Travessia do Sol
Retreat guests stretching their arms to the sky in a meadow of wildflowers

Retreats & services

A home for
your retreat

You bring the practice. We take care of the rest: the house, the food, the logistics and the valley.

Plan your retreatChat on WhatsAppRetreats in 2027

Join us in 2027

A week here, in 2027

Two retreats are open for registration. Six nights each, in two houses on a hill above the Lima river, with vegetarian meals and a small group of 6 to 12 people.

A group moving together in the garden, in front of the red house

20–26

June 2027

20–26 June 2027

Return to Flow

A six-day immersion into the wisdom of the body, the ecology of healing and the joy of being yourself.

  • Qi-gong
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Meditation
  • Held in English
  • 6 nights
  • 6–12 guests
  • Ponte de Lima

From

€2,350

per person, shared double room

Private room: €2,850

Early bird: €200 off until 31 January 2027

Ask for the registration formAsk on WhatsApp

Who would you be if you were free to be yourself?

Release old patterns that no longer serve you, open to the truth of who you are, and free your body and your creative flow. Safe, guided exercises, introspection, breath, meditation and the nature around you, shared in a compassionate circle.

“Health is natural, everything is connected, flow is essential, and the body never lies.”

What you will practise

  • Osteobalance and Qigong

    A daily movement practice that blends Yoga and Pilates, guided by osteopathy and physical therapy, with an introduction to Qigong.

  • Teachings and practices

    Introspective and experiential exercises, meditation and the Journey, to release old patterns and open to who you are.

  • Creative afternoons

    Intuitive creativity that follows the morning teachings, and one afternoon for a hike.

  • Time to rest

    Swim in the pool, the hot tub or the Lima river, five minutes down the hill, or simply rest in the warmest hours.

Who guides you

  • S
    Sylvie

    Osteopath

    She keeps looking for the true cause of disease and finds answers in the mystery of human experience. She uses meditation, the Journey, family constellations and a connection with Nature to help people live their True Nature.

  • C
    Claude

    Creator of Osteobalance, osteopath and physical therapist

    Trained in Qigong, she has revisited Yoga and Pilates from an osteopathic, biomechanical point of view, and teaches a daily practice for health and vitality.

  • R
    Ralf

    Retreat manager

    He runs the retreat and looks after everything you need during the week.

And our chefs, who turn the gifts of the season into vegetarian meals.

A day here · Monday to Friday

  1. 07:00

    Coffee and tea

  2. 07:30

    Gentle awakening with Qigong, usually outdoors, then Osteobalance with Claude

  3. 08:45

    Breakfast

  4. 09:45

    Return to Flow teachings and practices with Sylvie

  5. 12:30

    Lunch

  6. 14:00

    Creative activities linked to the morning teachings (one afternoon is a hike)

  7. 16:00

    Free time to rest, walk or swim in the warmest hours

  8. 18:30

    Optional stretching and breathing with Claude

  9. 19:30

    Dinner

Sunday: welcome from 15:30 with refreshments and a visit to your home for the week; 17:00 introductions and first practices; 19:30 dinner.

Saturday: departure after breakfast.

Included in the price
  • Lodging
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and non-alcoholic drinks, except one dinner in town
  • All the facilities: pool, hot tub, gardens and the shala
  • All presentations and practices
  • Organisational support
Booking

A deposit of €300 when you register; the balance is due 60 days before the start.

The retreat runs with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 participants. If the organisers cancel, everything you paid is refunded.

Nine rooms have their own bathroom and two share one. Beds are singles that can be pushed together.

We reply with the registration form. Booking is by e-mail, no online payment.

Getting here

The nearest airport is Porto, 50 minutes from Ponte de Lima. We organise a transfer if several of you arrive together (€35 per person), and there are direct buses to Ponte de Lima.

The shala in daylight, with yellow cushions laid out on the wooden floor

29 Aug–4 Sept

2027

29 August – 4 September 2027New programme

Alignment and Reconnection

Six days to come back to yourself, find your axis and move forward with confidence.

