A dedicated space to deepen your recovery

Step away from the noise and return to your recovery in a peaceful, nature-immersed setting. This intimate retreat is designed for people who are committed to their program and ready to devote time to deeper step work.

Whether you are working on Step Four, making amends, or simply need space to focus more fully on your recovery, this retreat provides the time and environment to do so alongside others in 12 Step fellowships.

Set in a quiet off-grid location, it offers a chance to leave daily distractions behind and focus completely on your recovery, supported and guided within a small, intentional group.

What to expect

Each day includes morning and evening meetings, dedicated step work time, and space to rest, reflect, and connect. Gentle morning yoga and meditation sessions are offered to support body, mind, and spirit.

With space for up to ten participants, this retreat creates a rare opportunity to slow down, turn inward, and strengthen your connection to recovery and fellowship.

By joining this retreat, you will:

Strengthen your connection to your program
Share and reflect in a supportive group setting
Bring routine, consistency, and self-care into your recovery
Step away from distractions and reconnect with yourself
Develop a daily gentle yoga and meditation practice
Experience breathwork to support your recovery
Enjoy an optional day trip to a beautiful beach
Have fun with other 12-steppers

Who this retreat is for

If you have at least one year of continuous abstinence in a 12-step program, are committed to your recovery, and want to connect with others in a structured space within the 12-step community, this retreat is for you.

This will be a small retreat with no more than 14 people on site: a maximum of ten participants, one facilitator, a chef, and two onsite helpers.

"We are not a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn't want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life."
*Alcoholics Anonymous, p.132

Structure of the day

Each day follows a steady rhythm:

9am – 10.45am > Gentle yoga & themed 12-step meeting
11am – 12pm > Brunch
12.15pm – 1.45pm > Quiet time for step work/journalling
2pm – 5pm > Chill time – pool, hammock, walk in nature, rest
5.15pm – 6.45pm > Group step work
7pm – 8pm > Vegetarian dinner
8pm – 8.30pm > Washing up rota
8.30pm – 9.30pm > Check-in – All Fellowships meeting

There is a balance here: structure to support the work, and space to simply be.

Accommodation & food

The accommodation is simple, comfortable, and surrounded by nature, created to help you slow down, rest, and feel at home.

Guests stay in a mix of thoughtfully prepared spaces, including bell tents with proper beds and mattresses, two cabins (Om Shanti, a studio, and Sunrise Lodge with two rooms and a kitchen), and The Shepherd's Hut. The cabins and Shepherd's Hut each have their own showers, while the bell tents share two outdoor showers. Across the land, eco-friendly compost toilets are used.

Accommodation is available on a shared or single basis, and spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please share your preference when booking, and every effort will be made to accommodate it.

There is also a natural swimming pool, offering a refreshing place to cool off, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.

Food

Meals are vegetarian, nourishing, and prepared with care, using ingredients sourced mainly from local farmers' markets, along with seasonal produce from the garden whenever possible. Organic ingredients are used where possible, and vegan and gluten-free options are always available.

Everyone's needs are different, and flexibility will always be offered where possible. If you follow a specific food program or eat meat, you are welcome to bring or purchase your own food. A stop in Monchique can be arranged on arrival if needed, and fridge space will be available so you can store and combine it with the meals provided.

Living off-grid

At Rural Escapes Portugal, life is lived in harmony with nature, and that is part of the experience. The center is completely off-grid, powered by the sun and supported by sustainable systems for water and waste.

You will find compost toilets and private outdoor showers that are clean, thoughtfully designed, and easy to use. Many guests arrive feeling unsure and leave saying it becomes one of their favorite parts of the retreat.

There is something grounding, and even joyful, about showering outdoors with mountain views while knowing your stay is treading lightly on the earth.

This simple, natural way of living helps shape the retreat experience: slower, more mindful, and gently connected to what truly matters.

About your host

Camilla is a recovering alcoholic, adult child, and more. Sober since 1999 and part of the 12-step fellowship for over 26 years, she is a certified yoga teacher in hatha, vinyasa, and kundalini yoga, as well as a breathwork and sound healing facilitator. She has been teaching yoga and hosting 12-step and yoga retreats in Portugal and Tenerife since 2013.

She teaches Y12sr (Yoga 12 Step Recovery) at Point O, a Dutch 12-step treatment center in Portugal, and holds monthly women’s circles for local women. She and her husband have lived in Portugal since 2016, where they built Rural Escapes Portugal.

Her passion is helping others find peace, laughter, and connection in recovery — because we truly are not a glum lot.

Your investment

Investment (sliding scale):

Shared accommodation: €500 – €700 per person
Single accommodation: €800 per person

The sliding scale is offered with affordability in mind while still honoring the value of the space, food, yoga, and shared experience. In the spirit of the fellowship, this retreat is offered at a lower rate than usual retreats.

Important: To book and secure your place, a €100 non-refundable deposit is required, and the full amount must be paid by 18th May. After this date, no refund will be given if you cancel. If the retreat is canceled for any reason, you will receive a full refund, including your deposit, or a credit for a future retreat if you prefer.

Please note that travel insurance must be arranged before your trip.

Contribution includes:

5 nights accommodation
All vegetarian meals
Tea, coffee, snacks, filtered spring water
Accommodation in shared or single occupancy
Daily gentle yoga with meditation practice
Trip to the beach
Airport transfer

Flight transfer

The airport transfer from Faro Airport is included in the package.

18th June (arrival day): pick-up at 17:00 from Faro Airport
23rd June (departure day): drop-off arriving at Faro Airport at 12:00

Please take the transfer times into account when booking your flight, and contact us to confirm timings so everything runs smoothly.

Mindfulness meditation retreat in Monchique