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Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal

Join us on a 7-day adventure to the beautiful Algarve in South Portugal on 13 – 19 April 2025. Embark on a personal journey of self-discovery with Somatic IFS, Focusing, Somatic Experiencing, Breathwork, and more. Guided by Certified IFS Therapists Fran Booth LICSW and Karby Allington-Goldfain MA, LPC, LMFT.

Book your spot (13 – 19 April 2025)
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7 Reasons to join this journey

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7-day adventure in Portugal

Portugal’s enchanting allure captivates every visitor. A gem on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal blends ancient traditions with modern charm. During this retreat you will experience its rich culture and explore stunning landscapes, from dramatic coastlines to lush vineyards, reconnecting with nature’s beauty.

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Inner journey

This retreat is a process of insight and inner transformation. Our program is a unique combination of daily teaching and guided experiential processes, somatic embodiment practices (movement, dance, breathwork, sound bath), local excursions (cliff walk, beach time, hiking), and unscheduled integration time.

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Unique venue

Monte Velho is a fabulous retreat centre set among wineries, with a view over the Atlantic Ocean. During our time the centre will be dedicated exclusively to our group. Accommodations include single and double rooms and a dorm. Casa das Pinhas is a spacious workshop area with a heated cork wood floor. Additionally, there is a SPA with a sauna, steam bath and a massage room.

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Small group

Our small group retreat experience fosters intimacy and meaningful connections, enabling more personalized and resonant interactions. This setting ensures every voice is heard, promoting a sense of belonging and mutual support, ideal for personal growth and fostering empathy among participants.

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Two teachers

You will be guided by Fran Booth, LICSW, Certified IFS Therapist, IFS-I Lead Trainer, Author and Consultant, and Karby Allington-Goldfain, LPC, LMFT, Certified IFS Therapist, Somatic IFS staff, S-IFS and IFS Institute Consultant.

 

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Healthy food

You will be provided with three delicious, healthy, vegan and vegetarian meals a day and 24-hour access to coffee, tea, lemonade and snacks, including sweets and desserts. The kitchen works with unprocessed foods, fresh and locally sourced, and they use herbs and vegetables from their own garden in Monte Velho, paying attention to the principles of Ayurveda.

 

 

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A balanced program

This retreat is a time for deep insight and inner work, as well as a time for rest, restoration and healing. You will take a deep break from your busy life – this will be time only for YOU. You will have the chance to book a massage, enjoy sauna, rest on a hammock, go for a relaxing walk by the ocean and witness breathtaking views of the cliffs.

 

 

This was my first retreat and, in every way, it exceeded my expectations. From inquiry and registration to group sessions and excursions, I felt incredibly heard, cared for, and nurtured. The location was beautiful and the staffing so attentive.

Treisha Peterson, Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Bali, April 2023

Watch what Fran and Karby have to say about this retreat

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Reconnecting with your Self

Do you seek a life filled with more natural joy, authentic expression and personal and professional fulfillment?

 

Seekers for centuries have chosen to “retreat” to respond to the human need and desire for healing, meaning and connection.

 

One of the most important aspects of a successful healing process is being able to truly connect with our Self, our bodymind and our parts. As we deepen our internal connections and our parts unburden, we heal and re-embody the original, intended state of safe, secure connection; our Self-energy flows.

 

The unburdening and healing of parts are possible when we have the right environment – a sacred space, spacious time, knowledgeable support and guidance.

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1. A healing space

 

Expert guidance, caring support, evidence-based somatic processes and a small, connected community – lead to a transformative healing and learning experience.

 

It’s hard to deeply connect to your inner world in everyday life, with only a few short moments to look inside. And it’s difficult to hear what your parts have to say when there are numerous distractions.

 

What if you could leave the hustle and bustle of your daily life for one week? What if you could spend time in a remote destination, immersed in nature, with the time and attention to listen to your parts, to be with them and let them teach you what you need to know?

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2. Expert guidance and evidence-based tools

 

We know, if you stay in your head, the analytical managers run the show. As Dr. Bessel van Der Kolk reminds us in “The Body Keeps the Score”, it is essential to include somatic practices if you want to facilitate deep healing and transformation in yourself and your clients.

