Peaceful Center:
A Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat in the Portuguese Countryside
with Liza Higbee-Robinson
Retreat to the peaceful center of a place far away…
come home to knowing and nurturing that space of ease and joy within you.
Santarém, Portugal
October 4 - 10, 2025
7-Days / 6-Nights
Starting at $1875
Journey to the Iberian Peninsula and into the heart of Portugal with Liza for a 7-day / 6-night retreat at the tranquil grounds of Quinta Carvalhas, a lovingly restored 150-year-old estate nestled in the Ribatejo countryside. This peaceful setting offers the perfect opportunity for you to slow down and simplify, while refreshing your mind, body, and soul through nature connection, community, and a curated set of daily yoga and mindfulness practices.
As the immersive experience unfolds, enjoy evenings on the open-air yoga deck, organic farm-to-table meals, afternoons by the pool, a live traditional Fado serenade, and an excursion to the Atlantic Coast. Explore the spaciousness of your heart through the gentle rhythms of life at Quinta Carvalhas, and let its creative and healing energy, brought to life by the presence of horses and vibrant gardens, guide you back to a place of ease and joy within.
What’s Included
Twice daily yoga and mindfulness programming led by Liza (except on arrival and departure days)
7 days / 6 nights accommodation at Quinta Carvalhas in the Ribatejo countryside, northwest of Lisbon
3 farm-to-table, vegetarian meals per day, prepared onsite by the retreat center's in-house chef, featuring organic ingredients grown on the property
Midweek group excursion to the Atlantic Coast
Evening Fado (live traditional Portuguese folk music)
Round-trip transfer between Lisbon International Airport and the retreat center, if traveling during recommended travel windows (TBD)
30 CEUs available for yoga teachers to put toward BYC’s 300-Hr Advanced Yoga Studies Program or Yoga Alliance Cont. Ed.
About the Property
Quinta Carvalhas, a family-owned venue, is a 150-year old rural estate-turned wellness haven one hour away from Lisbon. Once there you won’t ever want to leave. Traditional stone barns of the original quinta (farm) have been lovingly restored and transformed into charming contemporary accommodations and serene practice halls. Tranquil, spacious grounds flow seamlessly with the surrounding Ribatejo countryside and give ample opportunity for you to wander, unwind with nature, or enjoy a quiet moment all to yourself. The quinta’s thoughtfully designed courtyard terrace with a pool, outdoor fireplace, and a communal lounge foster relaxation and community throughout the day.
An outdoor yoga deck beside a pond welcomes us to take an evening stroll and practice in the open air with the setting sun. The property is brought even more alive by the presence of horses, by an organic garden that inspires colorful, nourishing farm-to-table dishes, and by a permeating creative and healing energy.
Nestled in the heart of the Tagus River Valley, this location is steeped in medieval history, celebrated for its vibrant culinary scene, and recognized as the horse capital of Portugal. The nearest city, Santarém, lies just a short distance away, and the surrounding region offers ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring nearby nature preserves.
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As a holistic well-being haven, Quinta Carvalhas offers a variety of unique add-on experiences. Among the highlights are opportunities to engage with therapy horses through group energy healing sessions, where meditation and breathwork facilitate a deep connection in a non-riding setting. Guests can also explore their creativity in small group art expression sessions or rent bicycles for local adventures.
Additionally, Quinta Carvalhas provides on-site wellness and bodywork services, including massage, Reiki, and acupuncture treatments.
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7:00 a.m. - Coffee, Tea, and Fresh Fruit
8:00 - 9:20 a.m. - Energizing asana and meditation practice in the Yoga Shala or by the farm pond
9:30 a.m. - Nourishing Breakfast
Free Time — Explore, rest, swim, or book a spa treatment
1:30 p.m. - Lunch (may be picnic or indoor)
Free time — Opportunity to participate in energy healing with the horses or artistic expression session
5:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Cooling practice and pranayama (gentle, yin, or restorative)
7:00 p.m. - Dinner
*Note: Daily schedule is an example and subject to change throughout the week.
Investment
Stay in beautifully restored farmhouses and stone barns, where rustic charm meets modern comfort. Each converted lodge reflects the rich history and natural beauty of the area by incorporating thick stone walls, wooden beams, and lofty ceilings — with rooms that are thoughtfully furnished to provide a restful environment. Tailor your stay to your preference — share a suite with a partner, friend, or new acquaintance for a community connection, or choose solo serenity in your own private suite.
