REJUVENATE IN NATURE
with Susannah White, Ailsa Petchley & Whitespace Yoga
In May 2025 I co-hosted a retreat with Whitespace Yoga in beautiful Portugal for a rejuvenating Yoga and Pilates retreat. Based at Cara Creek, an off-grid location in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela mountains, we disconnected from daily life and immersed ourselves in nature. It was a retreat to inspire the senses and nourish the soul.
Portugal
May 2025
A chance to disconnect from the world + reconnect to yourself
PORTUGAL | 8TH - 13TH MAY 2025
We enjoyed 5-nights in a captivating natural riverside setting, in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela Mountains. Hosted by Whitespace Yoga, a wellbeing space located in Stony Stratford, myself and Ailsa Petchley (pilates) guided a truly immersive retreat combining yoga, pilates, art and wellbeing.
Cara Creek was a little slice of paradise, and the perfect retreat for nature lovers. With a magical creek, providing the constant sounds of the flowing river, the location provided a beautiful setting to relax, unwind and immerse in the natural world. The indoor shala provided a comforting space to get cosy, whilst the outdoor shala engulfed in you the incredible sights, sounds and senses of nature. We gazed at the stars, enjoyed the hobbit sauna and jacuzzi, swam in the natural pool and giggled round the fire. We went on mindful walks, created mandala art and learnt about lymphatics. And of course there was yoga! It was truly special.
As we said goodbye, we hugged and made a promise to do it again!
So - if this sounds idyllic and you’d like to register your interest to retreat with me, click the link below and drop me an email.
Imagine yourself here, in this beautiful off-grid setting…
ABOUT THE RETREAT
The owners, Rory and Ashley, moved to the site in 2017. They were totally drawn in by the River Seia rushing along the bottom of the meticulously stone-terraced slope and have embarked on years of clearing, reforesting, and building to create this wonderful retreat space.
Cara Creek is off-grid. It has been built naturally and is run sustainably. Construction materials were up-cycled wherever possible, and traditional building methods were used. The unique eco-pods are created by Rory who took inspiration from nature and from sacred geometry. Sleep in close proximity with the natural surroundings from the comfort of a cosy bed. Some pods are right on the river, with private decks and some have star-gazing ceilings.
Rory and Ashley are gradually planting a more native and diverse selection of trees and plants. They also grow food and keep chickens for eggs. Four dogs, two cats, and two goats, all with unique and lovely personalities, have joined the beautiful birds and wildlife of this valley.
RETREAT FORMAT
The below may give you an idea of what to expect on a yoga retreat, and what the investment may be for future retreats.
Check in time
After 3pm Thursday 8th May
Check out time
Before 11am Tuesday 13th May
Any extension to check out time will be on a discretionary basis as other retreat groups may need to check in.
What’s included
All yoga and Pilates classes
Yoga, Pilates and art workshops
5 nights accommodation in a private eco-pod
Delicious organic home-cooked brunch, afternoon snack and dinner
Tea and coffee, fruit and nuts
Excursion to local natural hot springs
Outdoor cinema experience under the stars
What’s not included
Flights
Travel insurance
Transfers to and from airport
Supplementary excursions or treatments
Supplementary drinks and food
A variety of other activities available at no extra cost
Stand up paddle boards to explore the calm Mondego River, with instruction as required
Swimming in a magical swimming creek with fresh deep water or in a natural swimming pool with an infinity edge overlooking the valley
Hobbit house wood-fired sauna
Clay mud bath on a private river beach
Fire-pit to gather around in the evenings (seasonal)
Hiking routes and waterfall destination river walk from the creek
Plenty of spaces to read, socialise, meditate or reflect including hammocks along the river walk
The following treatments are available for an additional cost
Massage
Reiki
Reflexology
Indian head massage
Craniosacral Therapy
Sound Healing
Hypnotherapy with recording
A variety of daily yoga and Pilates classes will be offered during the retreat. Whether just beginning or an advanced practitioner you can practice one or the other or a mix of both. A combination of yoga and Pilates offers many health benefits and the core strength gained from Pilates can really benefit yoga practice.
There are two shalas at Cara Creek. The indoor shala has natural and calm vibes and has panoramic views over the valley. The covered outdoor shala has stunning views of the pool and soothing sounds of the river. Mats and props are provided.
Investment
£895 per person shared
£995 per person single