Alma Ser:
The retreat to nourish your soul being
Alma Ser
Mindfulness Retreat
Lagos, Portugal
MAY 20-26th, 2023
Spend a week at your own private beachside luxury villa. Recharge your batteries, learn ancient wisdom, and explore an exotic destination with the goal of learning, growing, and engaging with the world in a more authentic & connected way.
Mindfulness, Yoga, Meditation, Breathwork, Self-reflection, Nourishing meals, Private massage, Relaxing on beaches, Reconnecting with play, Discovering Your Ikigai, Kayaking, Sailing, Hiking, Napping, Swimming...
It’s more than a retreat. It’s a transformational experience.
Alma Ser Retreat is a transformative destination retreat to help you reconnect with yourself, to develop a deeper meditation practice, and to practice bringing mindfulness to daily activities. All while experiencing adventures in beautiful nature and being immersed in the local Portuguese culture.
Do you struggle with anxiety and stress? Do you feel burnt out? Do you catch yourself trapped in a cycle of negative self-talk?
You will leave this retreat equipped with the techniques to slow down, to engage with your breath, to raise your level of self-awareness. You will learn to identify, accept, and detach from self criticism, which will lead to self-love, compassion, and confidence. You will flow through daily challenges with ease and calm.
Do you make time to meditate everyday, but still struggle to sit in silence? Do you find yourself running away from uncomfortable thoughts or emotions?
Anyone can meditate for 10 minutes a day, but this immersive retreat will allow you to unlock deeper levels within yourself. Once these levels are achieved, you can tap into this power throughout daily life. This program is based on enjoying the present moment giving you tools to relieve stress, stress management and to live a more present life. You will regain control of your life and make every moment count.
Are you ready for a life changing experience?
This will be a transformational experience that you will carry into your daily life. You will not only learn new tools during the retreat, you will learn how to integrate these tools into your everyday life. You will feel empowered and confident beyond our week together. You will experience stepping out of your comfort zone and the feelings coming with it.
How will we support you through this journey?
We are providing a three month comprehensive program to allow for the greatest transformation. We will provide personal and group coaching before and after the retreat to support and enhance your experience! In addition, we are providing a four module on-demand course as an introduction to mindfulness to lay the groundwork for our retreat.
Join our safe vessel of transformation and long lasting community as we explore the art of living mindfully in the present moment.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Slow down. Clear your mind of chaos and clutter.
Learn new exercises to center yourself outside our retreat so you stay calm when the going gets tough.
Identify your goals receive support to learn the tools to relieve stress and to live a more present life.
Practice mindfulness in a program designed to enjoy the present moment
You will regain control of your life and make every moment count
Overcome Challenges & Go Beyond
Strengthen mind and body with daily yoga and meditation sessions.
Find joy in the challenges and daily activities planned for you
Energize your body, focusing on body and soul alignment that will harmonize your system.
Master the techniques to slow down, to engage with your breath, and to raise your level of self-awareness
You will transform self-criticism into confidence and self-love
Learn Mindfulness & Meditation
Develop a deeper practice with daily meditations, yoga asana, and mindfulness workshops
Feel equipped with the tools to manage stress in daily life as we kickstart a practice that you will continue post-retreat
Develop awareness of the body and breath
Develop awareness of thoughts and of the "monkey mind"
Build the habit of arriving at the "here and now"
You will shift from a routine of meditation to a lifestyle of mindfulness
Have Fun!
Reward your disciplined practice with fun and adventure
Reconnect with your childlike sense of curiosity and play
Deepen your connection to yourself through laughter and dance with others
Experience stepping out of your comfort zone and the feelings coming with it
You will fearlessly say yes to new experiences, and interact in your life with more play and curiosity
Our mission is to help you feel empowered and confident to live more mindfully beyond our 7 days together.
We have created this immersive experience so you can integrate the lessons learned into your everyday life.
You will leave stress free and equipped with the tools to manage stress in your life.
— Manuela & Shivani
At our own Private Beachside Luxury Vila:
Quinta Bonita
Quinta Bonita is the perfect oasis to completely relax and go deeper into mind, body and soul. With 2.5 acres of spectacular gardens including a beautiful yoga studio, large outdoor swimming pool, outdoor chess set and multi leveled terracing, you will have plenty of locations to relax and unwind in a safe and spacious environment.
