PRACTICAL INFORMATION

THE LOCATION

Monte Velho is located in a remote and pristine area of southwest Portugal, where the land meets the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by the rugged cliffs and vast natural landscapes of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, the retreat centre offers an ideal environment for deep rest, reflection, and renewal.

This region is known for its powerful natural elements—dramatic coastlines, expansive beaches, aromatic native plants, and wide-open skies. Winding trails lead through scenic terrain, from forest paths to coastal viewpoints, offering direct access to some of the area's most beautiful and untouched locations.

As a family-run, self-sustaining eco-retreat, they are committed to sustainability, community, and personal transformation.

The centre hosts a diverse range of retreats—including yoga, meditation, breathwork, martial arts, dance, expressive arts and many more—providing a nurturing space for individuals to reconnect with their inner selves and the natural world.

With eco-conscious architecture, premium vegetarian cuisine, and panoramic views of the Atlantic, Monte Velho is more than a destination; it's a place to rediscover your true nature.

Swimming pool

Monte Velho has an outdoor balinese gazeboo made of wood with panoramic view, a small salt water swimming pool.

Please note there is no lifeguard on duty.

Nearby beaches

There ares stunning beaches on the western coast of Portugal, Carrapateira's beaches; Amado and Bordeira, are about 4-5 km away:
o By car: 6 minutes
o By bike: 20 minutes to Amado Beach
o Walking: About 1 hour 15 minutes to Amado Beach

The dancing shala

Casa das Pinhas is a large, circular, beautifuly designed pavillion with panoramic sea views surronded by ancient pine tress. The floor is made of cork.

Food

We believe in nourishing both body and soul with mindfulness. Our catering is exclusively vegan and vegetarian, crafted with love and intention to delight your taste and nourish your being. Indulge in a symphony of flavors, from farm-fresh salads bursting with vibrant colors to hearty plant-based entrees that satisfy the senses and leave you feeling energized. We have a vegetarian team of chefs that work with local products and nutritous recipies presented in buffet style.

Monte Velho can adapt the food served to lactose-free, gluten-free. They can host food allergies and intolerances, but not food preferences. A guest with a list of +5 ingredients is is charged +12€/day for a personalized catering.

PLEASE let us know in advance if you have any diet requets.

Have a look at the webpage of Monte Velho here:

https://www.montevelhoretreatcentre.com/

HOW TO GET THERE

You can fly into one of these two airports. Monte Velho recommend that you fly into Faro.

Lisbon
Faro

Faro Airport is 1 hour and 15 minutes away. Here are your options:

– Rent a car: Drive yourself (about 1 hour 20 minutes).

– Transfer service: Around €120-140 each way. Sharing with other participants lowers the cost. Monte Velho can help arrange transfers. A larger van for 8 people costs €160-180.

– Public transport (cheapest, but takes longer):
o Bus to Faro train station, train to Lagos, then walk to Lagos bus station.
o Bus to Vila do Bispo, then a taxi (€25) to Monte Velho. We can book the taxi for you.

Lisbon Airport is about 3,5 hours drive away.

Transfers from Lisbon Airport:
– 8-person van: €350-380
– 4-person taxi: €295-320

You can also take public transportaion from Lisbon and then the last part with taxi. There are several options to go from Lisbon, either by train or bus.

Monte Velho can help organize these transfers, but once booked, it's your responsibility to stay in touch with the driver for any delays or changes. The transfer is not included in the retreat price and is to be paid directly to the driver.

If you need transfer please let us know in advance.

ACCOMMODATION AND PRICES

Monte Velho provides different levels of accommodation.

The rooms are prepared with attention and care to make everyone feel at home. They are built in a traditional Mediterranean way to keep the heat out.

All prices are in euro, for one person for the whole retreat, including accomodation, all vivencias, full board - three meals a day and dinner on arrival day and breakfast on departure day.

EARLY BIRD PERIODS:

1. EARLY BIRD - before 15th Dec

2. EARLY BIRD - 16th Dec - Feb

3. EARLY BIRD - March - 14th July

FULL PRICE - after 14th July

1. E.B 2. E.B 3. E.B F.P

single 1300 1400 1500 1600

double/twin 1050 1150 1250 1350

triple 950 1050 1150 1250

quadruple 950 1050 1150 1250

dorm 775 875 975 1075

PLEASE NOTE - prices on the pictures below are for the first early bird - ending 15th of December. After that the prices increase according to the different early bird periods.

Note about single rooms, there are two types of single rooms:

Single room with private bathroom: You have the whole unit for yourself and a private bathroom. The price is listed as "single" in the overview.

Single room with shared bathroom: If you wish to stay in a single room, and share bathroom, it is possible to use "Room type 2" or "Room type 3", booked as twin. These rooms have two separate spaces where the bathroom is shared. The price is listed as a "twin" in the overview.

Note about single rooms, there are two types of single rooms:

Single room with private bathroom: You have the whole unit for yourself and a private bathroom. The price is listed as "single" in the overview.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT DETAILS

To reserve your place, you need to

- send us an email to biodanza.summer.retreat@gmail.com that includes the type of accommodation you wish

- then we will send you and email with confirmation of the accommodation and the payment details

- pay a deposit of 150 euros (non-refundable).

You need to send us a CONFIRMATION email, to let us know that you have read the registration and payment details and the cancellation policy. When this is done and your deposit is paid - your place is assured.

The rest of your payment needs to be paid until the end of the early bird period that you register within. If you pay the full price, the balance needs to be paid until the 10th of August.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

The deposit of 150 euros is non-refundable.

Cancellations after 15th of June until 16th of July, gives the refund of 75% of the remaining amount (except the deposit of 150 euros).

Cancellations after 16th July until 10th of August, gives the refund of 50% of the remaining amount (except the deposit of 150 euros).

Cancellations after 10th of August gives no refund.

Please get in touch with us by email before you pay, just to make sure all the details are understood.

Please mark your payment with name(s) and Biodanza 2026.

For Norwegian participants payment details:

Name: Frid Langsrud

Account number 9801 13 00219

For IsraelI participants payment details:

Cash payment to Rachely Turtz

For Portuguese participants payment details:

Name: Alvaro Ferreira

PT50 0018 000343539527020 58

For other nationalities participants payment details:

Bank: Santander Totta

Address of bank: Aeroporto da Portela, Lisboa 1700008