Seeds of Silence
Quelfes, Portugal
Insightful yoga retreats and holistic health retreats in a characterful Algarve haven
Set in a peaceful corner of the rural Algarve, Seeds of Silence is the creation of yoga teacher, coach and breathworker Cindy Andries. A well thought-out, open-plan villa retreat with a saltwater pool, barrel sauna, indoor yoga shala and stylish spaces in which to relax, it offers both private and group retreats for beginners and advanced yogis.
our Reviewer Sarah Garbett says:
‘I realised that I was processing recent life events and needed to accept how I was feeling and nurture myself more. I spent a gorgeous afternoon alone by the pool reading and listening to birds, bees, the tinkle of Balinese umbrellas and palm leaves in the breeze’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Cindy is an advanced teacher who combines mindfulness, Chinese medicine, kundalini yoga and qigong in her yoga teaching to suit your needs. The lack of light pollution makes for wondrous star-gazing’
Experiences
Come year-round for a private retreat tailored to your needs, or on set-dates to join a group retreat between April and September.
Group retreats usually combine yin and yang yoga and meditation with sound healing and breathwork, and are designed to focus on your energy pathways, cleanse your body and mind, and restore balance.
Shamanic practices, sound healing, NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) and Ericksonian Hypnosis are on offer, along with massage, reiki and personal training.
Swim in the saltwater pool and relax in the barrel sauna - there’s also an ice bath, rowing machine, treadmill, set of weights and a Swiss ball for guests to use.
Between sessions, there’s a 3km walk around the retreat, and electric bikes on which to explore local villages or get to the beach. You’re near the national park area of Ria Formosa, a lagoon with beaches and islands where you can kayak or stand-up paddle too.
Spaces
There’s a calming yoga and fitness studio, and a shady outdoor yoga shala. Meditate or lie here between classes, or bag a hammock and drift off.
Treatments take place in a dedicated wooden treatment room in the garden, next to the yoga space.
The villa has a large comfy seating area with art and the artefacts that Cindy has collected on her travels, and long tables where you can draw or write.
Relax around the pool and in various seating areas. There's a wooden glass-sided honesty bar, while meals are eaten around a large wooden table outside with sunshades.
Each en-suite bedroom has been carefully decorated and has its own double sink bathroom with a walk-in monsoon shower. White walls and wooden floors are offset with bright orange and turquoise fabrics. Outside each room is a comfy seat and a bistro table with a chair, offering a semi-private place for reading, relaxing and thinking.
Sustenance
Meals are vegetarian, and vegans and those with allergies and food intolerances to lactose and gluten can be catered for.
Start the day with a freshly blended smoothie, followed by brunch of pretty fruit plates, local cheese, homemade bread or cake, yogurt, eggs, pancakes, juice and chai.
Dinner is three courses. Think wholesome tagines, curries and fajitas, along with different salads. Tiny pots of delicious dips and sauces are dotted around to accompany the dishes. Mint or herbal tea is served with a small dessert.
There is a kettle and a selection of teas and a bean-to-cup coffee machine, as well as cake and bread if you’re hungry between meals.
There’s also a bar for those who fancy wine or beer. Just choose your drink and write down your order in the book. You pay at check-out.
