TRANSFORMATIVE RETREAT

YOUR RETREAT

Day 1 · Monchique

• Arrive at Faro Airport
• Group transfer from airport to accommodation
• Check-in at Vila Foia
• Settling in & free time
• Group welcome dinner
• Sound Bath

Day 2 · Monchique

• Yin Yoga & Meditation
• Breakfast
• Session 1: Attending to your body
• Lunch
• Optional Forest Bathing (see add-ons)
• Sunset Yoga & Meditation
• Dinner with local wine and views

Day 3 · Monchique

• Yin Yoga & Meditation
• Breakfast
• Session 2: Attending to your senses
• Lunch
• Session 3: Attending to your emotions
• Dinner
• Sound Bath

Day 4 · Monchique

• Yin Yoga & Meditation
• Breakfast
• Session 4: Attending to the process
• Lunch
• Optional Boat Trip (see add-ons)
• Dinner with local wine and views

Day 5 · Monchique

• Yin Yoga & Meditation
• Breakfast
• Session 5: Inattention – The power of mind wandering
• Lunch
• Free time
• Sunset Yoga & Sound Bath
• Dinner with local wine and views

Day 6 · Departure

• Yin Yoga & Meditation
• Breakfast
• Closing Session & Goodbyes
• Check out of accommodation
• Group transfer to Faro Airport
• Journey ends

YOUR DAYS CLOSE UP

Day 1

Welcome to Monchique – prepare for a transformative journey in the Portuguese countryside

We’re so glad you’ve decided to join us for this transformative wellness experience in the heart of Portugal. As you touch down at Faro Airport, the serene and welcoming atmosphere will envelop you, marking the beginning of a week of restoration and self-discovery. Take your group transfer from the airport to Vila Foia – our peaceful haven for the next five nights. Nestled among the hills, this exquisite accommodation offers an exceptional blend of comfort, style, and tranquility. Upon check-in, the soothing ambience will invite you to unpack not only your bags but also your worries and stresses, readying you for the transformative week ahead.

We've allocated a generous window of free time following check-in, providing you with ample opportunity to settle in, explore your surroundings, and breathe in the healing air of our natural sanctuary. As dusk falls, you'll be welcomed to the first of our nightly gatherings – a group welcome dinner. Here, you'll have the chance to mingle with fellow guests, learn about the diverse experiences that have brought everyone together, and dine on delicious, nutritious cuisine prepared by our expert chefs.

We’ll close out night one with a uniquely invigorating Sound Bath. As the soft, restorative frequencies permeate the air, you'll be guided into a deeply relaxed state, tuning into the profound effects that art and sound have on your physical and mental well-being.

Day 2

Embracing Mindful Harmony: A day of nature, nourishment, and movement

As dawn breaks over the rolling hills of Portugal, start your morning with a session of Yin Yoga and Meditation. This gentle practice will align your body and mind, setting a peaceful tone for the day ahead. From here, a gourmet breakfast awaits, filled with nutritious, locally-sourced delights that will provide the energy and sustenance needed for the transformative activities to come. Our morning rituals lead us to our first session.

Attending to your body: The nervous system and your breath
- discover how your brain attends, processes and organizes information and why it is easily distracted
- learn about your nervous system and how tuning into your breath can not only give important information about your emotional state, but also directly affect that state
- find out how you can use simple drawing practice to connect with your breath, reduce anxiety and regain control at times of stress

After a morning of self-discovery, indulge in a delicious lunch, then prepare to embrace the magic of nature through an optional Forest Bathing excursion. This ancient Japanese practice will lead you into the heart of Portugal's verdant forests, fostering a deep connection with nature and allowing you to absorb its healing energy. (See add-ons for pricing and more information.)

As the sun dips below the horizon, the day concludes with a session of Sunset Yoga & Meditation, followed by an exquisite dinner paired with local wines, all while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning landscape.

Day 3

Emotional Resilience and Sensory Awakening: A day of inner exploration and sound therapy

Rise and shine with a calming session of Yin Yoga and Meditation, encouraging a smooth transition from the tranquility of sleep to the vibrancy of a new day. Indulge in a gourmet breakfast before we participate in our second session.

Attending to your senses: Training your brain to be present
- learn the science behind mindfulness and how training your mind to attend to the present moment reshapes your brain
- discover the ways in which your brain evolved to automate your actions and how through this powerful process some important moments in your life get filtered out. You will learn to challenge your own brain’s machinery by tuning your attention
- use drawing to connect to your senses through music and through touch.

We’ll break for lunch, then keep the inner work going with our third session.

