April 26, 2024

to April 28, 2024

Menopause Retreat – Aging with grace: Thriving during and after menopause

with Maria João Cunhal & Teresa Ranieri

Introduction

The early years of our lives are generally about learning and experiencing as much as we possibly can and being productive in all areas of our lives. When the time comes for us to let go of our middle lives, we are like a tree in autumn dropping golden leaves, as we release our past attachments and prepare for a new phase of growth. The body is changing in ways we don’t understand, children move out of the nest, careers shift or end, and some relationships too. No doubt, it can be a challenging time on the physical, emotional, and social levels which can make us feel apprehensive, even hopeless about the future. By understanding the changes we are experiencing, we can become more proactive in addressing our concerns and navigate this transition with more grace and excitement. With expert guidance, you can start adopting small, and yet impactful practices that will improve your life and help you face the future with confidence and empowerment.

The beauty of getting older is that we become aware of ourselves and the world around us. The lines on our faces and the gray hairs are beautiful testaments to the fullness of our experience. We may become more radiant than ever at this stage because our inner light shines brighter through our eyes as time passes. Beauty at this age comes from the very core of our being, our essence. This essence is a reminder that there is nothing to fear in growing older and that there is a kind of beauty that comes only after one has spent many years on this planet.

During this retreat we will explore the myths that influence your current feelings, you will be guided to process and clear away the beliefs that don’t serve you. You’ll receive guidance to reframe your mindset and start flourishing for the time ahead.

Retreat Highlights

  • Group sharings to sense you are not alone in this transition
  • How to preserve a sense of self-value independently from external validations
  • Retrieving a sense of lightness and beauty that goes beyond social stereotypes based on productivity and superficial recognition
  • Redefining the concept of happiness to rather encourage a sense of balance and wellbeing
  • Learning to harvest the wisdom that only grows with experience

Retreat Details

Main benefits

  • Expert guidance to support your emotional, social, cognitive, and physical health as you are going through this stage of your life
  • Intentional exercises to honor your thoughts and feelings
  • Mindfulness practices to savor the present moment, be less fearful of the future, and embrace the world around you
  • Physical activities to nurture an intimate relationship with your body and express more appreciation in your life
  • Easy-to-implement tools you can incorporate into your life
  • In-depth research and supported insights that debunk common negative aging myths
  • Motivational encouragement that will help you feel more confident about your future

You will benefit from this retreat if you wish to …

  • Cultivate a more hopeful and confident perspective toward aging and reframe your fears of the future
  • Get strategies and guidelines to support your emotional, social, mental and physical health
  • Experience deeper appreciation for this life transition while straightening the connection to yourself
  • Feel a greater sense of freedom and purpose in aging

Retreat Instructor(s)

Maria João Cunhal

A Europsy Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience, Maria João holds a degree in Psychological Assessment, Defectology and Rehabilitation from the University of Coimbra. She’s a Clinical Psychology Post-Graduate (Psychological Consultation, Neuro-psychology and Psychotherapy). Member of the Order of Portugueses Psychologists, she has extensive private practice experience, specializing in areas like anxiety, depression, burnout, domestic violence, ADHD,  and project coordination in psychotherapy and clinical supervision. Since 2014 she has also been a Reiki therapist and a member of APRE ( Portuguese Association of Essential Reiki). Maria João has facilitated Sacred Circles of Personal Development for years, emphasizing the community’s role in fostering understanding and compassion.

Teresa Ranieri

Teresa has been a meditation practitioner since 1988. She has extensive training and experience in Mindfulness and holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Interventions, with focus on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression, from Bangor University in the UK. She has been introduced to contemplative practices first through Transcendental Meditation by studying the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Sanskrit, and Ayurveda before being introduced to the Dharma Path in the Theravada tradition. Throughout the decades of her regular practice, in combination with her academic studies, Teresa has learned to offer a comprehensive perspective to Mindfulness nourished by the dialogue between the Dharma and Western Psychology. Influential teachers she met on her journey include Jon Kabat-Zinn, Rebecca Crane, Jan Chozen Bay, Martine Batchelor, Karunavira, Oren Jay Sofer and Martin Aylward amongst others. Additionally, Teresa practices and teaches Insight Dialogue, an interpersonal practice created by Gregory Kramer that brings together meditative awareness, Buddhist teachings, and dialogue to support a deep understanding of the nature and release of human suffering. Teresa is passionate about supporting people in integrating transformational practices and meditative insight into daily life.