  • Qi-gong
  • Pilates
  • Breathwork
  • Personal development
  • Creative workshops
  • Held in French
  • 6 nights
  • 6–12 guests
  • Ponte de Lima

From

CHF 1,375

per person, shared double room

Private room: CHF 1,675

Ask for the registration formAsk on WhatsApp

Breathe, move, feel, create: open to a new way of seeing.

For anyone who feels the need to pause and look after themselves, body and mind. In the heart of nature we alternate body practices, introspection workshops and moments of creation, to reconnect with your body, clear your mind and find your vital spark again.

What you will practise

  • Osteobalance

    A blend of Qi-gong, Pilates and Yoga that makes your body an anchor.

  • Breathwork

    Release tensions and reach a more alive energy.

  • Personal development

    Three mornings to realign with your values, clarify what matters and shape a renewed vision of yourself and your path.

  • Creative time

    Free creation gives shape to what is revealed in you. Afternoons can be a workshop, a hike or more sport.

Who guides you

  • C
    Claude

    Osteopath, physiotherapist and Osteobalance teacher

    Trained in Qi-gong, she revisits Yoga and Pilates through biomechanics and makes breath a daily companion. Her years of work have convinced her that a body cared for with precision and awareness is the key to lasting vitality.

  • S
    Susanna

    Coach, mediator and facilitator

    With a Master’s in Human Systems Engineering and a systemic approach, she accompanies people and groups through their transitions, opening spaces of trust where each person can find their own resources.

  • D
    Déborah

    Group facilitator

    She weaves links between participants and makes sure everyone finds their place. Trained in permaculture and forest therapy, she looks at the living world with care: with her, nature becomes an ally.

And our chefs, who cook good local, organic, vegetarian dishes.

A day here · Monday to Friday

  1. 08:00

    Unlocking: flowing Qi-gong sequences, usually outdoors

  2. 09:00

    Breakfast

  3. 09:45

    Personal development workshop (three mornings): realign with your values, understand what holds you back, shape a new vision

  4. 11:30

    Osteobalance: Yoga postures adapted to your body, Pilates for the deep muscles, breathing exercises

  5. 13:00

    Lunch

  6. Afternoon

    Free time: pool, hot tub or river, rest, a massage if you wish, sport of your choice

  7. 16:00

    Creative workshop, a hike or more sport

  8. 20:00

    Dinner

Sunday: welcome from 15:30 with refreshments and snacks and a tour of the place; 17:00 introductions and first practices; 19:30 dinner.

Saturday: morning practice, breakfast and departure at the end of the morning.

Included in the price
  • Lodging
  • Bath linen and eco shower products
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and non-alcoholic drinks, except one evening in a typical restaurant
  • The pool, the hot tub and the relaxation areas
  • Classes, relaxing activities, presentation and facilitation
  • A guide for the hikes and help organising activities
  • 6 mountain bikes to borrow and a ping-pong table
Booking

A deposit of CHF 300 when you register; the balance is due 60 days before the start.

The retreat runs with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 participants. If the organisers cancel, everything you paid is refunded.

Nine rooms have their own bathroom and two share one. Beds are singles that can be pushed together.

We reply with the registration form. Booking is by e-mail, no online payment.

Getting here

The nearest airport is Porto, 50 minutes from Ponte de Lima, with daily flights from EasyJet, Swiss and TAP. From Porto: a shared ride (CHF 25 per person) or the public bus, and the same on the way back. We are happy to advise on the train route (via Barcelona and Madrid) and on hotels along the way.

Available nearby, not included
  • Kayak or stand-up paddle on the Lima or the Vez
  • Horse riding
  • Road or gravel bike tours
  • Padel
  • Massages

Why here

The whole Quinta, for your group

Book both houses and the garden, the shala and the pool are yours for the week.

  • Two houses, one group

    Up to 27 guests in 12 bedrooms, in two houses that face each other across the garden.

  • A shala of 60 m²

    Big windows onto the garden, and mats, bolsters and sound already in place.

  • The valley and the river

    The Lima river is a few minutes’ walk away, and the Peneda-Gerês mountains are 30 to 40 minutes by car.

