Shamballah Yoga Retreats

Experiência fantástica: An excellent experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a wide range of yoga and meditation practices, as well as the opportunity for surfing. Patricia and Zarqa are knowledgeable and kind, making the retreat accessible and rewarding for people with different backgrounds and experience levels. The food was superb - healthy, plentiful and delicious.

Experiência fantástica: Just Amazing! Hatte eine wundervolle Zeit hier in Shamballah! Zarqa und Patricia sind super liebe, offene, warmherzige und mindfulle Menschen. Hab mich direkt sehr wohl und angekommen gefühlt. Die Yoga- und Meditationseinheiten waren sehr sinnlich und dynamisch, in denen ich viel über mich und die Praktiken gelernt habe. Das gemeinsame Frühstück und Abendessen haben uns als Gruppe sehr nah kommen lassen. Richtiger Wohlfühlort. Auch in der Umgebung gibt es viel zu entdecken wie den Strand und die Klippen, Sintra oder Nationalparks. Große Empfehlung!!!

Experiência fantástica: Very rewarding retreat, Zarqa and Patricia is very professional and caring to every participant the time you are there. One feels like you are their family and you are home visiting. Dinner time is always pleasant with chatting and sharing different points of view. I would definitely go back because l love the ambiance and love they offer and support. Thank you so much for a wonderful time and especially bonding with my daughter is a bonus.

Experiência fantástica: Thank you a lot for the great teachings, meditation, jooga, food, atmosphere and warm hospitality. We will meet again! ❤️❤️❤️

Experiência fantástica: One of the most healing experiences of my life! I have no words that can describe! Just do it

Experiência fantástica: The shamballa yoga retreat was an incredible and much needed journey for me. I came tired and stressed out, i left energized and happy only within just a couple of days. Its unbelieveable what just a week sheltered with likeminded people, healthy foods, a daily yoga and meditation structure and of course the guidance of Patricia and Zarqa can do. Its really transformational and I cannot recommend this place enough. Thank you soo much Patricia and Zarqa for sharing this wonderful place on earth with us.

Experiência fantástica: I had an amazing week at Shamballah Yoga Retreats, end of June! Big thanks to Patricia and Zarqa for creating this lovely and safe space for reflection, healing, and inspiration. And the food so lovely!!

Experiência fantástica: I'm just back from attending the Shamballah Yoga Retreat and I'll I can say is WOW! It was an extremely enjoyable and insightful experience with powerful yoga and meditation classes, super food and lots of quality add ons. This retreat is out on its own in terms of quality and this is primarily due to the passion and knowledge of Zarqa and Patricia. For anyone thinking of booking it, just do it. You won't be disappointed.

Experiência fantástica: If you want to connect with your inner self and change your life, then Shamballah is the place to do it. Patricia and Zarqa have created a very special retreat where they guide you with their wisdom and experience through 5 days of Yoga, meditation, nutrition, massage, walks and much much more. This was my first experience but not my last. It was truly beautiful.

Experiência fantástica: At Shamballah, you can expect hospitality, kindness, beauty, authenticity and to be nurtured in many ways : meditation/yoga sessions, food, see and sun . It s been a great week for me!! Pascaline

Experiência fantástica: Deep recharge in a place ran with love and attention I am writing this review after my third stay in Shamballah. I come to this place to recharge, reset and return full of inspiration to bring peaceful, conscious energy into my life. This is a place to connect with yourself - with the breath, body and focus. The goal is not a sporty yoga but a union of body and spirit. What makes it stand apart is that the lovely couple owners and yoga and meditation facilitators run the retreat with love and genuine attention to the guests' experience and wellbeing. They share their home and values in a genuine and non-intrusive way and listen and share empathically. The gates to own spirituality are opened. Everyone can take away what they wish and are ready for. The food is just amazing vegetarian / vegan food (I have high food standards). It is cooked with love and the daily freshly baked sourdough bread makes you feel so special when you smell it wrapping up the morning yoga practice. The rhytm for the week allows to slow down but also to explore during mid-day breaks. The nearby, walking distance coast makes for a dream location. I highly recommend, if you wish to step out of the modern, hectic pace and take care of your body and soul.

