DESCRIPTION

Join us for a transformational 5 days of community living in the breathtaking countryside of central Portugal.

I am part of a team of teachers and will be offering two sessions as part of this beautiful gathering.

Expect epic Ecstatic Dance journeys, heart‑opening workshops, delicious wholesome food, meaningful connections, tears, laughter, and everything in between.

Come as you are—all of you is welcome here ♥

REGISTRATION LINK

https://tri.ps/UzvgE

DAILY PROGRAM (EXAMPLE)

7.30-8.30 Yoga

9.00-10.30 Breakfast & sharing circle

11.00-13.00 Guided movement class

13.30-14.30 Lunch

14.30-16.30 Free time

16.30-18.00 Class/workshop

18.30-19.30 Dinner

20.00-22.30 Ecstatic Dance

RETREAT CENTRE: QUINTA SÃO JOSÉ DOS MONTES

Quinta São José dos Montes' main purpose is promoting a greater connection with oneself through activities integrating personal, social and spiritual dimensions, as well as contact with nature. They hosts events and retreats throughout the year (meditation, yoga, breathwork, conscious dance, natural horsemanship and shamanic practices, among others). They aim to create the least environmental impact in everything they do and move towards self-sufficiency in terms of energy, food and water (they have an artesian well, solar panels and grow their own organic vegetables). They promote care for the land and care for people with the mission of contributing to a better world.

ACCOMMODATION: 4 NIGHTS

1. If you choose the accommodation option, you have the choice between a dorm, bell tent, yurt, room or apartment. Bedding and towels are provided.

2. If you choose the camping & van option, you need to bring your own tent/van and camping gear (ex. sleeping bag, mattress, pillow, blanket).

FOOD: 12 MEALS

All meals are included (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners). Organic, fresh and unprocessed food is lovingly prepared on site using locally-sourced produce whenever possible. Meals will be vegan with vegetarian extras on the side (ex. cheese, honey). Quinta São José's chefs work with mindfully balanced menus, providing all the nutrients for a healthy body and an inspired mind. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know when booking.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

We ask you to arrive between 16:00-18:00 on Wednesday 20 May to allow time to check-in, explore the grounds and settle in before we start. The retreat will start with dinner at 18:30.

The retreat will end after lunch at 15:00 on Sunday 24 May.

TRANSFER

We have a mini-bus leaving Lisbon at 15:00 on Wednesday and coming back around 17:00 on Sunday. If you're flying in, we recommend booking flights landing before 13:00 on 20 May and leaving after 20:00 on 24 May. Cost for return travel: €75.

WHAT TO BRING

-Torch (head torches are really useful to walk around at night)

-Clothing & boots suitable for the outdoors (ground can become muddy when wet)

-Comfortable shoes (8-10 min walk between activity dome & dining area)

-Ear plugs (if sharing accommodation)

-Toiletries (natural & biodegradable products please)

SIGN-UP LINK

https://tri.ps/UzvgE

FAQ

-In what language will this retreat be held?

Due to the international nature of our retreats, all activities and guidance will be held in English. However, if you're Portuguese and require Portuguese translation, please let us know in the registration form when you book.

-Can I come on my own?

Absolutely! More than half of our participants actually come on their own, and many not knowing anyone else. Our retreats are highly inclusive and welcoming, and the program is designed to facilitate connections between one another with ice-breakers, group exercices and a daily sharing circle in small groups.

-I've never been on retreat or done an Ecstatic Dance before. Can I still join?

Yes! While we would suggest that you try at least a conscious dance session (of any modality) to get a feel first, we always have a handful of participants who have never done Ecstatic Dance before coming on retreat. And for many of them it's also their first retreat.

-Is this a festival?

No. Festivals are generally larger events with several programs/workshops to choose from and participants can arrive/leave as they wish, and meals are not communal. Our retreat is a closed container: we start and finish together. We are limiting the number of participants in order to create a more intimate gathering. There is one program and all the activities, including meals, are communal. We will also ask you to turn your phone off. Our retreats are an invitation to dive deeper into your practice and let go of the outside world.

-Are the accommodations heated?

Dorms, rooms and apartments are equipped with portable electrical heaters. Yurts & domes have a wood burner to keep you warm at night. Please note bell tents don't have heating, although this is unlikely to be necessary at this time of year.

-Can I come for only part of the retreat?

No. Part of the reason our retreats are so powerful is due to the energy field we create together as a group. Having participants arrive later or leave early clashes with this group field. If you come on retreat with us, we ask that you commit to staying for the entire duration.

-Are children welcome? Our retreats are not suitable for children.

-Are dogs allowed? Unfortunately not.

ADDRESS

Estrada dos Montes, Nº134

2300-087 Olalhas – Tomar

+351 917 935 392

GETTING THERE

Quinta São José dos Montes is located 150 km north of Lisbon (1.5-hour drive). It is also possible to get there by train + taxi. The cost is approximately €40 each way (€10 train Lisbon-Tomar + €30 taxi).

We offer a return transfer to Lisbon for €75 which you can add as an option when you book.

Any questions, send us a PM. Very much looking forward to welcoming you!

Renée & the Ecstatic Experiences team