Portugal

A Yoga Retreat in Algarve

October 4-11, 2024*
with Karen Score & Gina Benson

*Optional: Join us for a few additional days in Lisbon from October 11-14!

 
 

Sun kissed golden beaches, beautiful shorelines, sandy islands with peaceful bays, sea caves, soaring cliffs, whitewashed villages, and rolling countryside will be the setting for our October 2024 Yoga Retreat in Portugal! 

Our home for the week is a charming Private Villa on a lovely tree lined street just a few minutes walk to the seaside. Perfectly situated in the beautiful Algarve Region of Portugal, the historic and authentically Portuguese town of Olhão (pronounced ol-yowng) is home to a bustling waterfront, the largest fishing port in the region, and the pretty homes and lanes in its old quarters. The Moorish influenced, flat roofed neighborhoods offer a North African feel and make for a charming place to wander. Olhão is not a “touristy” town so you’ll have an opportunity to really connect with the locals and see how life is actually lived on a daily basis. 

We’ll begin our days practicing yoga on our rooftop and then enjoy a delightful fresh breakfast prepared by our own private chef! After breakfast you’ll probably have time for a dip in the pool before we head off on any scheduled adventures for the day. As always, on a Grace in Nature Retreat, we’ve planned interesting and fun excursions while also allowing time to explore on your own or just relax — creating the perfect balance of activities and downtime.  

Olhão is the stepping off point for the expansive, pristine and protected Parque Natural da Ria Formosa; which stretches for 60km along the coast — a labyrinth of barrier islands, salt pans, wetlands, marches and dunes — the perfect place to kayak, snorkel, birdwatch, or just relax on a peaceful, quiet beach.

Want to experience more of Portugal? 

If so, we invite you to join us for three additional days in Lisbon following the retreat! We’ll stay in a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of Lisbon, explore the city and important sites; like Cabo da Roca,  the western most point of Continental Europe in the Sintra Mountain Range, the charming beachside town of Cascais, and more!

To Register:

*All retreats are for ages 18+ unless otherwise specified.

Discover More:

  • Based out of NYC, Gina Benson is a Registered Yoga Teacher and certified Ayurveda Practitioner and Holistic Nutritionist. She has a deep respect for both practices and, in 2017, created Yogaveda Health & Healing with the mission to dedicate her life, studies, and career to bettering the experience of living for others. Gina's vivacious personality, gentle heart, and strong faith make her the optimal healer. With her love of Yoga and Ayurveda (Yogaveda), as well as her specialty in women's health, Gina believes she can change the lives of many by bringing them to a state of balance and peaceful harmony. Gina hopes to spread the knowledge and healing powers of these practices with her clients and students to help maintain healthy lifestyles customized for every individual. To learn more about Gina and her offerings, visit www.yogavedahealth.com.

  • “In September 2023, I went to Portugal with Grace in Nature (Karen Score). It was a wonderful experience and the trip was more than I could have ever imagined. I did not have to worry about any details because Karen meticulously planned every aspect of the retreat. If there were any glitches it never was apparent in Karen’s demeanor. Her  assistance with choosing flights and packing were spot on. The private accommodations at the villa were exceptional, comfortable and clean. We had our own professional chef at the villa and the food was delicious, fresh, and healthy. Every meal was picture worthy! Jonathan and his staff were amazing. Karen’s excursions were private, unique, enjoyable and well planned. I was fortunate to have Gina and Lynn on this trip. Gina's expertise in wellness (and fun!) was a bonus. Her yoga and Ayurveda sessions were relaxing, informative, and thought provoking. Lynn's travel experience and humor were certainly appreciated. I felt comfortable with every retreat member. There was definitely a group connection and we had so many laughs! We are still conversing on What’s App too.  

    Karen has a skillful and quiet way of bringing people together. Her passion for people and her experience with travel is why I would trust Grace in Nature Retreats to plan my  next vacation. If you want to travel and spend your time enjoying the trip, Karen is the  person to contact. Thank you, Karen. It was a trip that I will always remember.”

    — Ramona

    “Grace in Nature, LLC / Karen Score’s trip to Portugal exceeded my expectations. Karen came highly recommended and did not disappoint. From the accommodations to our own personal chef and wonderful healthy food she assured that all our needs were met. I loved not having to plan or worry about anything and taking advantage of the beautiful  sights and scenery of Portugal. Gina started our day off right with daily yoga. She  was amazingly good at providing a yoga experience that met the whole groups needs. If you want a healthy, relaxed travel experience without the hassle of planning all the  details you are in excellent hands with Karen. I hope to plan my next destination soon.”