Experiência fantástica: I can’t speak more highly of this retreat. Zarqa and Patricia were absolutely fantastic, and I left the retreat with friends for life. The passion radiating from these two is palpable. There is clearly so much thought, heart, and soul put into this beautiful oasis. Not only did I learn so much about deepening my yoga and meditation practice, but the conversations shared between the group allowed for such an intimate experience. I am still in contact with the other participants, and I cannot express how much I value the connections I made at this retreat. The entire team is so genuine and caring, and they go above and beyond to make their guests feel like old friends. Fabi is sunshine in human form, and you can taste the love and devotion she infuses into the food. The packed lunches feel like the perfect pairing of mom’s cooking and gourmet nutrient-packed goodness. The location is absolutely stunning with a short walk to beautiful cliff side beaches. The garden and balcony are perfect spaces to read, journal, and recharge. Being a quick drive from Sintra, I would highly recommend the tour of Quinta da Regaleira palace with Carla. She is a wealth of knowledge and if you’re interested in the esoteric, architecture, botany, or history, you cannot miss this tour. This retreat was the perfect recharge for my soul and I absolutely will be returning. Thank you to the Shamballah team, this experience was better than I ever could have imagined.

Experiência fantástica: I came back two weeks ago from a retreat at Shamballa in Sintra, Portugal. Three words describe the work of Patricia and Zarka: Authenticity, Dedication and Professionalism; every single yoga and meditation session was planned thoughtfully, the food was excellent, and the place was exactly as depicted on the site's pics: a retreat at walking distance from the Atlantic. I came as a solo traveler and felt at home with the group, the hosts, and the place. It is my humble opinion that if each person in this world complied with their job in the manner that this special couple manages their retreat, we would be living in a much better world. NAMASTE.

Experiência fantástica: What Zarqa and Patricia created with Shamballah is really special. I have taken home a lot of wisdom for life. It is like sometimes you only know what you were looking for when you found it. I hoped to have a peaceful week with a calmer mind, and although my head felt a hurricane at the beginning of the week, I have the feeling that with all the practices en experiences of last week I have a calmer mind for life. Thanks a lot Zarqa and Patricia, stay as you are!!

Experiência fantástica: A superb retreat 10/10 From start to finish, Zarqa and Patricia ensure a personal touch to the visit. The yoga lessons are excellent, varied and soulful. The surf lessons add a more energetic dimension, as well as compliment the purpose of the retreat. The meditation sessions at the end of the day are wonderful and set you up for a perfect night’s sleep. The accommodation is clean, comfortable and spacious. The food is one of the highlights. Simply amazing (and this is coming from a person who loves his steak!) Every meal is different and delicious. No chance of going hungry with ample and generous portions. There are also lots of extra activities that can be added to the itinerary - guided walks, voice workshops, rhythm workshops and another highlight - massages. Both the Ayurvedic and Zenshiatsu are divine. I can not recommend this retreat highly enough. Thanks Zarqa and Patricia for all your hard work in creating this haven.

Experiência fantástica: What a fantastic retreat! I've had many yoga retreats over the years and Zarqa and Patricia rate at the top. The whole package was just what I needed to reset and gain some much needed self care. I'm not vegetarian but the food was awesome! They even arranged an evening concert with a local Portuguese trio. I loved their vibe so much, I've already signed up for their Azores Island Retreat! THANK YOU BOTH :)

Experiência fantástica: Fantastic experience. Zarqa and Patricia conducted the meditation and yoga classes with incredible attention to detail. Their level of commitment is commendable. The rooms are comfortable and the food was so healthy. Sintra is also great for visiting places and for going on long runs.

Experiência fantástica: I have recently returned from the haven that is Shamballah Yoga Retreats. The experience that Zarqa and Patricia provide is unlike any other that I have had and it was a true privilege to have been welcomed into their home to share even a brief time of their extraordinary life. Very comfortable accommodation, the tranquil setting of Sintra National Park and nutritious tasty food were all key aspects that I enjoyed but the true beauty of this yoga retreat is found in Patricia and Zarqa and in the wonderful way that they have chosen to share their way of life with others. The yoga was wonderful, twice daily I got the privilege of being taught by Patricia - a truly outstanding teacher - who helped and challenged me to progress my own practice throughout the week. The group of people that I was lucky enough to share this experience with brought another element of adventure to the week. Meeting those from different walks of life, initially a group of strangers and bonding as a group, we journeyed through the week together. We formed fantastic memories as we learned the restorative powers that yoga and daily meditative practise can provide and had plenty of free time during the day to explore the stunning town of Sintra and the surrounding coast. I learned more about myself than I could have imagined possible in such a short space of time and am inspired, more than ever, to continue developing my own practise. Zarqa and Patricia are very special people and it was an absolute pleasure to spend the week in their company. I really cannot recommend this retreat more, I came home feeling rested, restored and invigorated and can't wait to further explore the world that this retreat has introduced me too. I'm already thinking about my return trip! Thank you again Patricia and Zarqa x x x

Experiência fantástica: I visited Shamballah Retreats for a week's course of yoga, surf and meditation and it was the best thing I've done for a long time. As a busy Journalist I was amazed to discover how much one week in a retreat can enrich creative thinking, help with writing and make you feel that just about anything is possible. The yoga classes with Patricia at sunrise and sunset each day were beautiful, the food absolutely gorgeous and the meditation sessions with Zarqa's flute playing unforgettable. Thank you!