The Yoga Studio
A glass fronted studio overlooking the gardens and one of the fountains. With sides that open on all three sides for plenty of air flow sun, and birdsong, to pour in. With cork floor and traditional azulejos tiles, this will be our yoga and meditation oasis.
The Swimming Pool
In the centre of the gardens and overlooked by the majestic grandfather of the garden the Olive Tree and our delicious avocado tree lies our pool. Walled on all sides providing a calm, still oasis to relax.
Our pool is surrounded by terraces with sun loungers, tables and chairs – perfect for a lazy afternoon in the sun. Float on an enormous bean bag on the pool or cool yourself in the glistening turquoise water
The Surrounding Area
Hop on a bike and arrive at the beach, just a 15 minute cycle away. The villa is 4 km from the historic port town of Lagos with its many beautiful beaches, grottoes, shops, restaurants and museums. And 4km from Praia da Luz a quaint beachside village and the closest beach. In just half an hour the wild and unspoilt West Coast and Cape St Vincent in Sagres – the most South Westerly point of Europe.
The Food
We will provide nourishing, delicious meals to allow you to feel your best. All meals use seasonal and local ingredients, sourcing herbs and fruit from the villa grounds and purchasing organically where possible. We are able to accommodate dietary needs, but we must be informed of these at least 30 days before the retreat.
All meals are included;
- Fresh fruit, tea & coffee available throughout the day in the lounge
- Full buffet breakfast brunch daily
- Afternoon tea, cake, crudités, dip & fruit daily
- 3 course dinner daily
At Quinta Bonita, we are fortunate to be able to source a variety of locally grown and seasonal produce in the Algarve, meaning you can indulge their love of fine food and wine made with a plethora of healthy ingredients and sourced from the freshest local providers.
Our food emerges from the seasons, with as little footprint as possible and the kitchen is where our creative juices are allowed to flow according to the weather, the mood of those we are cooking for and that of those people who are creating it.
Our philosophy is simple, tasty and local. Favouring vegetarian cooking for your retreat using fresh produce from our own herb and vegetable garden and taking advantage of our wonderful local produce such as barbecued sea bass and slow roasted organic wild boar when choosing to expand the menu further. Our food is prepared with love as we believe that great food experiences enhance your holiday and live on in your memories.
The Sleeping Quarters
Quinta Bonita has seven spacious and beautifully decorated rooms in the main house, and a lovely two bedroom garden cottage. The rooms all have individual styles ranging from traditional Portuguese golden & blue tones to modern mono-chrome looks. The house has a large dining area with tiled breakfast dresser, large entrance hall with a beautiful steep stone staircase and outdoor lounge & dining area. If we get an evening chill, you can curl up in front of the log fire with a book, game or movie from our library.
Main House: Each of the seven individually designed rooms are named after one of the glorious local beaches which are only a short drive from the property. All rooms have a private terrace or balcony with table & chairs from which to enjoy the beautiful gardens and/or sparkling ocean views. All of the bedrooms are equipped with two twin beds and an en suite bathroom. If you happen to be traveling with a partner and want to share a bed, these twin beds are designed to come together in a beautiful king size bed. One of the seven rooms is also equipped with a daybed which can be used for a third guest.
Guest House: There is a two-bedroom cottage at the bottom of the property, which can accommodate three people. This cottage has one bedroom with two twin beds and ensuite bathroom, and a separate single room with a separate bathroom.
There are a variety of rooms available, ranging in cost, location, and view.
The Local Excursions
We will have a range of local excursions planned for you, included kayaking the grottos, exploring the countryside, and a sunset cruise.
Sample Retreat Schedule
A detailed schedule will be provided upon registration
8am - yoga & meditation
10am - brunch
11am - Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction workshop
1-3pm- kayaking through grottos
4-6pm - free time to explore or relax
7pm- nourishing dinner
8pm- sound healing and yoga nidra
Join Us To
Reclaim Your Peace
Alma Ser is an All Inclusive Retreat
The investment for our Alma Ser experience is all inclusive! This means all accommodations, meals, airport transports, yoga, meditation, workshops, special ceremonies, listed excursions, and private massage.
