Your Daily Programme
Below you can see what a ‘typical’ day could look like. We will give you the full program of the week once you arrive. We’ll also leave enough space for adjustments in the schedule, just to be open for the unexpected and for you, to find enough room to simply relax. We might add a workshop or go for a guided walk, all depending on the weather conditions and overall group interest.
This is your time, your holiday, so if you want to skip a class or a workshop that is absolutely fine. Although we believe you will find the program stimulating and fun, primarily we want you to relax and enjoy yourself.
Three and a half hours of yoga a day may sound way too much, especially when you have never done yoga before or when you’re a beginner. Not to worry, this is not a boot camp and we’ll make sure you stay within your limits.
Typical day example
7:30 AM Pranayama, Yoga and Meditation program
The meditation and yoga programs are a soft approach to what may become part of your daily life. Through meditation and yoga, people from around the world and of all level of society have reached incredible results in balancing body, mind and spirit.
Every class will be different, in style but also in the way you experience it. For sure included are: Hatha, Yin and Kundalini. Towards the end of the week we usually fit in a more challenging, Ashtanga inspired class.
9:15 AM Breakfast
11:00 AM Massage, 1 massage per person is offered during this week. You can check the schedule to see when it’s your turn. If you would like more pampering, you can add more massages!
1PM Lunch
5PM Yin yoga, gentle yoga classes to rejuvenate your body.
7:30PM Dinner
Your host, Rachel Bonkink
Certified yoga instructor and Revealing Vajra founder, Rachel Bonkink, will facilitate the classes, helping you to focus on enjoying your practice and gaining new insights into your body, mind and the yoga philosophy. Asanas, breathing techniques and various meditation techniques will be covered during the week, in order for you to easily figure out what suits you best.
Rachel has studied many different styles of yoga in various countries. Hatha, Kundalini and Yin classes are by far her favorite ones to teach. They will challenge you and they will bring you very close to the real definition of yoga of stilling the mind.
Rachel is an experienced personal life coach and has guided hundreds of people over the past years.
Before she founded Revealing Vajra, Rachel built on a strong corporate career. At a certain point, managing huge international teams in three different continents. This unique combination – a deep understanding of corporate life alongside a vast experience of mind-body trainings and retreats – gives these holidays a very POWERFUL edge.
Transportation – updated due to new regulations
Transfers from and to our venue are NOT included in the price of the retreat.
On the 26th, the earliest check in is 2PM.
The airport to fly into is FARO. This is about 1h30 minutes from our venue.
The Lisbon airport is almost 3 hours away, consequently, this will be a much higher price for a transfer.
You can stay at Paraiso Escondido after your retreat, depending on availability or we’re happy to recommend nice places in the area.
Flight are NOT included in the retreat price.
What to bring
Part of the anticipation and enjoyment of the trip is considering what you are going to be doing and planning and packing. This includes happy anticipation and mindful preparation for the nice retreat you are going to participate in.
Main thing is not to worry, simply enjoy the preparations.
Don’t worry about wearing the same outfit more than once. This is a retreat where you do not need to dress to impress. Wear whatever feels comfortable. Don’t worry about forgetting an important item either, you’re going to Portugal, so practically anything can be bought for you, should this be necessary.
Special Diets
Healthy food is part of the retreat experience: you’ll be curious on what our chef come up with for every meal! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be very happy times.
The Portuguese cuisine during our days out is simple and delicious.
If you have an allergy to a particular ingredient, let us know, and a separate dish will be made for you. No alcohol is served during the week at our shared lunches and dinners and we would appreciate if you do not bring your own wine to consume at the dinner table. On NY’s eve, there is the possibility to have alcohol.
Weather
The weather has been a bit ‘off’ this year in Portugal but so far, in a good way!!
It is warmer than usual for this time of year so we hope it will stay this way in December. Temperatures should be mild.
Warm even when the sun is out and a lot cooler early mornings and in the evening.
WHAT TO DO NEXT? BOOKING THIS “NEW YEAR YOGA RETREAT”
Prices include full board accommodation, all drinks, yoga lessons, a workshop, a day out, beach shuttles, one full-length treatment and a special excursion which probably involves wine.
per person for shared accommodation for one week – this is for couples only or close friends – 1 bed in the room
per person for private accommodation for one week
If you are a single traveler, no worries, most people are …
THERE ALSO A CHRISTMAS YOGA RETREAT! WHY NOT BOOK BOTH WEEKS?!
CONTACT ME FOR THE COMBO PRICE.
BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICY
As these are such challenging and insecure times, we are all taking a bit of a risk when booking this retreat. With these conditions in place, we can go forward with the retreat bookings, book our flights and, I can be responsible in managing my small business.
You can secure your booking with a 500 Euro deposit.
The remaining amount is due 3 weeks before the start date of the retreat.
In the event Revealing Vajra needs to cancel this retreat because of government regulations, not enough participants or simply not being able to have the retreat in Portugal at this venue for whatever reason, in this case, there are 3 options:
1. Revealing Vajra refunds everything you have paid within 3 weeks.
2. You agree with moving your booking to a new date in 2021-2023.
3. You accept a voucher that can be used for any of the retreats till 31/12/2023.
In the event that you need to cancel the retreat, less than 3 weeks before the start date of the retreat, Revealing Vajra can not refund. I wish I could but costs where made by now and in this time span it will be difficult to find a replacement. No exceptions, sorry.
I strongly encourage you to take a travel insurance to cover the costs of possible cancellation or illness.
There are no refunds for arriving late, leaving the retreat early, flight cancellations, travel delays or illness.
Any refunds allowed will incur a 3% processing fee.
Flights are not covered and not included in your retreat price.
At any time you can provide a replacement participant.
This retreat is now over for this year..
Please contact Rachel at rb@revealingvajra.com to find out about dates next year or other Revaling Vajra retreats.
I had the best time ever! Met wonderful people, got into my yoga practise and laughed a lot. A thoroughly holistic trip. Certainly go on a yoga retreat with Rachel, she is kind, considerate and made us all feel special. I am already planning my next retreat with her!
Meena Julien, UK
Second time on a retreat with Rachel and for sure, it will not be the last time! I thought I knew what was coming but no, it was different and still the same. No pressure, just a friendly invitation to join. No contact, just being present in the ‘now’. No questions, no expectations, just being myself.
Roos Tilleul, Belgium
Revealing Vajra is the real deal! The accommodations are first class, the yoga classes are varied and good, and Rachel is a great leader. You will leave feeling refreshed, happy and committed to your yoga practice.
Sherri Levy, USA
So much more than I expected! Great food, nice rooms, excellent massages, fun excursion, and inspirational yoga lessons. These retreats are more than just a holiday.
Thank you SO much!
Jo Reilly, Belgium
Rachel is a very inspiring host and teacher. She very well embodies the nature of the retreat experience. It has been a true pleasure to have been part of it!
Maarten Vandenbroucke, Belgium
If you want to combine a beautiful relaxing holiday with fantastic teachers around, great food and learn a little more about yourself along the way, take a retreat with Rachel. There are many teachers in the US but I decided to return to Rachel’s retreat for the second time, as she knows exactly what I need.
Robin, USA