 

During this retreat, you will receive expert guidance from two IFS leaders; you will explore and practice somatic interventions. You will discover and heal blocks to a richer, fuller embodiment of the organic aliveness within, Self-energy. You will leave with increased embodied Self-energy.

 

3. A circle of care and support

 

See yourself as a part of this group… like-minded humans who understand Self and parts, who have journeyed to a new land to create space to hold their personal system and each other’s parts. Like the nesting dolls, we will hold space for our inner system, we will hold space for those in our circle and we will be held in nature. Settle into the Layers of Self-energy.

All of this, and much more will be a part of our 7-day Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal. We will co-create a sacred space for exploring somatic modalities and creating a vibrant circle of seekers.

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During this Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal…

After organizing and facilitating more than 30 retreats, we know how to design an experience that will have a lasting impact on you.

 

During this retreat you will:

 

  • You will be guided by Fran Booth LICSW, Certified IFS Therapist, IFS-I Lead Trainer, Author and Consultant and Karby Allington-Goldfain, LPC, LMFT, Certified IFS Therapist, Somatic IFS staff, S-IFS and IFS Institute Consultant.
  • You will join healers and seekers from all over the world equally as passionate about somatics and IFS
  • You will experience multiple ways of discovering and exploring parts in your body – Somatic IFS, Breathwork, dance/movement, sound bath, forest bathing, deep body connection through guided meditation, and more.
  • You will acquire new insights and skills; you will return to life and work embodying more Self-energy.
  • You will have the time and support to connect and attend internally, to develop strong Self-to-part relationships with places that need Your attention and compassionate Presence.

 

 

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  • You will enjoy a variety of unique excursions and local experiences as a part of the retreat package: walking by the ocean cliffs, enjoying a drumming concert, sound healing and more.
  • Additional optional excursions will be available, such as visiting a nearby winery, dolphin watching or visiting Lagos.
  • You will unplug, relax, laugh and play, charging your body’s internal batteries.
  • Your system will be lovingly held within a larger field of Self-energy.
  • You will be immersed in beauty and nature, interact with like-minded participants and enjoy healthy whole food.
  • You will experience the magic of retreat: simple living, daily spiritual practices, guided meditations and teaching, periods of silence, gentle movement and facilitated Breathwork.
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Who is this retreat for?

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) is a comprehensive integrative paradigm within which somatic practices naturally fit. This somatically focused retreat has as its foundation IFS and acquaintance with IFS is a prerequisite.

 

If you finished at least a 2-day introduction to IFS (or another online workshop or course), you are welcome to sign up. If you didn’t do any IFS workshops yet, we will share a 12-day online course “Introduction to Internal Family Systems” with you, for free (created by Michael Pasterski). Going through this course will provide you with a base of knowledge to join this retreat.

 

This retreat is mainly for:

 

  • IFS-informed practitioners, seekers, therapists,
  • Medical and mental health practitioners who want to grow their skills in Somatic IFS and other somatic techniques,
  • Healing practitioners who want to pause and tend to their own systems,
  • Curious practitioners who want to explore the body’s potential to heal when attended to with Presence, space and time.

 

 

Life changing. Absolutely wonderful all the way around from start to finish! I was so impressed with the overall experience I will definitely consider doing another retreat with Life Architect again!

Holle McRae, IFS & Breathwork Retreat in Bali, November 2024

Trips & Experiences

As part of the retreat package, we have put together some incredible experiences for you to enjoy. During the retreat, we will stay in the Algarve region, renowned for its breathtaking coastline, featuring golden beaches, picturesque cliffs, and clear blue waters. It’s also a hub of rich cultural heritage, offering a blend of historic architecture and traditional cuisine.
 

Here are some of the scheduled experiences:

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Cliffs walk

We will embark on a breathtaking journey along Portugal’s rugged coastline.

 

This guided adventure offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serene ambiance of the seaside. We will experience the tranquil harmony of nature as we traverse these majestic cliffs.