    — K.L.

    “With a group of friends, I recently participated in a fabulous trip to southern Portugal thoughtfully designed by Grace in Nature Retreats. The experience was more than a vacation, including lodging accommodations, excursions, a private chef and his team, and daily yoga classes. Our villa was simply elegant and intimate, conducive to relaxing and connecting with others in the larger group of 16. The food was beautifully and healthfully prepared. Meals appealing to all the senses and family style eating were highlights of our time at the Villa. Excursions such as visiting fishing villages, beaches, old towns, paddling together to a deserted beach, and visiting Benagil caves all stand  out. Yoga by Gina, infused with Ayurvedic knowledge, made it ideal. We experienced  the culture of the Algarve with group activities and explored on our own. Karen and Gina created a trip of adventure, relaxation. introspection, and camaraderie that made this an extremely memorable experience.”

    — Bonnie 

    “Karen curates a perfect trip—relaxation, beauty, action. There were gorgeous excursions along the Rio Formosa in the Algarve region of Portugal, allowing our group to explore the beautiful beaches along with the life of local fishermen. The charming town of Olhao was interesting and completely walkable. The final days in Lisbon flew by. We found the  Portuguese to be friendly and warm. From the street art and street entertainers, the hilly, scenic streets, and the beautiful Tagus River, Lisbon brings you back to the time of western exploration to the current. Wonderful trip!  Thank you, Karen!“

    —Michelle


    READ MORE...

 

Package includes:

  • All accommodations in a Private Villa located in the beautiful Algarve Region of Portugal (6 days/7 nights)

  • Delicious, organic, locally grown and lovingly prepared meals (by our own private chef *see pricing changes below) and one special dinner out at a local seaside restaurant 

  • All ground transportation  

  • Airport transfers  

  • All planned excursions (including: Boat tour of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa with stops at two islands; day trips to the beautiful towns of Tavira and Faro; Island Kayaking Adventure; Olive Oil Tour; Benagil Caves Tour; and more!) 

  • Daily yoga classes and meditations with a focus on the ancient science of Ayurveda 

  • Karen & Gina at your service every step of the way, along with the incredible hosts and chefs at our beautiful accommodations


What is NOT includeD:

  • Alcoholic Beverages 

  • Snacks & Souvenirs

  • Spa Treatments  

  • Tipping 

  • Roundtrip Airfare to/from Portugal


OPTIONAL DAYS IN LISBON INCLUDES:

  • 3 nights accommodations in a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Lisbon (right on historical Rossio Square!)

  • Daily breakfast and lunch at a breathtaking seaside location on our full day tour. You may want to explore the variety of restaurants in the city so you can decide on your own dinner establishment based on your preferences. Perhaps enjoy a Fado performance and dinner for a true Lisbon experience! 

  • All planned excursions (including: Full Day Tour of Lisbon, as well as a lovely Sunset Cruise on the Tagus River)

  • Comfortable, private transportation from Olhão to Lisbon

  • Airport Transfers 


Self investment:

Please Note:
We have reduced the cost of the retreat in Olhão by $2,400 (a huge difference!) as well as the Lisbon portion by $400! We were able to create this savings by taking out the private chef (which was extremely expensive) as well as a few other minor adjustments to make the trip more affordable!

Yoga Retreat in Olhão (October 4-11)

The total cost, excluding airfare to/from Portugal, is: 
Shared Accommodations — $4,795 $2,395
Single Accommodations — $5,695 $3,295

A deposit of $750 is required to reserve a space. The last day to register is July 15, 2024.

This trip is strictly limited to 14 participants. 

All participants are required to purchase a Travel Insurance Policy for their own protection in case an unexpected reason for cancelation should occur. 

Please be sure to read our Refund & Cancellation Policy.


Optional Add-On: Explore Lisbon (October 11-14)

The total cost, including transportation from Olhão to Lisbon:
Shared Accommodations — $1,950 $1,550
Single Accommodations — $2,250 $1,850

Total cost for BOTH Olhão & Lisbon (October 4-14)

Shared Accommodations — $6,745  $3,945
Single Accommodations — $7,945  $5,145


Questions:

For questions or more information regarding the retreat, contact Karen:
E: graceinnaturellc@gmail.com
P: 518-312-7337