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Welcome to Spring Awakening!

2026 date coming soon...

Embark on a transformative journey breaking down barriers within to expand your potential, through Yoga, Mindfulness, Breathwork, Somatic Movement, Dance and Trauma Healing.

Allow Spring Awakening to be your path to rediscover your unique power.

BOOK NOW

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What will you walk away with?

In the gentle embrace of Spring Awakening , you're not just attending a retreat, you're stepping into a transformative odyssey.

🌟 Renewal of Spirit: Feel the radiant energy of renewal infuse every fiber of your being. Spring Awakening is your sacred space to release the old and invite a fresh, invigorating spirit.

🤸‍♀️Empowerment Through Movement: Every sway, every dance move, and every breath is a celebration of your empowerment. Engage in Yoga practices, Soma Groove Sessions, dance, and movement therapies designed to unleash the powerful, confident you.

🌈 Connection to Inner Wisdom: Journey inward and rediscover the well of wisdom within you. Dive deep into meditation, guided by experienced leaders, Raquel and Vanda, guiding you to connect with your true self.

💖 Heart-Centered Healing: Let the healing power of love guide your way. Spring Awakening is not just a retreat; it's a sanctuary where your heart finds solace, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose

.🌊 Ocean of Emotional Release: As the waves of the Atlantic Ocean soothe the shore, feel the release of emotions and habits no longer serving you. Dive into practices designed for emotional release and embrace a lighter, more liberated you.

🌌 Guided by Love, Light, and Expertise: Your journey is not just supported; it's nurtured by the expertise of Vanda & Raquel, your guiding lights, lead you with love and compassion on this transformative path.

🌺 Blooming into Wholeness: Picture yourself as a flower unfolding petal by petal. Spring Awakening is your moment to bloom into wholeness—embracing all parts of yourself with love, acceptance, and grace.

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Our Transformational Practices


Engage in a spectrum of transformative practices crafted by Vanda & Raquel.

From Soma Groove Sessions to sattvic (balanced) yoga classes, each practice is a step toward breaking down barriers.

We carefully designed a program with the fusion of our expertise to safely guiding you into a reconnection with yourself:

  • ⁠4 days 4 Transformation with activities that will enhance your vitality and connection with your self, from Mindful Beach Walks, Bonfire Rituals, Yoga, Stretch and Mobility sessions, Breathwork and Trauma Release, Somatic Movement, Ecstatic Dance, Deep Relaxations.

Find out more about them below.

Somatic Movement

An invitation to move with awareness, reconnecting to the innate wisdom of your body. A guided journey through gentle, intuitive explorations that release tension, unlock stored emotions, and create space for deeper self-connection.

Through practices like guided improvisation, dynamic flow, and breath-led movement, you’ll learn to listen to your body’s signals, honor its needs, and move with authenticity. This is not about choreography or perfection—it's about feeling, expressing, and rediscovering the freedom of your natural rhythm.

Whether you’re seeking release, vitality, or a deeper connection to yourself, somatic movement offers a safe, empowering space to explore and embody your essence. Allow yourself to move and be moved.

Soma Groove

A fusion based embodiment modality, drawing from Breathwork, Somatic Movement, Trauma Healing, Dance Movement Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Music Therapy, Ecstatic Dance, Meditation, and Trauma and Emotional Release techniques. Offers a holistic approach to personal growth and healing, by connecting you to the present moment and true emotions. Find out more.

Yoga (Heart of Devotion)

Love and All is Coming (LAAIC) Heart of devotion is an open level class by Talia Sutra.

This class is a sattvic (balanced) hybrid of the Ghosh lineage and the aṣṭāṅga vinyasa system with a definite emphasis on inner stillness and intelligence using bandha, gaze and breath awareness as keys. The activation of the spine in all five directions: forward, back, lateral, twist and flexion is also emphasized.

Ceremonies & Rituals

Profound experiences that create a sacred space for transformation. Acting as powerful catalysts, they help ignite deep shifts within the subconscious mind, offering clarity, renewal, and connection.

Carefully designed to honor transitions, set intentions, and celebrate the journey inward. Through symbolic actions, guided reflection, and shared moments of presence, we awaken the energy needed for change and healing.

