A yoga retreat on the breathtaking Atlantic coast, Portugal

3 - 10 July 2021

Cost from £925

Teacher Jodi Boone

Holiday Expired

Explore and run wild on this stunning stretch of the unspoilt West coast of Portugal. Cocoon is situated on the breathtaking Atlantic coast, near the charming fishing village of Zambujeira do Mar in the Alentejo region, which is known for its long stretches of untouched coastline and white-washed villages. The ocean, with bluffs, trails, and sandy coves, is a 10-15 minutes drive, or a lovely bike ride away.

About Cocoon

Cocoon is a 275 acre coastal farm and retreat, offering inspiration and community. A magical setting, where between the oversized hammocks and the freshwater lake, you'll start to lose track of time. It is located in coastal Alentejo, an unspoilt region where much of the coastline is protected by a natural reserve. The nearest town is the charming Vila Nova de Milfontes.

The Vicentine Coast Natural Park runs about 100 km down the coast. The preserved nature has a strong and wild character here, creating landscapes of breathtaking majesty. The coast is ideal for swimming, surfing and hiking along the gorgeous sandstone bluffs.

The daily programme

Jodi will offer two classes each day. The daily sessions will focus on movement, breath and relaxation to make your body stronger and more flexible enhancing your awareness of breath, alignment and inner connection. Classes will be suitable for all abilities and there will be one yoga free day.

The day will begin with a flowing and dynamic asana class either on the outdoor platform under the canopy of pines or in the light and airy indoor shala. This will be followed by a nourishing and delicious breakfast made from local produce. The group will meet again in the late afternoon for a more relaxing and restorative class before dinner.

Between classes there will be time to head off for a bicycle ride, go to the beach for a swim in the sea, walk in the stunning surroundings, take a dip in the pristine freshwater lake or simply relax in a hammock with a good book.

Things to do

You can head off to the beach or explore the local area by bicycle. Take a dip in the pristine freshwater lake or simply daydream in a comfy oversized hammock. Cocoon is just 10 minutes drive or a leisurely cycle-ride away from Praia do Malhao, a fabulous untouched beach, perfect for surfing, swimming or sunbathing. There's also world-class hiking on the famed Costa Vicentina trail. The charming seafront village of Vila Nova de Milfontes is also just 10 minutes drive away.

Accommodation & food

Comfortable, clean and elegant rooms open onto an outdoor courtyard. Each room has two or three beds, that can be situated apart as a twin or triple or close together as a double. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms apart from two which share a bathroom. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor space to chill, read a book or sit and chat.

You will be offered three delicious and nourishing meals each day. The food is local, with most of the produce coming from either Cocoon's garden or a nearby farm. There will be dinner out one evening in a local town.

A typical breakfast includes eggs, local fruit, Greek yogurt, homemade granola, local honey, homemade jam, slow-baked bread and a daily tonic. Lunch is often a bowl; a base of ancient grains like farro topped with avocado, roasted veggies, nori or mixed greens. For dinner, expect Indian or Japanese inspired curries, Mediterranean stews, legumes, rice, salad and dessert. Cocoon typically serve fish once during the week.

Client Reviews

The recent retreat at Cocoon in Portugal was wonderful. Not only was the physical practice enjoyable and fulfilling, but I learned a lot too about the spiritual aspects of yoga. The location was stunning and offered plenty of space for relaxation. It was an honour to spend a week with a group of delightful people and to explore the area. I would highly recommend - the week was over too quickly!
Liz
Just to say that the week was fabulous, life enhancing and something I will be undertaking with the organisation every year from now on. The location, venue, teachings (with Jodi) and food were outstanding and my expectations were surpassed on all counts.
Karen
Cocoon was a special place with great staff who looked after us well - rooms spacious and clean and swanky - the natural lake was a pleasure to use as was the outside Shala and the resident peacocks - it’s peaceful and tranquil and you can really chill.
Chris
This was truly the best yoga retreat I have EVER been on. All in all simply couldn't have been a more amazing week.
Tanya
It was such a special time and Jodie is an amazing teacher. The group were all great and I will treasure my time always.
Janet
Jodi, our leader for the week, is a gifted teacher. She creates a calm and safe space where everyone can learn and grow at their own pace. Highly recommended.
Deirdre

Press Reviews

The Guardian - YOAS - yoga retreats
 Cocoon, Atlantic coast, Portugal - YOAS - Yoga on a Shoestring holidays

15 wellbeing retreats and detox breaks – for better days ahead

The Guardian, January 2021

YOAS Yoga Retreats, Portugal

On the untouristy Atlantic coast, indulge in this week-long yoga retreat near the fishing village of Zambujeira do Mar in the Alentejo region. You’ll stay at Cocoon, a coastal farm with a freshwater lake, and have two hatha yoga classes a day with teacher Jodi Boone that focus on awareness of breath, alignment and inner connection. Swim, walk, hang out in a hammock, go for bike rides or visit the beach a 10-minute drive away. Food is veggie, and includes a range of cuisines from Indian – or Japanese – inspired curries to Mediterranean stews.

15 wellbeing retreats and detox breaks – for better days ahead

To see more holidays with Jodi, click here.

A yoga retreat on the breathtaking Atlantic coast, Portugal, 3 - 10 July 2021

Costs

Single occupancy room, en-suite - £1395
Single occupancy room with shared bathroom - £1375
Sharing a twin or double room, en-suite - £1025
Sharing a triple room, en-suite - £925
All costs are per person

Includes:
Accommodation
3 delicious meals each day apart from dinner out one evening in a local town
Coffee, herbal tea, spring water
Two yoga classes each day with one yoga free day.

Not included:
Airport transfers from Faro or Lisbon
Car hire

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required on booking and the balance is due 6 weeks before you travel.

 

 

Travel Arrangements

Faro and Lisbon are the closest airports, both are about a two hour drive away.

Arrival at the venue is from 3pm on 3 July and departure is by 10.00am on 10 July, so flight times that align with this would be best where possible.

We will group people together wherever possible to share transfers. The costs for a taxi are about 170 Euros. This is shared between up to 4 people.

We strongly recommend hiring a car as this is a great area to explore, we can put you in touch with others who may like to share a car.

Several airlines fly to Faro and Lisbon airports:-
www.skyscanner.net
www.easyjet.com
www.ryanair.com