Within you there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.
- Herman Hesse
10 places only
Insight/Vipassana meditation instruction
Beginners and experienced meditators welcome
Private rooms (sharing option available for friends)
Delicious and nourishing plant-based food
Use of indoor pool, sauna and hot tub included
We are excited to offer for the first time a five-night silent meditation retreat at our peaceful farm, Quinta do Areal, just two hours north Lisbon. We are offering this silent retreat for people who have a meditation practice and for those curious to experience silence for the first time. If you already meditate, five days of quiet will take you somewhere your home practice rarely reaches. If you're curious, you're in the right place. You'll get step-by-step instruction for starting your meditation practice. No previous meditation experience is needed and a beginner's mind is always encouraged.
You already know what your life sounds like. This is a chance to hear what's just underneath it when the outside noise stops. What's left when the world slows down is space to notice what you feel, what you need, and what has been quietly asking for your attention.
We hold silence together from the first evening to the final morning. Both facilitators, Alison and Charity, are experienced meditation teachers in the Insight/Vipassana tradition and will be available to answer any questions and to fully support you in the silence.
We are limiting the retreat to 10 participants to guarantee an intimate and supportive container where you will feel both relaxed and held by the team. You will stay in your own private en-suite room and our intention is to offer you a very comforting, nurturing environment where we can take care of your physical needs and you have the space to tend to your inner being.
Sitting practice, morning and evening - Guided instruction in mindfulness of breath, body and mind.
Walking meditation and practice in nature - Depending on the weather we will be practising outside in nature as much as possible.
Daily movement practices - Yoga and/or qigong practices twice daily
Body scan and guided relaxation - To cool your nervous system
Evening dharma talks - To inform and inspire your practice
Price
950 euros all inclusive (cost of travel to Quinta do Areal excluded)
Five days (four nights) in a private room with bathroom.
Price includes a full daily programme, three meals and snacks daily and use of the indoor pool, sauna and hot tub.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a silent retreat and what should I expect? A silent retreat is an extended period of silence where we step out of our busy lives to explore what is beneath the surface. Begin with an open and curious mind and let go of any expectations.
2. What are the benefits of a silent retreat? In a word, people tend to experience rest - no small talk, no email, no phone. A lot of daily fatigue is social and feeling caught up in the busyness of daily life rather than physical fatigue, and silence removes the outside busyness.
3. Do I need to hand in my phone and how do I stay in contact with my family in case of an emergency? We encourage you to turn your phone off or hand it in for safe-keeping. We can give you a telephone number for your family to reach you in case of emergencies. You can think of the retreat as a digital detox!
4. Do I have to sit on the floor? Chairs, cushions and props are all available, and we'll help you find a position you can actually stay in.
5. What should I bring? Warm comfortable clothing layers suitable for January, indoor house shoes, thick socks, shawl or scarf, swimwear, notebook, something to read, a watch or alarm clock, a blanket and a yoga mat for outdoor practice.
The Team
