YOGA. CREATIVITY. SOUND. SUPERFOOD. NATURE.
Soulmates Summer Retreat
July 26 - August 02, 2025
Monchique, Portugal
Soulmates
"BE YOUR OWN SOULMATE AND FIND OTHERS." - this motto is our program.
If you are looking for a retreat that is as much about you and your soul as it is about a nice get-together, you've come to the right place. In a small group of a maximum of 16 participants, you can take advantage of many offers, but you don't have to. We will not persuade you to take part in the yoga practice, a meditation or a workshop if you are in the mood for privacy by the pool, in the garden or anywhere else. The Soulmates Retreat offers you everything you need. Exercise, rest, good food and much more, which we would like to introduce to you in more detail in the following sections.
Yoga
Every morning we welcome the day with a dynamic 90-minute Vinyasa yoga session, accompanied by meditation and pranayama. Vinyasa yoga is meditation in motion: As we move fluidly from one asana to the next, we are completely in the "here and now" and create space to arrive on our inner island. Strengthening, sweat-inducing sequences strengthen the body while promoting elasticity and flexibility - at the same time we create space to make deep contact with ourselves.
On four evenings, we end the day with a calm, 75-minute yoga session. A relaxing practice awaits you - sometimes slow flow, sometimes yin yoga or restorative yoga. You can relax at your own pace, let go and bring the day to a gentle close.
In all our yoga classes, you will learn different breathing and meditation techniques that will help you to feel relaxed and balanced even after the retreat.
What is special about our classes is that we are two experienced yoga teachers who teach each class together. This means more attention, more support and a more intense experience on the mat. On request, we offer assists and alignment aids to help you find your way safely and correctly into the postures. However, if you simply want to be by yourself, we also respect this space. Our presence together allows us to respond more deeply to individual needs, and on top of that you will enjoy a soothing massage in Shavasana.
Our different teacher personalities and focuses enrich every practice: you can look forward to a varied, inspiring yoga experience in which our styles and approaches complement each other wonderfully. As a team, we are constantly training ourselves to always offer you the best possible experience.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, you are very welcome at Soulmates. We are also happy to offer pregnant women suitable alternatives so that every practice feels safe and comfortable for you. Together we will explore your yoga practice and discover what yoga can do for you.
Creativity
In addition to yoga, sun and nature, we would like to offer you the opportunity to develop your creativity. Two left hands? No talent? Not with us! We will convince you in three selected creative workshops that you have what it takes!
At the end, you will not only have beautiful results in your hands, which you can of course take home with you, but also the feeling that you have created something very special. Let yourself be surprised and look forward to these inspiring hours!
Deep relaxation & sound
During our retreat, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magical world of the Sound Bath with Alchemy Crystal Bowls. The gentle vibrations of these extraordinary singing bowls will bring your body, mind and soul into deep relaxation. The healing frequencies help you to let go of stress, calm your nervous system and reconnect with yourself. Let yourself be carried by the sounds, feel how they permeate every cell of your body and find a state of inner balance and harmony.
The sound baths take place at or floating in the pool - a unique experience that allows you to relax even more deeply. In addition, the Crystal Bowls accompany you again and again in our Shavasana phases to take your relaxation to an even higher level after each yoga session.
Superfood workshop
Snacks always work, don't they? Whether it's a quick chocolate bar between meals or a cookie that your colleague brought home - who doesn't love to snack every now and then? In our superfood workshop, we'll show you how to create healthy and delicious alternatives that not only taste fantastic, but are also good for your body. You'll be surprised how easy it is to conjure up snacks that are packed with superfoods and support your energy levels. Sweet or salty? You decide! We'll try out a few recipes together, which you can easily recreate at home thanks to our handout. You can look forward to discovering exciting new snacks that taste good and provide you with valuable nutrients at the same time.
Self-love in your luggage
We not only want to lovingly welcome and pamper you during the retreat week, but also give you something to take with you that will stay with you afterwards. In addition to the tools for more mindfulness and self-love, you will receive a lovingly filled goodie bag from us - full of little surprises and helpful gadgets to support you in your self-love and self-care routine. This way, you can return to your everyday life strengthened and motivated and continue to treat yourself with care and love. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey - during the retreat and beyond!
Soulfood
Amy, our private chef, who already enchanted everyone at our last retreat with her extraordinary talent, will take care of our physical well-being. Amy is much more than just a cook - she is a true artist in the kitchen. With her incomparable ability to transform even the simplest ingredients into a veritable feast, she has already wowed us on several occasions.
