Return to Radiance
An exclusive yoga & art retreat for deep relaxation, renewal, and reconnection
Sept 28th - Oct 3rd, 2025 in La Arrábida - Portugal
Experience our bespoke retreat—Crafted for those who seek elegance, inspiration, and renewal. Indulge in a luxurious holistic reset at our exclusive Veda Retreat in Portugal. Slow down, recharge, and awaken your creative spark in a breathtaking sanctuary designed for deep transformation.
A Retreat for the Senses
Picture this…
A golden autumn evening, a beautifully set table, the scent of the earth in the air. Laughter and conversation flow effortlessly as you share a meal with kindred spirits.
At Veda Retreat, every moment is an invitation—to move, to create, to be fully present.
Our retreat offers an exquisite escape where luxury meets soul-deep connection through yoga and creativity.
This isn’t just a retreat. It’s a return—to yourself, to inspiration, to connecting to your inner artist and the beauty of slowing down.
Join us. Your place is waiting.
Feeling out of touch with your inner creative?
Tired of living in the uninspired cycle?
It’s time to step away from the routine and into a retreat where yoga, creativity, and stillness awaken the real you.
This retreat is a rare opportunity to reconnect with your curiosity, creative energy, passion, and purpose.
No need to be "fine" here—just free to be you. Your journey back to yourself begins here.
Escape the Ordinary. Reignite Your Spark.
Where did your inner glow go? And how would it feel to have it back?
Imagine feeling radiant and alive again through daily yoga, healing nature walks, and the magic of creative play.
Our promise with this retreat is that you'll rediscover the joy and energy you thought you'd lost.
Let us support you in this journey. For once, you don't have to hold it all together. From the moment you arrive, you'll be fully pampered—with nourishing meals, luxurious comforts, and our Veda’s expert guidance—so you can finally exhale and receive the care you give to others, which you’ve been longing for too long.
Your Venue: A Sanctuary for Your Soul
Casa Palmela: A Retreat of Elegance & Inspiration
Wake up to golden vineyards, crisp autumn air, and the stillness of Arrábida’s untouched beauty.
Nestled within a 17th-century estate, Casa Palmela blends luxury with nature’s tranquility—an exquisite setting for yoga, creativity, and renewal.
Slow down. Reconnect. Your sanctuary awaits.
Handpicked for Veda Retreat, this is your invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
Portugal is waiting. Will you join us?
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Find serenity and escape in Portugal at Hotel Casa Palmela, a restored manor house in the heart of Arrabida National Park.
Cool, white stone walls reveal elegantly simple suites and bedrooms. Wooden floors and mosaic tiles meet crisp white beds and gently arching ceilings.
Step out onto your balcony, the gentle hum of cicadas in the air. Wander through the fragrant vineyards, or enjoy lazy mornings by the elegant pool.
Venturing away from the grounds means exploring scenic trails around the mountains with a lavishly prepared picnic of cheese and wine.
The tranquil beaches and secret coves of Arrabida are easily reached by bike. Or admire the coastline from the water on a private boat, taking a cool dip when the mood takes you.
Just a short skip from Lisbon, Hotel Casa Palmela offers a slice of timeless Portugal to be savoured. Hotel Casa Palmela is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property.
A Taste of Wellness: Veda and it’s Ayurvedic Cuisine
This autumn, we invite you to nourish your body and soul with vibrant, Ayurvedic-inspired cuisine—crafted to support your well-being while delighting your senses.
Rooted in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, our meals are designed to bring balance, vitality, and warmth—perfectly in tune with the changing season.
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Each dish is carefully curated using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the bounty of Portugal’s autumn harvest. We focus on whole, natural foods—nourishing grains, seasonal fruits and vegetables, plant-based proteins, and wholesome dairy—while avoiding artificial additives or preservatives.
Our culinary team brings a modern touch to Ayurvedic principles, creating meals that are not only deeply nourishing but also rich in flavor and texture. Whether you seek light, cleansing dishes or grounding, comforting meals, every bite is crafted to support your unique needs and enhance your retreat experience.
Throughout your stay, you’ll savor meals that are ashealing as they are delicious—with recipes tailored to promote digestive ease, energy, and inner harmony. From warming soups and golden root vegetables to fragrant spices and nourishing herbal infusions, our menus are designed to bring you back to a sense of wholeness and balance.