  • Food from the season

    A local chef cooks what the season gives, local and organic whenever possible, with the garden just outside.

  • Someone from the house

    The house manager welcomes your group and helps with logistics and outings.

  • guests
    27
    bedrooms
    12
    shala
    60 m²
    from Porto airport
    55 min

Practice spaces

Room for the practice

A shala with windows onto the garden, and the garden itself for the days you want to practise outside.

The 60 m² shala with mats laid out and large windows onto the garden
The shala · 60 m²Windows onto the garden
A group practising outdoors on the grass, among the trees
The gardenPractice under the trees

16

on the mats

Up to 16 people practising together in the shala.

35

around the tables

Up to 35 with tables and chairs, for workshops, talks and long lunches.

Already here for you

  • Yoga mats
  • Blocks
  • Blankets
  • Straps
  • Bolsters
  • Sound system
  • Microphone
  • Flip chart
  • Projector and screen
  • Two massage tables
Preparing a seasonal lunch on the terrace overlooking the valley
Lunch on the terrace
Colourful seasonal dishes laid out on a shared table
From the garden

Services

Everything beyond the practice

Food, bodywork and logistics, arranged with you before the group arrives.

  • A local chef

    Seasonal food, local and organic whenever possible. Vegetarian or vegan, or with meat, on full board or half board.

  • Massage

    Massages with certified therapists, and two massage tables already in the house.

  • Yoga and reiki

    Yoga and reiki sessions can be added to your own programme.

  • A retreat assistant

    Support during your retreat, so you can stay with your group.

  • Airport transfer

    We can arrange the transfer from Porto airport, about 55 minutes away.

Around the house

Days with room to wander

Things your group can do between sessions, in the garden and out in the valley.

  • Kayaking on the calm Lima river
    Kayaking on the calm Lima river
  • A garden-to-table cooking class in the kitchen
    A garden-to-table cooking class in the kitchen
  • Two glasses of white wine facing the mountains
    Two glasses of white wine facing the mountains
  • Horse riding on the hills above the valley
    Horse riding on the hills above the valley
  • Surfers heading into the Atlantic waves
    Surfers heading into the Atlantic waves
  • A swim in the clear river
    A swim in the clear river
  • Pulling a beetroot from the vegetable garden
    Pulling a beetroot from the vegetable garden

And more

  • On the Quinta

    Yoga & meditation

    In the shala, on the deck, by the pool or down by the river at sunset.

  • On the Quinta

    Permaculture walks

    Pick vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers in the organic garden.

  • Nearby

    Cycling

    Six mountain bikes to borrow, and the riverside Ecovia from the doorstep.

  • Nearby · a few minutes’ walk

    Kayak & paddleboard

    Calm water on the Lima, a few minutes from the house.

  • Nearby · 30–40 min

    Hiking

    Forest trails from the house, waterfalls and granite villages in Peneda-Gerês.

  • Nearby

    Horse riding

    Rides through the valley, including at sunset.

  • Nearby · 25–30 min

    Surf & beach

    Surf, kitesurf or bodysurf on the beaches of Viana do Castelo.

  • Nearby

    Food & wine

    Vinho Verde tastings at a local quinta and the region’s generous cooking.

  • Nearby

    Creative workshops

    Pottery, garden-to-table cooking, dance and mindfulness sessions.

  • Nearby

    Massage & spa

    Massages at the house with certified therapists, or a day at a spa by the sea.

  • Nearby · ~10 min by car

    Old towns

    Ponte de Lima’s medieval bridge, baroque Braga and Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal.

  • On the Quinta

    Slow afternoons

    Hammocks, loungers, board games and the ping-pong table Ralf insisted on from day one.

The planner

Plan your retreat

Your dates, your group, the way you like to eat. Share the basics and we reply with availability and a proposal.

  1. Dates

    Arrival and departure

  2. Your group

    How many people, in which house

  3. Food

    The chef, half or full board

  4. Extras

    Assistant, transfers, massages

Chat on WhatsAppWrite to us

How it works

From first message to first morning

  1. Tell us about your retreat

    Dates, group size and the kind of practice. Use the planner, or write to us on WhatsApp.