What makes Amy so special? Not only does she create unforgettably delicious dishes, she always makes sure that everything is healthy, regional and fair. Her philosophy: enjoyment and sustainability go hand in hand.
Every day she treats us to a sumptuous brunch and a perfectly coordinated 3-course menu in the evening.
Whether you eat vegan, vegetarian or fish and meat - Amy conjures up exactly the soul food that tastes best to you.
She always prepares healthy and tasty snacks for in-between meals, which we can take out of the kitchen at any time.
At the end of our last stay, we were so impressed that Amy even gave us some of her recipes - a gift that made us happy long after the meal. Look forward to a culinary journey you won't soon forget!
Location of the retreat
The retreat takes place at Bodhi Bhavan. The Bodhi Bhavan is located on the Picota mountain in Monchique (Portugal) with a fantastic view over the north-western side of the village and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The grounds blend harmoniously into the surrounding nature.
Various hiking trails run right next to the property. We are protected on more than 6 hectares and everyone can find a quiet, hidden place to relax. Whether you want to read, talk or just chill out and enjoy the Portuguese countryside in peace and quiet - you can do whatever you feel like doing here.
Natural spring water flows directly from the mountain in various places. Some water sources end in natural open water tanks where you can cool off on hot days. The place has a strong energy that supports a practice of self-discovery and stillness. Bodhi Bhavan was created so that visitors can achieve deep peace and healing, meet themselves in clarity and find their own inner strength.
The breathtaking beaches of the Algarve are only 30 minutes away by car.
ACCOMMODATION
There are eight completely refurbished bedrooms. The two beds in each room can be used either as single beds or as a double bed. Each bed has a memory foam mattress for high sleeping comfort. The location of the rooms ensures privacy for all participants. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and have been renovated to the latest standards.
GARDEN & POOL
While the forest garden, a vegetable garden and wild nature define the lower part of the property, the upper half is opened up by the pool. In the 15-meter-long pool you can refresh yourself and there is a chill-out terrace with sun loungers.
YOGA SHALA
A small hiking trail leads up to the yoga shala. On clear days, the studio offers breathtaking views over the mountains to Portugal's wild west coast in the distance. There is an even larger wooden platform in front of the yoga shala so that all activities can be moved outside.
And what else?
"BE YOUR OWN SOULMATE AND FIND OTHERS." - as we said, our motto. Here you can unwind, have time for yourself and the opportunity to meet other great people. In addition to the soulmate offers, you can go on your own excursions, explore Monchique's nature, relax with a massage and much more. The area offers spectacular views and is fantastic for hiking. Nearby Monchique is a quiet, relaxed small town with many small cobbled streets. The beaches of the Algarve are only 30 minutes away by car.
The Soulmates Team
Paula & Malin
Soulmates - the name stands for what we have found in each other. For decades we have not only been the closest of friends, but also allies in our passions: good food, yoga, creative work, traveling, nature - and above all the desire to inspire other people. Our shared hunger to bring positivity and well-being into the world led us to the idea of creating this retreat. A place where we can share our deepest passions and our joy of life with other soulmates - with you.
Do you have any questions or would you like to register right away?
Write to us! We look forward to hearing from you.
Experiences of former participants:
"From A to Z, a retreat designed with great attention to detail. The creative workshops were perfectly prepared and a lot of fun. Great, inspiring yoga classes that were designed with a lot of love." - Susanne
"The promise 'Be your own soulmate and find others' was fulfilled and even exceeded my expectations. Paula and Malin are real people of the heart, who designed the retreat with a lot of love and accompanied it naturally and genuinely. The yoga classes were also suitable for beginners and they took everyone individually into consideration and offered alternatives. " - Svenja
"You have created a space of well-being. The balance between "program points" and "time for yourself" or the possibility for excursions was wonderful thanks to your flexibility. Your passion and attention to detail can be felt in everything you do. Thank you for the wonderful time." - Lisa
"A week full of fun, relaxation and joie de vivre! I was able to switch off so well, both in yoga and in the creative workshops! Thanks to you two." - Terry
"I felt very comfortable and was able to let go of a lot. How can you be so lucky on a retreat! Great yoga, delicious food and totally amazing people who are open and inspiring. I have rarely felt so at ease. The workshops rounded everything off perfectly." - Anna