Retreat Schedule

Day 1

(April 26, 2024)

14:00

- 17:00

Check in

17:00

Orientation tour and community guidelines

19:15

- 20:45

Welcome circle: Creating a safe container to share what’s present in our body, mind, and heart

21:30

Rest and noble silence until 8:30 AM next morning

Day 2

(April 27, 2024)

07:00

- 07:30

Meditation: Mindfulness practice to manage stress and anxiety

07:30

- 08:30

Breakfast in noble silence

08:30

- 09:00

Morning community gathering

09:30

- 11:00

Session 1 Demystifying the myths and preconceptions of our aging body: a journey through the archetypes of being a woman in our contemporary society

11:00

- 11:30

Refreshment Break

11:30

- 13:00

Session 2 Embracing Change as a Journey of Self-Discovery: Your golden years are an opportunity for personal growth

13:00

- 14:00

Lunch

15:00

- 16:30

Session 3 Nurturing Mental and Emotional Health: Letting go of regrets and freeing yourself from the burdens of the past

17:00

- 18:00

A practice of savoring life's joys (QiGong+Sauna+Pool)

18:00

- 19:15

Dinner

19:15

- 20:30

A circle around the firepit: A practice of renewal and reconnection

21:30

Rest and noble silence until 8:30 next morning

Day 3

(April 28, 2024)

07:30

- 09:00

Breakfast in noble silence until 8:30

09:30

- 11:00

Session 4 Building Resilience in the Face of Aging: Discover how gratitude and appreciation can illuminate the path of your golden years

11:00

- 11:30

Refreshment break

11:30

- 13:00

Closing session Finding Meaning and Purpose in Aging: Creating a lifestyle that supports fulfillment, and fills you with vibrancy and joy

13:00

- 14:00

Lunch

14:30

Check out

15:00

Shuttle departs

Retreat Pricing

Course instruction, private ensuite accommodation at our beautiful Serra da Estrela retreat centre, 3 balanced meals per day, and access to our wellness facilities are included with the fee.

2-NIGHT STAY

Arrival – Friday, 26th of April (afternoon, before 5.00 pm)
Departure – Sunday, 28th of April (afternoon)

– Single Occupancy –

Standard room: € 610
Premium room: € 650

– Double Occupancy –

Standard room: € 790
Premium room: € 830

– Included –

> Weekend retreat
> Private ensuite accommodation at our beautiful Serra da Estrela retreat center
> 3 balanced meals per day
> Access to our outdoor heated swimming pool & Sauna
> Access to our gym
> Late check-out and lunch

– Not included –

> Transport costs (New Life Portugal group shuttle available for booking)
> Extras services (Wellness menu)

Would you like to stay more nights with us to attend this retreat?
Contact us directly here

Additional information

– Accommodation

Retreat participants will stay in private ensuite rooms in our newly remodelled quintas at our Serra da Estrela property in the central Portuguese countryside. The rooms are modern and cosy. Premium rooms come with terraces and mountain and valley views. All rooms feature a queen-sized bed, private bathroom, shower, reading lamp, sink, and floor heating during the colder months. Towels, soap, shower gel, facial tissues, water pitcher, and bedding are provided. Hair dryers are available upon request.

– Meals

At New Life Portugal we serve three buffet-style meals per day. The dishes feature plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. We try our best to cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences. However, due to the large range of ingredients used in our kitchen, we are not able to guarantee that all our dishes are allergen-free. If you have special requirements, please feel free to get in touch to see how we can best meet your needs.

– Travel Information

Our address is: Caminho das Regadas 1, Folgosinho, Gouveia 6290-081, Portugal

We are an approximately 2-hour drive from Porto, a 3.5-hour drive from Lisbon, and a 4.5-hour drive from Madrid. The nearest airport is Porto airport and the nearest bus station is in the city of Gouveia, which is a 30-minute drive from us.

