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Discoveries from the Unburdened System Retreat in Portugal with Mariel Pastor

A 7-day retreat for mental health professionals, 10 – 16 April 2026 in Portugal. Guided by IFS Lead Trainer Mariel Pastor, LMFT, this program integrates Internal Family Systems therapy and Conscious Connected Breathwork in exploring what emerges as our parts unburden and we embrace their gifts.

Sign up (10 – 16 April 2026)
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8 Reasons to join this journey

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A Week in Algarve

Portugal’s quiet beauty speaks for itself — especially in the Algarve, where the land meets the ocean in dramatic cliffs and wide open skies. During this retreat, you’ll spend time immersed in nature, walking along coastal paths, resting by the sea, and taking in the raw simplicity of the landscape. It’s an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect.

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Inner journey

This retreat is a process of insight and inner transformation, with the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model serving as its guiding framework. The program combines daily teaching and guided experiential work with somatic practices such as movement, dance, and sound healing, as well as local excursions to natural hot springs and a nearby town. Space is also included for rest and unscheduled integration.

 

An essential part of this retreat will be a Conscious Connected Breathwork group session, guided by a certified facilitator to support emotional healing by accessing inner body intelligence.

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The venue

Monte Velho is a peaceful retreat space surrounded by nature, with views stretching toward the Atlantic Ocean. During our time together, the entire centre will be reserved just for our group. You can stay in a private room, shared double, or dorm. We’ll gather for sessions in Casa das Pinhas — a spacious, light-filled workshop space with a warm corkwood floor. There’s also a small spa area with a sauna, steam bath, and space for massage.

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Small group

The retreat is intentionally limited in size to allow for meaningful relationships and individualized attention. We will help you connect with other retreat participants before and after the retreat through Holding Space Practice – small groups of three. You will be invited to meet once a week for a practice of holding space for each other, sharing about your journey, speaking for your parts and connecting.

 

The retreat is open to practitioners and professionals in therapeutic, somatic, and healing fields.

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Mariel Pastor

Mariel Pastor, LMFT, is a Senior Lead Trainer with the IFS Institute and a therapist based in Portland, Oregon. She is known for her clarity, warmth, and humor, and has trained clinicians internationally. Mariel is co-founder of the IFS Consultation Collective and the creator of the Unburdened Internal System mandala.

 

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Meals

Participants are served three daily meals — plant-based, nourishing, and created with fresh local ingredients. Many herbs and vegetables come from the retreat center’s own garden. The meals are designed to be gut-friendly and supportive of overall well-being.

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Pre-and Post-Retreat Support

Pre-retreat support: Once you register, you’ll receive access to a 12-day program, Introduction to IFS, designed by Michał Pasterski (valued at $147). About a month before the retreat, you’ll be invited to join an Online Preparation Circle, connect in triads for a Holding Space Practice with fellow participants, and receive our PDF Preparation Guide.

 

Post-retreat support: Following the retreat, you’ll be invited to two group Zoom integration circles – held one month and two months after the retreat – to help you deepen and integrate your experience.

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Space for Rest and Renewal

This retreat balances structured inner work with time for rest and self-care. You’ll have access to massage (optional), nature walks, beach time, or quiet time on the grounds. The schedule allows for both inward focus and deep relaxation.

It was one of the best experiences of my entire life. I didn’t even need to listen to music on the flight home, I just wanted to luxuriate in the experience of being myself. Honestly I have never felt that once in my entire life.

Dan, Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal, April 2025

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Self-led parts and a meaningful life

All parts are welcome is the reassuring IFS refrain. Yet, we keep asking them to step back to allow for more Self energy.  And in a world seemingly determined to destabilize and divide us – externally and internally – many helping professionals feel challenged unblending parts and accessing Self, for themselves and for their clients.  

 

Even the most ardent IFS hope merchant needs time to refuel and reset. 

 

In this nourishing retreat, unburdened (or less burdened) parts are invited to step in to contribute in ways that are both natural and necessary – to reinvigorate meaning and pleasure in your life, in the face of burnout or despair. This experience is for you to integrate the health and Self of your parts into a meaningful life.

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Celebrating the Unburdened System

In a beautiful setting that invokes Big Self energy, this retreat fosters the emergence of Self energy within every part, with the Unburdened System mandala holding a vision for mindful multiplicity in day-to-day life.

 

Through a variety of practices that flesh out parts as dimensional subpersonalities far beyond the initial trailhead – you’ll deepen trust within your system by bringing forth parts’ inspired guidance about what matters most to you in your life. 