 

 

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Beach time

You’ll indulge in a blissful beach time on the stunning Praia De Bordeira.

 

Relax on golden sands, soak up the sun, and revel in the soothing sounds of the ocean. Whether you choose to take a refreshing swim or simply unwind under the gentle breeze, this coastal retreat is sure to be a cherished highlight of your journey.

 

 

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Sound Healing

We will experience the transformative power of Sound Healing, a meditative concert that uses special instruments to harmonize the body.

 

This immersive session will provide a soothing escape, enveloping you in calming vibrations and frequencies designed to promote deep relaxation and inner peace.

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Live Drum Concert with dancing

During the Drum Live Concert we will move and groove with Ana Costa and her band Yemadas.

 

This vibrant event features rhythmic beats and infectious energy, inviting you to dance your heart out. It’s a celebration of music, movement, and joy, creating a memorable night of fun and festivity.

 

 

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Walking in Nature

We will explore the lush trails of the local Natural Park.

 

This relaxing guided walk delves into the unique features and vegetation of the area, offering a deeper connection with the natural world. It’s an ideal way to rejuvenate and appreciate the beauty of Portugal’s landscapes.

Techniques & Modalities

Our retreats are designed to integrate various approaches and modalities. This program was carefully crafted as a joint effort of our teachers Fran Booth and Karby Allington-Goldfain, together with Michał Pasterski, the founder of Life Architect and program director for all retreats we offer. 

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Embodied IFS therapy

This retreat will offer somatic practices within IFS to heal parts that may be hidden from conscious awareness.

 

Heal the Body, Heal the Soul.

 

As Susan McConnell, the creator of Somatic IFS says in her book Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy – “The unity of body and mind is more than a concept. it is a lived experience that transforms us and the culture as a whole.”

 

Susan’s five somatic practices are foundational to all somatic work and lead to a greater embodiment of Self-Energy.

 

 

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We will integrate teachings and knowledge from the fields of:

 

  • Somatic IFS
  • Somatic Experiencing
  • Focusing
  • Polyvagal theory
  • Breathwork
  • Somatic Legacy Burdens
  • And the field of medicine

 

We will offer experiential exercises and meditations to explore embryonic and somatic developmental patterns and their subsequent internal systemic impact.

 

We will extend Self-energy to multiple biological body systems and tissues. This retreat is designed to support you to discover and Presence (be with) parts in your personal system. Previous IFS work is important.

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Conscious Connected Breathwork

Conscious Connected Breathwork will be an essential part of this retreat. It’s a powerful and safe way to get in touch with our inner body intelligence. It activates and facilitates the healing process by calming the thinking / rational mind (our protector parts) and allowing for our emotions to surface.

 

With guided support, allowing emotions and other experiences of mind and body can be highly transformative. The practice of connected breathing causes shifts in our physiology and will enable us to explore altered states of consciousness.

 

We will practice Conscious Connected Breathwork in a group setting, lying on mats in a circle. Your process will last for around 90-120 minutes and will be fully guided by a certified breathwork facilitator.

 

The essence of this practice may be different to each group member. For some it will be the integration of previous experiences and closure, for others it may be deepening of the work done during the retreat, or experiencing embodied connection to heart and Self.

 

 

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Experiential activities

And there is more. We will move our bodies and bring them the experiences they need the most. Here is a complete list of activities we will give space to during these 7 days:

 

  • Workshops and a sharing circle
  • Guided experiential exercises and small groups
  • Conscious Connected Breathwork session
  • Morning movement
  • Dancing
  • Drawing and journaling
  • Sound healing with Tibetan gongs
  • Meditation
  • Supportive adjunctive healing bodywork
  • Time in nature
  • Silence practice
  • Mindful eating
  • Connections, relaxation, rest, play, fun

 

 

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Example day schedule

Each day of the retreat will be varied and unique to incorporate the workshops, somatic practices, free time, excursions and more. Below is a sample schedule. Please note that the schedule might be fluid at times, and it may change following the group’s needs.

