Presence in Portugal: A Joyful Yoga Retreat

This experience is designed as a traditional yoga retreat, offering you the chance to slow down, reset, and fully immerse yourself in daily practice. We’ll be based at one beautiful property for the entire week, creating the perfect environment to settle in, relax, and enjoy the rhythm of retreat life without the need to pack up and move from place to place.

We will also weave in cultural excursions to explore the Alentejo region. These day trips include: a scenic bike ride through Comporta’s rice fields and wetlands, a visit to Évora’s Roman ruins and historic heart, and wandering the medieval castle of Montemor-o-Novo. These excursions are meant to complement the yoga experience and add depth to your week—but they’re always optional. You’re equally welcome to linger at the property, rest, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Cucumbi is a serene retreat in Alentejo, Portugal, offering a range of accommodations named after local animals, such as Cottage Phuka and Suite Tchombo. The farm emphasizes a harmonious connection with nature, providing a peaceful environment enriched by biodiversity. Guests can enjoy various activities, including swimming in the saltwater pool, walking along the trails, cycling, and participating in farm life. Cucumbi combines rustic charm with modern comforts, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and nature appreciation.

Yes, we will provide one group arrival transfer on the first day of the retreat (October 4th) and one group departure transfer on the last day of the retreat (October 11th). These transfers will be scheduled in alignment with the hotel’s check-in and check-out times. The exact transfer times will be confirmed a few weeks before the retreat, after we have collected everyone's flight details.

Please note that private airport transfers are not included.

Yes, all meals are included. You’ll enjoy homemade breakfast, lunch, and dinner, thoughtfully prepared with fresh, organic ingredients. Special dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice.

No, gratuities are not included in the price of the program. Gratuities are entirely discretionary, but they are a thoughtful way to acknowledge good service. As a guideline, we suggest budgeting approximately €10–€20 per day, per person for hotel staff, drivers, and others who help support the group during your stay. These tips are generally offered directly at the end of the retreat and may be pooled amongst the staff.

Please note that tipping is never obligatory—it is always a personal choice. We encourage you to offer what feels comfortable and meaningful to you, especially when you feel you’ve received excellent service.

You will book your international ticket into and out of Lisbon (airport code: LIS).

If you wish to arrive a day early to settle in and get acclimated, we can request additional nights at our group hotel. Please contact us directly at [email protected] for pre-night stay rates.

Beginning in late 2026, U.S. citizens and other visa-exempt travelers will be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization prior to their departure for Portugal and other Schengen-area countries. ETIAS is not a visa but a mandatory pre-screening authorization that must be completed online before travel. We will keep you up to date as these new requirements unfold.

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Portugal and must have been issued within the past 10 years. To avoid any possible issues with airlines or immigration, we recommend ensuring your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect both you and your investment. Unexpected events—such as personal emergencies, health issues, political or environmental factors, or weather disruptions—can arise and affect travel plans. 

For the maximum coverage, be sure to purchase your policy within 7–10 days of your initial deposit. Please note that, as we must adhere to our cancellation policy, you will be responsible for any costs if you choose not to have coverage. While we do not advise on specific policies, we recommend exploring options through the reputable travel insurance aggregator, InsureMyTrip. They can help you select a travel insurance provider and policy that best suits your needs.

There are no required vaccinations for travel to Portugal. However, there are some recommended (suggested) vaccinations given by the CDC. To see the complete list of what is recommended, please visit the CDC Website and consult with your primary care physician to make a decision on what is best for you. 

Attendance varies from trip to trip, but 15-25 attendees is a general average.

A $1000 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot on the trip. The final balance payment is due by June 4, 2026. If you cancel before the final balance deadline, we will refund any payments you have made, minus the non-refundable deposit. If you do not complete the payment by that date, the card on file will be automatically charged your remaining balance. If you register for the trip after June 4, 2026, the full amount is due at sign-up.  All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable after June 4, 2026. International Yoga must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred before the commencement of the retreat. Click here to view the Terms and Conditions to which you agree upon registration. 

If you wish to cancel your participation in this program, you must advise International Yoga in writing to: [email protected].