PORTUGAL
SOUL SISTER RETREAT
October 19-25, 2022
Led by Tristina Kennedy & Alice Marshall
Women of all ages and walks of life are invited to come together and share in sacred connection. Experience what it's like to press pause on the demands of life and to prioritize yourself for a week. If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway with special time for YOU to revitalize and replenish, then this is the retreat for you!
Soak up the enchantment of Portugal from the moment you arrive. Imagine yourself lounging by the stunning rooftop pool, drinking in a moment of relaxation in the peaceful meditation room, taking a short stroll to the water, or connecting with other soul sisters at the FABULOUS property where we'll be staying (be sure to scroll down to see the pictures!). This retreat will offer daily yoga practices and group activities. There will also be free time to enjoy the beauty of doing nothing or to venture out and experience the beauty of immersion in different cultures.
We will enjoy a week together in the heart of charming Olhão, a fishing town located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal (known for having 300+ days of sunshine every year!). The old town is a warren of narrow cobbled streets, full of hidden nooks, and beautiful historic features. The daily covered markets are regarded as some of the best in Portugal. The village also boasts a blossoming community of artists, plus easy access to a host of wonderful islands just off the coast that can be explored by a quick boat trip. Olhão is full of light and magic!
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Why join us?
It’s simple! This is the PERFECT environment to spend some much-needed time re-energizing yourself, while creating meaningful bonds with other women. Your body and mind will slowly unwind with yoga/meditation, delicious local food, and doses of nature everyday. Share connection with a diverse group of women in heartfelt conversations, fun activities, and empowering group circles.
Expect to unleash what's most important to you and how to manifest more of this in your life. Learn a system of aligning yourself, both on and off the mat. We will explore the deeper aspects of why yoga really works and put that wisdom into ACTION. Take home a renewed sense of embodiment within yourself and lasting friendships with a sisterhood of women you can call family!
Activities & Yoga
Each day begins with meditation and pranayama (breathwork) to ground and connect you within. Indulge in twice daily yoga in a variety of styles suitable for all levels (Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin/Restorative, Yoga Nidra, and Myofascial Release). Morning yoga classes will be held on the rooftop terrace to the sound of church bells, racing pigeons, and the town waking up. There is also a lovely indoor space for some of our classes + a meditation room with gorgeous stained glass windows. Yoga mats & props are provided.
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES:
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Twice daily yoga (as schedule allows)
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Opening/closing circles
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Women’s circle/workshop
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Visit the bustling traditional Saturday market to delight in local goodies
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Day trip to one of the nearby islands for time at the beach
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Ladies night out - dinner on the town & an evening of fun!
Our schedules are specially created to allow for your enjoyment of personal space and free time. Bring your journal, books, and whatever else you've been wanting to indulge in! We believe in choice and options for your retreat experience, so you can always opt out of any activities in the program should you wish.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
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Wellness treatments that can combine traditional massage and body scrubs
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Other activities that we can help arrange for (based on availability):
- Stand-up paddle boarding
- Bicycle ride along through Rio Formosa
- Paint tiles with a local artist
- Visit a local winery & enjoy wine tasting
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About Us
Hi, we’re Tristina & Alice! We met in Bali in 2010 when we unrolled our mats next to each other during a yoga teacher training; the rest is soul sister history. Over the past ten years we’ve enjoyed additional training; traveled through India, Spain, Thailand & Morocco together; spent many months visiting one another; countless Skype sessions; and have been there for each other through the many ups and downs that you experience in a decade of life.
2022 will be our 4th annual Soul Sister Retreat. We believe in the necessity of female connection. While we will both take turns in leading practices and activities, you will have full access to each of us during the retreat. It has long been a dream to host retreats together, and we are so excited to share this one-of-a kind experience with you!
Tristina is based out of Sacramento, California, where she lives with Michael, the man she loves (who’s also a yoga teacher!), and the cutest-ever toothless Yorkie named Dolce. She has an unwavering thirst for travel and leads yoga workshops, retreats, and trainings worldwide. Learn more about Tristina here.
Alice happily resides in her home of Guernsey, Channel Islands. She teaches weekly yoga classes, Yin Workshops, and SUP Yoga during the summer time. Living on a small island, she takes the opportunity to travel and attend trainings as often as possible. Learn more about Alice here.
Our Stunning Property
Our private luxury residence is located in the heart of Olhao, among picturesque cobbled streets, cubist fishermen's dwellings, and faded merchants’ houses. It is just a short stroll from the waterfront, local restaurants/bars, fabulous markets, and a lovely selection of family-run shops & establishments.