  2. We reply with availability and a proposal

    We check the dates and tell you what the house, the food and the extras would look like.

  3. You confirm your dates

    When it feels right for you and your group, you tell us and we hold the house for you.

  4. We prepare the house, the food and the logistics

    The facilitator can arrive a day early at no cost, when possible, to settle in before the group.

Retreats hosted here

Retreats that found a home here

Yoga, Pilates, qi-gong, somatic work, women’s circles and even a Portuguese language immersion: a few of the groups we hosted in 2026.

  • 6–8 Nov 2026

    Raiz Somática

    A weekend of somatic and systemic release for twelve participants.

    • Somatic work
    • In Portuguese

  • 9–17 Oct 2026

    Portugal Women’s Retreat: Psychic Kindergarten

    Workshops in the morning, play in the afternoon, meditations and healings in the evening.

    • Women’s circle
    • Meditation
    • In English

  • 20–26 Sept 2026

    Return to Flow

    With Sylvie Erb & Claude Chatelanat

    A six-day immersion into the wisdom of the body, with two osteopaths and vegetarian food.

    • Somatic work
    • Osteopathy
    • In English

  • 10–12 Sept 2026

    Play & Contemplation

    A Circle of Trust® retreat on navigating life transitions, where spontaneity meets wisdom.

    • Contemplation
    • Meditation
    • In English

  • 20–26 Jun 2026

    Her Spirit Retreat

    Immersive workshops and guided exercises to reconnect with joy, strength and peace.

    • Women’s circle
    • In English

  • 14–19 Jun 2026

    Séjour bien-être : Pause joyeuse au cœur du Portugal

    Culture, yoga, naturopathy, forest bathing, sophrology and cooking in one joyful week.

    • Yoga
    • Naturopathy
    • In French

  • 8–13 Jun 2026

    Séjour Qi-Gong, Ostéobalance et activités créatrices

    Slow qi-gong, gentle fascia work and creative activities for body and mind.

    • Qi-gong
    • Creative workshops
    • In French

  • 4–8 Jun 2026

    Stage de Pilates au Portugal

    “Pilates & more”: classes morning and evening, free days for optional activities.

    • Pilates
    • In French

  • 24–30 May 2026

    Stage « Équilibre extérieur et intérieur »

    Qi-gong, yoga and Pilates adapted to each body, with workshops on the feet and the breath.

    • Qi-gong
    • Yoga
    • Pilates
    • In French

  • 17–21 May 2026

    Portuguese Language, Culture & Wellness Immersion

    With Journey to Portuguese

    Five days of speaking Portuguese with confidence, with culture and wellness around it.

    • Language immersion
    • In English

  • Your retreat could be next

    Tell us about your group, your practice and your dates. We will help you shape it from there.

    Plan your retreat

Voices

From those who led and joined retreats here

Facilitators, participants and guests, as they wrote it.

  • Retreat facilitator

    “A big thank you for the welcome in this magical place! A week to the sound of birds, the freshness of the river and the green all around!”

    Switzerland · June 2023

    Written in French

  • Retreat facilitator

    “So much gratitude to Ana, who was a precious help! Thank you to Déborah for her commitment, her passion and her playful, poetic and nourishing workshops. And thank you to Ralf and Claude for making Travessia so welcoming, so bright, so full of flowers…”

    Amália

    France · May 2023

    Written in French

  • Retreat facilitator

    “Dear Claude, Ralf, Debbie and Ana: thank you for allowing me to make my dream of having a yoga retreat of my own come true. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

    Joana

    Portugal · May 2023

  • Retreat participant

    “It was my first yoga retreat, and thanks to you it was more than a success. A wonderful week that will leave unforgettable memories.”

    Switzerland · June 2023

    Written in French

  • Retreat participant

    “Thank you all for this week full of discoveries and kindness. I want to take this gentle yet sparkling bubble with me and keep it as long as possible.”

    Switzerland · June 2023

    Written in French

Retreat questions

Questions from organisers

What retreat leaders ask us most often.

Something else on your mind?

Chat on WhatsAppWrite to us

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.

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.

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.

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.