Attending to your emotions: Emotions as information, not directives
- learn how your emotions provide you with vital information in order to alert you, guide you, or nudge you. Yet these messages are not always accurate. By attending to your emotions, even the most uncomfortable ones, you become in control of your reactions, which is the backbone of resilience
- discover how you can use drawing to connect with your emotions with the help of music. Music induces emotions, some will make you feel sad, some joyful. You will practice connecting with emotions induced by music in a safe and supportive space. You will then be able to use that experience to practice on your own with real-time emotions that arise for you

An exquisite dinner closes the day's structured activities, offering a chance to share experiences with fellow retreat attendees and appreciate the gastronomic delights of Portuguese cuisine. From here, you’ll be immersed once again in the transformative experience of a Sound Bath. The calming frequencies will guide your mind and body into a state of deep relaxation, bringing closure to an enlightening day and preparing you for the explorations to come.

Day 4

Journey Through Understanding and Exploration: A day of insight and coastal adventure

The day begins with a relaxing session of Yin Yoga and Meditation, followed by a wholesome breakfast. The morning continues with our fourth session.

Attending to the process: Finding your Flow
- learn about the Flow - your brain’s superpower that often remains hidden in the depths. You will find out how activities that you feel passionate about are your biggest treasure, and once that treasure is discovered, it will illuminate your life
- discover how understanding the 9 conditions of Flow will help you find your element and use it to supercharge your focus. You will learn how Olympic champions use Flow to win gold medals and how you can tap into your optimal performance by doing something that you already love doing
- use observational drawing to put together all principles already uncovered in the course. During a longer stretch of time, you will draw an object from nature, whilst observing your thoughts, challenging your perception and channeling your emotions

The afternoon is dedicated to an optional invigorating boat trip, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Portugal from a unique perspective. Feel the refreshing breeze, soak in the warm sun, and let the rhythmic lull of the ocean waves foster a deep sense of peace and relaxation. (See add-ons for pricing and more information.) Once back on solid ground, enjoy a calm moment amidst the day's adventures.

As the sun sets, an exquisite dinner paired with local wines awaits you. Feast on expertly crafted dishes while drinking in the awe-inspiring views of the Portuguese landscape, reflecting on the learnings and experiences of the day.

Day 5

Creativity and Celebration: A day of insight, relaxation, and reflection

We start the day by harmonizing the mind and body with Yin Yoga and Meditation, followed by a delightful breakfast. From here, we’ll head to our fifth and final session.

Inattention – The power of mind wandering: Creativity and rest
- learn about the vast importance of inattention. You will learn the power of the wandering mind and find out how your brain consolidates learning and memories, as well as how creativity is born
- combine all previously learned techniques to tap into your innate creativity and set on your unique journey with drawing, music, colour, shapes, lines, and whatever else…

The afternoon lends itself to free time for lunch. When dusk approaches, we’ll come back together for Sunset Yoga & Sound Bath, followed by a farewell dinner. This final meal is a time for celebration of all that we’ve seen, experienced, and learned together in Portugal. Raise a glass and toast to a transformative and unforgettable retreat!

Day 6

Fond Farewells: Say goodbye to new friends and a memorable Portugal trip

Our final day in Portugal commences with Yin Yoga and Meditation, allowing you to start your last day with mindfulness and tranquility. Following the session, a hearty breakfast awaits.

Our morning continues with a Closing Session, a time to reflect on the experiences and insights gained throughout the retreat, and share final thoughts with your fellow attendees.

The time to check out from our serene accommodation comes next, marking the end of our physical journey. A group transfer will then take you back to Faro Airport, a shared journey just as our arrival was. This ride will offer a chance for last conversations, exchanges, and farewells, until we meet again.

Although this chapter ends here, the seeds of transformation sown in this retreat will continue to grow, reminding you of the profound effects that art, sound, nature, and gentle movement can have on restoring your physical and mental wellbeing. Safe travels and be well!

Villa Foia

Villa Foia is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of the Monchique Mountains, in the Algarve region of Portugal. The hotel is situated in a stunning natural setting, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking mountain views. The property features 12 spacious and elegantly decorated guest rooms, each with its own private balcony or terrace overlooking the mountains. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Facilities at Villa Foia include an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, a fitness center, a sauna, and a hot tub. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine made with fresh ingredients from the region. Guests can relax in the hotel's beautiful gardens, take a walk in the surrounding mountains, or enjoy a massage or spa treatment at the on-site spa. The hotel also offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: Twin beds.

Karine is a founder of Artful Mindscape and a workshop facilitator. She links her experience as a neuroscientist with art and coaching to create powerful practice that promotes connection, sparks motivation for growth and empowers change.

Roisin is a qualified yoga instructor, teaching yoga for over 10 years. She holds a level 3 yoga qualification with 200 hours of Yin yoga incorporated into it. She is a member of  Yoga Alliance and is a certified Sound Therapist. Roisin also has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science and was a Community Health Trainer in the past.