Metamorphosis - Your Journey of Transformation
One week away from everything that keeps you busy. In the mountains of the Algarve, with a small group of women.
We work with the breath, the body and the senses. Pranayama and Conscious Connected Breathing. Yoga, embodiment and movement. Ayurvedic vegan food, sound, nature, silence.
Each day has its own theme. And there is time to let things land. So what shifts here stays with you when you go home.
This retreat is for you if…
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you feel that something wants to change, but you don't know how yet
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you are tired of pushing through and want to feel your body again
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you are curious about breathwork, or you have tried it and want to go deeper
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you long for time in nature and with women who are on a similar path
You don't need any experience. Every practice is guided and can be adapted to your body.
It may not be the right fit if you are looking for a pure holiday or a fitness retreat. This week is gentle, and it goes deep.
What to expect:
Explore yourself
01
Breathwork & Movement
Discover the breath as a bridge between body and mind.
Through pranayama and Conscious Connected Breathing, you will open the gateway to your emotional world and invite profound shifts. Each day, a carefully chosen theme will guide us deeper into transformation, supported by movement, embodiment, and mindfulness practices.
02
Transformation
Like a caterpillar in its cocoon, you are invited to surrender to the process of becoming.
I will hold you in a holistic and trauma-informed way, creating a safe space where you can release, transform, and grow. Together with the energy of the group, you will find connection, reflection, and the courage to unfold your wings.
03
Connect with the senses
Let yourself be carried by healing sounds, nourishing Ayurvedic vegan food, and the grounding beauty of nature. Essential oils, body practices, and mindful connection will sharpen your senses and anchor you deeply in your essence.
04
Nourishment
Nourishment is more than food.
It is the warmth of shared experiences, the stillness of nature, the clarity of meditation, and the joy of meaningful connection. These moments of retreat allow your body, mind, and soul to breathe, reset, and open to a life lived with ease and joy.
Why me?
I'm Maria Helena, founder of Namaju.
I spent years in the hamster wheel, working as a product manager in sustainable fashion and pushing past my own limits, until my body said stop.
That was the beginning of my own path back to myself. Yoga first. Then Ayurveda, breathwork, somatic and systemic work, embodiment, doula training.
For 7 years I have been guiding people through exactly these processes: in retreats, in 1:1 sessions and in companies.
I hold this space in a trauma-informed way. Nothing has to happen. Everything is allowed to.
Accommodation & Price:
Bodhi Bhavan, Monchique, Portugal A retreat house on Mount Picota, the second-highest peak of the Algarve. Forest garden, a 15 m pool, and a yoga studio with views all the way to the west coast.
8 renovated rooms, all with a private bathroom and heating.
A small footpath leads up to the Bodhi studio (50 sqm). On clear days, the studio offers breathtaking views of the mountains all the way to the wild west coast of Portugal in the distance.
What's included:
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7 nights at Bodhi Bhavan (single or shared room)
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2 Ayurvedic vegan meals a day + Snacks
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Daily yoga and breathwork sessions
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Workshops, embodiment and movement practices
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Sound, essential oils and guided time in nature
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Your personal self-care routine to take home
(Excluding flight, transportation costs, private excursions or additionally booked services)
Shared Room
Regular 1350 €
Single Room
Regular 1820 €
Get Inspired
Getting to Monchique
Apartado 136 EC, 8550-909, Portugal
The easiest way: Fly to Faro (FAO). From there it's about 1 hour by car to Monchique.
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Rental car: the most flexible option, and the roads up the mountain are easy to drive.
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Shared transfer: I connect everyone, so you can share a taxi or car.
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From Lisbon: about 2.5–3 hours by car, or by train/bus to Portimão and then a taxi (approx. 25 min).
A day at the retreat:
A gentle rhythm with lots of space in between. This is an example, and each day can shift with the theme and the group.
7 AM Tea
7:30 - 8:30 AM Yoga
9 - 10:30 AM Breathwork
10:30 AM Brunch
Break
Fruit/Snacks
3 - 4:30 PM Workshop/Excursion
5 - 6 PM Movement Unit
6 PM Dinner
8 PM Joint conclusion of the day
What happens after you book
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You book your spot directly here and receive a confirmation by email.
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Within 48 hours I'll send you a personal welcome message and a short questionnaire (dietary needs, anything I should know).
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Optional: A short call to get to know each other before we meet.
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5 weeks before you receive more information and packing list.
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14 November – we meet in Monchique.
Questions before booking?
Write to me: hello@namaju.com