WHO WE ARE
We are Zarqa and Patricia, born in Portugal, citizens of the World.
Many years ago, both of us, made a strong commitment to making self-development and/or spiritual growth a priority in our lives. We truly believe that we are here to evolve consciously and that belief lead us to live a monastic lifestyle in a school of meditation for several years. We had already started this journey before joining the school of meditation, and part of our education and training was as holistic therapists in different types of body & mind work. With our 48 years of combined experience in studying, learning, practicing, and teaching practices that develop awareness and harmonize body and mind, we felt it was time to create a safe and comfortable space to share it with the world. This is when we created Shamballah Yoga Retreats, as we did so we realized it was a dream come true.
OUR VALUES
We deeply respect and love our beautiful planet.
We believe Mother Nature is the ultimate master, holding infinite teachings to awaken our consciousness.
To honour our values with our choices and actions, all the electricity we use at Shamballah comes from renewable sources, we only use organic and ecological cleaning products and buy organic or local food. We have an electric car and use solar heaters for the showers.
For every guest that comes to Shamballah for a retreat experience we donate 3 trees to be part of a reforestation project. Slowly but steadily creating a beautiful forest, a natural ecosystem teeming with life to remind us of our natural state of balance and equilibrium.
We see our body as a temple. To nourish and care for it is an important part of our daily practice and self-development. We share the values of most ancient traditions like non-violence towards ourselves or others, truthfulness, non-attachment, moderation, cleanliness.
OUR TEACHERS
PATRÍCIA
CO-FOUNDER, YOGA INSTRUCTOR & THERAPIST
Patricia was born in Lisbon and studied Sports and Physical Education at University (5 years).
She is passionate about Dance, body consciousness, Meditation, and the Holistic approach to Life.
Since 1992, she’s been teaching and inspiring people through different types of bodywork: body&mind, dance, conscious movement, postural/restorative, somatic awareness, fascia release, personal training/therapy.
She is a certified Yoga (E-RYT 200 from Yoga Alliance), Fitness (CEF 3 years; AFAA), and Pilates (Pilates Institute) Instructor, sponsored by Reebok and other fitness brands. Her classes combine sequences and exercises specially designed in a flowing and creative way to suit all levels and create a balanced and healing practice that nurtures body, mind, and soul.
She also works as a ZenShiatsu Therapist since 2005 (Internacional School of Shiatsu – Kiental – 3years), balancing people’s energy and aligning their physical, mental, and emotional bodies.
In 2009 she met her Spiritual Master and started to go deeper in Meditation, being committed to practicing mindfulness and spirituality in her daily life, after living four and a half years in a Meditation school (monastic life).
Since 2003, Surfing has also been part of her life and a way to connect with Mother Nature.
ZARQA
CO-FOUNDER, MEDITATION INSTRUCTOR & THERAPIST
Zarqa has long been fascinated by the knowledge of Life that many different native people and ancient mystical traditions have. The inner journey of self-development took him to many different places, working with shamanic traditions, practicing and studying with Spiritual Master Tony Samara since 2001.
He is trained and certified in a special style of Ayurvedic Massage and has been practicing since the year 2004.
For six years he lived in the Garden of Light, a school of meditation. Going deeper on this mystical path. Learning that meditation is the key to freedom and freedom is the key to happiness and joy.
Bringing meditation and massage together creates a great synergy.
Growing up by the Ocean developed a deep connection to this element and surfing is a great passion.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“What a wonderful experience in a beautiful area. Zarqa and Patricia really involve you in their way of living, which helped me to let go of my daily stress and chaos. They made you feel home. The yoga classes are well set up and so are the meditations. The food is amazing and the area has so many great things to offer!”
