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Inner Peace and Power in Portugal

November 9 - 15, 2025

São Teotónio, Portugal

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6 nights, 7 days

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31 person retreat

Highlights

  • Guided meditation, breathwork, and journaling for inner peace and clarity.

  • Monte da Orada: A serene retreat center with lush nature and peaceful spaces.

  • Personalized guidance from David Gandelman and Scott Stabile.

  • Locally inspired meals and opportunities to explore Portugal’s rich culture.

  • A supportive community fostering deep connections and joyful experiences.

Details

Join us for Inner Peace and Power in Portugal, a retreat of meditation, breathwork, and spiritual growth at Monte da Orada, a serene 12th-century sanctuary surrounded by untouched nature. Guided by David Gandelman and Scott Stabile, this retreat offers meditation, transformational breathwork, and reflective journaling to help you release old patterns, embrace your authentic self, and reconnect with inner peace and strength. There will also be free time to relax, enjoy the stunning surroundings, and connect with a like-hearted community. Monte da Orada provides the perfect setting, with lush landscapes, tranquil spaces, and nourishing plant-based meals. With the group limited to 35 participants, this retreat is an intimate opportunity to foster healing, clarity, and joy. We can’t wait to share this journey with you!

Location

São Teotónio, Portugal

São Teotónio, nestled in Portugal's tranquil Alentejo region, epitomizes the charm of pastoral life with its undulating landscapes, fields dotted with cork oaks, and traditional architecture. This quiet parish, part of the Odemira municipality, is a stone's throw from the rugged beauty of the Alentejo coastline, offering seclusion and unspoiled beaches like those near Zambujeira do Mar. Within the bounds of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, São Teotónio is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking the authenticity of rural culture, where local customs are preserved and the pace of life remains delightfully unhurried.

Venue

Monte da Orada Retreat Center

4.9 50 Reviews

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Monte da Orada, an ancient sanctuary, is a haven for individuals seeking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty and tranquil serenity of nature. It invites guests to embark on personal journeys of growth and self-discovery while embracing the transformative power of their surroundings. At its core, Monte da Orada is driven by the belief that reconnecting with nature, prioritizing health, and embracing sustainability is essential in liberating ourselves from the toxicity of modern life. With a visionary perspective, we go beyond the traditional roles of a guesthouse, hotel, or restaurant, and instead, create a space that fosters conscious nutrition, permaculture principles, yoga, and meditation. Situated within the heart of the Odemira woods in Alentejo, South West Portugal, near the border of the Algarve. It is within this harmonious setting surrounded by untouched natural beauty that guests can embark on their personal journeys, discovering inner growth and self-discovery in a truly enchanting environment.

Fitness Center

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Yoga Studio

Spa

Spa

Towels

Towels

Restaurant

Restaurant

Kitchen

Kitchen

Bathroom

Bathroom

Accommodation

Private Suite Single

Private room for 1

$4,500 USD total

Private Suite (Sharing)

2-person shared room

$3,200 USD / person

Suite at the Main House (Single Occupancy - Male Participant Only)

1 Room Left

Private room for 1

$3,900 USD total

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Set in a secluded, verdant valley on Portugal’s southwest coast, Monte da Orada offers a tranquil, eco-conscious retreat center surrounded by the Algarve’s natural beauty. Accommodations cater to every preference, from private ensuite rooms in a restored farmhouse to cozy nature bungalows, shared dormitories, and unique spaces like a tipi and treehouse. The retreat includes access to a bio-pool, sauna, indoor and outdoor practice areas, and meals featuring fresh produce from the center’s permaculture project, enhancing a warm, immersive experience amidst lush forests and wildlife.

Meals

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Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegetarian · Organic · Gluten-free · Vegan · Dairy-free

Meals at Monte da Orada are a vibrant celebration of health and sustainability, crafted to nourish both body and mind. The retreat features plant-based gourmet cuisine designed to energize you for the day’s practices while respecting the environment. Orada’s skilled chefs prepare colorful buffets using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with some greens grown right on-site. Every meal is thoughtfully balanced, deliciously prepared, and beautifully presented, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Breakfast is a standout experience, featuring an abundant spread of wholesome options that set the tone for a day of mindful connection. Each meal is an opportunity to savor the flavors of Portugal while staying aligned with the retreat’s focus on well-being and mindfulness.