If you have any questions about how to reach us, our team will gladly assist you with your enquiries.

– Things to Bring

  1. Casual, comfortable and warm clothes suitable for outdoor activities, meditation, and yoga
  2. A rain jacket, umbrella, and sturdy shoes in case of wet weather
  3. A swimsuit and flip flops for the pool and sauna
  4. A refillable water bottle
  5. Any personal medications you might require, especially if you have a difficult-to-fill prescription (please make sure to check regulations about bringing prescription medications to Portugal)
  6. Sunscreen and insect repellent
  7. Enough cash for transport and basic necessities (there is no ATM onsite)
  8. We provide yoga mats and meditation cushions, but please feel free to bring your own if you wish

For further information on travelling to or staying with us, please see our Practical Information page or get in touch with our friendly team.

– Wellness Menu

Feel like indulging in a massage? Want to make the most of your time with us by adding extra sessions? Our custom options are ideal if there are any special areas you’d like to focus on, or if you’d like to fit more activities into your wellness retreat with us. Please enquire about cost and availability.

Add to your experience

  • Wellness Sessions
    A range of Small Group Yoga, Mindful Fitness, Breathwork and Mindfulness Sessions
  • Mindfulness Mentoring
    In a private session with our experienced mindfulness teacher, you’ll have one-on-one time to ask questions or receive guidance on how to improve your practice. You can also choose a specific exercise to work on, or study topics relating to mindfulness and meditation that you have a particular interest in. It’s an excellent way to enhance your progress and gain the full benefits that mindfulness and meditation can bring to your life.
  • Mindful Movement
    Mindful movement can be excellent for easing tension or pain. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety. Book private sessions with our body-mind teachers specialising in qigong, yoga therapy, and breathwork. Depending on your needs, choose specific themes and practices to work on for effectively targeted relief.
  • Massage Sessions
    Let your worries melt away. Soothe aches and pains. We work with different specialised professionals who offer full body therapeutic or relaxing massage, Swedish massage, sound massage, and acupuncture. With our skilled massage therapists, you’ll be able to give yourself the permission you need to truly unwind.
  • Workshops
    We feature regular psycho-educational and body-mind workshops as part of our weekly program. Feel free to add optional workshops to your program path for a more intensive experience of exploration and growth. On weekends we may also have additional workshops with invited teachers. Just share your interests with us and we’ll happily let you know what’s on.
  • Retreats
    We offer weekend and one-day retreats with our resident and guest teachers based on various themes, including meditation, yoga, dance, coaching, and noble silence. If there’s something specific you’d like to work on, feel free to design your own retreat experience with our Meditation Teacher or Program Manager.
  • Nature Activities
    Nature is a very important healing component of our program. Participate in a forest bath or mindful walk experience, sit on our contemplative benches, and listen to the surrounding sound of birds and streams. It sounds simple but you’ll be amazed at how calm, rested, and at peace you’ll feel by connecting with the natural environment around us.
  • Outdoor Activities
    Our centre is located in the stunning Serra da Estrela natural park, which features hundreds of walking and cycling trails. Ask us about the menu of hikes (with maps in Alltrails) and bike trails (GPS) that you can do on your own. You can also join the weekly scheduled group activity if you feel like some company and good conversation as you explore.
  • Day Trips and Excursions
    Central Portugal offers so many options that it’s sometimes difficult to choose what activity to do. We’re fortunate enough to be situated in a mountain region rich with history. Join a trip guided by local experts and explore fascinating cities and villages located nearby such as Gouveia, Seia, Celorico da Beira, Linhares, and Folgosinho.
  • Cultural Experiences
    Make your visit even fuller by connecting with the local culture. Participate in seasonal activities such as the shepherds’ summer festivities, cheese and chestnut festivals, cherry tree blooming, mushroom hunting, and more. You’ll learn about the region, make friends - and have lots of fun.

Want to stay longer?

It is possible to join this retreat as part of your stay. If you’re interested in this option, please get in touch.