Experiência fantástica: Thank you dear Patricia and Zarqa! We had amazing experience in your retreat and great time and you made us feeling very welcome and at home! The house is located in beautiful surroundings, you can choose from several amazing beaches, the nearest beach was actually my favourite and just 10-15 mins walking distance away. We travelled with small baby, so not sometimes possible to hike with stroller ;), in this case you have uber which is so cheap (4-5 euros) and was always available for us. We arrived at the state of stress and tiredness and after one week of eating healthy food, doing yoga, meditation and enjoying the nature, we feel totally recharged and relaxed. We loved good energy of hosts and the house, yoga and meditation sessions were really good, food was tasty and healthy. Would definitely come back ;) Rgds, Turguna and Albin

Experiência fantástica: I’ve returned to this retreat three times as it’s the best I’ve found in the world over the last 10 years. It’s build on the loving relationship of Patricia and Zarqa who go out of their way in every aspect. You’ll learn so many new ways to breathe, move and eat - leaving feeling more connected nurtured and nourished. It’s set up for whatever you’re up for; surfing, beach walks, treatments or doing nothing… I can’t recommend it highly enough, I’ll be back :)

Experiência fantástica: I have just come back from my second stay at Shamballah and I could not recommend the retreat more. Patricia and Zarqa are such warm, kind, and loving people and I instantly feel at home in their space and company. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay back in February 2020 (hence why I returned!) but I have enjoyed my April 2023 stay even more. The meditation, yoga, food, activities, and location have all been perfect. I have arrived home feeling renewed and ready to apply the tools I’ve learned during my stay to my daily life. I just wish that I had Fabi, the exceptional cook, at home to prepare her delicious meals every single day ❤️ I have been lucky to have stayed at Shamballah both times with a very close friend. However, this retreat is certainly solo traveller friendly as the other guests have been such wonderful company - Patricia and Zarqa attract very lovely people. I have been home two days and I am already looking forward to our next stay at Shamballah. Thank you Patricia and Zarqa, and the rest of the team, for all that you do. You have provided me with a truly life changing week and I’m very grateful to have met you

Experiência fantástica: I came back a week ago from an amazing stay at Shamballa resort in Sintra! Thank you Patricia and Zarqua for making my stay fantastic! The mediation and yoga classes were really special, I have been practicing yoga and meditation for several years, and still I learned so much from you!! I so much appreciated the great surprise concert, it really completed the magic of my stay! Thanks also to Fabi for the most delicious food, and a special thanks to Gustavo for the best massage Ive ever had! Shamballa resort Sintra get my best and most sincere recommendations!!

Experiência fantástica: Amazing retreat with beautiful people, food and good energy. You can walk 8 minutes to the cliffs (amazing) just read and focus on your Self. Highly recommended!

Experiência fantástica: The retreat in Shamballah was a unique experience. Patricia and Zarqa have been able to create a structure within which every guest can experience a "I'm exactly where I want to be" feeling. From the interpretation of yoga and meditation practices, to the kindness of the people involved in Shamballah, to the beauty of the surrounding places: everything contributes to making the stay pleasant and inspiring small or big changes, even after the retreat is over, to cultivate a deeper relationship with yourself. Obrigado!

Experiência fantástica: I wanted to thank Patricia and Zarqa for showing me an alternative way of living. I found what I learned at shamballah really beneficial. The homemade vegetarian food was so good. Really appreciate all the help and love. Highly recommend to anyone who needs a break from city life and slow down a bit to enjoy life.

Experiência fantástica: This is a very amazing retreat, sanctuary and safe place. I have been there multiple times and I have recommended it and sent friends over. Patricia and Zarqa are very welcoming and lovely people who make you feel at home. The food is superbly delicious. The daily practices leave you feeling energised and looking forward to the next one. The program offers many options to choose from while you’re there, from surfing to walking in the magical forest of sintra to hikes along the coast.. it is one of the best experiences I’ve had. Highly recommend it.

Experiência fantástica: I went on a fantastic retreat with Shamballah at the beginning of October. Booking process was great, Patricia and Zarqa were very accommodating. Transport to the location was organised for us from the airport. The house was lovely - clean, comfortable and the food was fantastic. The yoga and meditation were also excellent. We had a great stay and I have been recommending to friends since I got back.

