Ask us anything

A family-run eco retreat in the Lima valley, in northern Portugal: two houses in one garden, Casa Travessia and Casa Pôr do Sol. They host retreats, workshops, company offsites and family stays all year round.

Yes. Canto do Sol is the name we use for both houses booked together, Casa Travessia and Casa Pôr do Sol, as one venue for up to 27 guests. You may have seen it in our presentation or on retreat venue platforms.

No. A smaller group can book Casa Travessia on its own, or Casa Travessia plus some rooms in Casa Pôr do Sol. Tell us about your group and we will find the best fit together.

Up to 14 in Casa Travessia and up to 13 in Casa Pôr do Sol: 27 with both houses. For bigger groups, a renovated old mill two minutes’ walk away adds four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Of course. We are happy to show you around and tell you a little about the place, whenever no group is staying or about to check out.

Yes. With tables and chairs the shala becomes a meeting room for up to 35 people, with a flip chart, a sound system with microphone, a large TV, a projector and a screen. Between sessions there is the garden, the pool and the river.

Check-in from 4 pm and check-out by 10 am. Earlier arrival or later departure on request, whenever possible.

Casa Pôr do Sol can be booked online on our booking page. For Casa Travessia or both houses, send us your dates and we will reply personally.

We agree the terms together. There is no deposit if you book more than five months ahead, and signing the contract confirms the reservation. We set a go/no-go date based on your minimum number of participants. If it is a go, a €500 non-refundable deposit is due within 10 days, and the balance for accommodation and meals 45 to 60 days before the retreat.

Cancellations less than 60 days before the start are charged in full, and you receive a voucher valid for one year. If we have to cancel because of force majeure, you get a full refund.

Bed linen, bath and pool towels, organic toiletries and hairdryers, a light mid-week clean and the final clean, electricity, water and central heating, the shala and its equipment, the pool and jacuzzi, bikes and ping-pong, and a welcome from our house manager.

Bright and quiet, with natural materials, linen and good boxspring beds that can be set up as a double or as two singles. Each room has a terrace or balcony, and the bathrooms are finished with Portuguese tiles.

It is treated with magnesium instead of harsh chlorine, so the water feels silky and is gentle on the skin. Outside the summer season, the pool and the jacuzzi can be heated for €200.

Yes. Many families have stayed with us. In Casa Pôr do Sol, extra beds or children’s beds can be added to the rooms.

No. The houses stay cool in summer through natural air flow, and central heating keeps them warm in winter. Hot water comes from the sun, with heat pumps for the colder months.

A 60 m² shala in Casa Travessia, with large bay windows onto the garden. It holds up to 16 people for movement practice, or up to 35 seated at tables. Mats, blocks, blankets, straps, bolsters and a sound system are provided. Outside, there is the deck, the stone patio, the garden and the river.

Yes. Our local chefs cook seasonal food, mostly local and organic: vegetarian, vegan or with meat, full or half board. We usually serve a light self-service breakfast, a generous brunch, an afternoon treat and dinner, with tea, coffee and water always available. Please tell us about allergies at least two weeks ahead. Our kitchens are also fully equipped if you prefer to cook.

Massages with certified therapists, a retreat assistant, airport transfers, and activities such as hiking, kayaking or paddleboarding on the Lima, cycling, horse riding, wine tasting at a local quinta, pottery or garden-to-table cooking.

Our house manager welcomes your group, shows you around and can help organise excursions and bookings during your stay. Whenever possible, facilitators can arrive a day early at no extra cost to get to know the place.

Porto airport is about 55 minutes away by car. You can rent a car, take a taxi (about €120 for up to four people) or a shuttle for up to nine people (about €120 one way). We are happy to arrange a group pick-up.

The Lima river is a few minutes’ walk away, with about 50 km of riverside trails for walking or cycling. Ponte de Lima is around 10 minutes by car, and the beaches of Viana do Castelo 25 to 30 minutes. Peneda-Gerês and the Serra d’Arga are 30 to 40 minutes away, and Braga, Guimarães and Porto make easy day trips. The Way of St James passes close by.