Whether it’s through movement, breath, or meaningful symbolism, ceremonies provide an opportunity to step into a new chapter with clarity, intention, and purpose.
Let yourself be fully present and embrace the magic of transformation.

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Welcome to Monte Velho Retreat Center

Monte Velho is located in the middle of nowhere, where south-western Europe sinks into the Atlantic. 

It is a region enriched by the strength of its’ nature, where the high cliffs overlook the ocean, filling the air with a fresh breeze, spreading myths and tales of fishermen, sailors and pirates, sunken ships and great fisheries.

Bearer of magical aromas, the different plants, many of which therapeutic, guide us through the multiple paths some ending between dunes of fine sand by the ocean, while others on the cliffs by sunset. The dense energy that originates from the storms in the ocean, concentrates in the beautiful waves that break on the sweeping sandy coast. Additionally there is a vast and unexplored area where several species as well.

Break down barriers within and embrace your journey of renewal here, where waves of transformation await.

I WANT THIS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
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Is Spring Awakening for you?

Delve into the questions below and discover if this journey is the missing piece to your renewal, empowerment, and deeper self-connection.

Spring Awakening with all the embodiment techniques will root you into your body, into the present moment, and will alow you to connect with your self and the group form a state of balance, compassion and presence.

Spring Awakening might hold the relief you seek from life's demands. The sanctuary of practices provides moments of calmness and clarity amidst the complexities of juggling various roles.

Ponder if Spring Awakening is your journey to self-love and acceptance. Through heart-centered healing practices, you can nurture a more loving relationship with yourself, fostering confidence and self-assurance.

Consider Spring Awakening as your path to breaking free from the chains of the past. The transformative practices guide you towards a future filled with joy, vitality, and purpose.

Contemplate Spring Awakening as your guide through life's cycles, symbolizing renewal and expansion. It empowers you to gracefully step into a new and fulfilling phase of life.

Think about engaging with Spring Awakening because you yearn to explore and express your authentic self. Through various practices, you can foster a deep sense of alignment and empowerment.

Embark on Spring Awakening to rediscover and embrace the beauty of feeling alive and in touch with your sensitivity. Dance movement therapy, guided meditations, and nurturing circles await to reconnect you with your innate warm energy.

Explore Spring Awakening as your transformative journey back to the essence of your being. Soma Groove, yoga, dance movement therapy, and emotional release sessions provide a sacred space to reconnect with your body, explore emotions, and embrace the richness of sensations.

Meet your Facilitators

Meet the hearts behind our Retreat, Vanda and Raquel, leaders dedicated to breaking down barriers within and guiding you on a journey of self-discovery. Their expertise ensures an unparalleled experience.

Vanda de Vasconcelos e Sousa


In the realm of transformative journeys, Vanda stands as a seasoned facilitator, weaving her path with an open heart and a seeker's spirit. From her early days as a spirited athlete and a dancer who graced stages for over a decade, Vanda's connection to physical well-being became an integral part of her essence.

Her journey took a harmonious turn in her early twenties when destiny guided her to embrace a new passion—professional DJing. Over two decades, she became a global presence, not just playing music but creating experiences that resonated with people worldwide.

Amidst the beats, Vanda's latent love for teaching resurfaced, prompting her to establish a DJ school where she shared not only musical expertise but also a deep passion for performance.

In 2021, feeling the pull towards her true soul's purpose, Vanda fearlessly stepped into the unknown, leaving behind her projects and hometown. This marked the commencement of a profound inner journey, exploring various therapeutic approaches and methods for healing.

A perpetual student of life, Vanda seamlessly integrates diverse modalities into her repertoire. Her extensive training includes a Masters in Music Therapy, Electronic Music Production, Dance Movement Therapy, International Breath Coach Certification, and the Gaya Circle Facilitator Training, as well as being part of the core team of the Inner Development Goals - Global Practitioners Network, facilitating gatherings on the global level.

