Autumn Nourish Retreat
Food for body & soul in picturesque Portugal
November 3-9, 2024
Retreat Autumn is a season that invites us to slow down to take in the splendor of nature. Life can be so busy that we miss epic pink sunrises, show-stopping purple sunsets and streaking shooting stars. Autumn Nourish Retreat is all about accepting the invitation to savor the present with the spectacular elements of nature, loving people and some of the freshest and highest-vibe food on Earth! Location The north of Portugal can be likened to a fusion of Switzerland and Ireland. From fertile valleys to gentle, majestic mountains, this land of abundance flows with winding streams, green as far as the eye can see and vibrant citrus orchards. Our retreat venue is located adjacent to the picturesque village of Cabaceiras de Basto. The setting is alive with waterfalls flowing through mist-shrouded canyons and verdant hills dotted with cows and sheep. Our retreat is planned to coincide with the brilliant autumn foilage on display. You will feel like part of the family in our family-owned and operated retreat property/farm. Accomodation We will be offering a variety of room choices in our storybook stone and wood farmhouses: *Spacious suite with granite soaker tub and private seating area *Snug single room perfect for personal rest & recharge *Larger double rooms perfect for a couple or with 2 twin beds for family/friends wishing to share space All rooms have their own private bathrooms and are located in one of several artistically restored farmhouses complete with thoughtful modern touches. Each house is graced with shared comfy seating areas featuring wood-burning stoves, full kitchens with coffee and tea and covered decks/patios hosting gorgeous views. Food Portugal is a land brimming with pure, fresh and vibrant food. For those coming from the U.S. you will immediately notice a difference in the quality of the ingredients and how deeply the meals nourish and replenish your body. Our retreat venue is a working farm with cattle, chickens, olive orchard and extensive veggie garden. Eggs from the farm are used in homemade baked good and will be a part of our daily farm-to-table breakfast. The property is also surrounded by rich agricultural land, providing our chefs with the freshest beef, poultry, fruits and vegetables. Meals will be served in a charmingly restored agricultural building, complete with antique granite grape-stomping basins. We will also enjoy local and regional fruits of the vine in the property's quaint tasting room. Here's a small sample of the delights awaiting you: *Special welcome dinner with premium local wines and from-the-farm specialties *Wood-fired pizza-making woskhop/dinner *Morning coffee and anytime snacks/tea *Wine tasting featuring specialty local and regional wines complete with savory charcuterie *Energizing breakfast with farm-fresh eggs, local fruit, homemade baked goods and specialty bread *Relaxed, leisurely lunches to savor our family/community vibe *Delicious picnic lunches to enjoy in nature on our excursion days Activities Each day includes supportive yoga and/or breathtaking adventures into nature. We will also take time for soothing, guided meditation, personal reflection exercises and engaging partner work. The evenings will conclude with deeply relaxing yoga nidra, group share circle and/or game nights. Here are some of the highlights: *visit to hidden waterfall and natural pool for group meditation and optional cold plunge with guided breathing *natural dyes and watercolor painting workshop incorporating elements from the land and seamlessly joined with a special themed dinner *whitewater rafting adventure (weather conditions permitting; thermal and protective gear will be provided) *nature walk to lush 13th century waterways and mills of Moinhos de Rei (fairy and gnome repellent provided) *guided walk with our retreat venue's herd of rare Barrosã cattle *interpretive, guided hike around Burralha Quarry and mines (time and weather conditions permitting) *visit to the Monday farmer's market hosting the freshest and best of local farms and artisans At a Glance Included: *yoga practices suitable for all levels *guide meditation and journaling sessions *group share circles *all farm-to-table dining experiences (breakfast, lunch & dinner daily) *morning coffee & tea *anytime snacks *charming, old-world accommodations with thoughtful modern touches Excluded: *airfare *transportation to and from retreat property *massage *incidental purchases, such as gifts and souvenirs (charming gift shop on-site with amazing local specialties) Transportation Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, also known as Porto Airport (OPO) is just over one hour away by private car. This airport has frequent connections to a variety of major hubs in Europe. Alternatively, you may plan your arrival into Lisbon, with larger network of connections, including direct flights to the U.S. The journey from Lisbon is approximately 3.5 hours by car. There are also frequent rail and bus connections between Lisbon and Porto where we can arrange transport to our retreat property. Due to varied travel schedules airport transfers are not included but we will provide assistance with scheduling your transfer. We will also help coordinate shared group transport to and from our retreat venue. Rental cars can be quite affordable at the airports in Porto and Lisbon and may also be a good option for those wishing to explore Portugal before and after retreat.
Vince Montero
"Mt Shasta was the first retreat I had ever done and although the idea was initially daunting, I was immediately put at ease when I met Toby and the other guests. There was a strong sense of community that I felt and connected with. Toby led us with activities that challenged and inspired and helped me reach a new level with my own spirituality. I highly recommend these retreats and look forward to more!"
Nydia Luna
"Having been on a few retreats with Toby... I continue to walk away wide-eyed and transformed from the week-long healing practices, the loving community he gathers, and amazing food for the body & soul. I leave incredibly grateful and spiritually soaring!"
Your Retreat Guide
Toby Gant, M.Ed., is a registered yoga teacher and certified holistic life coach. Toby began his spiritual quest as a young child and started experiencing profound insights and revelations during his college years. His work focuses on connecting with one’s higher purposes and activating one's unique gifts. He ushers in intuitive messages to bring greater clarity while encouraging his clients to connect with, trust and follow their own intuition. Toby offers one-on-one coaching and facilitates workshops and retreats focused on finding one's authentic self.
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**Due to the small size of this event your payment for registration is non-refundable and non-transferrable.