Experiência fantástica: What a great pelerinage it has been. My wife and I came back a bit floating from our retreat, it took us some time before landing..... We loved our stay at Shamballah from A to Z: great location (sea just 5 minutes away), great atmosphere, great yoga and mediation sessions, very good balance between yoga, meditation and free time, great healthy food, great heterogeneous group (crazy London bankers on a retreat, entrepreneurs, personal development lovers: great mix). Zarqa and Patricia warm but discrete attention was one of the key to our stay. If you want to spend time with them, they are there, if you prefer to be alone, they will know. Their house is a peaceful nest (large nest!) ideal as it offers everyone the possibility to have its own space. I am happy (and proud!) to say that I also managed to learn surfing during my stay, whilst my wife managed to read the 500 books that she had always wanted to read but could never find the time to do. In a nutshell, you can go to Shamballah eyes closed. Tanneguy

Experiência positiva: Wonderful week at Shamballah yoga retreat. the yoga was great following a sequence through the shakras which I loved, meditation was a deeply peaceful way to close the day and vegetarian/vegan food delicious, including our packed lunch every day to take on wanderings over spectacular cliffs and to the beaches. Loved swimming! Connection and sharing with others from all over Europe special. Patricia and Zarqa lovely hosts and teachers. Thanks for a special week....

Experiência fantástica: Thank you Zarqa and Patrícia for giving me the opportunity to contribute as a volunteer at Shamballah over the course of 10 days. I gained a lot of insights regarding my practice in meditaiotn and yoga during that time and had a wonderful experience at Shamballah. The surroundings are absolutely stunning (beach, cliffs, nature) and I felt really welcome there. The food was beyond delicious in all kinds of variations and tasty things you would never expect coming out of a kitchen (best regards to the best cook in the world, Mia) Keep on what you are doing guys - I believe it's the right thing Best regards Jonas

Experiência fantástica: Wonderful experience at Shamballah ! Patricia is the best yoga teacher I’ve ever had, enabling us to discover the spiritual dimension of yoga, and Zarqa was a great meditation teacher, and chef ! Ideal for those who need to relax, chill, or have a deep thinking about their life and build a new life routine.

Experiência fantástica: Patricia and Zarqa are really nice persons and clearly do their best to make you comfortable and at ease during your stay. The place itself, meaning locations as well as building, is peaceful, nice (nature, beaches, additional activities, Sintra etc…) and well maintained, as other comments have already underlined. Yoga classes, held by Patricia, are enjoyable and well led, especially suitable for beginners or not-too-experienced practitioners, in my opinion. I would clarify however, that the approach to Yoga refers to the Chakra system :) Meditation with Zarqa is pleasant, varied and never boring, in my experience; Zarqa makes it easily accessible and enjoyable. The surfings classes were fun and the instructors were always nice and supportive. We (my partner and I) both managed to “pop up” quite soon, thought it could get quite crowded in between waves! Food: as mentioned already was really good, maybe just a bit of more variety in the breakfast could be added, but again, food is really (vege)top. The overall experience was great. Said that, I think there is some little room for improvement: for example, surf class timings need to follow nature and tides, but the yoga class scheduling does not; this may result in some clashes that create (occasionally) some rush. The overall offer may take into account this.

Experiência fantástica: Staying at Shamballah after Tony Samara's detox meditation retreat at Vila Gale hotel in Sintra couldn't have been more perfect. It's the best place to process and intergrate after the fast or anytime. Patricia and Zarqa are the most lovely relaxed and welcoming hosts embracing everyone with so much love ❤️ The house is very spacious, clean and light with the aroma of essential oils and sound of water. Vegetarian food with high level superfoods and abundance of herbs in the garden and tea. The blissful natural walk to the beach is invigorating beyond words and reaching the cliffs overlooking spectacular Atlantic Oceanwhere Zarqa and friends surf and swim, sandy beach easily accessible below - ITS TOTALLY HEAVENLY HERE THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING AND THE WONDERFUL YOGA AND DANCING AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Experiência fantástica: Very grateful - my first ever yoga retreat was so warm and welcoming. Great vegetarian food (thanks Miya), peaceful bedrooms, cosy lounge space, wild ocean nearby, and the beaming hearts of everyone who worked there! The yoga (Patricia) & meditation (Zorqa) styles accommodated complete beginners, and as someone who's done some yoga I found it perfectly challenging. I also really appreciated the routine/space to sink deeper into the practices and to reflect & relax. I'd love to go back - next time I'd like to get clearer on my intention beforehand, I'd sign up for the horse therapy, I'd definitely do another gong bath, might even treat myself to two massages! And I'd say if you're already big into your yoga and meditation, or have a specfic diet or intention, then just give them a call to see if this retreat will resonant with you as they're super friendly and helpful.