In the dawn of 2023, Vanda birthed her labor of love—SOMA GROOVE. A culmination of her skills, experiences, and profound training—a powerful recipe designed to foster self-reconnection and love, already shared and experienced by a community of hundreds bodies and souls, coming together by the transformative power of SOMA GROOVE and SOMA GROOVE Breath Journeys, both in-person and online.

@somagroovesessions

Raquel Dobato


Raquel Dobato is an international yoga teacher and an art world professional. She is a Yoga Alliance accredited RYT 200Hr Yoga Teacher Trainer by MoreYoga (London) and RYT 200Hr Teacher Trainer by Love and All Is Coming (LAAIC), Talia Sutra’s Yoga School.

Throughout the years, Raquel has been working in the art market as a gallerist and as an art consultant, sharing beautiful art experiences all around the world. At the same time, she has been delivering yoga classes in between Spain and Portugal. The search for light and harmony, both inside and outside, is what truly guides her heart and soul along the path.

Raquel teaches sattvic (balanced) classes, hybrid of the Ghosh lineage and the astanga vinyasa system. She also teaches full-body stretch & mobility classes, where the focus is to regain lost movement, keep the joints healthy, and increase mobility.

Her path in yoga started 5 years ago when she moved to London because of work. She discovered it almost by chance. She used to swim and climb, but logistically it was impossible for her to go to a climbing centre or a swimming pool regularly. However, there was a yoga studio just next door, where she decided to give it a try. It was love at first sight! Since that day, she has been practicing constantly with discipline and devotion.

Yoga not only helped her to become stronger and expand into a more flexible body and mind, but it opened up a window to the subtle body and, more important, to her spiritual path. Yoga was the light which helped her to deal with the recent loss of her father. Her journey in yoga changed her mindset and lifestyle and it was (and still is) what fulfils her and keeps her in balance.

Her willingness to share the benefits of yoga comes from this deep process of emotional healing and self-love. Her main goal is to empower individuals both on and off the mat, sharing healthy habits, and vitamin values based on the Yamas (Social Values) & Niyamas (Personal Values) as the base of this beautiful lifestyle.

@raqueldobato
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Embrace Connections in Your Cozy Retreat

Select your haven – from private or shared occupancy in a 'Resort Room' or in our communal dorm.

Experience the Warmth of the Tribe or the Soft Inner Stilness

>Private Rooms (intimate and comfortable, with private bathroom and private outdoor space)

  • Private Room (shared)
    Build lasting connections with fellow retreat members at 848€

  • Private Room (single)
    Enjoy a serene solo stay at 1048€

>Dorm (6 beds) (shared bathroom and showers - located 100mts away from the dorm heated with a wood stove. not locked)

  • enjoy a more affordable simple option stay at 498€


(Bedding and one towel per person included).

Payment Plan: choose from paying full price or in three instalments (300€ deposit due at booking + 2 instalments)*

*instalments option available until march 6th

Nurture Bonds, Ensure Privacy

Every room is thoughtfully designed to provide a sense of comfort, safety, and personal space. Experience the joy of shared moments and the comfort of your private retreat.

Awake to Nature's Symphony

If you prefer, you can also find Spring Awakening and reserve your space with us at:

BookRetreats

BookYogaRetreats

Break down barriers and book your spot now!
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Nourishing Your Essence: A Culinary Journey at Spring Awakening

We invite you to embark on a culinary journey that transcends the ordinary. Our commitment to your well-being extends beyond the physical, bringing you a menu crafted with passion and purpose.

Indulge in a purposeful culinary journey:

Plant-Based Bliss Savor exquisite plant-based delights, a symphony of joy for your well-being.

Ayurvedic Wisdom Our chefs craft meals infused with Ayurvedic wisdom, harmonizing with your unique needs and the seasons.

Sattvic Essence Immerse in yogic elegance with our Sattvic diet, fostering balance tailored to your group's activities.

Local, Fresh, and Wild Experience excellence with locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainability and local farmers.

3 Daily Meals & Healthy Snacks Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with healthy snacks, teas, and water available throughout the day.

Mission: Nourish Your Essence As part of Spring Awakening, we blend creative fusion and delightful discovery to inspire and nurture your spirit.

Embark on a journey where joy meets your palate, and your soul finds nourishment.