Schedule

Each day at the retreat follows a peaceful flow, designed to support relaxation and self-discovery. Mornings begin with light snacks, yoga, and meditation to create a calm and grounded start. After a nourishing breakfast, engaging classes with David Gandelman and Scott Stabile offer opportunities to deepen your mindfulness practices and connect with your inner self. Afternoons provide a balance of free time, optional massages, and enriching workshops like journaling or breathwork. Meals, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offer moments of connection and nourishment. Evenings close with group meditations, reflective circles, or heartfelt teachings, helping you integrate the day’s experiences. This thoughtful schedule balances structure with space for personal reflection, creating an ideal environment for growth and connection.

Testimonials

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Two exceptional teachers, fifteen wonderful individuals and a stunning location created an unforgettable experience. Scott and David are so knowledgeable and extremely generous with their time and attention. They created such a warm and welcoming environment that we instantly felt at home, at ease and part of something special. When Scott and David collaborate they create some kind of magic and there is no doubt that I will be attending another one of their retreats to be a part of that magic again. My heartfelt thanks for a truly memorable journey.

Natalia Ripsher, United Kingdom

I loved the retreat. Everything about it. The agenda, the pace, the number of participants, the participants themselves, the location, lodgings and the David/Scott combination. David and Scott complement one another perfectly and their combined expertise made the program substantial AND fun!

Andrea Mack, USA

My recent retreat to Nepal surpassed all of my expectations. Now that I am back stateside, it is surreal to think about the experiences I shared with people who were strangers merely 2 weeks ago that I will now consider to be lifelong friends. David and Jordana attracted a crowd with amazing energy and created a safe space allowing folks to be vulnerable while weaving in humor and joy. It's a tough balance to strike but once achieves, it unlocked limitless potential which was felt by everybody. From the morning meditations and yoga sessions to the trek through the Himalayas to site seeing and meetings the children at the orphanage, everything was well thought out and executed to perfection. I could not recommend this enough and am already planning my next retreat!

Scott Brennan, USA

Expectations well exceeded! I was of course curious about travelling to Nepal but my expectations were well exceeded as it was a perfect combination of the minute by minute surprise of a brand new country, yet well supported by the brilliant organisation and planning of the organisers. The combination of new people, yoga, meditation, and incredible scenery and the people and animals and plants of Nepal...it is hard to describe just how good it is. But imagine a day of climbing - yes hard but not exhausting - through mountain forests, looking at huge mountains above you, with the great people of your trip and meeting wonderful the new people of Nepal, patting a rooster, and eating well all day and laughing at night, followed by meditation and sleep and then doing it again the next day after some yoga. Absolutely life changing and completely loved it.

James Roden, Australia

This retreat was magical. I’m deeply grateful for every moment. I felt safe and supported as our group explored Nepal together. Connecting with the land, the wonderful people in our group and in Nepal, the animals, and the many sacred spaces throughout the journey was life changing. Trekking, doing yoga, and meditating in the Himalayas was an amazing adventure. Visiting the orphanage, connecting with the children, and being of service was such a beautiful experience. It’s hard to properly express how much this trip has meant to me. I would highly recommend this retreat to all. Thank you so much.

Melissa Sabino, USA

I did not know what to expect as I have never done a retreat before, I can now say that it is an awe inspiring experience. There is a lot that happens - trekking, yoga, mediation, talks, joy, laughter, visiting an orphanage, spending time in a monastery and a good dose of self reflection. The deep friendships we formed through these shared experiences has reminded me how much good there is in the world. Travelling expands your heart and soul... travelling with teachers like David and Jordana takes that expansion to the next level.

Leila Jeffreys, Australia

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Hosts

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David Gandelman

Boulder, CO, USA

David Gandelman is an author and spiritual teacher, whose mission is to awaken souls on their path of growing into being human, and living an enlightened, purpose-driven life. He is the host of the po...

Certified Yoga Instructor

Accreditation has been verified

1 language

English

Teaching for 9 years

Joined Insight Timer in Sep 2016

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Scott Stabile

Detroit, MI, USA

A passionate love advocate, breathwork facilitator, and the author of Big Love: The Undeniable Joy of Following Your Heart, Enough as You Are, and Just Love, Scott Stabile is a hilarious and soulful s...

1 language

English

Teaching for 5 years

Joined Insight Timer in Apr 2020

What's Included

All practices and details mentioned in the program

Accommodation and 3 meals a day

Yoga mats and all necessary equipment for the various practices throughout the stay

Access to the entire property, including sauna and natural swimming pool

Transportation to and from the airport for arrivals and departures on the retreat start and end dates. If you plan to arrive earlier or stay later, you will need to arrange your own transport or meet your driver at the airport on the designated retreat dates.

Not Included

Individual healing treatments, such as massages or therapy sessions

Airfare

Personal insurance

FAQs

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 240 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 240 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 240 days before the retreat begins.