




This retreat for women 50+ is an invitation to slow down, soften, and savour a season of life rich with wisdom, resilience, and lived experience. Set in the Douro Valley of Portugal, among terraced vineyards and the gentle movement of the river, it offers seven nights of rest, reconnection, and community in a beautiful natural setting.
Created for women in the second half of life, this experience is designed to support deep rest, mindful movement, and a renewed sense of ease. There is no pressure to perform here — only space to breathe, listen, and arrive exactly as you are. With simplicity and spaciousness at its heart, the retreat is shaped to help the nervous system soften and the body feel supported rather than pushed.
Retreat One | Apr 29 - May 6th, 2027
Retreat Two | Aug 25 - Sept 1st, 2027
Seven Nights in the Douro Valley, Portugal
Morning Practices
Each morning begins with gentle, all-levels yoga that is accessible and adaptable for every body. These sessions emphasize:
Whether you are new to yoga, returning after time away, or have practiced for years, you will be guided to move in ways that honor your body and support long-term wellbeing.
Afternoons
The afternoons are intentionally open. You may rest by the pool, wander through the vineyards, enjoy tea and conversation, journal, nap, or simply take in the quiet beauty of the land. There is no fixed schedule and no expectation to do anything beyond what feels right for you. Around 4pm, you are invited to the Yoga Shala for a gentle afternoon session featuring:
Evenings
As the day winds down, evenings bring the group together for shared meals, laughter, a wine tasting, and calming after-dinner sessions such as:
These practices are intended to soothe the nervous system, support better sleep, and encourage emotional and physical restoration.
About Your Guides
Sandy Guest
Sandy Guest became a yoga teacher in 2008 after her daughter Eva needed a ride to yoga teacher training. What began as a practical step later grew into a true passion after Sandy retired from her work as a Life Care Consultant. Most of her Chair Yoga and Mat Yoga students are between 60 and 80 years old, and she offers a welcoming blend of breathwork, strength, and flexibility in a supportive, social environment. She encourages students of all levels to move with intention, curiosity, and compassion, both on and off the mat. Sandy also donates funds from her senior teaching to Meals on Wheels, Home Visitor, and Medical Driver programs in her community.
Eva Hamilton
Eva Maxine Hamilton is the Director of Source Yoga and Lead Yoga Teacher Trainer. A Canadian yoga educator, she specializes in slow, supported, and soulful yin yoga and restorative yoga. She began her first yoga training at 17 and has been teaching full time since 2008. After many years owning a studio in Canada, she began traveling and teaching internationally. Her approach combines a deep understanding of anatomy, functional movement, the mind-body connection, and the nervous system. Eva has completed over 1000 hours of yoga studies and is registered as a Yoga Alliance YACEP continuing education provider.
With a background in religious studies, Eva also brings insight into philosophy and mysticism. Her teaching supports self-exploration, self-empathy, kindness, and curiosity, creating a nourishing space for practice both on and off the mat.
To secure your place, please complete the registration form. A €500 deposit completes registration, and final payment is due 60 days before the retreat.
Designed for shared stays with a sense of ease and privacy, this dorm room welcomes up to four guests in two comfortable bunk beds. Each bed has been thoughtfully handcrafted and includes a partition for added personal space, along with a dedicated reading light and charging port for convenience throughout your stay.
The room is ideal for arriving with friends or connecting with fellow travelers in a warm, communal setting. An ensuite bathroom adds comfort and practicality, while the small sitting area offers a relaxed spot to pause between activities. With plenty of intentional storage space, the room is set up to support a tidy and comfortable shared experience.
Simple, functional, and inviting, this dorm creates a cozy atmosphere for guests who value both community and a little room to unwind.
Ideal for friends, retreat participants, or small groups traveling together, this spacious shared room is designed to balance comfort with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The sleeping setup includes two beds that can be arranged either as singles or joined together as a king, along with a third single bed set into a charming nook beside the stone chimney. This thoughtful layout creates both flexibility and a sense of privacy within the room.
Guests will also appreciate the built-in storage area, which helps keep the space uncluttered and restful throughout the stay. A private ensuite bathroom adds extra convenience, making the room well suited for a comfortable and easygoing experience. With its generous proportions and cozy details, this triple room offers a practical yet inviting base for rest and connection.

Sandy Guest began teaching yoga in 2008 after her daughter Eva needed help reaching her long-awaited yoga teacher training and did not yet have a driver’s license. What started as a practical step soon grew into a true passion, especially after Sandy retired as a Life Care Consultant. Most of her Chair Yoga and Mat Yoga students are between 60...
Read more
Eva Maxine Hamilton is the Director of Source Yoga and Lead Yoga Teacher Trainer. A Canadian yoga educator and Sandy’s daughter, she is known for her slow, supported, and soulful approach to yin yoga and restorative yoga. She began her first yoga training at just 17 and has been teaching full time since 2008. After many years as a studio...
Read more