Paraiso Escondido
São Teotônio, Portugal
Restorative retreats with yoga, qigong and art on a stunning Alentejo estate
Perched high on a hill in the South West Alentejo and Costa Vicentina national park, Paraiso Escondido (which means Hidden Paradise) offers tailored retreats to help you slow down and enjoy life. Come to live in harmony, stimulate your senses and immerse in local nature. While respecting rural Portugal, the vibe is African lodge meets Asian temple, reflecting the heritage of owners Mozambique-born artist Berny Serrão and husband Glenn. Occasionally, trusted guest teachers offer set-date group retreats.
Retreats to book
Open February to November. 2-night minimum stay. 4 + night bespoke programmes February to July, and September to October. 3 and 4-night themed programmes from March to July, and September to October. Up to 15 guests.
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our Reviewer Anna Chapman says:
‘Gradually, as I slowed down, my senses came to life. I realised that in this sweet space, the less I did, the more I experienced’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Berny is a caring and thoughtful host who ensures the bespoke retreats are all about you by taking the time to find out what makes you tick. The plant-based food has a deservedly wonderful reputation, and your hosts love to share recipes, so spontaneous cooking demos often take place using an array of local ingredients. Take a cup of tea and enjoy an orange sunrise from the secluded hilltop bench’
Experiences
3 and 4-night private retreats themed around Nurture, Holistic Cooking or Art are available from March until July, and from September until October. All feature yoga, qigong and guided walks and depending on your choice, you can enjoy a nurture talk, cooking classes and art sessions. Guest teachers offer specialist retreats, including a psilocybin wellness break.
After finding out about your preferences, Berny will tailor a 4+ nights retreat specifically for you, between February and July, and from September to October. A typical day might include a yoga or qigong class, a long walk, an art class or massage or a trip to the coast.
Wellbeing activities available all year include yoga, qigong and meditation classes, while treatments at the tranquil spa include shiatsu and a range of massage such as deep tissue with aromatherapy.
Try one of Berny’s art classes – even if you think you can’t draw. Berny isn’t just a talented artist; she’s a lovely teacher who uses art as a therapeutic tool to unblock the mind and connect to local nature. You’ll also have fun.
Walking, clifftop horse riding, forest bathing and canoeing are on offer to inspire and immerse you in the local environment. Canoe down a wide river to the lovely seaside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Local beaches rival the Algarve. Evenings are free for log fire sharing, or resting and reading.
Spaces
The living area is a vast white space with a vaulted ceiling which includes several zones for eating, drinking and chilling out. At the back is the well-stocked honesty bar, and there's a quieter space located off the living area. It’s all tastefully furnished with local pieces and treasures from Berny and Glenn’s travels.
The yoga studio, a short walk up the hill, and the spa, which is built on a platform, provide a stunning panoramic view over the surrounding hills.
The surrounding eucalyptus wood provides shade and calm, while there’s a 10 x 5 metre pool with 12 sun loungers for a much-needed refresher after the sun.
From the Jasmine and Verbena suites to the Lúcia Lima double, each bedroom is named and themed after a tea, with furnishings and artwork from Africa and Asia. White paint and white linen bedding act as an incredible backdrop to pops of bright colour and soft cushions. They’re all marvellously comfortable, relaxing and beautiful spaces with ensuite bathrooms and a private outside sitting area.
There are two comfortable en-suite bungalows on stilts about a five-minute walk from the main house for a forest immersion with an African lodge vibe. These have large outside verandas decorated in Scandi tones with soft beige furnishings.
Sustenance
The vibrant plant-based cuisine is vegetarian/vegan with Asian and ayurveda influences. Ninety per cent of produce is sourced within a 35km radius, primarily from small, local producers, including from Glenn’s organic vegetable garden.
The ‘farm-to-table’ approach is big on flavour and presentation. Breakfast offers fresh fruit and juice, local freshly baked bread, yogurt, granola, cheese and a range of herbal teas and coffee. The highlight is Glenn’s organic free-range scrambled eggs.
Other meals use whatever is fresh and in season. Expect a selection of healthy salads featuring seasonal roasted vegetables and spicy soups for lunch. Dinner might be cauliflower tandoori with roasted butternut, coriander, hazelnuts and pomegranate. Cacao fondant with matcha ice cream, orange and olive oil reduction top the dessert menu.
Pukka herbal teas are available. Local spirit Medronho and regional wines are available at the honesty bar, and there’s a gin menu.
An hour or so from the retreat there’s a 4th generation organic vineyard and winery where you can enjoy a tasting.
Caixa Postal 5550-A, Casa Nova Da Cruz 7630-568 São Teotónio, Portugal
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