Yoga, Nature and Adventures
Retreat in Faial and Pico, Azores, Portugal
27 May-2 June 2023
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Yoga, Nature and Adventures
Retreat in Faial and Pico, Azores, Portugal
27 May-2 June 2023
Unforgettable adventures on two Azorean islands in one retreat: Faial and Pico. Horse riding, whale watching, hiking with incredible nature views, climbing the biggest Portuguese mountain-volcano at night to greet the sunrise, tasting of the volcanic wine and more!
Enjoy reconnecting with yourself at daily yoga and meditation sessions to perfectly combine the adventures of the day with drawing attention inwards.
The retreat takes place on two Azorean islands: half of your stay is on Faial island, and the other half is on Pico island. We will go from Faial to Pico by a 30-minute ferry trip.
Every day of your retreat starts with setting an intention followed by an energetic Vinyasa-style yoga class. After that, a healthy breakfast awaits you to nourish your body. Then we embark on a unique adventure: whale and dolphin watching, horse riding, hiking along the volcano crater. But some activities happen in the evening (wine tasting) or at night (climbing the mountain)! Coming back to the accommodation, you will have time for some relaxation and me-time. We will finish the day with restorative yoga practice before a beautiful and healthy 3-course dinner.
We will practise yoga and meditation twice a day: energising yoga flow in the morning and restorative yoga flow in the evening. Classes are adjusted right on the spot to your body needs and movement experience. We will practise yoga and meditation twice a day: energising yoga flow in the morning and restorative yoga flow in the evening. Classes are adjusted right on the spot to your body needs and movement experience. We will meditate and practise mindfulness after our yoga practice or in nature. After the retreat, you will be equipped with knowledge of basic yoga postures and techniques, daily yoga flows for mornings and evenings, and unique insights into your practice.
We will practise yoga and meditation twice a day: energising yoga flow in the morning and restorative yoga flow in the evening. Classes are adjusted right on the spot to your body needs and movement experience. We will practise yoga and meditation twice a day: energising yoga flow in the morning and restorative yoga flow in the evening. Classes are adjusted right on the spot to your body needs and movement experience. We will meditate and practise mindfulness after our yoga practice or in nature. After the retreat, you will be equipped with knowledge of basic yoga postures and techniques, daily yoga flows for mornings and evenings, and unique insights into your practice.
The lodging for our retreat accommodates up to 7 guests in a single or double/twin setting.
For the first half of the retreat on Faial island, our home is the brand new Boutique Ecolodge PÁTIO perfectly located in the heart of the island. It reflects the passion for the island’s outdoor lifestyle, and the beautifully decorated rooms are designed for your best relaxation and perfect night’s sleep.
For the second half of the retreat on Pico island, our home is the cosy guest house Calma do Mar.
The spacious living room has a fireplace and a library, and the garden with a terrace offers amazing views to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mountain Pico.
The Pico Mountain is Portugal’s highest mountain of 2.351 metres of altitude, and we will climb it at night!
Imagine a fascinating hike, contemplating an infinite number of stars, and reaching the top of the Mountain to enjoy a stunning view. Experience a unique moment of the sunrise with five Azorean islands at your feet, and watch how the mountain shadow is being projected onto the ocean.
Our accredited guide of the Pico Mountain, Renato Goulart , literally knows every stone on the mountain. Over 24 years of climbing experience he has done 2.180 fully safe climbs, with almost 20 thousand km done going up and down. He makes his life’s purpose to safely show the invaluable beauty of this land and the Pico Mountain. This is an opportunity and experience of a lifetime not to be missed!
The Pico Mountain is Portugal’s highest mountain of 2.351 metres of altitude, and we will climb it at night!
Imagine a fascinating hike, contemplating an infinite number of stars, and reaching the top of the Mountain to enjoy a stunning view. Experience a unique moment of the sunrise with five Azorean islands at your feet, and watch how the mountain shadow is being projected onto the ocean.
Our accredited guide of the Pico Mountain, Renato Goulart , literally knows every stone on the mountain. Over 24 years of climbing experience he has done 2.180 fully safe climbs, with almost 20 thousand km done going up and down. He makes his life’s purpose to safely show the invaluable beauty of this land and the Pico Mountain. This is an opportunity and experience of a lifetime not to be missed!
Pico island features an unparalleled diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins. Over 20 species either inhabit, or pass by these waters along their migratory routes, so Pico is one of the very best spots in the world for whale watching. Embark on an amazing marine wildlife eco-expedition trip to see and learn more about whales, dolphins, and marine biodiversity of the Azores. Admire spotting beautiful and gentle creatures that call this island of unspoiled beauty their home.