7:00 – 8:00

Movement

8:00 – 9:00

Breakfast

9:15 – 13:00

Workshop

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch

14:00 – 16:00

Free time

16:00 – 19:00

Cliffs Walk

19:00 – 20:00

Dinner

20:00 – 21:30

Sound Healing

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Available rooms

The retreat price depends on the chosen room option. Here are available room options with it’s prices:

 

  • A Tree House (1 spot, sold out) – $3,870
  • A Single Room with private bathroom (4 spots, sold out) – $3,670
  • A Double Suite: two separate, single rooms with a shared bathroom (12 spots, available) – $3,470
  • A Triple Suite: one single room and one double room (with two single beds) with a shared bathroom (3 spots, available): $3,270
  • The Forest house: two separate double rooms (with two single beds each), with a shared bathroom, kitchen and a living room (4 spots, available): $3,270
  • A Shared Dorm: 4 single beds, toilet and showers located 100 meters away from the dorm (4 spots, available) – $2,970

 

Upon booking, please let us know which room option you choose.

Meet the retreat leaders

Fran Booth

Frances D. Booth LICSW is a Certified IFS Therapist, Trainer and Consultant. She’s been a clinician for over 40 years, specializes in complex trauma, anxiety, depression, cancer, and binge eating.

 

Fran enjoys teaching IFS as a comprehensive integrative paradigm that encompasses her earlier explorations in various paths to heal the human heart and psyche: psychodynamic, ego states, mindfulness, attachment and body-based modalities.

 

Fran has held adjunct faculty positions at Tufts University School of Medicine, Smith College, and the University of New Hampshire.

 

Her mindfulness training is with the Insight Meditation Center in Barre, MA. Her Mind/Body training was with the Herbert Benson Mind Body Center, Boston, MA.

 

She was a founding member of The Healing Garden, a complementary care cancer center.

 

She loves to play, wear hats, laugh, sing, dance, dine and wine, read, explore new lands, bike, sail, swim, attend theater and be silly with grandchildren.

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Dr. Frank Anderson

Author, Psychiatrist, Speaker, Trauma Specialist

Fran Booth is an IFS treasure. Her wisdom and depth of clinical experience shine through in her teaching.

 

 

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Jory Agate

MA, LMHC, MDiv. IFS trainer

Fran embodies the IFS model with passion, wisdom, and clinical competence. A gifted teacher, she is clear, engaging, and insightful. She teaches to the head, heart, and soul in each of us. Find the time to learn from one of the best!

 

 

Karby Allington-Goldfain

Karby is a Certified IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapist and an Approved IFS-I Consultant. Her IFS journey began in 2007 in a small group with Dick Schwartz.

 

As she completed Levels 1, 2 and 3 and PA’d, she experienced the life-changing impact of IFS for herself and her clients.

 

Her therapy deepened to working with nonverbal parts. This led her to training with Susan McConnell in Somatic IFS, becoming an S-IFS consultant and serving on staff. Karby’s Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition also enhances her understanding of the body. Integration of the body with parts work is bringing even deeper growth to her clients.

 

All of this, along with ongoing learning about the soul and the body, allows her to more effectively serve her clients as they move forward in their healing journey.

 

Karby is a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and enjoys living and playing in the mountains of Colorado.

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Dr. Steve Chee

MD, MPH, MA, MTOM, LAc, Certified IFS Therapist

I absolutely loved having Karby as a facilitator. She has a beautiful, warm embodied presence that invited me and the entire group to breathe more fully, explore our parts and experience the true wisdom of the body.

 

 

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Risa Adams

MD and a Family Physician who is a Certified IFS Therapist and an IFS Approved Consultant

Karby is a gifted, warm and heart-centred facilitator whose smile lights up my face as I think of her. Her beautiful meditations and somatic practices bring the body and the group to life, providing a true container for transformation and release.