 

This retreat will help you refresh yourself in community by savoring the wisdom you hold, and gain fuel for the journey that lies ahead. It will allow you to keep your love of IFS alive by embracing the health of your parts with renewed inspiration for wholeness and harmony within. 

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During this Retreat in Portugal

After organizing and facilitating over 30 retreats, we’ve developed a format that balances depth, structure, and space for integration. During this retreat, you will:

 

  • You will be guided by Mariel Pastor, LMFT, Senior Lead Trainer with the IFS Institute,
  • Join a group of professionals and practitioners from around the world with a shared interest in IFS and inner work.
  • Engage in multiple ways of exploring your internal system — including IFS-based teaching, small group exercises, movement, and sound-based practices.
  • Participate in a Conscious Connected Breathwork group session led by a certified facilitator to connect with inner body wisdom and support emotional integration.
  • Learn practical therapeutic tools and deepen your connection to Self-energy, supporting both personal and professional growth.
  • Enjoy a variety of 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 dolphin watching or visiting Lagos.
  • Spend time in a natural setting that supports rest, reflection, and informal connection with peers.
  • Step away from daily routines, with time for relaxation, movement, shared meals, and spaciousness.
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All of this, and much more will be a part of our 7-day Discoveries from the Unburdened System Retreat in Portugal. We will co-create a safe space for exploring our parts with a support of an experienced guide.

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Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is designed for professionals familiar with Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) who wish to deepen their personal and professional practice.

 

Completion of at least an introductory IFS workshop or course is a prerequisite. If you haven’t done 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,
  • Mental health professionals, therapists, coaches, bodyworkers, educators, and others integrating IFS into their work.
  • 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.

A 4-month Journey

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1 Online Preparation Circle
& Holding Space Practice

1 month before the retreat

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“Healing from Trauma” Retreat in Italy

28 September – 4 October 2025

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2 Online Integration Circles
& Holding Space Practice

Within 2 months after the retreat

Each participant will take part in one Online Preparation Circle in the month before the retreat, followed by two Online Integration Circles in the two months afterward. These circles will be guided by an IFS-trained facilitator from our team, who will also be present during the retreat. Altogether, the retreat journey spans four months, offering a supportive arc of preparation, immersion, and integration.

 

The Preparation Circle will help create a safe and grounded group container, foster early connection, and clarify personal intentions ahead of the retreat. The Integration Circles offer a chance to reconnect with the group, reflect on your experience, and begin anchoring insights into daily life, supporting ongoing integration and emotional continuity.

 

One month before the retreat, you’ll get our Preparation Guide in PDF format and we will invite you to set up weekly, self-organized Holding Space Practice with fellow participants – small groups of three to hold space for each other, share your journey, speak for your parts, and connect.

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“The Integration Calls were great — not only for reconnecting with friends from around the world, but also for reminding myself of the lessons learned and the self-commitments made during that deep and meaningful retreat. The calls really help bridge the emotional gap between being at the retreat and transitioning back to everyday life.” – Mark, Somatic Parts Work Retreat, April 2025

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Meet the teacher

Mariel Pastor

Mariel Pastor, LMFT, is an international IFS Senior Lead Trainer and consultant known for her clarity, warmth and humor. Trained in IFS since 1998, she is the principal author of the IFS Institute’s Level 1 Participant Training Manual, and leads L1, L2, and L3 trainings and retreats.

 

Mariel is Co-founder of the IFS Consultation Collective, a multi-state group practice of IFS-trained clinicians and IFS consultation services. A systemic marriage and family therapist based in Portland, Oregon, she has a special interest in Integral Psychology and incorporates somatic psychotherapies, EMDR, and spirituality within the framework of IFS.

 

Her original work, the Unburdened Internal System mandala, brings the fullness of the IFS model into tangible form, offering hope for clinicians and clients alike.

 

Mariel brings her passion for IFS into her work with actors, writers, and directors through Character Mapping–a groundbreaking, customized coaching and online program supporting storytellers to maximize their relationships with their characters, their craft, and their Selves.

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Trips & Experiences

As part of the retreat package, we have put together some incredible experiences for you to enjoy. We’ll be staying in the Algarve — a region known for its striking coastline, golden cliffs, and clear blue waters. It’s a place with deep roots and a quiet, timeless presence.


Here are some of the scheduled experiences:

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Cliffs walk

One afternoon, we’ll take a guided walk along the wild cliffs of the Portuguese coast — a quiet stretch where land meets sea.

 

With wide views of the Atlantic and the steady rhythm of waves below, it’s a chance to move at your own pace and take in the raw beauty around you. We’ll end the day with dinner at a simple local restaurant overlooking the ocean.