We will visit an important geosite – the volcano crater located in the centre of Faial island. It is around 2 km in diameter, and was formed through several eruptions, intertwined with periods of calm, along the last 400 thousand years. We will do a meditative hike along the epic route of the 400m deep Caldeira of Faial. This jaw-dropping hike is part of the natural reserve, in the midst of the unique nature and protected landscape.
Our accommodation on Fail island is the home of Lusitano and Cruzado Portuguese Horses. They are living the whole year outside on evergreen meadows. You are invited to get acquainted with these gentle animals and, depending on your experience and desire, go out for a ride or experiment only to sit on them. If you choose to do horse riding, the easy trail is part of our retreat, and it goes through the green meadows to the wild cliffs of the north coast with breath-taking views.
The Volcano of Capelinhos is a new piece of land that was only created 60 years ago. The volcano is the perfect place for an inner reflection walk and for drawing your attention inwards. The lighthouse and several of the houses originating to the eruption accentuate the dramatic characteristic of a truly unique landscape in the Azores. We will also visit the worth-seeing interpretation Center of Capelinhos
The culture of vineyards in Pico Island dates back to the XV century, to the settlement time of its first residents. Striking with its mazes of black lava stones , the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture was classified as World Heritage by UNESCO in 2004. This type of viticulture involves hard work and dedication, as all the wine work is done by hand!
You will be guided through the best-certified Azorean wines that truly express the volcanic terroir. Our wine tasting experience is the most diverse: going from the fresh and saline whites, towards the reds with spicy notes, ending with a liquor wine of intense colour with notes of honey and vanilla.
You will be served with 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals that will give you a taste of the biological cuisine of the Azores. Each dish is crafted from regional and seasonal products for you to indulge. Your dietary requirements will be thoughtfully taken care of throughout the retreat.
A rich and healthy breakfast includes many local products, such as a variety of different kinds of cheese, and seasonal fruit: pineapple, figs, bananas. The famous Azorean tea is a must-try, I always bring it as a souvenir to my friends and family.
My name is Irina Oshchepkova, I am a certified yoga teacher with 1000+ hours of teaching experience. I offer the most in-depth and nurturing luxury retreats in unique locations around the world.
I love the Azores. I came here for 2 weeks and ended up staying for 6 months. I cannot wait to show you the most gorgeous places and experiences of these magic islands!
It is a highlight of my career to take a group of like-minded people to breath-taking destinations to go deeper into their practice, really nourish themselves and reconnect to nature.
The payment is non-refundable but can be fully transferred to another person. Should travel be blocked due to COVID restrictions, your payment will be credited to a postponed retreat. The necessary and appropriate travel insurance is needed.
All the payments are made by credit card or by direct bank transfer. Please contact me for details on bank transfer and invoicing.
Please check my advice on the best flight option here.
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Payment in full
Payment plan: pay in 3 monthly instalments
This is your unique chance to enjoy a beautiful thought-through high-end retreat in an exotic setting. The Azores destination is like nothing you have ever experienced, it will take your breath away!
Time for nourishment and healing, time to be nurtured by nature, time to explore and revitalise your energy.
Give yourself a gift of valuable time for your body, mind and soul.
The weather in the Azores is spring-like most of the time: with days of sun interlaced with low clouds, a shower, a rainbow – and then sun again. They say the Azores can have the four seasons in just one day! It is a cool to warm subtropical climate, heavily influenced by the ocean and perfect for the outdoors.
Our retreat starts in Faial, the Azores, and finishes in Pico, the Azores. The ferry between the islands takes around 30 minutes.
Book a flight to Horta, Faial (HOR).
Option 1
There are direct flights from Lisbon. If you fly from Brussels, book with TAP Air Portugal, with a stop in Lisbon.
Option 2
However, a better option price-wise could be to book 2 separate trips:
Send me your flight details and I will arrange group transportation at the most common time for all. If the common time does not suit you, take a taxi to PÁTIO Horse & Lodge: Quinta do Moinho, R. da Igreja, 9900-341 Cedros, Portugal. It will take about 20 minutes.
Our opening session is at 17:00 on 27 May 2023.
All levels are welcome, from zero to advanced! Each class is adapted to the needs of participants.
Make sure to bring comfortable clothes for yoga, hiking and swimming. Hiking shoes are highly recommended. I will send you a detailed list when you book your experience.
It is highly recommended to stay over the weekend on the island as there are plenty of places to see and things to do. Contact me for details.