 

 

The Venue

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Monte Velho Retreat Center

Monte Velho Retreat Center is a fabulous retreat centre situated among wineries with a view to the Atlantic Ocean. Monte Velho was built in the heart of Algarve, Portugal’s sun-kissed southern coast. Area framed by golden cliffs and azure seas, it’s a haven for ocean, sun and nature lovers. Renowned for its charming whitewashed villages, delicious seafood, and vibrant festivals, the Algarve embodies the alluring essence of Portuguese seaside life.

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Casa das Pinhas

Casa das Pinhas is the main workshop area in Monte Velho Retreat Center, with an exposed wood interior and heated cork floor. An ideal, spacious setting for deep group work and experiences like Conscious Connected Breathwork.

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The Main House

The Main House consists of a common living room for us to hang out in the evenings, an interior dinning room and an exterior breakfast veranda. There is also a SPA with a sauna, steam bath and a massage room. You can book massages and sauna sessions for additional fee once you are at the venue.

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Garden Temple

A circular beautifully designed yoga pavillion with heated cork wood floor, surrounded by a green garden and a little pond that offers panoramic Ocean views.

See Monte Velho from the inside

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Read reviews about our retreats

The retreat was exceedingly helpful in providing a greater understanding of IFS and aspects of somatic parts work as they applied to me.

 

The workshops increased my understanding of not only my own system but how my mind and body work in conjunction with my system to either occlude my access to Self, or how they serve me in a symbiotic relationship with Self. I walk away with a greater understanding of more effective ways to work with my existing system as well as being introduced to important parts that I had no idea existed. There is more work to do but I leave feeling a greater awareness of Self and an intensely deeper sense of compassion and understanding for all of my parts, both new and old.

 

 

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Robbi D’Allessandro
Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Bali, April 2023

From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by both the facilitators and fellow participants. The combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and breathwork created a powerful environment for self-discovery and healing.

 

I was amazed by how deeply I could connect with my inner self and release emotions that I didn’t even realize I was holding onto.

Overall, the retreat was a profound journey of self-discovery, connection, and healing. I am immensely grateful for the support and inspiration I received from everyone involved.

Thank you for facilitating such a remarkable experience.

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Erika Ostrander
IFS & Breathwork Retreat in Bali, November 2024

It was amazing and well organized. This team was excellent and it was my favorite retreat ever experienced!

 

The group experience felt very authentic and I left feeling very connected to people I knew for little time and that I will stay connected with.

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Arlene Ticoulet
IFS & Breathwork Retreat in Bali, November 2024

Retreat details

  • Accommodation at Monte Velho Retreat Center (6 nights/7 days = 5 full workshop days + check-in day + check-out day)
  • Full board (3 meals a day)
  • Coffee, tea, lemonade, water and snacks throughout the whole retreat, including sweets and desserts
  • Transfer from Faro Airport to Monte Velho Retreat Center (on the day of check-in)
  • Transfer from Monte Velho Retreat Center to the airport on the day of check-out
  • Activities described in the “Trips and experiences” section (transportation, guides, entry tickets)

 

 

  • Airfares
  • Individual/personal insurance

 
Why does the price of the retreat not include airfares? Because it is difficult to predict the cost of all flights, since participants come from all over the world. In addition, the airline ticket prices vary depending on the time of purchase, which will differ for each participant.
 
You don’t need to take any extra money with you, as you will be provided with everything (food, water, tourist attractions entrance tickets). However, you may take under consideration the possibility of buying souvenirs.

 

 

To secure your spot, you can pay the full price or start with a deposit of 1000 USD.
 
There are three payment options:

  • Credit or debit card,
  • Transferring money to our Wise account,
  • A traditional bank transfer.

 
Please note that if you choose to pay the deposit, you must pay the remaining amount within 60 days.
 

The final payment deadline is the 10th of March 2025.
 

It’s possible to pay for the retreat in 3 installments (we do not charge any interest): the first installment being the deposit, in the amount of 1000 USD. It’s payable on signing up for the retreat. The next two installments should be paid monthly within three months; however, the last installment is due 30 days before the retreat. If there are any delays with the payments, we reserve the right to cancel your participation without a refund (although we will send a reminder first).

