Joy Denis, DO, MOST. Osteopath & Yoga Teacher
My Services
Yoga Retreats
Upcoming
Yoga & Meditation Retreat
September 5th-10th 2021
REVITALISE in Portugal
6 days to revitalise by reconnecting with your body and your mind, with others, and with the surrounding elements
-
Deepen your practice through daily meditation, pranayamas and asanas practice
-
Nurture yourself with delicious sustainably prepared vegan food (vegeterian option)
-
Learn about the healing power of Ayurvedic Cuisine
-
Explore the incredible surrounding beaches & forests on the west coast of Portugal
-
Experience a cacao ceremony & a group channelling meditation
-
Discover the power of sound healing
-
Create some healthy nurturing habits to take home with you
-
Re-centre on what matters to you the most with daily journaling prompts
-
Learn more about living a sustainable life for yourself and your surroundings
-
We will use the most sustainable and organic products we can find while also minimizing waste wherever possible
Revitalise Yoga & Meditation Retreat Program
Sunday 5th - Arrival
17:30 Circle Opening practice
19:30 Welcome Dinner
Monday 6th
8:30-10:30 Morning Practice
Align from within - Core Awakening
11:00 Brunch
Free time
17:00 Restorative flow & yoga nidra
19:30 Dinner
Tuesday 7th - New Moon
8:30-10:30 - Morning Practice
Hips unravelling moonfully
11:00 Ayurvedic Cooking Class
Free time
17:00 Walk on the beach - beach cleaning
Restorative flow & Yoga nidra
19:30 Dinner (possibly picnic on the beach)
Wednesday 8th
8:30-10:30 - Morning Practice
Open your heart - Deepen your backbends
11:00 Brunch
Free time
17:00 Sound Healing
19:30 Dinner
Thursday 9th
8:30-10:30 - Morning Practice
Beyond Fear - Inversions
11:00 Brunch (possibly picnic on the beach)
Free time
17:00 Cacao Ceremony & Channelling Meditation
19:30 Dinner
Friday 10th
8:00-10:00 - Closing Morning Practice
Rising Flow
10:00-11:00 Breakfast
Leaving
Program - subject to change depending on weather & teachers
WHY?
As a passionate osteopath and yoga teacher, I have always wanted to connect with students on a deeper level during a retreat. I decided to do it here in Peniche as I fell so deeply in love with the place that I'd like to share it with you.
The geographical location of Peniche and Baleal makes it unique. You will get to witness evidence of the unquestionable power of the ocean that has been crushing over the years on some incredible cliffs, leaving you with an inexplicable energy. The landscapes vary from beach dunes to red cliffs and incredible forests all within easy reach of each other, which makes it so astonishing.
My yoga classes have an osteopathic input: I am a big enthusiast about alignment as well as body consciousness on and off the mat. There will be plenty of cues and some more anatomical knowledge if students are keen. Classes will be around 2 hours long so that we can dive deep into different topics, some breathing work, meditations and asanas. Classes are open to all levels and there will be various modifications available.
You will also be able to take part in special workshops such as sound healing and a cacao ceremony with a group meditation. These types of healing workshops mean a lot to me as I have always had great experiences taking part in them. I would like to give you a taste of many healing ways so that you can leave the retreat with a better understanding of what works and what does not work for you. Sustainability and living with minimal waste is a topic that means a lot to me. It is not an easy journey but every step is an achievement. I am organising this retreat with this in mind: leaving minimal waste wherever possible.
They say we are what we eat, don't they? This is why nurturing ourselves with the best food possible in the healthiest way and learning a bit more about ayurvedic cuisine is so important.
About the Villa,
Originally, the house was a kindergarten - full of energy and laughter. As the owners changed, they wanted to keep the happy place and refurbished it to a guesthouse to continue welcoming people searching for a peaceful and relaxed time.
In the guesthouse, you will find many small wood details. The owners made many of the decorations by themselves to give it a personal touch and make it more comfortable for you. It all began with a huge tree trunk which they found at the beach and is now hanging in the common living room. After hanging it, they found inspiration and ideas in it - and here they are now. Because the little things make the difference.
The Villa is in the village of Casais de Mestre Mendo, on the hill behind Baleal, Peniche:
5 minute drive to the ocean
30 min Bike ride
1 hour walk to the beach
A ride will be provided for any excursion outside of the villa, but not during your free time. You will have options to rent a bike, hire a taxi or rent a car.
INVESTMENT
5% discount if booked before June 3Oth
Bring a friend along and get both 10% off
950€ in shared dorm 3-4 beds with ensuite
1100€ in twin/double room (shared) with private bathroom
1600€ of twin/double room (private single use) with private bathroom
2200€ in twin/double room (private double use) with private bathroom
Min 5 Max 10 persons
4 beds shared room with ensuite
3 beds shared room with ensuite
double room with ensuite
twin room/double with private bathroom
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
-
5 nights Accommodation
-
All Yoga and meditation classes
-
All workshops
-
Vegan Breakfasts/brunches and Dinners
-
Fruits, Tea and coffee available all day long
-
Workbook to learn, journal and reflect
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
-
Flights (if coming from abroad)
-
Transfer from the airport to the villa
-
Insurance
-
Bike or car rental
-
Extra activities
-
Massages or treatments
FAQ
What should I do to book ?
You need a non-refundable deposit of 45% to book your space.
When do I have to pay the full amount ?
You have to pay the full amount maximum 30 days prior to the retreat. If you are booking the retreat within 30 days of the starting date, you will have to pay the full amount at booking.
What if I don't want to do all the activities?
That is completely up to you, it is your retreat, your choice.
Where will we do the classes ?
Depending on weather and choice of the group, we will either practice inside the villa or outside by the pool. Some classes/meditations might take place by the beach or in the forest too.
What style are the yoga classes ?
The morning classes are vinyasa style, more energetic classes. We will dive in some specific poses therefore breaking it down and slowing down when needed to perfect our practice. Breathing techniques such as pranayamas will be part of the practices too.
The afternoon classes will be restorative classes, more relaxed yin style with some yoga nidra to go deeper into relaxation and healing. If there is no yoga class in the afternoon, it will be a meditation or sound healing workshop.
What do I need to bring ?
A list will be sent out to you prior to the retreat with recommendations of what you need
What is there is a lockdown or another pandemic situation?
If Portugal is locking down its borders or going into another lockdown leading into the cancellation of the retreat you will be reimbursed the full amount.
What if I am Covid Positive and cannot make the retreat ?
On proof of your positive test preventing you from coming to the retreat, you will be issued a voucher to use on a future retreat.
What Can I do during the free time?
You are welcomed to stay at the villa and chill by the pool, read a book, journal. If you feel like going out, you can rent a bike or hike to the beach or go explore the village of Obidós. Maybe you have enough energy to go for some surfing classes or want to use this time to have an osteopathic treatment or a massage.
Suggestions
Try to arrive the weekend before to have the time to settle in before the retreat. Maybe spend it in Lisbon if you've never visited this great city. If you prefer to come to Peniche already I can arrange some accommodation for you and suggest few things to do.
