Forest Retreats

Forest Bathing Retreat

Serra de Monchique

Vila Foia

Fri 18th - Sun 20th Sept 2020

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees."

Henry David Thoreau

Vila Foia with Forest Bathing Algarve are offering a two-night retreat in the heart of the Serra de Monchique region of the Algarve. A perfect place to relax, replenish and deepen your connection to the beauty of nature.

The retreat is for up to six people over three days and involves forest and nature immersion to open the senses, create a sense of calm and allow for restoration of the mind and body. Suzanne Radford is a certified Forest Therapy Practitioner and Forest Bathing Guide who will take you to quiet places in the heart of the local forest to experience the peace and tranquillity the flora and fauna of this part of Portugal offers. Being in nature we find resilience and compassion and through spending time in the forest and green spaces we breathe in the clean air and improve our sense of wellbeing.

About Forest Bathing

Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese term for ‘forest bathing’ or immersing oneself in the atmosphere of the forest, for relaxation and wellbeing. The practice has many benefits with science showing it can aid sleep, reduce cortisol levels, lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system, helps brain cognition and creativity and improves mood.

Package Price: €250 per person

What's included?

Two nights’ accommodation including breakfast based on 2 people sharing a twin or double room (please contact us for single occupancy price).
Use of Vila Foia gardens and open-air pool.
2 Guided Forest Bathing Walks in local forest and woods.
1 Guided Sunset walk from the highest point of the Algarve.
1 Nature Connection & Expressive Arts Workshop to Unplug & Unwind.
3 Course Dinner at Vila Foia using fresh local ingredients.
1 Picnic lunch.
1 Lunch at Vila Foia.
Rest and Relaxation.

The Itinerary

Day 1

2:00pm Arrival and Check-in at Vila Foia

Complimentary welcome tea and cake

4:30pm Guided Walk and Forest Bathe to Awaken the Senses

7:00pm Dinner at a local restaurant*

Day 2

8:00am Breakfast

9.30am Forest bathing walk including waterfall
Lunch - Picnic

3:00pm Rest and relax at the hotel

7:00pm Dinner at Vila Foia and Guided Sunset Walk

Day 3

8:00am Breakfast

10:00am Nature Connection & Expressive Arts Workshop to Unplug & Unwind

1:00pm Lunch, sharing and goodbyes

2.15pm Checkout

Additional activities can be arranged at an extra cost: yoga, massage

*Evening meal on the first night not included in the package price

The Forest Bathing walks are designed to be accessible and easy to walk. However, some incline walking may be required and the ground can be uneven so appropriate footwear and a certain level of mobility and moderate fitness is required.

We look forward to welcoming you to Vila Foia and the beauty of the forest and nature here in Monchique,

Suzanne Radford
Forest Therapy Practitioner