At Veda, we believe that food is more than sustenance—it’s a ritual of care. Each meal is an opportunity to slow down, savor, and reconnect with your body’s wisdom. Whether you’re enjoying a light, detoxifying lunch or a comforting evening feast, you’ll experience the power of conscious, nourishing eating.
This is an invitation to nurture yourself from the inside out.
Come taste the season, nourish your being, and experience the magic of Ayurveda at our Veda retreat this autumn.
Your Itinerary
Please note that this is just an overview of what the day-to-day will look like. The final schedule with ALL the details for this Veda retreat will be provided a few days before the event.
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Afternoon:
Arrival & Check-in
Evening:
Fire Ceremony & Welcome Dinner
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Morning:
One-on-One Sessions
Afternoon:
Treasure Hunt (Creative Walk, Questions & Painting)
Evening:
Free time for reflection
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Morning:
Yoga, Meditation & Pranayama (Breath Work)
Afternoon:
Art in Nature
Evening:
Restorative Practice & Free Time
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Morning:
Yoga, Meditation & Pranayama (Breath Work)
Afternoon:
Art Workshop
Evening:
Optional group gathering
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Morning:
Yoga, Meditation & Pranayama (Breath Work)
Afternoon:
Art Workshop
Evening:
Farewell Dinner & Closing Circle
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Morning:
Yoga, Meditation & Pranayama (Breath Work)
Afternoon:
Reflection, Packing
Evening:
Lunch & Departure
The Benefits You’ll Experience
We promise you’ll walk away from this retreat with a renewed sense of pride in yourself.
Whether it's your first painting or a new way of seeing life, you'll return home feeling empowered, inspired, and deeply fulfilled.
Reignite Your Inner Glow✨
Feel radiant and alive again through daily yoga, healing nature walks, and the magic of creative play.
As you nurture your mind and body, you'll rediscover the joy and energy you thought you'd lost.
Experience Something Real Beyond the Surface 🌿
This is not just a getaway—it's a soulful journey. With sunrise meditations, art in nature, and intimate ceremonies, you'll experience the kind of authentic, life-changing moments that no Instagram post can capture.
Unplug from the Noise to Reconnect with What Matters the Most to You! 💫
Escape the constant buzz of life and immerse yourself in quiet, natural beauty. Whether it's through a hike in the forest or painting under the open sky, you'll find the stillness to hear your own heart and soul again.
Stop Comparing to Start Living YOUR Story 🌟
This retreat is NOT about what anyone else is doing—it's about coming home to yourself. With personalized yoga consultations and creative workshops, you'll find the clarity to walk your own path with confidence and assurance—without the pressure to measure up.
La Arrábida
This Veda retreat will be hosted in the heart of Serra da Arrábida Nature Park, just 45 minutes from Lisbon International Airport.
An Exquisite Escape to Arrábida: Portugal’s Hidden Gem
Golden forests, limestone cliffs, and sapphire waters—Arrábida in autumn is pure magic. Stroll quiet trails, savor ocean breezes, and soak in breathtaking views.
Wander charming villages, discover ancient monasteries, and let nature’s stillness inspire you.
A retreat for the senses. A sanctuary for the soul.
This is Arrábida.
Inclusions
5 Nights of Blissful Accommodation in a Five-Star Sanctuary – Luxury accommodation in breathtaking natural surroundings.
Nourishing Wellness & Ayurvedic Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Savor our cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients—every bite is designed to delight your senses while nurturing your body and soul.
Personalized Pre-Arrival Assessment
We begin your journey before you arrive—ensuring your experience is tailored to your unique needs and desires for true transformation.
Tea Ceremony & Meditation in Nature
Experience a sacred pause with a serene tea ceremony, allowing you to soak in the beauty of Arrábida's landscapes and the stillness within.
Optional Massages (Available Throughout Your Stay)
Treat yourself to restorative massages (available at an additional cost) to release tension and melt into pure relaxation.
4 Half-Days of Immersive Painting
Unlock your creative flow through guided painting sessions using a variety of techniques—no experience required, just an open heart and curiosity.
Tile Painting Workshop
Tap into centuries-old Portuguese artistry as you paint your own tile—a beautiful keepsake to carry the magic of this retreat home with you.