What is Included?
- 4 module pre-retreat course 'Intro to Mindfulness' ($999 value)
- 1 private coaching, 1 group coaching call pre-retreat ($500 value)
- 6 nights/7 days at a private luxury villa
- All meals: 6 nourishing brunches buffets, 5 delicious 3 course dinners, 1 celebration dinner
- Unlimited tea and coffee, moderate amounts of wine to pair with dinners
- Roundtrip transfers to the Faro airport
- 8 guided yoga practices; power yoga, vinyasa yoga, yin yoga, restorative yoga, yoga nidra
- 9 guided meditation practices
- 3 specialized mindfulness workshops
- Sound healing and reiki session
- Breathwork ceremony
- 60 minute private massage
- Daily bike rental
- Unlimited and exclusive access to villa gardens and outdoor pool
- 3 half-day excursions to explore the beaches and countryside
- Surprise gift!
- 1 group coaching and 1 private coaching calls post-retreat ($500 value)
As guests of Quinta Bonita, you will have:
- Exclusive use of all facilities including outdoor swimming pool, 10,000m2 of gardens, and honesty bar
- Individually designed rooms with air-conditioning, electronic safe, luxury linen, lavish toiletries and bathrobes
- Complimentary wireless internet
- Pool towels; use of beach towels and beach umbrellas
- Light refresh of rooms daily (towel change mid-week, linen change only after 7 days)
- Onsite concierge for activity bookings, restaurant bookings & any other guests requests
- Use of our exquisite glass fronted and Azulejos tiled yoga studio for indoor yoga and our shaded pond terrace and lawns for outdoor practice
- Yoga equipment - mats, straps, blankets, blocks, bricks and eye pillows
What is Not Included?
- Any additional excursions which are not listed
- Alcohol, beverages other than tea, coffee, and water
- any additional services offered by the spa which are not listed above
- Flights not included
- Travel insurance not included, but recommended
How to Get Here
We recommend that you fly into the Faro Airport, also known as the Algarve Airport, in Portugal. The Faro Airport is about 1 hour away from the villa. Please note that the Lisbon airport is about 3 hours away by car.
We have included a private luxury airport transfer, from the Faro Airport to Quinta Bonita. Please send us your flight information 30 days before your arrival to arrange this private airport transfer. Roundtrip transfers to and from the Faro airport are included. If you chose to fly into Lisbon airport, you will be responsible for transferring to the Faro Airport.
Check in starting at 3pm on arrival day, May 13th. We recommend scheduling inbound flights to arrive between 10am-1pm.
Check out by 10am on departure day, May 19th. We recommend scheduling outbound flights to depart after 2pm.
How do I book?
Are you ready to join us?
LEARN MORE
If you still aren't sure if this program is the right match for you, we would love to connect face to face. Schedule a time to chat HERE.
PICK YOUR ROOM
There is a range of accommodation options; for couples, friends traveling together in groups of 2 or 3, and solo travelers open to a shared bedroom. We have created a separate page HERE in which you explore the different options.
SECURE YOUR SPOT
A €500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot, as well as your room selection. We are offering a discount of €200 for each person you refer who books.
Meet Manuela
Dr. Manuela Rodrigues is a general dentist and a mindfulness based stress reduction qualified teacher. In 2018 she stopped her clinical practice and founded Âncora Retreats and the Mindful Dentistry Training. Nowadays works with dentists and other physicians as a mindfulness coach, runs 8 weeks mindfulness-based stress reduction courses and retreats, and loves to teach mindfulness and meditation. She is passionate about helping people to develop a solid meditation practice, self-awareness and compassion.
Meet Shivani
Dr. Shivani Kamodia Barto is a general dentist currently living in Okinawa Japan. She has been teaching yoga for over 8 years (RYT-200), and loves to teach a fiery, creative style of power yoga. Shivani is passionate about bringing communities of like minded and hearted women together to explore personal development through yoga and mindfulness. She is constantly studying topics in wellness, health, and personal growth, and finding balance between ambitious dreams and having fun. Shivani’s high energy and adventurous nature will help you tap into your inner Wild.
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