A coaching and embodiment retreat where surfing becomes a powerful mirror for life — helping you notice patterns, move through limitations, and step more fully into authorship of your own path.

What awaits you

This retreat is designed for personal growth through surfing, yoga, reflection, and community. It invites you to explore how you meet life through movement, presence, and lived experience.

Created for people with some experience in personal growth practices who want to engage the body more directly, the retreat uses surfing as an embodied coaching practice. In the ocean, themes such as control, trust, limitation, and persistence become visible in real time. These experiences are then explored through group coaching, embodiment practices, yoga, and guided reflection.

Surf as embodied practice

Each day includes time in the ocean with experienced surf coaches. The waves offer a direct way to observe how you respond to challenge, uncertainty, effort, and letting go — not as theory, but through lived experience.

Group coaching & reflection

What arises in the water is carried into facilitated group conversations. You are invited to reflect on what you noticed, connect it to your life, and explore new ways of responding.

Embodiment practices

Through movement, breath, and simple somatic exercises, you deepen awareness and allow insights to settle in the body, not only in the mind.

Yoga & regulation

Yoga sessions support your body and nervous system, helping you prepare for surfing, recover afterwards, and create space for integration.

For whom?

This retreat is for people who already have some experience with practices such as meditation, yoga, or retreats and want to explore embodiment more directly.

It is also for those who are curious about surfing — whether complete beginners or with some experience — and open to learning through the body and nature.

You may feel well-resourced in many parts of life, yet still notice recurring patterns or limitations you want to understand and work with more consciously.

You value reflection, presence, and meaningful connection with like-minded people in a calm, supportive environment.

Benefits of the retreat

This is not about adding more techniques or fixing yourself. It is about creating the conditions to see more clearly, feel more present, and relate differently to challenge.

By the end of the week, you may notice:

Greater awareness of personal patterns and how they show up in daily life
An embodied sense of choice in moments of uncertainty or pressure
Increased trust in your ability to meet challenge — in the ocean and beyond
Practical ways to integrate insight through movement, reflection, and presence
A sense of connection to yourself and to a small community of like-minded people

Program of the retreat

Daily Flow (sample schedule)

Note: The schedule may vary depending on surf conditions and group energy.

Morning yoga and breath to wake the body, energize, and prepare for the day
Healthy, delicious breakfast at the Retreat Centre
Surf session — time in the ocean, guided by experienced surf coaches and adapted to all levels
Lunch & free time — lunch is not included and can be enjoyed at nearby beach cafes or outdoors; this time is intentionally left open for rest, conversation, or time by the ocean
Group coaching / workshop — facilitated sessions to reflect on your experience in the ocean and in life, and explore insights together
Integration & rest — time to rest, journal, walk, or simply let the day settle; optional mindful integration practices may be offered
Shared dinner at the Retreat Centre
Evening / quiet time / fire circle and sharing — evenings may include gentle sharing, time by the fire, or quiet personal space

Who facilitates?

Lina Veligurova

Product manager in STR Production

An EMCC-certified Senior Practitioner coach, somatic bodyworker, and yoga teacher with a background in leadership and learning development. Her approach is grounded, relational, and experiential, supporting people in exploring how patterns appear in both body and life.

She works at the intersection of coaching, embodiment, and movement, drawing on yoga, somatic awareness, and reflection. For Lina, meaningful change happens when insight is not only understood, but felt and lived.

She creates spaces that invite presence, curiosity, and responsibility — spaces where people can slow down, listen more closely, and explore new ways of relating to challenge.

Daria Izvekova

Self-development guide & retreat organiser

A helping practitioner with a background in wellness, mindfulness, and long-term personal practice. Her path has developed through years of working with awareness, the body, and human experience, integrating psychological approaches with intuitive and embodied methods across different environments and cultures.

Surfing plays an important role in her work — not as a skill to perfect, but as a living practice. In the ocean, Daria brings attention to trust, adaptability, and presence, offering a grounded way to explore how we meet uncertainty, challenge, and change in the water and in everyday life.

Drawing from her experience organizing and leading surf camps, as well as developing her own approach to teaching surfing, she uses it as a tool for reflection, integration, and embodied coaching.

WHERE WILL IT HAPPEN?

People Ocean Retreat Centre is located in the picturesque Portuguese village of São Bernardino, a short walk from the beach. Peniche and Baleal are also within 10 minutes, both world famous for beaches, surfing, and delicious seafood.

Prices and accommodation options

shared triple room with bathroom: 1390€
shared double room with bathroom: 1590€
single occupancy: 1890€

What is included in the price of the retreat?

All prices include:

6 nights of accommodation
Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
5 yoga classes
5 group coaching sessions
3 guided surf sessions, including equipment
One free day to rest, recharge, and recover
One surf photography session

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior surfing experience?

No. The retreat is open to beginners as well as those with surfing experience. Surf sessions are guided by different instructors, adapted to different levels, and focused on learning through experience rather than performance. Groups are no bigger than four participants.

Is this retreat a form of therapy?

No. This is a coaching and embodiment retreat. It does not aim to diagnose, treat, or heal trauma, but to support awareness, agency, and personal exploration through lived experience.

How physically demanding is the retreat?

The activities are accessible to most people in good general health. Surfing, yoga, and movement practices are adapted to the group’s needs, and rest is an important part of the daily rhythm.

What if I come alone?

Many participants come on their own. The retreat is held in a small group and offers a supportive environment for connection while also respecting personal space.

What should I bring?

After registration, you will receive practical information about what to bring. In general, comfortable clothing for movement, swimwear, and layers for changing weather are enough. Surf equipment is provided.

Is there free time during the retreat?

Yes. The schedule includes unstructured time for rest, reflection, walks, or simply being by the ocean. One full day is intentionally left free to recharge.

How many people will join the retreat?

The retreat is limited to a small group to support presence, depth, and quality of experience.

What language will the retreat be held in?

The retreat will be held in English. The team is fluent in German, Russian, Italian, and Spanish.

How do I book or ask questions?

You can get in touch via the contact details provided to receive further information and booking instructions.

Can I cancel my booking?

Cancellation terms

Cancellation 60 days in advance: 100% refund
Cancellation 59–15 days in advance: 50% refund of paid amount
Cancellation 14–7 days in advance: 25% refund
6 days and less: 0%

Surf retreat in Portugal