Daily Yoga & Meditation Rituals
Greet each day with soulful practices designed to ground you, awaken your energy, and bring deep inner peace—held in nature's embrace.
Not Included
Your airfare for the journey, covering the round trip from your home to the retreat venue.
Taxis or transportation in Portugal.
Additional expenses not covered include souvenir shopping, personal phone calls, extra spa services, taxi rides, and laundry.
Personal, medical, or trip cancellation insurance is not included in the package.
Your Hosts
Therese Skovgaard Poulsen
I’m Therese, founder of Veda wellness retreats and my path has been one of deep challenges, inner discoveries, and a burning desire to serve others.
I grew up in Denmark, where the sudden loss of my father shattered my world, forcing me to grow up quickly and face life's toughest questions. This tragedy sparked a spiritual awakening that led me on a transformative journey.
I traveled to India, where I studied ancient spiritual teachings and Sanskrit at Columbia University. For 27 years, I had the privilege of learning from the great yoga masters—Krishnamacharya, B.K.S. Iyengar, and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
My work is more than just yoga—it's about emotional healing, transformation, and self-discovery. From Vipassana meditation retreats to chakra cleansing and NLP, I guide my students on a journey that addresses physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
I’ve been based in Indonesia for the past 16 years, leading workshops, retreats and training around the world, and I’m honored to walk this path of healing with so many.
I’m here to serve with love, integrity, and clarity, helping others unlock their true potential. My mission is to help you heal, grow, and live a life filled with joy and fulfillment.
Davina Stephens
I am a contemporary artist known for my vibrant, textural works that weave together Eastern and Western influences. Born in Wellington, New Zealand (1968), I’ve made Bali my creative home, where the island’s rich culture and spirituality continuously inspire my practice.
Through a blend of traditional woodblock printing, etching, and mixed media, I create layered compositions that explore themes of nature, human connection, and sacred symbolism. My work carries a meditative quality, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and connect on a deeper level.
Over the years, my art has been exhibited across Asia, Australasia, and Europe and is part of both private and public collections—a testament to my holistic approach to art and storytelling.
About Veda Wellness Retreats
At Veda, our passion is creating transformative experiences that nourishes your body, mind, and Soul.
We are a trusted authority in the fields of yoga and Ayurveda, with over 25 years of experience delivering transformative wellness experiences.
We offer the highest quality and service, knowing you can trust us to guide you toward profound and lasting change.
We’re dedicated to blending ancient wisdom with modern wellness to help you reconnect, rejuvenate, and rediscover your true self.
Your Investment
Early Bird: Valid Until June 30th, 2025
Double Room €3.370,00/Pp
Single Room €3.560,00/Pp
Regular Prices: Valid From July 1st, 2025
Double Room €3.550,00/Pp
Single Room €3.750,00/Pp
Includes
5 nights accommodation
Daily wellness meals (b/f, lunch & dinner)
Pre-arrival assessment
Yoga consultation
4 half days of painting with different techniques and materials
Tile painting workshop
Daily yoga and meditation sessions
Tea ceremony and meditation in the nature park
Possible massages throughout the stay (extra)
Terms & Conditions
A 30% deposit is needed to secure participation in the retreat.The remaining 70% balance is due 60 days before the retreat begins.
For cancellations made between 60 and 45 days prior to the retreat, a 50% penalty applies; the remaining balance will be refunded.
For cancellations within 45 days of the retreat start date, a 100% penalty applies, and no
balance will be refunded.
The organization reserves the right to cancel the retreat no later than 21 days before the
start date. In such cases, the deposit will either be transferred to a future retreat or
refunded.
FAQ
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The Arrábida region, located in the Setúbal region of Portugal, is known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
We are just 45 minutes from Lisbon International Airport.
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No. You can come as a complete beginner. If you already have a yoga practice, we will have the opportunity to work on a personalised level, so that you can advance your practice.
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No. This retreat is a chance to connect with your inner creative self. If you have never created art, you don’t need to worry. We will guide you in this process.
Any Question? Contact Us!
Contact Details For Reservations And Inquiries
E. retreats@ouh.pt
T. +351969298381
W. www.hotelcasapalmela.pt
