ABOUT SHAMBALLAH RETREATs

We are Zarqa and Patricia, born in Portugal, citizens of the World. Watch our video below and read on to learn more about Shamballah Retreats and its story.

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. As a result, we created Shamballah Yoga Retreats, as we did so we realized it was a dream come true.

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. Rooted in 48 years of combined experience in studying, practicing, and teaching approaches that nurture awareness and balance, we sensed it was time to offer a space where these teachings could be received. This intention became Shamballah Yoga Retreats, and as it grew, we recognised it as a dream coming into form.

The Place – The venue is a high-quality house that can accommodate 13 persons in 5 bedrooms, a spacious master bedroom, one triple ensuite room, and three twin rooms.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PLACE

OUR VALUES AT SHAMBALLAH RETREATS

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. For example, we only use organic and ecological cleaning products and buy organic or local food. Additionally, 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. Therefore, we share the values of most ancient traditions like non-violence towards ourselves or others, truthfulness, non-attachment, moderation, cleanliness.

VIEW UPCOMING RETREATS

OUR TEACHERS AT SHAMBALLAH RETREATS

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. As a result, her approach today weaves body & mind awareness with a holistic understanding of movement.With a focus on body&mind, dance, conscious movement, postural/restorative, somatic awareness, fascia release, personal training/therapy.

Patricia 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. For example, 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.

Additionally, 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).

From 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. Through this, he has been practicing and studying with Spiritual Master Tony Samara since 2001. In addition, this path has continued to deepen his understanding.

He is trained and certified in a special style of Ayurvedic Massage and has been practicing since the year 2004.

Zarqa spent six years living in the Garden of Light, a school of meditation. Going deeper on this mystical path. Along the way, 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.

LET’S CONNECT

Have questions or want to learn more about our retreats before booking? Schedule a quick call and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

Book a Call

WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY ABOUT SHAMBALLAH RETREATS

“This was my first yoga-retreat and I loved every second of it. The classes, the food, the beautiful landscapes and the people I’ve met (teachers, chefs or the group etc) everything was absolutely amazing. Zarqa and Patrícia are wonderful people who made me feel safe and at home. The classes were all connected to balance your chakras and make you relax. It was the healing I didn’t know I needed. Thank you for this lovely experience.”
SARA MÜLLER
“Words cannot do justice to the experience I had in your yoga retreat, but I am going to try anyway. Your Home and the heartwarming and healing aura that you provide was breathtakingly beautiful. The yoga classes were powerful and in a good way demanding. The meditation deepened my ongoing journey to my inner child. The food, I just loved every meal we had and the conversations which came with it. Thank you both so much for giving me the opportunity of spending such a fulfilling time with you, sharing knowledge and laughter. Love and gratitude from the bottom of my heart.”
CHRISTOPH
“Patricia and Zarqa are such wonderful hosts that are able to teach so much about physical and mental health and in what way it links to the path to a happier, more peaceful life. Everything was just perfect this week, the people, the location, the food, the meditations, the yoga, as well as the stories shared and the connections built.”
ELENA MATTHEWS
“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.”
BRENT KISIL
“I just quit my job after 10 years of constant public eye and action. I was very burnout and down with no understanding of where my future will go. Emotionally unstable and very tired. I had to get out of this typical busy life and found myself dreaming of a sanctuary for my soul. This place and these people felt would be my saviours. These people saved me, their excellent teaching skills, fantastic vege food, warm welcoming retreat and amazing nature, hiking etc. would make everyone grateful to live again. Thank you so much for coming into my life!”
LENA HOFFMANN
“This retreat was soooo rejuvenating and we would love to go back. I booked this retreat with a friend, we are both teachers and were very exhausted and stressed before coming. It was an incredible week. Delicious food, lovely peaceful and very comfortable accommodation, incredible yoga and meditation classes with the most amazing caring intuitive passionate teachers, Zarqa and Patricia. The location allowed us to go for walks on the coast which was beautiful and hot, even in February. We booked a few extras including massages and cooking classes which were well worth it. We have now been home for a week and a half and still feel rejuvenated. Thank you so much Zarqa and Patricia for being such amazing hosts and for looking after us in every way. This is a really special retreat.”
CHARLOTTE WEBER
“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.”
FEZ AHMAD
“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 FOSTER
“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!”
LAURA LAMMENS