YOGA. CREATIVITY. SOUND. SUPERFOOD. NATURE.
Soulmates Summer Retreat
July 18–25, 2026
Monchique, Portugal
Soulmates
"BE YOUR OWN SOULMATE AND FIND OTHERS."—this motto is our guiding principle.
If you’re looking for a retreat that’s as much about you and your soul as it is about enjoying each other’s company, you’ve come to the right place. In a small group of up to 16 participants, you can take advantage of many activities, but you don’t have to. We won’t pressure you to join a yoga session, meditation, or workshop if you’d rather have some privacy by the pool, in the garden, or somewhere else. The Soulmates Retreat offers you everything you need: movement, peace, good food, and much more, which we’d 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 flow smoothly from one asana to the next, we are fully present in the “here and now” and create space to arrive at our inner island. Strengthening, sweat-inducing sequences fortify the body while promoting elasticity and flexibility—at the same time, we create space to connect deeply with ourselves.
On four evenings, we’ll wind down the day with a calm, 75-minute yoga session. You can look forward to a relaxing practice—sometimes Slow Flow, sometimes Yin Yoga, or Restorative Yoga. You can relax at your own pace, let go, and gently bring the day to a close.
In all our yoga classes, you’ll learn various breathing and meditation techniques that will help you feel relaxed and bring you into balance even after the retreat.
What makes our classes special is that we are two experienced yoga teachers who co-teach every class. For you, this means more attention, more support, and a more immersive experience on the mat. Upon request, we offer assists and alignment guidance to help you find the poses safely and correctly. However, if you simply want to be by yourself, we respect that space as well. Our shared presence allows us to address individual needs more deeply, and on top of that, you’ll enjoy a soothing massage during Shavasana.
Our diverse teaching styles and areas of focus enrich every practice: You can look forward to a varied, inspiring yoga experience where our styles and approaches complement each other beautifully. As a team, we are constantly continuing our education to always offer you the best possible experience.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, you’re warmly welcome at Soulmates. We’re also happy to offer suitable alternatives for pregnant women so that every practice feels safe and good for you. Together, we’ll explore your yoga practice and discover what yoga can do for you.
Creativity
In addition to yoga, sunshine, and nature, we’d like to offer you the opportunity to express your creativity. Two left hands? No talent? That’s not a thing here! In three specially curated creative workshops, we’ll convince you that you’ve got what it takes!
By the end, you’ll not only hold beautiful creations in your hands—which you can, of course, take home with you—but also the feeling of having created something truly special. Let yourself be surprised and look forward to these inspiring sessions!
Deep Relaxation & Sound
During our retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magical world of sound baths with Alchemy Crystal Bowls. The gentle vibrations of these extraordinary singing bowls will bring your body, mind, and soul into a state of deep relaxation. The healing frequencies will help you release stress, calm your nervous system, and reconnect fully with yourself. Let the sounds carry you away, feel them penetrate every cell of your body, and find a state of inner balance and harmony.
The sound baths take place by the pool or while floating in it—a unique experience that allows you to relax even more deeply. In addition, the crystal bowls accompany you time and again during our Shavasana phases to take your relaxation to an even higher level after every yoga session.
Superfood Workshop
Snacks are always a good idea, right? Whether it’s a quick chocolate bar in between meals or the cookie a colleague brought in—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 at how easy it is to whip up snacks packed with superfoods that support your energy levels. Sweet or salty? You decide! Together, we’ll try out a few recipes right away that you can easily recreate at home thanks to our handout. Look forward to discovering exciting new snacks that you’ll enjoy while also providing you with valuable nutrients.
Self-love to take home
We don’t just want to welcome and pamper you during the retreat week—we also want to give you something to take with you that will stay with you long after it’s over. In addition to the tools for greater mindfulness and self-love, you’ll receive a lovingly packed goodie bag—full of little surprises and helpful gadgets to support your self-love and self-care routine. This way, you can return to your everyday life feeling strengthened and motivated, continuing to treat yourself with mindfulness and love. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey—during the retreat and beyond!
Soul Food
Amy, our private chef, will take care of our physical well-being; she already enchanted everyone with her extraordinary talent at our last retreat. Amy is far more than just a chef—she is a true artist in the kitchen. With her unparalleled ability to transform even the simplest ingredients into a true feast, she has already delighted us time and again.
