7 Night Return to Self  Sintra Portugal Wellness Retreat  | 23 – 30 October 2027

The Magic of Sintra

Sintra is often described as a place where something feels different the moment you arrive… Known in ancient times as the “Mountains of the Moon,” this unique landscape has long been considered a place of spiritual significance. Surrounded by misty forests and soft, shifting light, it carries a quiet, otherworldly atmosphere that has inspired seekers, artists, and mystics for centuries.

The area is home to some of Portugal’s most extraordinary landmarks, including the colourful Pena Palace, the enchanting gardens of Monserrate, and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, where hidden tunnels and spiral wells symbolise inner journeys, transformation, and ancient initiation paths.

There is a deep sense here of nature and symbolism intertwined. The forests, filled with ancient trees and exotic plants, create a feeling of stepping into another world, one that invites reflection, stillness, and connection.

Writers such as Lord Byron once described Sintra as a “glorious Eden,” and even today, many people feel drawn to it without fully knowing why.

It is a place where history, nature, and a subtle sense of the unseen come together… And it offers the perfect setting to pause, reconnect, and explore what is ready to unfold within you.

This retreat is designed as a deeply held experience, combining inner work, movement, and rest in a way that supports real reconnection and change.

A guided walk through the magical Sintra forest, leading to the ancient Moorish Castle.

This is an optional experience for those who feel called to explore more deeply, physically and energetically. The path includes uneven terrain and gentle to moderate uphill walking roughly 2–3-hour return hike (approx. 4.8 km) from the historic town center

Arrival & Departure

Check-in from 16:00
Check-out by   11:00

What’s Included

• Three nourishing meals daily
• Daily yoga with Shelley
• Guided meditations
• Finding Your Oversoul sessions
• Energy healing sessions
• Snacks & drinks throughout the day
• Moon, Cacao & Fire ceremony
• Evening silent disco and StarDance movement experiences
• Guided visit to Sintra & the National Palace (with audio experience)
• Beautiful private villa with pool and gardens
• Walking distance to the beach
• Wi-Fi

Villa Location & Surroundings

The villa is located in Sintra, near Lisbon, Portugal, set within a private and spacious estate surrounded by nature.

Just a 4-minute walk from the picturesque village of Azenhas do Mar and its nearby beach, the location offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and tranquillity.

Praia Grande, one of the region’s main beaches, is approximately 10 minutes by car, while Sintra village centre is around 18 minutes away. Sintra is recognised as a UNESCO Cultural Landscape, known for its rich history, lush forests and unique atmosphere.

Public transport is available within a 5-minute walking distance from the villa.

The Comforts of The Villa

The retreat takes place in a peaceful and spacious villa surrounded by nature, with beautiful views of the gardens, mountains, ocean and pool.

The villa includes comfortable bedrooms, quality bed linen, towels and essential amenities to support a relaxed and restful stay.

Bathrooms are fully equipped with hot water, hairdryers and basic toiletries.

Guests have access to a private swimming pool, outdoor lounge areas, sun loungers and dining spaces, as well as a small lake within the grounds, home to local wildlife such as fish and turtles, adding to the natural beauty and tranquillity of the setting. There is Wi-Fi available throughout the property, along with quiet spaces for rest, reading and personal reflection.

Laundry facilities are available on site if needed, and beach towels, drying rack and iron for your convenience.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation is offered in a range of options to suit different preferences and levels of comfort:

• Budget → £1,250 per person – Community shared sleeping space
• Comfort → £1,450 per person (sharing) – Twin/shared room with shared bathroom
• Premium → £1,750 single occupancy – Private room with en-suite bathroom
• Luxury → £2,050 single occupancy – Full privacy for those wanting their own space

Early Bird Until April 4^th 2026

• Budget → £1,250 per person
• Comfort → £1,300 per person (sharing)
• Premium → £1,600 single occupancy
• Luxury → £1,900 single occupancy

For EVERYONE (early bird + regular):

• £500 deposit to secure a spot

Optional Extras

• Group dinner at a local restaurant
• Taxis are easily available from the airport (approx. €40–€70 each way, 30 minutes from Lisbon)

The Experience

Each day is gently structured, while still allowing space for rest, reflection, and personal integration.

• Deep inner work
• Movement and embodiment
• Connection with others
• Spacious time to rest, enjoy nature, and simply be

There is no pressure to do everything. You are invited to move at your own rhythm.

Your Hosts

This retreat is held by Guiomar and Shelley, bringing together a balance of depth, presence, and embodied practice.

Guiomar is a holistic therapist with over a decade of practice, and space holder, working with meditation, sound, and emotional integration. Her approach is gentle yet powerful, creating environments where people can slow down, reconnect, and explore what is ready to shift within them.

Shelley is an experienced yoga teacher with two decades of practice, offering grounding, body awareness, and supportive movement practices that help integrate the inner work. Her sessions are accessible, calming, and deeply restorative.

Together, they create a space that feels safe, supportive, and natural—allowing each person to move through the experience in their own way, at their own pace.

Travel Information

The retreat is easily accessible from the UK, with regular flights from London airports to Lisbon. The flight time is approximately 2.5 hours, making it a smooth and manageable journey.

From Lisbon Airport, the villa is approximately a 30-minute drive. Taxis are easy to access directly outside the arrivals area, with typical costs ranging from €40–€70 each way.

Flights to Portugal in October are generally affordable, typically ranging between £160–£200 return when booked in advance.

Please note that flights, airport transfers and travel insurance are not included in the retreat price.

By booking your place, you confirm that you have read and agreed to the full Terms & Conditions provided.

If something in you feels drawn to this space, you are very welcome to reach out for more details or to reserve your place.

EMAIL: thehealingtemple@outlook.com
Guiomar & Shelley

Benefits: