Return to Joy
Yoga & Adventure Camp
for women who want to feel alive again
Portugal
Sesimbra, Portugal
7–12 September 2026
Your morning here starts slowly. You wake up to the sound of birds chirping behind the window and the smell of fresh coffee. Before the gentle morning yoga session, you take the time to step outside barefoot onto the grass to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. You notice how blissful it feels to begin the day without immediately reaching for your phone, nor planning errands.
After yoga, you savour a delicious breakfast prepared for you with care, and inspired by the environment, effortlessly exchange stories with like-minded women, who, although a moment ago were strangers, somehow quickly become friends. Later, you'll hike along the coastline, kayak beneath majestic cliffs, or lose track of time making something with your hands. The days here aren't measured by the number of tasks you completed. They unfold naturally, while you immerse yourself in nature, fresh air, adventure, meaningful conversations, and moments of joy that remind you what it feels like to be fully present. Finally, somewhere in between, you notice the familiar feeling that has been missing for a while has returned. You feel lighter - more like yourself and more alive.
Why you feel like you lost the spark :
I know exactly how you feel - you’re getting stuff done, happy with the opportunities you’ve got, you say you're doing ‘great’, still slotting social outings in... Sometimes you feel proud of how much you manage to do, but at the same time it’s all feeling like a little too much, you're always feeling behind, you rush most of the day, and you can't remember the last time you felt truly light and rested. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, creatively… - the kind of rested that makes you excited about life.
You wake up already thinking about what needs to happen today. Before you've had your breakfast, you've checked messages, coordinated plans, replied to messages, and started solving problems. Your days are full, your life is good, yet internally you feel stretched thin. Somewhere between responsibilities, deadlines, and taking care of everyone else, you've stopped making space for yourself. You keep telling yourself you will rest after the next deadline, project launch, school term, or busy season. Yet even when you have some free time, you don't feel restored. You're not just tired, you're depleted. You don't necessarily need an escape from your life, but another productivity hack just won't do it either. You need time to reconnect with the version of you that feels energized, curious, playful, and fully alive - and for that you need the kinds of rest you haven't been receiving.
What this camp is like:
This is not a retreat for women who want to spend six days wrapped in blankets doing restorative yoga. It's
a yoga & adventure camp for women who are mentally overloaded and tired of being ‘the one holding everything together’. If you want both rest AND adventure, you’ve found just the kind of getaway you need.
Most women think rest means sleeping more, but true restoration doesn't always come from doing less. Sometimes it comes from spending time in nature, moving your body, creating something with your hands, sharing meaningful conversations, laughing, exploring, and experiencing moments that remind you what it feels like to have fun and give yourself permission to enjoy something so fully that it literally gives you extra energy.
This camp is designed based on the unique method of Seven Types of Rest, where each activity serves the purpose of renewal and reigniting your spark to feel alive again. You can expect a rare combination of yoga, hiking, kayaking, climbing, creative workshops, free beach time, and new inspiring friendships.
True rest doesn't always come from doing less. Sometimes it comes from doing the things that make us feel most alive.
The Seven Types of Rest:
At Return to Joy, we'll experience all Seven Types of Rest your system needs for a full reset and restoration through yoga, nature, adventure, connection and reflection.
1. Rest for your body (Physical Rest)
Through yoga, movement, and time outdoors, you'll release tension, reconnect with your body,
and rediscover the pleasure of moving simply because it feels good.
2. Rest for your mind (Mental Rest)
You will step away from constant decision-making, planning, and notifications to create space to slow the mental chatter and be fully present in the moment.
3. Rest from the noise (Sensory Rest)
We will trade the screens, traffic, and endless information overload for ocean views, fresh air, and green spacious landscapes to give your nervous system a chance to settle.
4. Rest from holding it all together (Emotional Rest)
Take a break from being the strong one. Through honest conversations and supportive space, you'll have permission to lower the guard and feel safe to simply be yourself.
5. Rest with the right people (Social Rest)
You will be surrounded by women who understand, encourage, and inspire you, and find the kind of connection that leaves you feeling replenished rather than drained.
6. Rest through inspiration (Creative Rest)
Together we will explore, create, and try something new. Through nature, workshops and hands-on experiences, you'll reconnect with curiosity, imagination and play.
7. Rest for your soul (Spiritual Rest)
Taking a break from daily responsibilities and the ever-present stimulation of modern life, you'll have the time and space to reconnect with what matters most - to reflect, breathe, and come back to yourself.
Where we'll stay:
Quinta da Pinha, Sesimbra, Portugal
Nestled between the green hills of the Arrábida Natural Park and the Atlantic coastline, Quinta da Pinha offers the perfect setting to step away from everyday routine and immerse yourself in nature. Originally built as an artist's home, the quinta retains its creative spirit through an eclectic blend of rustic charm, retro-modern design, and unique pieces of art found throughout the property. Surrounded by greenery, it encourages for both connection and quiet moments of solitude—whether that's by the pool, under the olive trees, or tucked away with a book in one of its many peaceful corners.
Just minutes from Sesimbra's stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, Quinta da Pinha provides an inspiring base for our adventures while offering a welcoming space to return to afterwards. The mornings here begin with birdsong and coffee in the garden, afternoons might be spent by the pool or under the shade of a tree, and evenings are for sharing meals, stories and sunsets after a day spent outdoors.
It's the kind of place that quickly makes you forget what day of the week it is.
How the days will look:
Day 1
11:00 - 12:00 Arrival time
13:00 Welcome circle & intention setting
14:00 Lunch
15:00 Activity in the quinta
17:00 Yoga before dinner
18:30 Dinner
19:30 Evening chill / outdoor fireplace
Day 2
8:30am Morning Yoga
9:45am Breakfast
11:30 Beach time / free time in Sesimbra
13:30 Lunch in a restaurant
15:30 Canoeing
19:30 Dinner
Day 3
8:30am Morning Yoga
9:45am Breakfast
11:30 Hike & climbing
14:00 Picnic / packed lunch
17:00 Free time & optional massages
19:30 Dinner
Day 4
8:30am Morning Yoga
9:45am Breakfast
11:30 Free time offline / optional massages
13:30 Lunch
15:30 Natural print making workshop
18:00 Dinner
19:00 Sunset walk
Day 5
8:30 Morning Yoga (45mins)
9:00 Breakfast
10:15 Fermentation workshop
13:30 Lunch
15:00 Beach time / coastal walk
17:00 Beach Yoga
18:30 Dinner
Day 6
8:30 Morning Yoga & Journaling
9:30 Breakfast
11:00 Check-out
The Package
Price:
€1,050
What is included:
-
6 days, 5 nights stay in comfy, twin rooms with women just like you
-
access to the pool and land surrounded by greenery
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daily yoga and meditation practice
-
pranayama techniques for calm, energy, and focus
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3 daily nourishing meals
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tea, coffee & fresh fruit
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outdoor adventure activities
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creative workshops
The spaces are limited to max. 10 wonderful women.
To confirm your place at the camp, we require a €500 non-refundable deposit* to be paid at the moment of booking (proceed to BOOK NOW). The remaining amount needs to be paid 30 days before arrival via a bank transfer.
If you choose to pay in full, you will save €50 on the full price - please, email (via the address below) for transfer details.
We understand that in certain situations a big investment in yourself may be a challenge, so we offer the possibility of discussing a payment plan - please reach out for more info.
Not included in the price of the retreat:
- flights
- transfer from and to the airport
- optional massages
- lunch in the restaurant on the day of canoeing
*Please read the terms & conditions.
Contact Details:
With any questions, please email Kasia at: info@yogachillzone.co.uk