According to our General Terms and Conditions, in the case of resignation, we will collect a fee in the following amount:

    • The amount of the deposit (1000 USD) upon cancellation submitted 70 days or more prior to the event start date,
    • 50% of the retreat price upon cancellation submitted between 45 and 69 days prior to the event start date,
    • 90% (total cost of the retreat) upon cancellation submitted not later than 44 days prior to the event start date.

 
The amount will be returned the same way the payment was made.
 
If you have to resign, but you will indicate another person to fill in the vacated spot, this person will be able to participate without incurring any additional costs.
 
We don’t take responsibility for the necessity to move the dates of the retreat due to the sickness of the trainers or other unexpected events that we are accountable for. If you won’t be able to attend on chosen dates, then we will refund you 100% of the amount you paid.
 
In the unlikely events of a natural disaster, war or other unexpected events that we are not accountable for, we may not be able to refund your money. To avoid losing money, please buy personal insurance including such events.
 
We are not accountable for cancelling or moving the flight dates. Please buy flight insurance in order not to lose the money for your flight.

The retreat price depends on the chosen room option. Here are available room options with it’s prices:

 

  • A Tree House (1 spot) – $3,870
  • A Single Room with private bathroom (4 spots) – $3,670
  • A Double Suite: two separate, single rooms with a shared bathroom (12 spots) – $3,470
  • A Triple Suite: one single room and one double room (with two single beds) with a shared bathroom (3 spots): $3,270
  • The Forest house: two separate double rooms (with two single beds each), with a shared bathroom, kitchen and a living room (4 spots): $3,270
  • A Shared Dorm: 4 single beds, toilet and showers located 100 meters away from the dorm (4 spots) – $2,970

 

Upon booking, please let us know which room option you choose. Check the current room availability in the section above.

Day 1

The day of participants’ arrival and lodging at Monte Velho (accommodation possible from 2:00 pm). There are no workshop activities scheduled for that day. Dinner is served at 7 pm. In the evening, around 8 pm, we meet for 1,5 hour for an opening circle.
 
Those who come to Portugal earlier must arrange accommodation and board on their own. You can check with us if Monte Velho is available for check-in a day or two before the retreat starts.
 
Those arriving in Faro on the first day of the retreat will be provided with a free transfer from Faro Airport to Monte Velho.
 
Day 2-6

5 days of the retreat.
 
Day 7

Last day of our stay at Monte Velho. Check out and free transfer to Faro Airport. On that day, breakfast is provided and afterwards, the entire group leaves the place of our stay. You can stay in your room until 10 am and in the retreat center until noon.
 
Those who stay in Portugal longer arrange for accommodation, board and airport transfers on their own.

 

Each day of the retreat will be varied and unique to incorporate the workshops, somatic practices, free time, excursions and more. Here is a sample schedule:

  • 7:00 – 8:00 / Movement
  • 8:00 – 9:00 / Breakfast
  • 9:15 – 13:00 / Workshop
  • 13:00 – 14:00 / Lunch
  • 14:00 – 16:00 / Free time
  • 16:00 – 19:00 / Cliffs Walk
  • 19:00 – 20:00 / Dinner
  • 20:00 – 21:30 / Sound Healing

 
Please note that the schedule might be fluid at times, and it may change following the group’s needs.

After signing up for the “Somatic Parts Work” Retreat in Portugal you will be provided with a guide in PDF format, full of practical information on how to pack wisely for the retreat, what to do prior to the travel to avoid the so-called “jet lag” (time-zone change fatigue) and where to buy a ticket at a good price, and last but not least, what is worth seeing in Portugal if you plan to arrive earlier or stay longer after the retreat is completed.

 

The retreat will be run entirely in English. Speaking in any other language is not required at any stage of the retreat.

 

There are no travel restrictions related to the Coronavirus when entering Portugal.

Before enrolling, please read our Covid policy carefully. Enrolling in the training means that you accept all of the rules described in our Covid policy.

If the training can’t take place because of the pandemic (COVID or otherwise), it will be moved to 2025.

If the new dates don’t work for you, you will be refunded the total amount, no questions asked.

