The Location
We found a hidden paradise for this unique silence retreat in the Alentejo region in Portugal. Paraiso Escondido has everything you need to fully embrace the silence. Berny and Glenn have made their dream come true and have created the perfect location to slow down and recharge. Quality and luxury are the key words to describe this venue.
With just 10 rooms, the atmosphere is personal and relaxed. The invitation is there to completely feel at home. And believe me, you will not want to leave after a week.
Berny has an incredible eye for detail and art which clearly reflects on the interior design of the rooms. All rooms are different and allocation is on a first come, first serve basis.
Flights and Transfers
The airport to fly into is Faro.
Faro is about 1 hour drive from Paraiso Escondido.
There will be an included transfer from Faro Airport at 4PM on the 13th.
And, a shared transfer back to Faro Airport on the 20th, at 10AM.
If you can’t make these times, we can arrange a separate pick up for you, at extra cost.
Alternatively, you can fly into Lisbon.
Lisbon is about 2,5 hour drive and we can arrange a separate pick up for you, at extra cost.
If you have any further questions about transfers, please don’t hesitate asking.
Divine Cuisine
Utterly divine cuisine will be served by our personal chef, Hayley North.
In yoga land, Hayley needs no introduction as she’s famous for her nutritious and balanced way of making meals. Being a yoga teacher herself, Hayley understands exactly how our meals can support our practise.
This goes way beyond any cookbook or recipe. This is also about the ‘how’, about having over ten years of experience in ayurveda, raw food and having studied every possible angle in serving balanced food.
What Hayley does in the kitchen is difficult to describe, but you taste it. And will want to continue tasting it! You feel nourished, healthy and light after her meals. And, completely guilt free of course as she only uses the best ingredients and cooks 95% vegan.
Eating in silence is a great way to experience mindfulness and become more present.
Without conversation and distraction, increases our awareness of others, our surroundings and the food on our plate. Our senses wake up, with the visual, smells, colours, tastes and textures coming alive in a way that can be easily missed when eating in a hurry, on the go, watching TV, using the phone or when talking.
Optimum health starts in the digestive system and the process of digestion begins way before we take the first bite. There are many positive benefits to be gained from slowing down and becoming more connected to the food we eat – affecting everything from weight, overeating, emotional and comfort eating, depression and stress. It can even open our eyes to the choices we are making with regards to the food we buy and eat.
Mealtimes are also undeniably a chance to share, socialise and enjoy time with others. Periods of time spent eating in silence help us become significantly more aware of how we speak and what we choose to talk about.
Paying more attention to how we are eating can help deepen and strengthen the connection we have with ourselves and with others and is a process that brings us benefits physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Without any effort, after a week of tasting what is possible in a vegan cuisine, you will be inspired to the max to eat more conscious and make healthy choices when you get back home.
To find out more or book your place...
Please contact Rachel at rb@revealingvajra.com if you would like to ask any questions about this retreat or how to book and pay for your place, she will be more than happy to get back to you!
You can also book and pay securely online here. Payments via Paypal, Credit Card or Bank Transfer
Your Host during this silence retreat
Rachel Bonkink
As an experienced personal life coach, I have guided hundreds of people over the past years in my practice in Antwerp, via Skype and on my retreats. I live in Essaouira, a sleepy little fishermen’s town in Morocco.
Before I founded Revealing Vajra, I 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 my holidays a very POWERFUL edge.
In the past ten years, I have followed loads of teacher trainings and (silence) retreats, usually 2 to 3 per year. Ranging from Ashtanga to Iyengar inspired teachers. My very first training was in India, in Rishikesh, a simple standard 200 hours on Hatha and Ashtanga. 20 years ago, I studied Traditional Chinese Medecine in the Netherlands.
I am grateful to have studied with truly amazing teachers such as Paul Grilley, Sarah Powers, Bernie Clark and Alan Wallace. Every year, I follow at least 2 to 3 retreats with these wonderful teachers to enhance my knowledge on yoga and meditation. At least one silent retreat a year is also on my personal agenda.
You can read a little more about me here….
Cancellation Policy
The 500 Euro deposit is non refundable.
There are no partial refunds for late arrivals or if you need to leave the retreat early.
Balance refunds depend on the timing of your cancellation:
A 90% refund will be provided on cancellations, up to 60 days prior to the start date of the booked retreat.
A 50% refund will be provided on cancellations between 30-59 days prior to the start date of the booked retreat.
No refunds will be provided on cancellation between 29-0 days prior to the start date of the booked retreat.
I had a great week in Portugal with Rachel as my yoga teacher. This silent retreat was just perfect and exactly what I needed. The hatha and yin classes supported the silence days really well. All I can say is that you will not regret joining one of Rachel's retreats. Everything is so very well organised that you can be completely worry free, she takes care of it all.
Lovely food, great people. If you have the chance to join: Do it!
June 2017
Trine Johansen, Norway
They say 3rd time is a charme and I can tell you that this silent retreat in Portugal absolutely was a charme! From the yoga and meditation to the food, the location and the great company. I so appreciated the super relaxed atmosphere of it all.
You always know you're in for a treat when booking with Rachel!
June 2017
Carole Dieltiens, Belgium
Going for the 6th time on a yoga retreat with Rachel !
Her lessons and retreats keep being different and she's keeps coming up with the most amazing locations so I like this way of traveling and seeing the world. She only goes for the best locations, the best chefs and knows the best way of teaching yoga so that everyone is able to follow her classes. From being super flexible and very experienced to not being flexible at all and having no experience at all. I appreciated her philosophy that all is well and that she allows everyone to just be themselves.
Korine den Blanken, the Netherlands
Lovely yoga retreat! Rachel and Hayley are both so very warm, helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you!
Lisa, UK
A very professional set up to a yoga retreat. Very organised and wholesome. Great!
Azi, UK
Book this retreat
Please contact us if you would like to make your booking.
Online payment can be made by credit card, PayPal or bank transfer.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
This is not a meditation nor a silence boot camp. We will guide you every step of the way with advice, guidelines and a schedule to hold on to.
Familiarise yourself with silence and learning how to “sit and meditate”.
You will get more insight in your mental landscape and guidelines on how to get a grip on your thoughts.
You will learn how to meditate.
You will enjoy wonderful meals, prepared by our personal chef Hayley North. The meals will support our practise every step of the way.
After one week, you will feel fully recharged to step back into the world.
You came to the right place if you are looking for some quiet time in a world full of noise.