How to book

Please book using below booking bottons to connect to our online booking system. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Share this weekend retreat

April 26, 2024

to April 28, 2024

Menopause Retreat – Aging with grace: Thriving during and after menopause

with Maria João Cunhal & Teresa Ranieri

Introduction

The early years of our lives are generally about learning and experiencing as much as we possibly can and being productive in all areas of our lives. When the time comes for us to let go of our middle lives, we are like a tree in autumn dropping golden leaves, as we release our past attachments and prepare for a new phase of growth. The body is changing in ways we don’t understand, children move out of the nest, careers shift or end, and some relationships too. No doubt, it can be a challenging time on the physical, emotional, and social levels which can make us feel apprehensive, even hopeless about the future. By understanding the changes we are experiencing, we can become more proactive in addressing our concerns and navigate this transition with more grace and excitement. With expert guidance, you can start adopting small, and yet impactful practices that will improve your life and help you face the future with confidence and empowerment.

The beauty of getting older is that we become aware of ourselves and the world around us. The lines on our faces and the gray hairs are beautiful testaments to the fullness of our experience. We may become more radiant than ever at this stage because our inner light shines brighter through our eyes as time passes. Beauty at this age comes from the very core of our being, our essence. This essence is a reminder that there is nothing to fear in growing older and that there is a kind of beauty that comes only after one has spent many years on this planet.

During this retreat we will explore the myths that influence your current feelings, you will be guided to process and clear away the beliefs that don’t serve you. You’ll receive guidance to reframe your mindset and start flourishing for the time ahead.

Retreat Highlights

  • Group sharings to sense you are not alone in this transition
  • How to preserve a sense of self-value independently from external validations
  • Retrieving a sense of lightness and beauty that goes beyond social stereotypes based on productivity and superficial recognition
  • Redefining the concept of happiness to rather encourage a sense of balance and wellbeing
  • Learning to harvest the wisdom that only grows with experience

Retreat Details

Main benefits

  • Expert guidance to support your emotional, social, cognitive, and physical health as you are going through this stage of your life
  • Intentional exercises to honor your thoughts and feelings
  • Mindfulness practices to savor the present moment, be less fearful of the future, and embrace the world around you
  • Physical activities to nurture an intimate relationship with your body and express more appreciation in your life
  • Easy-to-implement tools you can incorporate into your life
  • In-depth research and supported insights that debunk common negative aging myths
  • Motivational encouragement that will help you feel more confident about your future

You will benefit from this retreat if you wish to …

  • Cultivate a more hopeful and confident perspective toward aging and reframe your fears of the future
  • Get strategies and guidelines to support your emotional, social, mental and physical health
  • Experience deeper appreciation for this life transition while straightening the connection to yourself
  • Feel a greater sense of freedom and purpose in aging

Retreat Instructor(s)

Maria João Cunhal

A Europsy Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience, Maria João holds a degree in Psychological Assessment, Defectology and Rehabilitation from the University of Coimbra. She’s a Clinical Psychology Post-Graduate (Psychological Consultation, Neuro-psychology and Psychotherapy). Member of the Order of Portugueses Psychologists, she has extensive private practice experience, specializing in areas like anxiety, depression, burnout, domestic violence, ADHD,  and project coordination in psychotherapy and clinical supervision. Since 2014 she has also been a Reiki therapist and a member of APRE ( Portuguese Association of Essential Reiki). Maria João has facilitated Sacred Circles of Personal Development for years, emphasizing the community’s role in fostering understanding and compassion.

Teresa Ranieri

Teresa has been a meditation practitioner since 1988. She has extensive training and experience in Mindfulness and holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Interventions, with focus on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression, from Bangor University in the UK. She has been introduced to contemplative practices first through Transcendental Meditation by studying the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Sanskrit, and Ayurveda before being introduced to the Dharma Path in the Theravada tradition. Throughout the decades of her regular practice, in combination with her academic studies, Teresa has learned to offer a comprehensive perspective to Mindfulness nourished by the dialogue between the Dharma and Western Psychology. Influential teachers she met on her journey include Jon Kabat-Zinn, Rebecca Crane, Jan Chozen Bay, Martine Batchelor, Karunavira, Oren Jay Sofer and Martin Aylward amongst others. Additionally, Teresa practices and teaches Insight Dialogue, an interpersonal practice created by Gregory Kramer that brings together meditative awareness, Buddhist teachings, and dialogue to support a deep understanding of the nature and release of human suffering. Teresa is passionate about supporting people in integrating transformational practices and meditative insight into daily life.