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Beach time

We’ll spend time at Praia de Bordeira — a wide, quiet beach known for its golden sand and rolling waves. You can rest, take a swim, or simply sit and listen to the ocean. There’s no rush — just space to be with the sea and the sky.

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Sound Healing

Sound Healing is a sound-based meditation where the vibrations of the gongs and bowls create an immersive and calming atmosphere. The session offers space to settle, release tension, and listen inwardly.

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Live Drum Concert with dancing

During the live drum concert with Ana Costa and her band Yemadas, we’ll gather for an evening of rhythm and movement. Let the music carry you — whether you feel like dancing, swaying, or simply listening. It’s a joyful moment to share energy, presence, and connection with others.

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Walking in Nature

We’ll take a gentle guided walk through the trails of the nearby Natural Park, surrounded by local plants and quiet landscapes. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with the land in a simple, meaningful way.

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

Practices & Learning Themes

Through a carefully designed flow of experiential practices, you’ll engage deeply with your parts system and Self energy. This program was carefully crafted as a joint effort of our teacher Mariel Pastor and Michał Pasterski, the founder of Life Architect and program director for all retreats we offer. 

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What you will learn

  • Experience parts and Self on a continuum, from burdened to fully liberated.
  • Honor your parts’ histories beyond their initial “trailheads”, appreciating teams of parts over time at developmental stages.
  • Build new relationships with common kinds of therapist Self-like parts, without shaming or indulging them.
  • Use the Unburdened System Mandala to honor parts and envision their gifts and Self energy in daily life.
  • Use art, journaling and movement to harmonize the inner system around a problem, goal, or personal life meaning.
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Experiential Learning Approach

This retreat will immerse you in dynamic learning experiences, including:

 

  • Guided meditations that honor the history and unburdened nature of your parts.
  • Movement and embodiment experiences to honor the full range of parts’ expressions.
  • Externalizing parts through mapping and collage, highlighting purpose, pleasure, and meaning.
  • Dedicated time for processing with peers and on your own.
  • Demonstrations of ways to naturally relate to parts as dynamic subpersonalities.
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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

In addition to the core retreat sessions, we’ll engage in a range of practices that support embodiment, integration, and reflection. Below is a list of activities included throughout the 7-day program:

 

  • Workshops and sharing circles
  • Guided experiential exercises and small groups
  • Conscious Connected Breathwork session
  • Morning movement
  • Dancing
  • Drawing and journaling
  • Sound healing with Tibetan gongs and bowls
  • Meditation
  • Time in nature
  • Silence practice
  • Mindful eating
  • Connections, relaxation, rest, play, fun
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Example day schedule

Each day of the retreat includes a balance of workshops, somatic practices, rest, and optional excursions. The schedule is designed to be spacious and responsive, and may be adjusted to meet the needs of the group. Below is a sample outline.

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

The Venue

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Monte Velho Retreat Center

Monte Velho is a retreat centre set on a quiet hilltop in the Algarve, with wide views reaching toward the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by vineyards and open skies, it offers a peaceful base for rest and reflection. The Algarve region is known for its golden cliffs, whitewashed villages, fresh seafood, and a warm, easy rhythm of life by the sea.

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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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See what participants say about our retreats

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Read reviews about our retreats

This retreat met my expectations and personal needs very well.

 

I am a Level 3 IFS practitioner and have taught integration of IFS with yoga. My learning parts were happy to skate along and get the depth, personal reflection, and rest that I needed.

Peaceful, sweet, inviting. The meditations, time for reflection, free time, and group processes felt well balanced. I loved my single room and porch. I’m a vegetarian, and I felt supported and nourished.

Most of all, I want to thank each of you for creating a beautiful, emotionally well-managed deep experience with dashes of fun, laughter, and joy. This retreat offered real nourishment and deepened my capacity to be with others.

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Mark Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal, April 2025

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

I thought it was a fantastic week.

 

The morning practices were fantastic and the workshops were varied – we were given options that allowed everyone to participate in their own way. The countryside was beautiful and peaceful. Everything was explained clearly, and the program offered many valuable topics.

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Anna Smith Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal, April 2025

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

This retreat was exactly what I needed.

 

It gave me a much-needed break from the stress of daily life and the chance to truly focus on myself. Everything — from the retreat center and instructors to the learning and practices — felt intentional and powerful.

I especially appreciated the opportunity to learn about Somatic IFS and experience it firsthand. Being able to explore it in both theory and practice was incredibly beneficial and gave me tools I’ll carry with me moving forward in my private practice and in my life.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to do something for yourself, this is it. Trust yourself and go for it.