BOOK NOW FOR CULINARY BLISS
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Live the Dream

Embark on a Dreamy Retreat Experience

Immerse yourself in the magic of each day with Spring Awakening.

Begin with the mesmerizing sunrise over the rolling hills, an ethereal spectacle that sets the tone for serenity and introspection.

As the day unfolds, relish coastal hikes leading to pristine beaches, a communion with nature that invigorates the soul. Our dedicated shala becomes the heart of transformative activities, a sacred space where connections deepen, and energies intertwine.

Witness the sky ablaze with hues of warmth and wonder during enchanting sunsets over the serene sea—a spectacle that unfolds right at our venue. Gather around the fire pit under the starlit canopy as the night deepens, engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing stories.

This is not just a retreat; it's an invitation to live your dream.

Join us for moments that linger, experiences that resonate, and a journey that unfolds in the embrace of nature's beauty.

LET THE DREAM UNFOLD - RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
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Embark on a Tale of Transformation: Your Story Awaits

Step into the embrace of nature as your journey unfolds—a Spring Awakening symphony intricately woven into your retreat tale.

  • Dance Chronicles: Rustling leaves beneath your feet echo liberation—a dance of self-expression.

  • Breathwork Odyssey: Rhythmic breath rises, unlocking hidden realms, shedding yesteryear's weight.

  • Ecstatic Quests: Lose yourself in untamed ecstasy—a celebration of uninhibited movement and self-discovery.

  • Mindful Sojourns: Immerse in mindfulness—a tale of presence, peace, and profound connection.

  • Healing Circle Chronicles: Circles of shared stories—where hearts meet, understanding deepens, and collective healing unfolds.

  • Yoga & Meditation Tales: Harmonize body and spirit—a tapestry of holistic well-being.

  • Nature Connection Odyssey: Mindful walks—grounding your spirit in the living story of the earth.

  • Expressive Workshop Stories: Unleash creativity—embracing authenticity within.

  • Plant-Powered Nourishment: Savor plant-based meals—a celebration of nature's bounty.

  • Sunrise & Sunset Rituals: Commune with the universe—capturing the essence of each sunrise and sunset.

  • Bon Fire Ritual: Invite the fire to burn what no longer serves you, and to ignite your manifesting power.

In this alchemy of experiences, your retreat tale transforms into a living, breathing story of renewal, empowerment, and a Spring Awakening.

Click now and let the journey begin!

BOOK MY RETREAT TALE - LET THE MAGIC BEGIN!
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Our Transformational Program

Our program will be tailored to our participants, but we're happy to share with you a glimpse into it...

Thursday, 16:00 :

Arrival and Welcome

Intention Circle/Brief Introduction/ Soma Groove

Dinner

Deep Relaxation - Connect with your Heartfelt Intention 

Friday : Detox/Inner Child Release

Yoga (Asana Practice, Pranayama & Meditation)

Breakfast

Somatic Movement

Lunch

Free Time

Stretch & Mobility

Somatic Breathwork 

Dinner

Let Go Ritual and Bon Fire


Saturday: Heart Expansion

Yoga (Asana Practice, Pranayama & Meditation)

Breakfast

Mindful Nature & Beach walk

Lunch 

Free time 

Soma Groove & Healing Circle

Dinner

Mindful Gathering 


Sunday: Gratitude & Manifestation

Yoga (Asana Practice, Pranayama & Meditation)

Soma Groove

Breakfast 

Gratitude & Closing Ritual

Check out at 12:00

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Ready to embark on a journey of breaking down barriers, rediscovering love, and embracing self-discovery?

Click now and break down the barriers within.
We can't wait to guide you!
I'M READY TO BRAKE DOWN THE BARRIERS - BOOK MY RETREAT!
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Frequently asked questions

From breaking down barriers to meditation novices, we cater to all. Your comfort, our priority. Have more questions? Dive into our comprehensive Q&A section below:

Yes, enjoy it! The Spring Awakening Retreat it's an unique and special holistic event tailored with love and expertise that is suitable for brand new people in retreats as well as for those who love this type of experience. We recommend all potential participants to read all Q&A and Terms & Conditions before signing up. Our retreat organizers -  Raquel Dobato & Vanda Sousa - are happy to talk to you directly, if you have any questions.  

