5 Amazing Yoga Retreats in Ericeira
Connect with Yourself and Nature
Ericeira is a great location to choose for a yoga retreat. The raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquility of the countryside makes this small Portuguese town and its surroundings an excellent place to connect with yourself and with nature.
There are several different yoga retreats to choose from in Ericeira. They all have their unique atmosphere. A lot of the yoga retreats also combine their yoga practice with surf lessons. In this list below we give you our top picks for yoga retreats in Ericeira
Omassim Guesthouse
Omassim is located in the small village of Ribamar, a 5-minute drive from Ericeira. The retreat is close to several different beaches and with a view over the peaceful Portuguese countryside. It’s run and owned by Lia and Eduardo. They are warm and passionate about their retreats and about a holistic lifestyle.
Omassim runs weakly retreats from Saturday to Saturday. If you wish to join on any other day you can check the availability with them.
The retreat has a big garden with a swimming pool for after-yoga relaxation. The whole location is very calm and peaceful and it’s the perfect place to go for long walks. And if you want a work out instead, there is also a very well equipped gym available to guests.
The morning yoga class is Vinyasa Flow. The evening yoga classes combine elements from yin yoga and restorative yoga. All classes are 75 minutes long and take place in their spacious yoga studio. There is also a daily 30-minute meditation before the evening yoga class.
The vegetarian food, served buffet style, gets rave reviews. And there are three daily meals included in the packages. Omassim also have their own big vegetable garden, so don’t be surprised if the salad and some of the veggies are homegrown.
The retreat works great if you are going on your own. It’s a small place and the atmosphere is very homely. Thus it’s a great place to meet and connect with people.
They have packages for both yoga retreats and combined yoga and surf camp. On top of this you can order additional surf classes. They also offer other activities such as trips to Lisbon and Sintra. And different massage options, as well as a sweat lodge and even fire walking workshops are available.
On the Flip Side
The center of Ericeira is 5.4 km away, and there is not much in terms of busses to take you around. Thus if you don’t have a car and want to get to Ericeira, you need to order an Uber. Unless you have time and want to enjoy a beautiful walk along the coastline that connects Ribamar to Ericeira. Either way, staying at Omassim you might feel a bit disconnected from Ericeira. Which of course also could be a good thing if you want to focus on the retreat.
The beach is a 15-minute walk from Omassim, so there is no ocean view.
Why choose Omassim’s Yoga Retreat in Ericeira?
Omassim is perfect for you if you want to spend time in the Portuguese countryside with a pool and a nice group of people with great community vibe. Chose Omassim if you want a tranquil in-dept yoga experience.
Ondina Guesthouse
Ondina guesthouse is located in Casais de São Lourenço. A 5-minute walk from São Lourenço beach. The house has both double bedrooms and shared bedrooms as well as a rooftop terrace with an ocean view and a garden for hanging out. Ondina Guest House was recently renovated and decorated. Most part of the furniture is handmade, and the use of wood brings a natural feeling of harmony in the place
Ondina has a relaxed family feel, with lots of discussion around yoga and different spiritual practices. Their yoga retreats are availed all year around.
They also have a 5-day raw chocolate yoga retreat, if you want an original spin on the classic yoga retreat. Expect to have your sense stimulated by raw cacao and to learn how to make your own healthy snacks.
If you arrive during the colder part of the year Ondina also have a fireplace going in the communal area next to the in house bar. Maybe not 100 % on the cleansing side, but a glass of port wine next to the fireplace together with like minded people is a perfect evening after a day full of intense yoga.
On the Flip Side
Ericeira is not close by. The village were Ondina guesthouse is located is very small and don’t have much to offer in terms of cafes and shops
Why choose Ondina’s Yoga Retreat in Ericeira?
If you want to be close to the ocean in a peaceful countryside environment, Ondina guesthouse is a good place. The yoga classes are great, and the guesthouse is run by friendly yogis, passionate about their work. You will have time to focus on yourself without distractions.
Moka Surfhouse & Yoga Retreat
Moka is located on a hill above the São Julião beach. The people behind Moka Surfhouse are Italians with a passion for travelling, yoga and great Italian cooking.
The house is a Portuguese villa with a large garden and a terrace with ocean view. The garden provides plenty of good vibes and are the great for enjoying a cup of mocha. There are double and twin rooms as well as dormitory options. The maximum guests are 20 people. Moka has a welcoming and relaxing vibe.
As the staff is Italian, food is always on their mind and plays a central role in their day. Among other things, you’ll taste pizza, pasta, and of course, Moka coffee! During your stay, you will receive breakfast every day and over the course of a week three delicious dinners.
The yoga lessons and workshops take place in a 66m2 Mongolian yurt.
Moka is fairly small, around 20 people doing a mix of yoga and surf and because of this its easy to get to know the other retreat participants at Moka.
Getting around is very easy: daily transfers to-from beach and Ericeira are included in your pack! You can also use their bikes for free, take the bus which stops very close to the house or just walk if you want to go somewhere.
On the Flip Side
Anyone looking for a yoga retreat should be aware that this is more of a hostel for surfers than a yoga retreat. The rooms are quite small and there are only 4 bathrooms for over 20 guests. Some guests also remarked that the mattresses are on the thinner side.