N

Normand Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal, April 2025

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Available rooms

The retreat price depends on the chosen room option. Upon booking, please let us know which room option you choose. Here are available room options with it’s prices:

A Single Room with private bathroom (4 spots, available)

$4470

A Double Suite: two separate rooms with single beds, with 1 shared bathroom (12 spots, available)

$3670

A Triple Suite: 3 single beds with 1 bathroom (3 spots, available)

$3470

A Triple Suite: 3 single beds with 1 bathroom (3 spots, available)

$3670

A Tree House: small house with 2 single beds (1 spot, available)

$4,670

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 the Faro Airport (FAO) to Monte Velho Retreat Center (on the day of check-in)
  • Transfer from Monte Velho Retreat Center to the Faro airport (FAO) on the day of check-out
  • Activities described in the “Trips and experiences” section (transportation, guides, entry tickets)
  • Pre-retreat support: Once you sign up, you’ll receive instant access to ———————————–, as well as a 12-day program, “Introduction to IFS”, designed by Michał Pasterski.
  • Post-retreat support: Following the retreat, you’ll be invited to two group Zoom integration circles—held one month and two months after the retreat—to help you deepen and integrate your experience.
  • 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.

Please note: The deposit is non-refundable.

 

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 2026.

 

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, a non-refundable deposit of 1000 USD is required to secure your spot on the retreat. In the case of resignation, the deposit will not be refunded. Also, the following refund terms apply to the remaining balance after the deposit:

 

    • 50% of the retreat price will be refunded for cancellations made between 45 and 69 days before the event start date.
    • 10% of the retreat price will be refunded for cancellations made 44 days or less before 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 their prices:

 

  • A Single Room with private bathroom (4 spots) – $4,470
  • A Double Suite: two separate rooms with single beds, with 1 shared bathroom (12 spots) – $3,670
  • A Triple Suite: 3 single beds with 1 bathroom (3 spots) – $3,470
  • A Tree House: small house with 2 single beds (1 spot) – $4,670
  • The Forest House: two separate rooms (each with 2 single beds), with 1 shared bathroom and a living room (4 spots) – $3,670

 

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.

During our retreats, we prioritize the well-being of all participants while maintaining a relaxed and supportive environment. We trust in everyone’s personal responsibility to contribute to a safe and mindful space. Below, we outline our approach to health and wellness during our retreats.

 

Before the Retreat

  • If you are feeling unwell before the retreat (e.g., fever, persistent cough, body aches, or any other symptoms of a contagious illness), we kindly ask you to stay at home for the well-being of the group.
  • If you cannot attend because of illness, we will do our best to accommodate a transfer of your payment to another retreat only if we can find a replacement to fill your spot. Otherwise, the fee is non-transferable. However, you may use all of your payment towards Life Architect’s live and on-demand online workshops. Our library has more than 30 on-demand workshops (hundreds of hours) for mental health professionals.
  • We do not require proof of vaccination or negative test results. However, if you have been recently exposed to someone with a contagious illness or are experiencing mild symptoms, we encourage you to act responsibly before travelling.

 

During the Retreat

  • If you begin to feel unwell during the retreat, we encourage you to listen to your body—rest, hydrate, and inform our team if you need support.
  • If you develop symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, or other concerning signs, we expect you to inform the team immediately and wear a mask in communal spaces and group activities to minimize the spread of illness.
  • We will have masks available for those who need them.

 

Respect for Each Other

  • Our retreat is built on mindfulness and collective well-being. Please be considerate of others, especially those who may be more cautious about health concerns.
  • We encourage open communication—if you have any concerns about your well-being or that of others, please feel free to speak with our team.

 

This policy is based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive retreat experience. Thank you for helping us create a mindful and healthy space for everyone!

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.

 

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.

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3-day Portugal Experience

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 “Discoveries from the Unburdened System” 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 17th, 18th & 19th of April.

 

Scroll down for the program highlights and the package price (“Discoveries from the Unburdened System” 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: 17.04, 18.04 and 19.04.2026,
  • 3 nights in Lagos (17.04 – 19.04.2026),
  • 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 Discoveries from the Unburdened System Retreat in Portugal (3670 USD) and the 3-day Portugal Experience (1470 USD).

 

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Contact us

Daria Szychta

Travel manager

 

d.szychta@lifearchitect.com

 

or call us +48 500 700 857

 

8:00 am – 4:00 pm (BST, UTC+1)

3:00 am – 11:00 am (EDT, UTC-4)