This retreat is appropriate to all levels of experience. All activities on the schedule are guided and the techniques are explained in detail.  

 In this retreat we aim to provide you simple yet powerful tools of mindfulness, breathing techniques and meditation that you can apply in your day-to-day life. 

Note that some breathwork techniques have some medical contra-indications, however we can always adapt it to your needs.

All levels are welcome, whether you practice yoga frequently or have never practiced before,the practice will be adjusted to the group and queues will be given for different levels.

Pregnants are also welcome! We recommend pregnants some alternatives and adjustments to certain practices.

Please talk to us directly, so we can best address this retreat for you.

Please choose your preferred way of contact:

Email: somagroovesessions@gmail.com

WhatsApp:  +351 912942971

Yes, it's important to acquire that, in order for you to be comfortable and fully covered for the retreat and in case of any flight cancellations.

We provide all the material needed for the retreat, such as mats and props: blocks, bolsters, straps, etc.

The rates only include the retreat itself. However, by request, we are happy to book a transfer for you for an extra charge.

 You can fly directly from most cities in Europe to either Faro (closest airport) or Lisbon.

Faro is the nearest airport and it’s only a 75 minute transfer or drive to the retreat location.From there you have 3 options: 

a) Rent a car and drive yourself. Takes around 1h 20min drive

b) Take a Transfer, around 120€ each way (not included on the retreat fee), if you share with other participants it is much cheaper, we can happily organize the transfers for you from Faro airport. If a bigger van is needed, for 8 people, the current price is 160€.

c) Public transport (the cheapest option but takes a little longer!): Take the bus to Faro railway station and then the train to Lagos. From there, walk to the bus station and take a bus to Vila do Bispo. From Vila do Bispo the only way to arrive is by Taxi (20€). We can book it for you, as long you request it in advance.

From Lisbon, it takes less than 3 hours. Shuttles from Lisbon Airport to Monte Velho: Van 8 Pax: 350€ Táxi 4 Pax : 295€.

Car rental is advised to be arranged in Faro Airport where there are several international car rental companies. Closest car rental service around is Lagos: http://www.luzcar.com/ http://www.lagorent.com/pt/ Bike rental in Carrapateira with Bikes - Carrapateira Extreme Tours & Activities - Algarve

All meals are included (3 formal meals) and  unlimited mineral water and herbal teas, fruits and healthy nutritious snacks throughout the day.

We serve fresh and healthy vegetarian food that is preferably local and seasonal, all prepared on-site by the retreat chefs. The kitchen team can adapt to allergies and intolerances among the group. The food restrictions should be mentioned previously in the form provided when signing up.

Yes, we will provide you free time to integrate the experiences, to relax, to choose to have a massage. In your free time or simply to go for a walk in the stunning wild nature. 

Carrapateira is the closest village; it has some restaurants and small shops and two breathtaking beaches. The distance is 4 kms from Monte Velho. Usually people go either by a shared taxi, car, bike or walking for the trained ones. 

Carrapateira has 2 beaches: Amado and Bordeira, both located around 3,5 kms from the venue. Is it possible to go to Amado walking (may take 1:15h), by car (6 min), by taxi or by bike (can be rented in Carrapateira).

This retreat is specifically for adults over 18 years old, since we aim to provide the maximum tranquility and also some silence for you to restore and reconnect with yourself.

All messages and other available treatments can be booked before arrival at an extra cost of  60€ 1 hour of massage (to be paid in cash to the therapist). 

Our team of therapists includes different massages, such as deep tissue massage, ayurvedic massage,thai, etc. We have other therapists for special needs (acupuncture, physiotherapy, crano-sacral, etc). 

Please get in touch with our team for bookings preferably before your arrival.

Check in is at 4pm.

Check out time in the rooms is 10am. Check out from the venue at 12pm. 

In case you arrive earlier, we can’t ensure early check-in at the moment of the booking.

You have access to the Wifi only in the main hall or reception.

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Retreat

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