2023 Women’s Wellbeing Retreat
Gerês, Portugal
September 2nd–10th, 2023
Shared Accommodations - $2,795 USD
Single Accommodation Standard - $3,295 USD
Single Accommodation Suite- $3,590 USD
Selinas
Yoga. Hiking. Mindfulness. Water Adventures. Whole Foods. Connections. Biking. Healing. Rest. Recharging.
Details
Weaving together connections with nature, others, and ourselves, we’ll explore movement in varied forms to tap into our natural state of joy. This joy comes from learning to trust our deep intuitive wisdom. Let go of habitual ways of being and be open to new experiences with wonder and awe.
Colleen will lead you through a variety of healing practices that support and nurture wellbeing. Each day will include yoga, meditation, breathwork, and adventures in nature. We’ll spend our days exploring Peneda-Gerês National Park*, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Portugal’. Nature, pure mountain air, and the waters of Gerês make this destination ideal for recovering strength, recharging, and restoring balance.
Adventure options will include hiking, water walking, kayaking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. All guided activities will be ‘challenge by choice’ and I will encourage you to step 10% out of your comfort zone, ensuring you have all the support for doing just that. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of energy and vitality, and an embodied knowledge of your strength.
*Peneda-Gerês National Park is a national treasure in northern Portugal, one that many tourists do not know about. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Peneda-Gerês National Park covers over 700 km2 of protected land with stunning mountain trails, river beaches, and historical villages such as Gerês.
What’s included.
Airport transfers to and from Porto hotels
Minibus from Porto to Gerês and back
Tour of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga and lunch, en route to Gerês
6 nights lodging with breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day at Hotel Selina Gerês
Single accommodations in a standard room (one queen/double bed) and include a private bath and balcony or patio.
Shared accommodations in Porto are standard hotel rooms with two double or queen beds. At the Selina resort, shared accommodations are glamping style: Embrace the outdoors without sacrificing comfort! Glamping features electricity, air conditioning and heating, and is near shared bathrooms and other facilities.
Pre-selected meals for our group will include healthy, locally sourced food with vegetarian options.
Outdoor guided adventures (see itinerary)
A one-hour massage
Daily yoga and meditation practices
Sound healing
Transportation to Matosinhos (area of Porto known for its beaches). Lodging at Four Points Sheraton, and farewell dinner
Trip insurance
€2 contribution to an environmental education project
What’s Not included.
Personal expenses
Airfare
“The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves.”
–Pema Chodron
Itinerary for 2023 Gerês, Portugal Retreat
Saturday, September 2nd
Arrive in Porto
Group dinner (time TBD, depending on arrival schedules)
Sunday, September 3rd
Breakfast
Adventure
Travel from Porto to Gerês by coach, with a stop in Braga for lunch and a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site Bom Jesus do Monte. On the slopes of Mount Espinho, overlooking the northern city of Braga, this Baroque-style sanctuary was developed over a period of more than 600 years and illustrates the European tradition of creating Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains).
Arrive at Selina Hotel: ~4:00 pm
Opening Yoga Circle: 5:30 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm
Monday, September 4th
Yoga: 7:30 am
Breakfast: 9:00 am
Adventure
~8-hour historic hike/tour of Cabril led by a local guide who will share this region’s legacy. Cabril is a small town in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The daily life of the people here has always been linked to the mountain experience. Be prepared for the surprisingly exuberant Gerês mountain range landscape and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Dinner: 7:00 pm
Tuesday, September 5th
Yoga: 7:30 am
Breakfast: 9:00 am
Adventure
~3-hour aquatic walk (walking on the river bed without rope assists). In this unique way, we will access remote lagoons and discover the National Park of Peneda Gerês. Silence and contact with nature are the main benefits of this adventure, after which we will enjoy a picnic lunch.
Afternoon
Tour Gerês, relax by the pool or get a massage.
Dinner: 7:00
Evening Shamanic Sound Healing Journey: time TBA: Elevate your vibration and auric field during this beautiful sound-based meditation using high-frequency healing instruments, the sung and spoken word, and guided meditation. This combination facilitates relaxation, unblocking energetic pathways, and overall healing. Withdraw your senses and allow yourself to go on an internal flight, where the sacred sounds guide.