What makes Amy so special? She not only creates unforgettably delicious dishes but also ensures that everything is healthy, locally sourced, and ethically produced. Her philosophy: enjoyment and sustainability go hand in hand.
Every day she treats us to a hearty brunch and, in the evening, a perfectly balanced 3-course meal.
Whether you follow a vegan, vegetarian, or meat-and-fish diet—Amy conjures up exactly the soul food that suits your taste best.
For those little hunger pangs in between meals, she always prepares healthy and delicious snacks that we can help ourselves to from the kitchen at any time.
At the end of our last stay, we were so thrilled that Amy even shared some of her recipes with us—a gift that kept us happy long after the meal was over. Look forward to a culinary journey you won’t soon forget!
Location of the Retreat
The retreat takes place at Bodhi Bhavan. Bodhi Bhavan is situated on Mount Picota in Monchique (Portugal), offering a fantastic view of the town’s northwest side and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The grounds blend harmoniously into the surrounding nature.
Various hiking trails run right through the property. Spread over more than 6 hectares, we are secluded, and everyone can find a quiet, hidden spot to rest. Whether you want to read, talk, or simply chill out and enjoy the Portuguese nature in peace—here you can do whatever takes your fancy.
Natural spring water flows directly from the mountain at various points. Some springs flow into natural open water basins where you can cool off on warm days. The place has a powerful energy that supports a practice of self-discovery and stillness. Bodhi Bhavan was created so that visitors may attain deep peace and healing, encounter themselves with clarity, and find their own inner strength.
The breathtaking beaches of the Algarve are just a 30-minute drive away.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are eight completely renovated bedrooms. The two beds in each room can be used either as twin beds or as a double bed. Each bed features a memory foam mattress for superior sleep comfort. The layout of the rooms ensures privacy for all guests. All rooms have private bathrooms and have been renovated to the latest standards.
GARDEN & POOL
While the forest garden, a vegetable garden, and wild nature dominate the lower part of the property, the upper half opens up to the pool. You can cool off in the 15-meter-long pool, and there is a chill-out terrace with sun loungers.
YOGA SHALA
A short hiking trail leads up to the Yoga Shala. On clear days, the studio offers a breathtaking view over the mountains all the way to Portugal’s wild west coast in the distance. In front of the Yoga Shala is an even larger wooden platform, so that all activities can also be moved outdoors.
And what else?
"BE YOUR OWN SOULMATE AND FIND OTHERS."—as we said, our motto. Here you can unwind, have time for yourself, and meet other wonderful people. In addition to the Soulmates offerings, you can go on excursions on your own, 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 narrow cobblestone streets. The beaches of the Algarve are just a 30-minute drive away.
The Soulmates Team
Paula & Malin
Soulmates—the name stands for what we’ve found in each other. For decades, we’ve been not only closest friends but also allies in our passions: good food, yoga, creative work, travel, nature—and above all, the desire to inspire others. 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 zest for life with other soulmates—with you.
Do you have questions or would you like to sign up right away?
Write to us! We look forward to hearing from you.
Testimonials from past participants:
"A retreat designed with great attention to detail from start to finish. The creative workshops were perfectly prepared and a lot of fun. Wonderful, inspiring yoga sessions that were crafted with so much love." - Susanne
"The promise 'Be your own soulmate and find others' was fulfilled and even exceeded my expectations. Paula and Malin are truly kind-hearted people who designed the retreat with so much love and guided us in a completely natural and authentic way. The yoga classes were also well-suited for beginners, and everyone’s needs were individually considered with alternatives offered." - Svenja
"You’ve created a space of well-being. The balance between ‘scheduled activities’ and ‘time for yourself’—or opportunities for excursions—was wonderful thanks to your flexibility. You can feel your passion and attention to detail 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 unwind so well, both during yoga and the creative workshops! Thank you both." - Terry
"I felt very comfortable and was able to let go of a lot. How can one be so happy at a retreat?! Great yoga, delicious food, and absolutely wonderful people who are open and inspiring. I have rarely felt so at ease. The workshops rounded everything off perfectly." - Anna