“Nestled at the foot of a wild mountain, just one kilometre from the unspoiled Atlantic beaches, the Convento de Cabanas sits within a timeless seven-hectare estate where remarkable architecture meets an exceptional natural setting. A crystal-clear river winds through meadows and woodlands, nurturing a landscape that feels both serene and alive. Behind its centuries-old walls, the Convento de Cabanas unveils a world imbued with spirituality. Its cloister, a true haven of peace, invites contemplation through its interplay of light and shadow.” – An ideal setting for the practice of Ashtanga Yoga and an exceptionally beautiful place which invites you to slow down and reflect on what is essential to your well-being.
This Ashtanga retreat provides an environment conducive to the holistic practice of Yoga. Typical for the Mysore class, you can choose to take the practice to its most challenging for you, or to a more restorative level as you wish. With the help of asana practice the body is more comfortable and the emotions settled. This will assist with the exploration of Pranayama and stillness, moving deeper into self-enquiry and growth.
There is plenty of time to enjoy the rich and exclusive beauty of the grounds of the Convento, as well as Portugal’s nearby ocean and river beaches. The historic town of Viana do Castelo and the ancient village of Ponte de Lima are close by and well worth a visit.
Monday-Sunday, 20-26 September 2027
Monday
Arrival 3 pm
Welcome and Introduction 4:30 pm
Dinner 5:30 pm
Tuesday
7:00-9:30 am Morning Practice
4:30-5:45 pm Pranayama, Chanting & Stillness
Wednesday
7:00-9:30 am Morning Practice
4:00-5:45 pm Ashtanga is a holistic practice – meaning and integration; Q&A; discussion
Thursday
7:00-9:30 am Morning Practice
4:30-5:45 pm Pranayama, Chanting & Stillness
Friday
7:00-9:30 am Morning Practice
4:00-5:45 pm Ashtanga is a holistic practice – meaning and integration; Q&A; discussion
Saturday
7:00-9:30 am Morning Practice
4:30-5:45 pm Pranayama, Chanting & Stillness
Sunday
7:00-9:00 Morning Practice
Morning Practice
The ‘Morning Practice’ will consist of a selection of breathing, kriya, and chanting, followed by either a Mysore or Led class. The first and last day of the week – Tuesday and Sunday – will be a Led class.
Meal Times
9:45 am Breakfast
6:00 pm Dinner
There will be refreshments available during the day, as well as filtered water, tea, and coffee.
Prerequisite
For the Mysore class you need to have memorized part of the primary series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga i.e. the surya namaskara (sun-salutations) and the standing postures up to Utthita Hasta Padangustasana (balancing posture).
For all other classes there are no prerequisites.
Yoga in itself is a simple, yet complete and holistic practice and a pathway to inner peace and balance. It offers all we need to become grounded, healthy, strong, resilient and emotionally uplifted; an all-over more contented human being. The effects of Yoga need to be ‘felt’, not ‘intellectualized’. This week offers you the opportunity to traverse the many layers of this beautiful practice, and experience where it can take you.
