Join me for a weekend of creative connection with yourself and the natural world in the beautiful setting of Under the Elm, a rustic retreat site in the heart of the Serra do Açor, Central Portugal.
Each morning will begin with a gently guided meditation to ground you in presence, followed by a yoga movement class to come into your breath and body.
The rest of the day will be structured around two group Wild Writing sessions, in which I will offer you personal writing prompts and practices designed to bring you into connection with your inner nature.
Through these guided activities, we will engage with the elements, plants, animals and one another as living reflections of our deepest selves.
This kind of writing is intended for your own reflection and evolution and is not aimed to please an audience. However, you may find that you want to share what you have written with others in some way. There will be a space available for this in the closing celebration on Sunday night.
No previous writing or journaling experience is necessary, simply a willingness to express yourself on the blank page.
During the weekend, there will be time for solitude, sharing, fun and celebration.
Delicious vegetarian/vegan meals will be prepared in the ‘barefoot kitchen’ by our hosts at Under the Elm.
Includes:
- 4 x 2.5 hr guided writing and sharing sessions with an intimate group of participants (max 10 people)
- Morning meditation and yoga sessions
- 3 nights camping
- Delicious home-cooked meals
- Free time to relax, walk, swim and write in nature
- A closing feast and celebration with wood-fired pizzas from the cob oven
Cost: Sliding scale 150-190 EU
includes all meals, 3 nights camping and all writing, meditation and yoga sessions
Get in touch if you have any questions or to reserve your spot by clicking on the button below.
Detailed programme
Friday 25th August
18.00 Arrival & Setting up camp
19.30 Dinner
Saturday 26th August & Sunday 27th August
7.30-8.00: Gently guided meditation
8.00-9.00: Yoga movement class with Fran
9.00-9.30: Welcome & Introductions / Morning sharing circle
9.30-10.30: Breakfast
10.30-13.00: Wild writing session with Roshnii
13.00-14.30: Lunch
14.30-16.30: Free time
16.30-19.00: Wild writing session with Roshnii
19.00-19.30: Free time
19.30-22.30: Dinner & Sharing, Jamming, Dancing
(Sunday night includes Wood Fired Pizzas and Closing Celebration!)
Monday 28th August
8.00-8.30: Gently guided meditation
9.00-10.00: Breakfast
10.00: Packing up & Departure
Our setting ~ Under the Elm
Under the Elm is a beautiful, secluded rustic retreat spot in a valley of the Serra do Açor region of Central Portugal, located about 1 hour from the city of Coimbra and walking distance from the traditional, picturesque villages of Benfeita and Pardieiros.
The property is located on a 10km circular walking trail, known as the Caminho de Xisto which leads you through the beautiful valleys, villages and woodlands of the area. Along the way, you can stop and dip in the freshwater streams, including the magnificent Fraga da Pena waterfall (approximately 30mins walk from Under the Elm), a series of crystalline pools and cascades situated in a rocky gorge.
Photo Gallery
Preparing for your stay
We have beautiful shaded flat places to pitch your tent. Please bring your camping things, and don’t forget to bring some warm things for the nighttime. If you are having trouble bringing camping gear, we have some limited available, please get in touch.
We cook seasonal and simple delicious meals, vegetarian and vegan. If you are a strict vegan or have other dietary restrictions, please let us know when you make your booking.
As we are situated in a valley it is helpful to know that our dirt track is not very suitable for normal cars. You can either park and we will pick you up or you park your car and take a 20 min walk to the land. We will guide you to the land and it’s a beautiful walk on the old ‘caminho de xisto’ walking trail.
Once you book your place, we will send you further information.
Feel free to reach out to ask any questions or reserve your spot.
Full payment by bank transfer, MBWay or PayPal.
If you need to make a cancellation for any reason, you will receive a refund minus 35 euros deposit if you inform us before 21st August.
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