PORTUGAL RETREAT

May 20 - 24 2026

FLY

Check in from 2pm Wednesday 20th May

Check out 12pm Sunday 24th May

Buddha Retreats is located just a 45min drive north of Lisbon in the picturesque village of Columbeira. Surrounded by green hills & near to the rugged coast, this is the perfect place to relax & recharge.

Portugal has been our retreat home since 2018 and Buddha Retreats our home since 2022. Together we return for a fourth and final year at Buddha Retreats as they prepare for their final season. We promise you birds, this salty, surf escape is the stuff of re-setting, 'come-back to you' dreams.

Let's fly away together birds to move, chill & connect.

VIBE

We might be bias, but to us and the hundreds of birds who have retreated with us the vibe on a Fitbirds retreat is like no other.

That beautiful community feel skips across oceans and is ready to wrap its wings around you. Charlie and Shani curate an itinerary which provides you with the foundations to tune into whatever it is you need. From creativity, movement, space to breath, to cry and to play.

From powerful and emotive Opening and Closing Ceremony's, bush walks and post surf cerveja's, the vibe on a Fitbirds retreat is just right.

STAY

Buddha Retreats is owned by a the lovely Stephan and Carlijn. Together with their cats, dogs and horses they have run their own yoga and surf retreats for the last 10 years. However this is due to be their last year running Buddha Retreats before they revisit their business model to create something new and more stream lined towards their love of horses.

What they have created at Buddha Retreats is a home away from home for their guests. It has a very relaxing, homely feel. Surrounded by bush and green rolling hills, friendly neighbours and local donkeys. It's a place we have been so happy to call home for 4 years.

Carlijn is an incredible chef, the vegetarian food is simple yet bursting with flavour and nutrition. We are already dreaming of eating her tacos by the pool birds.

MOVE

Fitbirds are specialists in connecting women with their strongest and most aligned core. We integrate our Core Method into all of your movement on retreat. We believe in moving our body to keep us feeling youthful, pain free and confident.

By understanding the synchronicity of our diaphragm, deep and pelvic floor we can then transform the way we connect and move our body.

From meditation, yoga and strength training we will teach you how to truly strengthen your core, mobilise your spine and ensure your pelvic floor is functioning optimally.

We will teach you practices to ensure your lymphatic system is functioning enabling to you drain toxins and inflammation from the body.

NOURISH

Feast from the land, plant based inspired food nourish your soul.

Enjoy slow, long dining experiences together under the sun and Portuguese rolling hills.

We go slow here, allow the senses to soak up the colours of the rainbow, sharing conversations.

Removing the task of what to cook, who to cook for and to clean up... It's all part of the experience.

YOUR RETREAT HOSTS

Together we are flying away with our founding directors Shani and Charlie. Read bios here.

This pair of energiser bunnies will bring you all the positive vibes, lols and support. Shani and Charlie curate retreats to spark curiosity, growth and inner work - you know the stuff which we don't 'have time for'.

Retreat life with Shani and Charlie is a safe, open and playful space. A Fitbirds retreat is like finding the family you never knew you needed.

Shani and Charlie welcome you, birds from our community, near and far, friends of our community and new friends to be made. Shani and Charlie are ready to ride the waves and hold you along the very special retreat journey birds.

PRICES & SCHEDULE

SHARED ACCOMMODATION £950PP

PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION £1300PP

EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT - 10% DISCOUNT FOR THE BIRDS WHO GET IN BEFORE NOVEMBER 30 2025

Buddha Retreats has a rustic, simplistic design. The rooms all have unique vistas on the Portuguese country mountain scape. Buddha Retreats consists of 10 bedrooms all tastefully decorated to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed.

To confirm your place on retreat we require £200 non-refundable deposit.

LET'S RETREAT TOGETHER

DAILY SCHEDULE

7.30am sunrise guided meditation

8am vinyasa flow yoga

10am breakfast

11am surfing or beach time

2.30pm lunch

3-6pm free time (hiking, horse-riding, wine tasting, massage, pool lounging, siestas)

6pm animal flow or hiit
7pm sunset yin yoga
8pm dinner

10pm stargazing

(Schedule is subject to change)