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PORTUGAL
GETAWAY
24-31 august 2024
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center And Circumference
A Yoga retreat With brooklyn and Toni
Join us in Portugal for a retreat-cum-holiday, at a dreamy location that will quickly feel like a home away from home. Through the practices of both Hatha/Vinyasa and Katonah yoga will explore the notion of mediating your middle, feeling into your centre and circumference and the space in between.
To retreat with us is also a, place to also gather and graze, beach and bathe, dance and dine in the company of those yearning for the same. There is a daily opportunity to explore the nearby beaches with us, take a car ride and comb the coastline, or stay on the 40 acre farmland and take in the gifts of nature.
Cocoon situated on the windswept and untouched Atlantic coast of Portugal, near the charming fishing village of Zambujeira do Ma. The Alentejo coastal region, which is known for its rugged coastline and long stretches of deserted beaches, rolling hills, quaint villages and traditional farming communities.
Cocoon
Cocoon is far removed from the tourist trail. A place that invites you to slow down, recalibrate and return to the natural rhythms that surround you.​ It is the kind of place where each morning is a celebration, practicing under a canopy of old pine trees, or in the indoor Shala with the almost a panoramic view of the farm land.
Cocoon is about 2 hours drive South from Lisbon, and a 2 hour drive North of Faro. The ocean, trails, and sandy coves, are just a 15 minute drive away from the homestead. There we have, two yoga Shalas, a freshwater lake, a circus of goats, sheep and peacocks. Join us and experience the magic of Portugal’s untouched Atlantic coast. Come play! ​
Rooms
Rooms are an elegant coastal/farm style, each opening up to an outdoor courtyard where you get to take in the views of the farmland around. Majority of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, while three rooms share a bathroom. Depending on your budget or if you are joining us with a bestie, you have the choice between a private or shared room. Shared rooms can be between 2 or 3 others, the choice is yours.
Meals
Expect nothing but the most nourishing meal and a delicious feast. At Cocoon all their food is local, with most of the produce coming from either the property, or a nearby farm.
From a sustainability standpoint, they choose not to serve red meat, pork or poultry. But do serve eggs from their chickens, locals cheeses, and occasionally wild-caught Atlantic fish.
A typical breakfast includes eggs, local fruit, Greek yogurt, homemade granola, local honey, homemade jam, slow-rise bread, and a daily tonic.
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Lunch is often a bowl; a base of ancient grains like farro, topped with avocado, roasted veggies, nori, or mixed greens.
For dinner, expect family stye meals from cultures around the world. Dessert too of of course.
They also have an outdoor, wood-fired Pizza oven so no doubt we will have Pizza night under the stars.
Once you confirm your booking, we’ll work with you in terms of any dietary restrictions.
Your Teachers and Hosts
Katonah yoga is a Hatha based practice from New York, developed by Nevine Michaan over the last 45 years. it incorporates Chinese medicine, Taoist theory, geometry, metaphor, mythology and imagination.
Brooklyn Mereana
hatha/vinyasa teacher
Vinyasa classes that are fluid and dynamic with a teaching style that guides your awareness to the subtleties of the practice. A fine-tuned and detailed body awareness.
Through slow, breath-guided movements, we will play and pause and unpacking the space within.
Plan on arriving at Cocoon on August 24th between 3-5pm. Checkout is around 10am on August 31st after our final practice and meal together.
Each day is balanced between group activities, and plenty of free time to do as you wish. Whether you want to embrace your introvert, or hang out with new friends, grab a massage or round up the goat – there will be plenty of opportunities for all.
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Everything is optional: you can get into as much or as little as you want. Below is a schedule just to give you a general idea (it tends to vary once we actually get going)
it is curated so you can enjoy a range of movement, lots of rest and time to play!
A sample day
8-9.30am ~ Morning practice, a deep asana practice, blended with pranayama
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10-11am ~ Breakfast, expect local fruits, homemade bread + cakes, fresh eggs, chia puddings + muesli, local cheeses, cold cuts, fresh juices and tea/coffee
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11-2pm ~ Free time , take a dip in the ocean, read a book, take a hike, you do you!
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2-3pm ~ Lunch a base of ancient grains, local grilled dishes, fresh salads and roasted veggies.
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3-5pm ~ Free time, siesta, get a massage, listen to a podcast, cuddle with the goats, take a nap!
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5-6:30pm ~ Afternoon practice , a gentle, restorative practice or workshop-style class
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7:30-9pm ~ Dinner, a spritz on the terrace, followed by a nourishing dinner.
The Investment
Shared rooms
triple room + ensuite bathroom 2000€
double room + shared bathroom 2100€
double room + ensuite bathroom 2300€
Private rooms
single room + ensuite bathroom 3600€
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All prices are per person, we require a 600€ non-refundable deposit.Bed configurations can be single or double depending on preference and room type. Payment plan available when booking
what’s Included
7 nights accommodation
2 yoga classes per day
Guided meditation/breathwork
3 meals per day for the duration of the retreat, cooked by our private chef (accommodating dietary restrictions such as gluten free and vegan).
Beach excursions
1 surprise day trip activity
Little gifts and surprises along the way
What’s not Included
Transport, travel insurance, laundry service, meals outside the retreat center, alcohol and chocolate from the snack bar, massage/bodywork treatments, 1:1 yoga sessions
FAQ
How do I get to the accommodation?
You will need to organize your own transportation to Cocoon. We recommend either car hire, taxi or once every one has signed up we will help link you all up so you can potentially car share.
I am new to yoga, can I still join?
Absolutely!!!! This retreat is for all levels of yoga. No problem at all if you have never done yoga before - infect what better way to begin.
How many people will be on the retreat?
We have a max of 20 spots available but depending on room arrangement it could be less:)
What should I bring?
Really anything you would take on vacation. A good book, something to yoga, lounge, swim and dance in. We have all the yoga props so no need to bring a mat unless you want to.
Can I come early and stay longer?
Not at Cocoon, but there are plenty of cute accommodation options in nearby towns.
If I have more questions, how do I get in touch?
Reach out for sure!!!! Send me an email hello@brooklynmereana
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