Retreat Schedule

Day 1

(April 26, 2024)

14:00

- 17:00

Check in

17:00

Orientation tour and community guidelines

19:15

- 20:45

Welcome circle: Creating a safe container to share what’s present in our body, mind, and heart

21:30

Rest and noble silence until 8:30 AM next morning

Day 2

(April 27, 2024)

07:00

- 07:30

Meditation: Mindfulness practice to manage stress and anxiety

07:30

- 08:30

Breakfast in noble silence

08:30

- 09:00

Morning community gathering

09:30

- 11:00

Session 1 Demystifying the myths and preconceptions of our aging body: a journey through the archetypes of being a woman in our contemporary society

11:00

- 11:30

Refreshment Break

11:30

- 13:00

Session 2 Embracing Change as a Journey of Self-Discovery: Your golden years are an opportunity for personal growth

13:00

- 14:00

Lunch

15:00

- 16:30

Session 3 Nurturing Mental and Emotional Health: Letting go of regrets and freeing yourself from the burdens of the past

17:00

- 18:00

A practice of savoring life's joys (QiGong+Sauna+Pool)

18:00

- 19:15

Dinner

19:15

- 20:30

A circle around the firepit: A practice of renewal and reconnection

21:30

Rest and noble silence until 8:30 next morning

Day 3

(April 28, 2024)

07:30

- 09:00

Breakfast in noble silence until 8:30

09:30

- 11:00

Session 4 Building Resilience in the Face of Aging: Discover how gratitude and appreciation can illuminate the path of your golden years

11:00

- 11:30

Refreshment break

11:30

- 13:00

Closing session Finding Meaning and Purpose in Aging: Creating a lifestyle that supports fulfillment, and fills you with vibrancy and joy

13:00

- 14:00

Lunch

14:30

Check out

15:00

Shuttle departs

Retreat Pricing

Course instruction, private ensuite accommodation at our beautiful Serra da Estrela retreat centre, 3 balanced meals per day, and access to our wellness facilities are included with the fee.

2-NIGHT STAY

Arrival – Friday, 26th of April (afternoon, before 5.00 pm)
Departure – Sunday, 28th of April (afternoon)

– Single Occupancy –

Standard room: € 610
Premium room: € 650

– Double Occupancy –

Standard room: € 790
Premium room: € 830

– Included –

> Weekend retreat
> Private ensuite accommodation at our beautiful Serra da Estrela retreat center
> 3 balanced meals per day
> Access to our outdoor heated swimming pool & Sauna
> Access to our gym
> Late check-out and lunch

– Not included –

> Transport costs (New Life Portugal group shuttle available for booking)
> Extras services (Wellness menu)

Would you like to stay more nights with us to attend this retreat?
Contact us directly here

Additional information

– Accommodation

Retreat participants will stay in private ensuite rooms in our newly remodelled quintas at our Serra da Estrela property in the central Portuguese countryside. The rooms are modern and cosy. Premium rooms come with terraces and mountain and valley views. All rooms feature a queen-sized bed, private bathroom, shower, reading lamp, sink, and floor heating during the colder months. Towels, soap, shower gel, facial tissues, water pitcher, and bedding are provided. Hair dryers are available upon request.

– Meals

At New Life Portugal we serve three buffet-style meals per day. The dishes feature plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. We try our best to cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences. However, due to the large range of ingredients used in our kitchen, we are not able to guarantee that all our dishes are allergen-free. If you have special requirements, please feel free to get in touch to see how we can best meet your needs.

– Travel Information

Our address is: Caminho das Regadas 1, Folgosinho, Gouveia 6290-081, Portugal

We are an approximately 2-hour drive from Porto, a 3.5-hour drive from Lisbon, and a 4.5-hour drive from Madrid. The nearest airport is Porto airport and the nearest bus station is in the city of Gouveia, which is a 30-minute drive from us.

