the coast. Feel the magic of sailing, while you relax, sip a cocktail, and enjoy the sun, sea, and breathtaking views. We will get back to the resort for an evening on your own.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch. Dinner on your own.
DAY SIX: Stay Local & Gather for a Group Dinner in Lagos
Yoga in the morning, leisurely breakfast, and time to do whatever you want. You can book spa services, enjoy the resort amenities, and/or take a shuttle into Lagos.
In the evening, we’ll head to the historic center of Lagos as a group to learn about the history and discover the charm of this ancient city before gathering for a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals included: breakfast and dinner. Lunch on your own.
DAY SEVEN: Loulé Market
Following yoga and breakfast, you will head to one of the liveliest towns in the area, where you will have free time to walk around and visit the castle and Loulé Market. The picturesque market full of fruits and vegetables also offers a variety of crafts. Nowadays, you still find artisans who produce leather articles, delicate regional works, and beautiful pottery.
Later, over lunch, discover the culture of the Portuguese “petiscos,” small plates made to taste, appreciate, and share. We will get back to the resort for an evening on your own.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch. Dinner on your own.
DAY EIGHT: Final Yoga Class & Goodbyes
Have breakfast at the resort and some time to relax before our groups transfer to the airport.
Meals included: breakfast.
Inclusions
8 days/7 nights of 5 star accommodations at Cascade Wellness Resort. Double or single occupancy options available. Comfortable, spacious, and finished to a modern and contemporary style, double rooms are inspired by the African, Asian, South-American, and European continents.
Room Features and Amenities:
- Spacious balcony
- Flat screen with cable TV and movies-on-demand
- Modern natural stone bathroom
- Bathtub and an individual walk-in rain shower
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Large wardrobe
- Mini-bar
- Amenities by L’Occitane®
- Bathrobe and slippers
Group Transfers: One group transfer from Faro airport to Cascade Wellness Resort on arrival day, and one group transfer back to Faro airport on departure day (both at designated times).
Meals & Beverages: 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 2 Dinners, coffee, tea, and water. Closer to the trip, we will be in touch to discuss any food allergies/sensitivities and will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Activities Noted Below:
- Yoga classes
- Stand-up paddle board in Lagos
- Sailing in the Bay of Lagos
- Fishermen’s Trail guided hike
- Loulé Market visit
- Petiscos tasting tour
- Visit to Monchique Mountain
Exclusions
- International flights
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Airport transfers outside of designated times
- Early check-and/or late check-out
- Alcohol, additional beverages, and/or additional meals
- Any personal expenses, entrance fees for any additional sightseeing, or optional activities
- Traveler’s insurance
- Any visas, medical expenses, immunizations, or required Covid-19 testing
- International airport taxes, airport porter, and extra baggage fees