Double Occupancy Suites
Shared Bathroom - $1875 // Private Bathroom - $2075
Single Occupancy Suites
Private Bathroom - $2975
Double occupancy suites are intended for you and a partner/friend to share — rooms can accommodate two people in single beds or a couple in a european double (slightly smaller than a standard US queen) — with your preference of bathroom, either en suite or shared with a neighboring suite. For those seeking more privacy, nestle into your own quarters with a double bed and private bathroom. All rooms feature luxury linens, plush mattresses, and amenities, including coffee and tea facilities, reusable water bottles, complimentary wi-fi, towels, shower gels, and hairdryers.
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Located in the original two-story farmhouse, these rooms feature wooden beams and thick stone walls, offering a cozy and rustic ambiance. Enjoy serene views over the yoga studio, pool area, riding arena, and surrounding fields. These well-appointed rooms share one bathroom between two bedrooms, providing a communal yet comfortable experience. Guests can relax in the downstairs lounge with a large fireplace or unwind on the Blue Veranda, which leads directly to the pool area.
$1875 / person
If you are coming solo and wish to be paired with a roommate, you will be placed in a double room with a shared bath.
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These rooms are located within one of the two converted stone barns on the property, offering high ceilings and historic, rustic charm. Each room is uniquely decorated and features a private en-suite bathroom with a shower or bath. The rooms either overlook the courtyard and meditation gardens or offer views of the pool and stables. Relax on your private veranda with outdoor seating and enjoy the serene environment.
$2075 / person
(Single occupancy in a double room w/ private bath is $2975)
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For those seeking more privacy, these luxurious rooms offer the ultimate retreat experience. Located in the converted stone barn, each room has a private en-suite bathroom with either a shower or bath, and a veranda with outdoor seating. Enjoy beautiful views of the courtyard, meditation gardens, or the pool and stables, and unwind in your own private sanctuary.
$2975 / person
Before making a deposit, please read through our payment terms and cancellation policy here.
Retreat Details
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The closest airport to fly into/out of is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon, Portugal — roughly 1.25 hours from the retreat center. Complimentary transportation from the airport to Quinta Carvalhas will be provided during certain arrival/departure windows.*
Many people do choose to rent cars on BYC retreats and that is recommended if you want to explore the area.
Arrival:
Check-in is available starting from 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4Departure:
Check-out is at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 10*TBD — It’s a bit too early to book flights, but we’re tracking fares closely and will provide recommended flight options as they become available! Late arrivals/ early departures will be accommodated by the retreat center at paticipant’s own expense
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The following expenses are not included in the total retreat cost:
Flights
Gratuities ( 10% gratuities will be collected as a lump sum for our group and distributed to retreat staff)
Spa services or add on activities
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Prices are per person + add 3% processing/admin fee for credit cards
Payment methods: cash, check, or credit card (make checks payable to Bellingham Yoga Collective)
Payment plans available!
Secure your spot with a $500 deposit; to be paid in person or online HERE. Once you place your deposit we will email you to confirm your preferred room choice.
Final balance due 90 days before start of retreat.
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Please be sure you will be able to attend before you submit your deposit. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment is due in full 90 days prior to the start of the retreat. If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the retreat start date, you will be issued a refund, less your $500 non-refundable deposit.
Trip insurance can protect your retreat investment if you need to cancel for covered circumstances. Due to retreat centers’ refund policies, we cannot offer any refunds, transfers or credits for cancellations for any reason within 90 days of the retreat start date. Thank you for your consideration with this policy as so much time and heart go into planning retreats for you!
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For yoga teachers and advanced training students attending this retreat, an available 30 continuing education credits are applicable towards your training hours with additional daily assignment and a post-retreat essay completion.
Learn more about BYC’s 300-Hr Advanced Studies Yoga Program HERE
Due to retreat centers’ refund policies, we cannot offer any refunds, transfers or credits for cancellations for any reason within 90 days of the retreat start date. If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the retreat start date, you will be issued a refund, less your $500 non-refundable deposit. Thank you for your consideration with this policy as so much time, liability, studio resources and heart go into planning retreats for you!
About Liza
Liza Higbee-Robinson (E-RYT 500) is a weaver of movement, breath, and heart themes drawn from the ancient wisdom teachings of Yoga, made relevant to us in the world we inhabit now. She encourages her students to explore through all layers of their aliveness, from the still, spacious depths, to the most mundane and surface level thinking, feeling, and doing. For nearly a decade, Liza has devoted herself to sharing her love of practice with others as an asana instructor, mentor, trainer, and retreat leader.
Questions?
Please email Claire@bellinghamyogacollective.com for more information about payment plans and all general retreat inquiries.