If you have any questions about how to reach us, our team will gladly assist you with your enquiries.

– Things to Bring

  1. Casual, comfortable and warm clothes suitable for outdoor activities, meditation, and yoga
  2. A rain jacket, umbrella, and sturdy shoes in case of wet weather
  3. A swimsuit and flip flops for the pool and sauna
  4. A refillable water bottle
  5. Any personal medications you might require, especially if you have a difficult-to-fill prescription (please make sure to check regulations about bringing prescription medications to Portugal)
  6. Sunscreen and insect repellent
  7. Enough cash for transport and basic necessities (there is no ATM onsite)
  8. We provide yoga mats and meditation cushions, but please feel free to bring your own if you wish

For further information on travelling to or staying with us, please see our Practical Information page or get in touch with our friendly team.

– Wellness Menu

Feel like indulging in a massage? Want to make the most of your time with us by adding extra sessions? Our custom options are ideal if there are any special areas you’d like to focus on, or if you’d like to fit more activities into your wellness retreat with us. Please enquire about cost and availability.

Add to your experience

  • Wellness Sessions
    A range of Small Group Yoga, Mindful Fitness, Breathwork and Mindfulness Sessions
  • Mindfulness Mentoring
    In a private session with our experienced mindfulness teacher, you’ll have one-on-one time to ask questions or receive guidance on how to improve your practice. You can also choose a specific exercise to work on, or study topics relating to mindfulness and meditation that you have a particular interest in. It’s an excellent way to enhance your progress and gain the full benefits that mindfulness and meditation can bring to your life.
  • Mindful Movement
    Mindful movement can be excellent for easing tension or pain. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety. Book private sessions with our body-mind teachers specialising in qigong, yoga therapy, and breathwork. Depending on your needs, choose specific themes and practices to work on for effectively targeted relief.
  • Massage Sessions
    Let your worries melt away. Soothe aches and pains. We work with different specialised professionals who offer full body therapeutic or relaxing massage, Swedish massage, sound massage, and acupuncture. With our skilled massage therapists, you’ll be able to give yourself the permission you need to truly unwind.
  • Workshops
    We feature regular psycho-educational and body-mind workshops as part of our weekly program. Feel free to add optional workshops to your program path for a more intensive experience of exploration and growth. On weekends we may also have additional workshops with invited teachers. Just share your interests with us and we’ll happily let you know what’s on.
  • Retreats
    We offer weekend and one-day retreats with our resident and guest teachers based on various themes, including meditation, yoga, dance, coaching, and noble silence. If there’s something specific you’d like to work on, feel free to design your own retreat experience with our Meditation Teacher or Program Manager.
  • Nature Activities
    Nature is a very important healing component of our program. Participate in a forest bath or mindful walk experience, sit on our contemplative benches, and listen to the surrounding sound of birds and streams. It sounds simple but you’ll be amazed at how calm, rested, and at peace you’ll feel by connecting with the natural environment around us.
  • Outdoor Activities
    Our centre is located in the stunning Serra da Estrela natural park, which features hundreds of walking and cycling trails. Ask us about the menu of hikes (with maps in Alltrails) and bike trails (GPS) that you can do on your own. You can also join the weekly scheduled group activity if you feel like some company and good conversation as you explore.
  • Day Trips and Excursions
    Central Portugal offers so many options that it’s sometimes difficult to choose what activity to do. We’re fortunate enough to be situated in a mountain region rich with history. Join a trip guided by local experts and explore fascinating cities and villages located nearby such as Gouveia, Seia, Celorico da Beira, Linhares, and Folgosinho.
  • Cultural Experiences
    Make your visit even fuller by connecting with the local culture. Participate in seasonal activities such as the shepherds’ summer festivities, cheese and chestnut festivals, cherry tree blooming, mushroom hunting, and more. You’ll learn about the region, make friends - and have lots of fun.

Want to stay longer?

It is possible to join this retreat as part of your stay. If you’re interested in this option, please get in touch.

How to book

Please book using below booking bottons to connect to our online booking system. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Share this weekend retreat