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Frequently Asked Questions
Yoga Evolution Retreats – Central Portugal
Yoga Evolution Retreats offers a simple, nature-based week in the forests of central Portugal. We focus on daily yoga and meditation, nourishing vegetarian food, and time outdoors so you can step away from everyday pressures and reconnect with yourself. Retreats are led by Peter and Sue, who have been teaching and running the centre since 2008.
Visit our booking page or the individual retreat pages on the website to see dates, room options, and prices. You can secure your place by paying a deposit and then completing the balance closer to the retreat date. Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early.
Bring:
Comfortable clothes for yoga and walking
Layers for cooler evenings (especially outside of summer)
A waterproof jacket in Autumn & Spring
Walking shoes or trainers
A refillable water bottle
Any personal medication
Repellent if needed
Sun lotion
Towels and yoga mats are provided. We prefer natural products where possible - we sell a small range of organic shampoo, soap, and lip balm at the centre if you prefer not to bring your own.
A full packing list is available on our “Things to Bring” page.
Comfortable clothes for yoga and walking
Layers for cooler evenings (especially outside of summer)
A waterproof jacket in Autumn & Spring
Walking shoes or trainers
A refillable water bottle
Any personal medication
Repellent if needed
Sun lotion
Towels and yoga mats are provided. We prefer natural products where possible - we sell a small range of organic shampoo, soap, and lip balm at the centre if you prefer not to bring your own.
A full packing list is available on our “Things to Bring” page.
We serve three vegetarian meals a day, prepared with care and focused on whole foods. The food draws on macrobiotic, Ayurvedic, vegan, and raw influences and is designed to be nourishing and easy to digest. Dairy is generally avoided but we make eggs, bread and yogurt with breakfast.
If you have allergies or intolerances, please let us know when you enquire. We can usually accommodate most dietary needs. If you would like extra protein (such as eggs or tuna), just tell us before you arrive and we will arrange it.
There is an open kitchen policy — you are welcome to come in for a chat about the food or to help prepare vegetables if you would like to.
If you have allergies or intolerances, please let us know when you enquire. We can usually accommodate most dietary needs. If you would like extra protein (such as eggs or tuna), just tell us before you arrive and we will arrange it.
There is an open kitchen policy — you are welcome to come in for a chat about the food or to help prepare vegetables if you would like to.
Yes. Between the morning and evening sessions there is free time to walk in the forest, rest, swim (in season), read, or simply do nothing. The schedule is designed to give you space as well as practice.
Yes. Many guests arrive with little or no yoga experience. Peter and Sue are experienced at guiding people of all levels and will offer variations so you feel comfortable and supported.
We teach a mix of Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, Somatic Yoga, and Qigong, along with meditation and sound healing (including gong baths). Some weeks have a clearer focus, such as Ashtanga, men’s retreats, wild swimming, or Yin Yoga Teacher Training. All levels are welcome.
Most weeks include two practice sessions per day (usually a more dynamic morning practice and a gentler evening one), meditation, three vegetarian meals, and free time. You will also have opportunities for forest walks, time by the pool, and optional activities such as massage or workshops. Exact schedules can vary slightly by retreat week.
Our retreats are open to all levels. Whether you are completely new to yoga or have a regular practice, you are welcome. We teach with modifications so everyone can join in at their own pace.
The centre is set in forested land in Amieira, near Oleiros, in the Castelo Branco district of central Portugal. It is a quiet rural location with forest tracks, terraces, a saltwater pool, and space to walk and rest. Transfers from Oleiros are included.
We offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets:
Single room
Twin or double room
En-suite room
Room with veranda (with or without private bathroom)
Eco caravan
All packages are all-inclusive. Current prices start from £600 per person for the eco caravan and vary by room type.
Single room
Twin or double room
En-suite room
Room with veranda (with or without private bathroom)
Eco caravan
All packages are all-inclusive. Current prices start from £600 per person for the eco caravan and vary by room type.
If you need to cancel, we cannot refund the balance less than 28 days before the retreat unless we can fill your place. In many cases we can transfer your booking to another week if spaces are available. Full details are on the booking page and in our terms and conditions.
Yes. We regularly run a 100-hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training (Yoga Alliance Professionals accredited), as well as themed weeks such as men’s retreats, Ashtanga-focused weeks, and seasonal retreats. Check the current calendar for dates.
Absolutely. Many guests travel alone and find it a friendly, supportive environment. You are welcome to join as much or as little of the social side as you like.
There is very fast Wi-Fi at the centre. Mobile reception can be limited depending on your network. We keep the place relatively quiet, so we ask guests to keep phone use considerate.
You are welcome to bring your own alcohol if you wish, but please keep it in your room. We sometimes offer wine or beer on the last evening of a retreat depending what the guests would like (not on teacher training courses).
Yes. Massage is available (currently €50 per hour). We also offer optional workshops such as soap making, herbal walks, and incense making, tarot reading. These are paid separately in cash. most workshops are between 20 and 30 euros.