SILENT RETREAT
autumn 2026
South Portugal
6 days, 5 nights
8-13 November 2026
A silent retreat is an opportunity to temporarily step outside all distraction of daily life, and to reconnect with your deepest self. To support the process of going inward to the fullest we will be screen-free, silent, and eye-contact-free for the duration of the retreat.
This silent retreat offers a more gentle approach to silent retreats compared to famous other approaches. Where other retreats are long, and have up to 12 hours of seated practice a day, here we have fewer days, fewer hours of formal seated meditation per day (up to 6), more time to rest, and the inclusion of diverse meditation techniques, as well as gentle yoga for all levels, pranayama, and nature walks. This way we look to create a holistic and kind approach to the practice.
This program will revolve around Buddhist and Yogic meditation teachings, which provide a methodical approach to practice. Through talks, Q&A's, and private support during the retreat, we will aim to make states of deep attention and subtle awareness accessible to all practitioners, regardless of prior experience. All levels are welcome. In fact, the more one has a beginner's mind-set, the better.
The retreat concept was born out of a personal desire for this kind of silent retreat. After having attended several 10 day Vipassana retreats in the S.N. Goenka tradition over the course of some years, I found myself drifting away from the strict rules and framework of the tradition, and looking for a shorter version of such retreats, where also different approaches to meditation would be allowed.
As I didn't find much of this, I started to create these experiences myself. This will be the 6th one that I am teaching and organizing, and I warmly welcome you if this sounds like what you are looking for too.
Program
07:00 - Light Yoga & Pranayama, Meditation
09:30 - Brunch
11:00 - Teaching, Q&A & Guided Meditation
13:00 - Snack
15:00 - Meditation
18:30 - Dinner
20:00 - Evening Meditation
Requisites
There are a few requisites for this program to ensure a safe and smooth experience. You will be asked to commit to abandon all alcohol, nicotine and intoxicants 7 days before the retreat. Caffeine is allowed in moderation and will be served with brunch and lunch. Smoking during the retreat is not allowed.
We will also ask you to share transparently about your physical and mental health condition, so we can ensure that this program is suitable for you at this stage.
We also strongly recommend to start meditating daily in the lead up to the retreat.
Upon signing up to the retreat you are invited and encouraged to join weekly meditations with Thomas.
Food & Accomodation
The retreat will be held in a private villa in South Portugal, on the foothills of a forest near Lagos. The food will be plant-based, seasonal, and local, cooked by Mukta who is a wonderful chef. The meditation will be facilitated by Thomas and supported by a small, dedicated team.
Both private rooms and shared rooms are available. Shared rooms will be shared between 2 people maximum.
The closest airport is Faro Airport (FAO) - approximately 1h15 by car. Bolt, Uber and Taxis are easily available from the airport. Lisbon Airport (LIS) is approximately 4 hours away by car.
Yogalap Collaboration
The retreat is held in collaboration with yogalap. Yogalap founder Michaël Bijker will join us for at least 1 session to share a practice and teaching with us. Graduates of the yogalap instructor courses will be prioritized if spots are filling.
Tuition & Enrollment
Shared Room: €750 early bird until October 8. Afterwards €850
Private Room: €1150 early bird until October 8. Afterwards €1250
-
Maximum group size 12 people.
-
Tuition includes food, accommodation, and program.
-
10% off for Portuguese citizens and residents.
-
Payment plans are available.
-
To reserve, make a deposit of €250. For the early bird, pay the final amount by October 8. For regular, pay the final amount by October 31.
-
Deposits are non refundable, but can be transferred to a future silent retreat within 1 year - if available. Consider your calendar well before booking.
-
To sign up and receive payment details, click the button below to fill in a short questionnaire.
Testimonials
FAQ
Can I join as a beginner?
You can absolutely join as a beginner. In some ways, there are even advantages to come as a complete beginner.
What is the meditation technique that will be taught?
The objects that we use for meditation are breath and body. This can further progress into peripheral awareness as the meditation 'object', for those ready.
What meditation tradition does this come from?
We will orient ourselves around Buddhism and the Yoga Sutras. These traditions emphasize gradual stages in the practice of mindfulness and concentration. Later in the retreat we will also explore teachings from Advaita Vedanta, Ramana Maharshi, and Kashmir Shaivism, with a life embracing attitude to practice.
How can I ask questions if we don't speak?
It is not an issue to break the silence to ask a question, as long as it is discreet and minimally interrupts others. Many attendants however do choose to not speak at all. For those who make that choice, we always keep a pen and paper around for the Q&A.