Deep in the forested mountain valleys of Central Portugal, the Winter family has spent nearly two decades quietly restoring four ancient Xisto stone houses into one of the world’s most genuinely inhabitable retreat spaces. Yoga in a shala floating above the landscape, cascading natural river pools, forest bathing paths, Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, nourishing plant-based meals from the property’s own garden, and the particular silence of a valley where time moves differently from anywhere else — Vale de Moses is the kind of place that feels less like a retreat destination and more like a homecoming.
Assessed by HealingGuide
Vale de Moses is a magical remote valley farm nestled in the stunning foothills of the Serra de Estrela mountains, central Portugal.
It is home to the Winter family, who spent the last 13 years restoring old stone cottages, building new facilities and planting 5 hectares of forested gardens with the help of neighbours and local artisans. Head for these hills and stay with us for a week’s retreat. Practice yoga in a wooden and glass shala floating above edible flower and herb gardens, walk miles of endless paths in the surrounding pine forests with our dogs, swim and mud bathe in cascading natural river pools, breathe pure mountain air, eat deliciously nourishing fresh veggie and vegan meals, have healing treatments from compassionate therapists, star gaze and then sleep deeply each night in comfy rustic stone cottages or Soulpad belle tents.
Daily yoga schedule Sunday afternoon arrival from Lisbon coach or via hire car after 5pm. Sundays are just to arrive, settle into your accommodation, meet the team and the others on your group and have dinner together. Monday to Friday 7.30am Kitchens open for tea, fresh fruit and nuts 8am Silent led meditation walk through the forest 8.30am Yoga 2 hour class with your teacher for the week 10.30am Big breakfast, a variety of delicious rice and grain porridges, fruit salads, toasted seeds, local honey and freshly squeezed juices 11.30am Free time / massage treatments / swimming / walking 2pm Large nutritious lunch 3pm More free time / massage treatments / swimming / hiking 5pm Yoga classes/workshops/self-practice depending on the retreat 7pm Light evening meal One afternoon in the week we head off to the nearby Rio Zêzere for a wild swim and mud bath weather permitting. Friday evening party with music and dancing Saturday check out 7am for 8am coach to Porto or Lisbon.
Since we arrived in 2008, we threw ourselves wholeheartedly into restoring the four Xisto stone cottages at Vale de Moses, with great care and respect to the old local Portuguese traditions of building with natural materials: clay, lime, stone and wood.
Vale de Moses to me is an extraordinary yoga retreat with great vegetarian (or also vegan) freshly cooked food, a wonderful teacher (Fleur), warm and welcoming people in the middle of nowhere.
Vale de Moses
Yoga Retreat
Oleiros 6160-052 – Castelo Branco
Portugal
Europe
Where Healing Begins
This property has been independently assessed and selected by HealingGuide as part of a curated global collection of healing sanctuaries, retreat centres, and wellness hotels chosen for the quality of the inner states they make possible.
We earn no commission.
All links lead directly to the property, and we encourage you to book there whenever you can.
