About the Trip
Join us for a boutique wellness retreat in Portugal’s stunning Algarve region, where sunshine, movement, culture, and connection come together in one unforgettable experience. Nestled in the heart of Olhão, a charming fishing village known for its whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, fresh seafood, and vibrant local markets, our luxury retreat villa offers the perfect home base for a week of wellness, exploration, and relaxation. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year and easy access to pristine beaches, island escapes, and breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views, the Algarve is one of Europe’s most sought-after wellness destinations. Each day is thoughtfully designed to balance movement and adventure with rest and renewal. Enjoy 2–3 optional daily offerings including yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, meditation, sound healing, and wellness experiences. Between classes, relax by the rooftop pool, wander the colorful streets of Olhão, explore nearby islands and beaches, browse local boutiques, or simply slow down and enjoy the beauty of Portugal’s laid-back coastal lifestyle. Our award-winning villa has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as one of the world’s top retreat destinations, offering beautiful accommodations, stunning terraces, and thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage connection, inspiration, and relaxation. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with a partner, you’ll find a welcoming community and the freedom to participate in as much or as little as you’d like. Many guests arrive seeking a reset and leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected to a community of like-minded travelers. From morning movement and island adventures to sunset dinners and unforgettable conversations, this retreat is designed to help you recharge, explore, and experience the very best of Portugal’s Algarve coast. Join us for a week of wellness, adventure, culture, and connection in one of the most beautiful corners of Europe.
Hosts
The Ritual Union Retreats team is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that blend yoga, Pilates, fitness, mindfulness, adventure, travel, and community. Our retreats are designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, explore incredible destinations, and build lasting connections with like-minded people. Whether you come seeking rest, adventure, personal growth, or simply a change of scenery, our hosts are here to support you every step of the way.
Melissa Joy Schoeller
Founder of Ritual Union Retreats and Hola Yoga, Melissa Joy Schoeller has led more than 100 yoga, wellness, fitness, and adventure retreats around the world. Her retreats are known for blending movement, meaningful connection, exploration, and unforgettable experiences in beautiful destinations worldwide.
Melissa’s approach is rooted in community, personal growth, and creating spaces where people can slow down, recharge, reconnect with themselves, and build lasting friendships. Whether leading yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, sound healing, hiking adventures, or retreat experiences, her goal is simple: help people come home to themselves while experiencing the beauty of the world.
Highlights
Daily Movement & Mindfulness
2-3 yoga and fitness classes per day to energize your body and mind
Nourishing Meals
With Olhão’s famous market just steps away, our meals will feature the freshest local and seasonal ingredients, including Portugal’s renowned fish and seafood. Whether you’re a meat lover or follow a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diet, every meal will be a delight.
Optional Excursions
Choose your favorite from amazing activities including a catamaran tour, paddleboarding, bike tour, hiking in the hills, horseback riding, tango dance class, ceramics or art class, olive oil tasting, dolphin watching, nature tour for chameleons and seahorses and digging for Ria Formosa clams
Explore Olhao
Nestled in the old town of Olhão, our retreat is a short walk to local family-run restaurants, the waterfront market, and the boat docks for exploring nearby islands like Armona, Culatra, Farol, and Deserta.
Visit the Islands
Visit one of the Islands, Armona, Culatra, Farol or Deserta. Each has a distinct feel but all have beautiful natural beaches, and wonderful low key restaurants/beach bars. The islands are easy to get to: you can either take a small ferry which runs multiple times per day or a river taxi.
Spa
With two dedicated treatment rooms, and a venue team who will put you in touch with masseurs you can relax and unwind.
What's Included
What's Included
6 nights, 7 days of accommodations
Yoga mats and props
Brunch/dinner daily
WiFi
2-3 daily yoga classes (Vinyasa, Yin/Restorative, Sound Healing Barre/Fitness, and a yoga workshop)
Meals featuring fresh, local, seasonal ingredients
What's Not Included
Flights
Transfers to/from the airport
Massage services
Alcohol (available for purchase)
Optional Excursions: Catamaran tour, paddleboarding, bike tour, hiking, horseback riding, tango dance class, ceramics/art class, olive oil tasting, dolphin watching, nature tour for chameleons and seahorses, digging for Ria Formosa clams
Gallery
Trip Tips
Getting There
The retreat is a 15-20 minute drive from Faro Airport, with direct flights available from major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., as well as easy connections from many European cities. We will recommend reliable transfer services for your convenience, or you are welcome to rent a car for more flexibility.
Reserve Your Spot
Space is limited! Secure your spot with a 15% deposit and pay the remainder of the retreat in full by 60 days before when the retreat begins, or sign up for a monthly payment plan which requires a $500 deposit to secure your spot.