Sunset on Villas d’Agua Beach
Photo by Gwen McCauley
Each Spring and Fall I spend time in the Algarve, Portugal with a small group of folks, primarily women, who seek more in their lives.
The retreats I offer in this beautiful locale are unique in the world of retreats. They not only offer time and space for contemplation, renewal and spiritual discovery, but they encourage play, exploration and Self connection. Each retreat offering provides a specific context or framework that shapes our conversations over 2 weeks, yet your discovery is not limited to the framework you select due to the organic process we use. And you are in no way restricted to inner-focused exploration and discovery. Shopping, dining, beachcombing, hiking, sightseeing, cycling and numerous other activities are encouraged.
The retreat process is similar for all retreat experiences. Each retreat is an opportunity for a small group to gather together and awaken to their uniquely individual spiritual essence under the guidance of a life-long seeker. Free of the dogma of both Eastern and Western religion and philosophy, each retreat is an invitation for exploration and discovery of Self as well as a break from what is habitual and mindless in our lives. Set in a safe, nurturing, beautiful location, each participant will have ample time and space for personal reflection, group discussions, and an educational process that invites development of individuality, relaxation, insight as well as sightseeing, shopping and other activities.
You are offered the time and space to explore inwards and to create for yourself a mindful approach to creating purpose and meaning in your life that celebrates your unique individuality rather than demanding that you conform to external definitions or measures of piety, goodness, acceptability, leadership or creativity. For some this will involve discovering ‘spirituality’ with an edge; for others it will be relaxing into accepting themselves as they are; and for others it will be discovering and accepting that they are so much more than they’ve been taught to believe. Each participant will have her own goals and objectives for the experience; each will have ample opportunity to achieve the outcomes she has established.
Shells & pottery decorate fireplace
Photo by Gwen McCauley
Entering the Hotel
Photo by Gwen McCauley
Indulge in a relaxing open air massage!
Photo by Gwen McCauley
The hotel pool is seldom busy
Photo by Gwen McCauley
Photo by Gwen McCauley
Tell me about the venue you use in The Algarve:
We stay at the Hotel Villas D’Agua, a luxury resort in the charming seaside village of Olhos d’Agua, 30 minutes from the airport. Your accommodation will be a shared 1,000 sq. ft. one-bedroom townhouse with fireplace, air-conditioning, phone, and oceanview terrace! The Villas D’Agua complex has only 53 units, is only 6 years old and is furnished with euro-modern elegance. The entire complex is beautifully maintained, meticulously clean and highly secure. Units are cleaned daily and have an in-unit safe. Each unit has a well appointed kitchen if you prefer to cook your own meals. There is a restaurant and bar on premises or you are only 500 meters away from world-class restaurants and bars. Choices abound! The hotel has its own swimming pool, plus a small beach with two other larger beaches within easy walking distance. Golfing, shopping, grocery stores, banks are within walking distance. There is a spa on premise. You can download e-mail for a small fee either on the free computer provided in the lounge or bring your own laptop. The hotel also provides a small lending library if you have a hankering to read.
Why Portugal and not somewhere in North America for your retreats?
I could spend a very long time responding to this question. However, suffice it to say that in my experience The Algarve, Portugal has so much to offer to those who are seeking. This is an ancient culture, yet a gentle and welcoming one.
Safety is a huge issue for most women traveling alone. I can’t think of a safer place in the world than Portugal. There is virtually no violent crime, the water is safe to drink, you can eat food with little concern for health issues. You can even eat fruit and vegetables raw, right from the market stands.
The Portuguese lifestyle is exotic enough that you know you are in a different place, yet it is similar enough to our experiences that you don’t have to spend your whole retreat figuring out language, driving, food selections, etc. Indeed, the famous Mediterranean diet we are all so keen for is daily practice for the Portuguese. Lots of fish, olive oil, fresh vegetables and wine are daily fare.
I also appreciate the fact that Portugal is a first world nation which means that my enjoyment of all that it has to offer does not keep people locked in penury. For sure, those in the service industry here as well as elsewhere in the first world are paid modestly. But I know that they are paid fairly and can maintain a reasonable life-style. There is virtually no begging. Street urchins, beach vendors and hucksters of any sort are non-existent. I can truly enjoy my time in this wonderful country.
And then there are the prices. While not as inexpensive as it once was, Portugal continues to be an incredible value. Wine is cheap, cheap, cheap …yet good, good, good! Good quality, bargain priced meals are readily available. Service is typically friendly and offered in English. And for those times you want to splurge, 5-star dining experiences abound as well.
The Algarve is a small place. You can drive from the Spanish border to the Atlantic Ocean in a couple of hours. And yet packed within a tiny space you’ll find wild, mountainous ranges and mile after mile of nearly empty beaches await you. Vast, wild headlands invite exploration and nobody seems to mind if you ramble over hill and dale. There are orange and lemon groves galore, vineyards and almond orchards. Small, rustic towns sit right next to large urban centres. Choose from ancient spas and castles or modern waterparks and golf courses. Loads of local markets are sprinkled throughout the region. Shopping is good, especially for pottery, leather goods, shoes and jewelery. You can bird watch, surf, ocean fish, cycle, hike, beachcomb, or simply find a quiet café from which to watch the world go by. How about an afternoon spent on your own private beach, soaking up some rays? There isn’t much you can’t find to do in this small gem of a location. All of this at a temperature that is easy to deal with and almost guaranteed sunshine!
After many visits to Portugal, I am clear that for the combination of solitude and activity that is useful for those involved in Self exploration, I can’t imagine a better place on earth!
What is the cost of these retreat experiences?
For Spring 2010, retreat costs are:
$3,800 CDN, per person double occupancy, plus $335 airport tax. This includes:
Airfare via Air Transat, Toronto-Faro, return. Class A rental car. 4-star hotel accommodation at Hotel Villas D’Agua. Pre & post retreat coaching session. Met at airport and guided to hotel. Welcoming and closing reception. Services of professional travel agent. On-site tour guide advice services. ‘Kitchen basics’ gift basket. Retreat experience facilitation.
If you are unable to travel from Toronto we are more than happy to collaborate with you to create an itinerary that works for your schedule and location.
What retreats are you offering in 2010:
For 2010 you can choose from:
Awakening Spirit …women rediscovering their essence : March 16 – 31st
Something is stirring inside that needs to be explored. Pressure is building to discover how much more is possible for You. You aren’t unhappy with your life but you sense you haven’t really yet hit your stride.
Click here for full details about Awakening Spirit
Leadership Voice …deepening your power as a leader : Not currently scheduled
You have a company that could be so much more but you’re not sure how to get there. Your confidence in your leadership abilities needs honing. It is time to step into a much bigger game. People tell you how great you are at what you do but you question it.
Click here for full details about Leadership Voice
Feeding the Muse …exploring the artist you can become : October 24 – November 8th
You are business owner or executive who knows that creativity is your competitive edge. You have always thought there was an artist inside waiting to get out. You know that as you let the artist in you be expressed your business and your work reap the benefits. You know that relaxing and learning about the world are also key elements to your ability to produce results!
Click here for full details about Feeding the Muse
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