Wednesday, September 6th
Yoga: 7:30 am
Breakfast: 9:00 am
Adventure: Kayaking and waterfall exploring
Afternoon: Tour Gerês, relax by the pool, or getting a massage
Restorative Yoga: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 7:15 pm
Thursday, September 7th
Yoga: 7:30 am
Breakfast: 9:00 am
Adventure: Mountain biking or horseback riding in Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês
Dinner: 7:00 pm
Friday, September 8th
Yoga: 7:30 am
Breakfast: 9:00 am
Adventure: Guided hike in Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês
Closing Circle Yoga: 5:30 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 9th
Yoga: 7:30 am
Breakfast: 9:00 am
Check out: 12 noon
Travel by coach to Matosinhos, Porto
Sunset walk to the ocean for a farewell beachfront dinner at a local restaurant.
Sunday, September 10th
Airport transport from Porto Hotel and return home – changed!
What to bring with you.
Swimsuit
Appropriate footwear for mountainous hiking/biking
Layers for hiking (e.g., lightweight shorts, tee-shirts)
Whatever you’re comfortable moving in for yoga
Warm jacket and pants for cool evenings
Casual wear for city dinners
High quality dry wicking socks (Happy feet make for happy exploring!)
Wind/Raingear
Small day pack for carrying food and water on hikes
Water bottle
Sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat
Flashlight or headlamp
Binoculars
Water shoes or sandals
Notepad or journal and something to write with
Snacks (i.e., if you want more than lunch on hikes)
Basic first aid supplies (e.g., band aids, mole skin for blisters). I’ll have a more extensive kit with me.
What to unpack before you leave.
Obligations
Set up email auto-reply to let people know you’re on vacation and won’t respond until June 14th. Stick to this, you deserve a digital detox!
Let your loved ones know that you’re reserving the week for self-care and that, while you love them, you’ll tell them all about your experience when you return. If needed, plan a one-time check in, but set yourself free from the expectation that you’ll be available for ongoing texting.
Social Media
Disable social media apps before you depart. You’ll be less tempted to tap in and more present for the retreat experiences.
Worries
Journal a list of worries in the days before departure, then leave that list at home.
Delegate projects, work, pet care, mail pick up…and then let them go. Trust that between your prep work and the universe, it’s all taken care of.
Preparing yourself for 8 days of much deserved self-care will help you have a richer experience during the retreat. For most of us, time like this is rare. Know that you will be embraced by a community of women who are ready to support you.
Getting there
Airfare is not included in the retreat tuition. Sabine Graf, owner of Lets U Travel, will handle your flight reservations. While you can arrange your own flight, I highly recommend that you let Sabine do so. Her services are included in your trip, and aiming for consistent arrival and departure times will make our trip run smoothly. She will also be able to intervene on your behalf with travel and hotel arrangements if issues should arise.
Sabine grew up in Gerês Portugal and has been instrumental in putting this trip together for us. I cannot speak highly enough about her helpfulness in managing travel arrangements for the retreat I led in Greece. Please contact her directly to arrange your flights.
Email: sabine@letsutravel.com
Phone: (770) 312-2577
Website: http://letsutravel.com/
Travel Insurance
We are so convinced of the importance of travel insurance, we’ve included it in your tuition! Sabine will assist you in securing the travel insurance plan that best meets your needs. Lets U Travel follows and monitors the guidelines and advice by WHO, CDC, Government restrictions & Supplier statements to ensure your safety, health & well-being while on travel during these unprecedented times. Please address your safety and health insurance-related questions with her so that she can obtain the best plan for you.
Tuition
Shared Accommodations** $2,795 USD
Single Accommodation* $3,295 USD
Your initial, non-refundable $500 deposit will lock in your tuition rate and hold your space for the trip. Deposit is due by May 1st 2023 and the balance is due by July 1st 2023. Late registration may be considered, depending on room availability.
For technical questions or alternative payment options, please contact Colleen.
Full tuition (minus the nonrefundable $50 registration fee) is refunded if the trip is canceled due to low enrollment (a minimum of 8 participants is required).
Wellbeing Solutions and Lets U Travel are not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates.
Registration
Paying a non-refundable $500 deposit will secure your spot on the trip. For logistical questions or alternative payment options, please contact Colleen.
Cancellation policy
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, cancellations prior to July 1st are fully refundable, except for the $500 deposit. Cancellations between July 1st and August 15th are 50% refundable.
Cancellation requests must be submitted by email to colleen@wellbeingwv.com