 

 

For the retreat to proceed, we must have a minimum of half the participants signed up and paid (at least 12 participants). If this minimum requirement is unmet, we will notify all participants no later than 30 days before the retreat.

3-day Portugal Experience

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Why not stay a few days more and see the best of Algarve region?

 

Sign up for an additional 3-day package of Portuguese experiences with some of the most beautiful spots in the Algarve. Our program is not a “cross out from the checklist as many sights as you can” type of thing – we will give you a slow travel experience, thanks to which you will be able to sink into the coastal atmosphere of this region.

 

This adventure starts on the same day that the “Somatic Parts Work” Retreat in Portugal ends and is dedicated only to the retreat’s participants. We will take care of everything – accommodation, food, transportation and entrance tickets for all three days: the 19th, 20th & 21st of April.

 

Scroll down for the program highlights and the package price (“Somatic Parts Work” Retreat in Portugal + 3-day Portugal Experience including accommodation and meals).

 

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Exploring Lagos

During the 3-day Portugal Experience we will stay in Lagos, which is 40-minutes away from Monte Velho Retreat Center. Lagos is renowned for its stunning coastline featuring golden beaches and dramatic cliffs, along with a charming historic center that offers a mix of vibrant cultural experiences.

 

You will have the opportunity to discover a variety of attractions at your own pace: the Old Town’s charming streets, bustling local markets, the historical significance of the city walls and Lagos Castle, and relaxing walks along the scenic waterfront, each offering a unique slice of the city’s rich heritage and coastal allure.

 

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Benagil Caves

A must-do experience in Portugal, offering a chance to explore the stunning natural sea caves known for their unique formations and the iconic, sunlit dome of the Benagil Cave. Done on a boat, this adventure reveals the breathtaking beauty of the Algarve’s coastline.

 

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Live Fado Concert

An enchanting journey into Portugal’s soulful music heritage, where the melancholic melodies and poignant lyrics of Fado will be performed in intimate, atmospheric venue, offering a deeply emotional and authentic Portuguese cultural experience.

 

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Dolphin Watching

Aboard an eco-friendly boat, we’ll observe dolphins in their natural habitat, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. This excursion will be guided by local experts. It combines marine education with the thrill of seeing these magnificent creatures up close.

 

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Ponta de Piedade

Visiting Ponta de Piedade offers an unforgettable experience with its spectacular cliffs, unique rock formations, and crystal-clear waters. This natural wonder is famous for its breathtaking views and is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

 

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What’s included:

What’s included in the 3-day Portugal Experience package?

 

  • 3-day excursion program: 19.04, 20.04 and 21.04.2025,
  • 3 nights in Lagos (19.04 – 22.04.2025),
  • Full board (3 meals a day),
  • All-day transportation and a transfer back to the airport after check-out,
  • Care and support of the organizers and tour guides.

 

The price presented below is the price of the “Somatic Parts Work” Retreat in Portugal (3470 USD) and the 3-day Portugal Experience (1470 USD).

 

Frequently asked questions

Just let us know about it prior to the retreat. The cook can prepare vegan and gluten-free meals for you. We are also open to other types of diets.

It’s possible to pay for the retreat in 3 installments (we do not charge any interest): the first installment is at the same time the deposit, in the amount of 1000 USD. It’s payable on signing up for the retreat. The next two installments should be paid monthly within the next three months, however, the last installment is due 30 days prior to the retreat.

 

Monte Velho Retreat Center offers single rooms, double shared rooms, triple rooms and one dorm with six beds. Click here for more information about the room availability and the price of different room options.

 

If you withdraw 70 days or more before the retreat, we charge the deposit amount (1000 USD). If you withdraw between 45 and 69 days before the retreat, we charge 50% of the whole retreat price. If you withdraw less than 44 days before the retreat, we charge 90% of the retreat price.

 

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Contact us

Daria Szychta

Travel manager

 

d.szychta@lifearchitect.com
+48 500 700 857

 

8:00 am – 4:00 pm (BST, UTC+1)

3:00 am – 11:00 am (EDT, UTC-4)