5 Element Yoga Retreat
March 14-21 | 2026
What is 5 Element Yoga?
I practiced yoga for more than 20 years, taught for 10, and then when the pandemic hit in my late 30’s, my Father died and I got pregnant. Then, in the endless sleepless, lonely, existential nights my training was put to the test.
This is what yoga is for. Not for touching your toes, gaining a yoga butt or balancing like a tree in precariously beautiful scenery. Yoga is for the shit bits: the darkest moments, the deaths and transitions, the anxiety and the pain. Yoga teaches us how to sit in the eye of the storm, knowing it too shall pass.
This retreat is for everyone who wants practical, tangible solutions for the everyday challenges we suffer in mind, body and spirit. Anxiety, self-deprecation, overwhelm, and burnout are modern diseases that can be alleviated through simple practices. 5 Element Yoga teaches us to practice through an observation of Nature, and a remembering of our place in the world.
This training is the fruit of a decade of study, work and play in the fields of Yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shiatsu and Bodywork. It’s a training taught through the body, in which you will learn to truly embody your practice on and off the mat.
My aim is to ignite your motivation and enthusiasm with fresh ideas whether you want to teach or not, and fill in the blanks for teachers and students who crave more than gymnastics in their yoga practice.
The space & accommodation
Bodhi Bhavan Retreat Centre is located on mountain Picota, surrounded by more than 6 hectares of peaceful nature and mountain views.
With plentiful space to find peace in the land and gardens, this is a calm and powerful haven that holds space for self exploration and deep rest.
There are 8 elegant heated rooms with en-suite bathrooms. You can opt to share or have your own space. We will join together in the communal areas within the main house: eating in both indoor and outdoor dining rooms, relaxing in the comfort of the home’s living room, sitting around the pool and of course a lot of time in the beautiful yoga shala.
Less than half an hour away are the spectacular coastlines of both South and West Portugal for a day trip to the beach, and there are abundant walking routes from the retreat centre.
What’s included
6 nights in Bodhi Bhavan Retreat Centre
2 Yoga practices daily - Yin and Yang
Meditation daily
Guided walks in the surrounding hills
5 Element study sessions
Meridian and Acupressure point study sessions
Acupressure and hands-on adjustment tutorials
5 Element Yoga workbook
5 Element Food in abundance
Swimming, space for integration and deep rest
Price
You can choose between a private room or a shared twin room. The price includes all course materials, classes, meals and accommodation. Travel to the retreat centre is not included, but we will help you to join together as a group to share transport from the airport to the space.
There is a 10% discount on all bookings made before September 2025. I also offer a 10% discount to BIPOC practitioners.
Private room: £1490
Shared Twin: £999
Monthly payment plans are available. Please get in touch to find out more.
Discount option:
Retreats are expensive and as such inaccessible for many. I’m offering two spaces at a discount rate for low income practitioners in exchange for Karma Yoga help. Please get in touch if you would like to apply.
FAQs
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All levels of ability are welcome. I offer plenty of adjustments, spaces to rest and options to tap out of practices that are unsuitable. We all have different levels of ability, but this course will provide tools for you to practice 5 Element Yoga for your individual needs.
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Payments
To secure your place a deposit of €500 is required. Full payment is due one-month prior to the start date of the retreat. I offer a payment plan to help spread the cost leading up to the start date of the retreat.
Cancellation & Refunds
6 months notice: full refund minus €70 admin fee
3-6 months notice: 50% refund
Less than 3 months: No refund available
I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of your booking so you are protected in the event you need to cancel with less than 75 days notice. -
Food is a big part of this retreat, we take it seriously! There will be plenty of plant-based options catering for all tastes and dietary requirements, and all meals follow 5 Element Energetics.
Please get in touch if you have specific dietary needs.
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Check in is Saturday 22nd March at 16:30 and check out the following Saturday at 10:30.
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We can arrange for shared taxis from the airport at a rate of €25 per person one way. If you'd like to make your own way there, and have freedom to roam when you're at the centre you can rent a hire car at a reasonable rate if you book in advance.
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Yes! Bring a friend and receive a 15% discount off. Early Bird offer does not apply.
Book a call
I encourage you to book in a time to talk in depth about the retreat to answer any questions you may have.