The nearest beach is a 25 minutes’ walk away and Moka Surfhouse is a bit far from Ericeira, so you are a bit in the middle of nowhere. Also worth noting is that the food is not the healthy yogi kind of food, expect cheese and egg.
Why Choose Moka Surfhouse & Yoga Retreat in Ericeira
Moka is about yoga, but it’s also about chilling and having a good time. At Moka you can have a drink in the evening without causing any raised eyebrows. Choose this alternative if you want a social fun retreat with plenty of tasty Italian food and fun inspiring yoga classes.
Alamshala
Alamshala is run by Samu and Lavinia. They are both dedicated yogis and also great teachers. With their warmth and kindness, they will make you feel like part of a family.
Together they have created a truly unique place. A lot of Alamshalas interior design is handmade and gives the retreat an authentic vibe.
The food is vegan, healthy, fresh and just delicious.
The classes push you to take your practice further, but are at the same time gentle and suitable for all levels. Samu and Lavinia’s teachings are true to the rots of yoga. It’s not just about fitness for Lavinia and Samu. It’s a way of life. They explain the reasons behind getting the movements right, and they like to teach in many different ways. Everything so you can soak up the deep truth of being a yogi.
On the Flip Side
If this wasn’t clear from the description and the name, Alamashala is the yoga retreat with the most spiritual vibe. Expect drum circles, references to Rishikesh and a general spiritual atmosphere. The retreat building is a short bus ride, or a 45 walk away from the beach, so you are not close to the ocean. The building can be a bit chilly during the colder months.
Worth nothing is that you can chose your arrival date, but the yoga progress from Monday to Sunday. Alamshala is not a fancy style yoga retreat, but more of an intimate life-evolving experience.
Why choose Alamshala’s Yoga Retreat in Ericeira
Alamshala is a peaceful retreat close to nature. Perfect if you are looking for an authentic yoga experience with lovely and talented people. It is also one of the highest regarded yoga retreats in Ericeira.
108 house
108 house is another of Ericeiras amazing yoga retreats and it is a great alternative if you want your Yoga retreat to be close to Ericeira. The house is located a short walk from the old town of Ericeira. The beaches are also within walking distance, the closest one being a mere 2-minute walk away. The house is large, spacious, well equipped and clean.
108 house is the best alternative if you want to spend your evening watching the sun set in the Atlantic. The house features a huge terrace with Ocean view. This terrace is also the place where breakfast is served. According to the reviews, its delicious and prepared with a lot of care.
This place is run by two highly passionate Italian friends. Federico is the dedicated yoga teacher and Ricardo takes care of the healthy breakfast. You can expect the coffee to be good.
The teaching at 108 house promise to take you back to the roots of yoga. Federico has more then 10 years of teaching experience. With this much experience he moves comfortable around the different branches of yoga. from Hatha, pranayama, meditation, yoga Nidra to philosophy and nutrition.
On the flip side
108 house organize 2 yoga retreats per month during the high season, each retreat with a different focus in order to take the guests trough a path together. In between these weeks, 108 house offers yoga or yoga and surf holidays. During these weeks people can arrive when they want and join in on the two daily yoga classes. Thus the atmosphere are a bit more relaxed than during the proper retreat weeks, but this also means that the retreat atmosphere can be a bit lacking. There is no dinners or lunches included. Instead there is a vegan brunch ready after your morning practice.
Why choose the 108 House Yoga Retreat?
Federico and Ricardo started 108 house with the goal of providing their guest with a life changing experience by offering yoga in its most authentic form. Thus if you really want to dig deep into yourself and the different yoga disciplines this is a great retreat for you.
At them same time you can also enjoy everything Ericeira has to offer in form of beaches and restaurants and happenings. Here you get yoga lessons from passionate teachers and the possibility to recharge and rest, all the time with an amazing view of the blue Atlantic.
Other Alternatives
Ericeira is full of yoga retreats, so let me, in short, present a couple more.
For the budget conscious yoga lover, we recommend Art House. The location is great, close to the old town of Ericeira. The guesthouse has a big terrace with ocean view. Since Art House also works as a normal guesthouse, the guests are a combination of who happens to be there. Thus this creates less of a yoga retreat atmosphere. Beds are a bit hard and the water in the showers not so hot. But the price is great.
If you on the other hand want a more luxurious yoga retreat, The salty Pelican, just started offering yoga retreats in Ericeira. They already have lots of experience organizing yoga retreats in Sri Lanka and in other parts of Portugal. Expect a slick operation, stunning ocean view and an infinity swimming pool. This is the alternative if you really want to pamper yourself and enjoy morning yoga classes with an ocean view.
La Casa Atlantica organize surf and yoga retreats. So if you want your yoga retreat with a strong dose of surf vibe, this is a great alternative. La Casa Atlantica is a 12-minute walk to the popular surf beach Ribeira D’ilhas. The house only has 4 rooms, and a big garden. So there is a familiar vibe and plenty of personal attention during the yoga lessons.
To sum up, Ericeira is a great place with a lot of raw natural beauty. Walking along the coastline you can reflect on the teachings of yoga. Resting on one of the many different beaches you can feel your lungs fill with salty ocean air.
We are of course biased, but we strongly recommend you to come here for your next yoga retreat.
You can book your yoga retreat through bookyogaretreats.com