Experiência fantástica: I highly recommend Shamballa Yoga Retreats. The location near Sintra and owners/operators, Zarqa and Patricia, are magical. The natural beauty of the coast and surroundings are equally matched with the healing and supportive environment created by Zarqa and Patricia. Whether you are trying yoga for the first time or an experienced yoga and meditation practitioner, Shamballa Yoga Retreats will exceed your expectations. I can't wait to return for a visit sometime next year!

Experiência fantástica: My daughter stayed here for a week after she finished her A levels, she referred to Zarqa and Patricia as “having the biggest hearts of anyone I’ve ever met”. She came back happier, healthier and having learnt meditation techniques that will help her for the rest of her life. Thank you so very much.

Experiência fantástica: Thank you Zarqa and Patricia for the amazing week! Your dedication, energy and love is so present in all the activities you provide. The meditation and the yoga classes were exceptional and it was a great opportunity to realise that yoga is not only about doing crazy postures but about synchronising your body and your mind so we can be free. The food was amazing, we are commited to try to keep all the things we learnt! You deserve the best! Gavin and Andrea

Experiência fantástica: One of the best experiences of my life. The yoga and meditation were of a really high standard. The accommodation was so warm and comfortable and the food was superb. I went to this retreat on my own and i didn't feel a moment of loneliness, it was wall to wall kindness and love! Caroline x

Experiência fantástica: A great place in a great environment surrounded by some great people! Patricia and Zarqa are two caring individuals that help to deepen your practice. Glad to have met them and will be back at some point again.

Experiência fantástica: Vollste Empfehlung für alle, die eine Woche pure Erholung erfahren wollen! Das Retreat ist einfach wunderschön, preiswert und das Yoga für alle Levels machbar - eine tolle Erfahrung :-)

Experiência fantástica: Great yoga sessions for all levels, different meditation techniques, fun surfing classes, breathtaking views when hiking, healthy & delicious food (!) and these all in most cosy and beautiful villa in Sintra! So far my best wellbeing experience!

Experiência fantástica: One of the most fulfilling weeks I've ever had. The teachers put so much energy and love into their program. Well worth doing! I'll definitely do it again! Yoga, meditation, hiking, surfing all in one of the most beautiful places.

Experiência fantástica: An amazing week, great hosts and practice, the accommodation and meals were wonderful, and met some amazing people. Couldn't recommend it enough.

Experiência fantástica: Beautiful week with Patricia and Zarqa who took great care of us. The yoga and meditation classes were amazing. Great experience !

Experiência fantástica: I had a great time at Shambalah. The two founders are really nice, the food was delicious and atmosphere very cosy.

Experiência negativa: To start positively, the people who run this retreat are good people and a lovely couple. The food is really healthy and every meal was really delicious and made with love. The house is really nice, close to the beach and the surrounding area have many nice hikes and towns. They seem to really want to help people. However, the biggest complaint I have is that the yoga teacher is not certified. The yoga is a mixture of massage, Pilates, and yoga poses but they sometimes felt disjointed and out of flow. I didn't feel like the classes were led with yoga philosophy, or offer many adjustments, especially based on the many studios I've visited in various countries. I don't believe this is not good for beginners since they need the attention to approach yoga correctly nor is it good for advanced practitioners since they are not challenged or grow. The retreat is advertised as yoga: not Pilates or massage. Both couples lived at a meditation center so there is authenticity here however it seemed to be worshipping a unknown shaman and they referred to the infamous Osho an uncomfortable amount of times. I didn't believe that they lead the meditation or yoga with Buddhist philosophy but use the practices of this meditation center. No guided meditation, no mantras, just one type of meditation. The couple made the retreat too personal - I sometimes felt like a guest in their home and for that price I believe I should feel well treated and cared for. They had friends and family over often and were often late for our classes. They bought the house about a year ago which is nice and brand new but the decoration doesn't have warmth that I would want in a yoga retreat. This retreat is expensive and they charge for all additional activities. Ultimately for the price I left feeling a little ripped off and sad. Many of the attendants booked this week because of the feature in The Guardian however I feel obliged to email The Guardian to ask to only feature retreats that have a certification as a minimum. If the couple gets certified in yoga, incorporate more Buddhist meditations and hire hospitality consultant to change some of the small issues they will run a really nice retreat.