This historic home has been lovingly restored with the help of local craftsmen and artisans to create a property that balances the heritage of its architecture with contemporary design and comfort. Fun fact: the impeccable style of the home has been mentioned in various international media like Forbes, Elle and The Telegraph — just to name a few.
There is a rooftop swimming pool, spacious terraces, courtyards, sundecks, a living room, and a library that are ideal for quiet moments, reading, connecting with each other, and relaxing.
Every room is uniquely designed and absolutely stunning! This whole house is done to the highest standard. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and luxury linens. Each room includes the following elements to add an extra touch of luxury & comfort to your stay:
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White Company 100% cotton bed linens & towels
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LaEva gold standard organic toiletries
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Stylish hammam towels and umbrellas for the beach
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Handmade local wicker baskets for trips to the beach or the market
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Hairdryers
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Top of the range ceiling fans
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A/C where it is needed
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Underfloor heating throughout the bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas
We will savor our brunch and dinner cooked by fabulous local chefs, Ricardo & Sara. Meals will be enjoyed in fellowship as a group each day, seasoning our food with laughter, connection, and stories from our adventures. Most meals will be served al fresco, with some up on the rooftop so we can catch the lovely sunset during dinner! Lunchtime/afternoon snacks are open, allowing you to discover the delicious local cuisine that surrounds us.
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Travel Details
FLIGHTS: To allow maximum flexibility, you will book your own flight to/from Portugal. We will be staying in the town of Olhão, a short 15 minutes drive from Faro International Airport, which is well served all year round by multiple airlines. Check-in for the retreat begins 4pm on the afternoon of October 19th. Checkout after brunch on October 25th.
ARRIVE: Wednesday, 10/19, afternoon
DEPART: Tuesday, 10/25, early afternoon or later
VISA: In order to travel to Portugal, you need a valid passport from the country in which you reside. Your passport must have at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry. U.S. citizens carrying a valid passport and in possession of an onward or return airline ticket do not require a visa to enter Portugal. Upon entry, immigration officials will place an immigration stamp in the passport permitting a 90-day stay in Portugal.
Don't worry, we will send plenty of helpful emails to aide you in your preparations!
Inclusions
COST INCLUDES:
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6 nights accommodations at our stunning property in Olhão
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Daily yoga and meditation sessions suitable for all levels
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An abundant daily brunch, post-practice
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5 delicious dinners at our property
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1 dinner out on the town at a local restaurant
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All included activities as outlined above
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Group transfer from the Faro airport to our property (one pickup at set time on arrival day)
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Custom Soul Sister tank top
Cost does not include international airfare, travel insurance, optional activities, transport from the property on departure day*, meals/beverages not outlined above, massages, shopping, or gratuities (suggested $5-10pp per day).
*We will connect you with other ladies traveling around the same time to share a ride to the Faro International Airport.
Pricing
The cost of the retreat is dependent upon room type & occupancy. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms with showers. Please note that there are only TWO rooms that are designed for single occupancy & they will go FAST! The remaining rooms are double occupancy (two twin beds + ensuite bathroom). Either come with your friend/sister/mother/etc. or have the opportunity to be paired with another lovely woman!
Double Occupancy $1950 2 spots are available - email through the link below to inquire!
These rooms have 2 twin beds and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. (9 rooms)
Single Occupancy Currently full - email through the link below to get on the wait list!
These rooms have one larger sized bed and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. (2 rooms)
All rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like double occupancy and do not have a roommate, we will make efforts to pair you with another solo traveler who would like a roommate. Please note that if there is not another solo traveler, you will be responsible for a single occupancy rate. Instead, why not invite someone special to join you on this grand adventure?!
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your space. This amount is applied to the total cost of the trip. Payment plan is available, please refer to our Terms & Conditions. By submitting your registration and deposit to us, you are agreeing to the policies in our Terms & Conditions.
Registration
This trip was previously scheduled for 2020. Due to COVID, we had to reschedule the trip to 2022. Though, we have a group of women rolling forward to the new dates, there may be a spot available! Please email us right away if you are interested; these spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Each year, we open registration for the Soul Sister retreat to a private advance invite list! The majority of the time, our retreats fill from this list before we can open registration to the public. To be added to this list for our future offerings, please email us.
WOO HOO! You're joining us! Please fill out the below form to submit your booking for Portugal. We will be in touch upon receipt of your registration. Thank you for joining us; this is going to be amazing!
If you have any questions prior to registration, please contact us directly. We are more than happy to talk with you!