SOUL’S SANCTUARY –
Yoga & Meditation Retreat in the Dragon Island – São Jorge, Azores
6th – 11th September 2026
In the heart of the Atlantic, where wild volcanic landscapes meet the vast open ocean, a journey of renewal and inner awakening awaits. This is your invitation to join us for Soul’s Sanctuary – a Yoga & Meditation Retreat in São Jorge, Azores.
This retreat is an invitation to reconnect, reset, and recharge in a place of raw, untouched natural beauty. The rhythm of the island will shape our days, from ocean views and coastal hikes to quiet moments of stillness in nature. Yoga and meditation sessions unfold in this elemental setting, supported by the deep calm of the Atlantic and the grounding presence of the land.
After eight years of guiding retreats at Shamballah and welcoming over 2,000 participants, we feel deeply inspired to share this new journey in one of the most unique and lesser-known corners of the Azores. Fajã do Belo Village Resort, set on one of São Jorge’s iconic coastal plateaus, offers a peaceful and intimate setting. In short, this remote and powerful landscape creates the perfect space for genuine rest, clarity, and inner transformation.
Our destination, São Jorge Island in the Azores, is a place of striking contrasts – long volcanic ridges, dramatic sea cliffs, and hidden fajãs nestled by the ocean. Moreover, its sense of remoteness and simplicity allows for a deeper connection to nature. The Azores embody a rare harmony between land, sea, and stillness – an ideal sanctuary for restoring balance, vitality, and presence.
Step into a space designed for deep rest, clarity, and transformation.
This retreat is inspired by the symbolism of the dragon – representing hidden potential, often held back by fear. Over these six days, you’ll be guided to reconnect with that potential through movement, stillness, and reflection.
This is your time to reset, reconnect, and return with renewed energy.
YOGA & MEDITATION RETREAT | CONSCIOUS HOLIDAY
Yoga and meditation retreats are a great way to unwind and de-stress from daily demands. They offer a clear break from the usual hustle and allow space for self-care and personal growth. Many of our guests feel more relaxed and centred after a retreat. It often improves their overall sense of well-being. Our programs also create a supportive and nurturing environment. In this space, participants can learn about themselves and build new skills and habits for a happier, healthier life.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR YOGA RETREAT WITH SHAMBALLAH IN SÃO JORGE ISLAND IN THE AZORES?
Yoga & Meditation Practices
Each day at Fajã do Belo Village Resort begins with a morning yoga practice overlooking the Atlantic. These sessions are designed to gently awaken the body and mind, combining mindful movement, breath, and awareness. Expect a flowing yet accessible practice that builds energy, presence, and connection to yourself and the natural surroundings.
Evening classes offer a slower, more introspective space to unwind. Drawing from Hatha, Yin, and Restorative approaches, these sessions focus on deep release, nervous system regulation, and full-body relaxation. Throughout the retreat, we’ll explore themes of courage, openness, and inner clarity, creating space to reconnect with your own rhythm and sense of balance.
The meditation sessions invite you to journey inward through stillness and awareness. Through guided practices, breathwork, and moments of quiet reflection, you’ll cultivate clarity and a deeper sense of calm. Some sessions will take place outdoors, immersed in the raw beauty of São Jorge, while others unfold in more sheltered, intimate spaces. Alongside this, the daily sauna with ocean views offers another layer of restoration, supporting both physical and mental release.
Nourishing Food
Food is a central part of the retreat experience, and often a highlight for many of our guests. Each meal is freshly prepared by our chef from Shamballah, using nourishing, high-quality ingredients with a focus on simplicity and flavour.
The menu is vegetarian, with vegan options available, and designed to support the body throughout the retreat. Meals are shared together, creating space to slow down, connect, and fully enjoy the experience.
São Jorge Island
São Jorge’s long, slender shape is unlike any of the other islands of the Azores. Stretching 55km in length and just 7km at its widest point, the island was formed from a linear volcanic fissure extending nearly 200km across the seabed. With its gentle pace of life, awe-inspiring scenery, hidden lakes, waterfalls, and remote Atlantic coastline, São Jorge is one of the Azores’ best-kept secrets.
It is most famous for its fajãs – coastal plateaus formed by landslides in the north and lava flows in the south. These unique formations create a landscape that feels both dramatic and deeply grounding. “Fajã” refers to a flat surface near the sea, shaped by nature over time. These spaces offer something rare – a sense of stillness, simplicity, and connection.
Fajã do Belo is an invitation into this world – a place where you can truly slow down, reconnect, and experience nature in its purest form.
Accomodation
We’ll be staying in the beautiful Fajã do Belo Village Resort, with access to four traditional stone houses. Waking up to the sound of the waves and enjoying true tranquility at your doorstep.
Fajã do Belo features a collection of beautifully restored traditional Azorean houses, each offering a unique room layout and bed configuration. Rooms include a mix of queen beds, twin beds, and spacious XXL bunk beds, all designed for comfort and simplicity.
Each house has a shared bathroom and shared living area and a warm, relaxed atmosphere, creating the perfect setting for rest, connection, and retreat living surrounded by nature.
Other Activities
During our days on São Jorge, we’ll spend time exploring the island in a simple, unhurried way. There’s something about being here – the air, the green, the vast ocean – that naturally brings you back to yourself. We’ll let that guide us.
One day, we’ll head out on a gentle hike along the island’s lush trails, making our way to a series of waterfalls not far from where we’re staying. We’ll take it slow, with space to pause, listen to the water, and feel the quiet energy of the forest around us. No rush, no pressure – just being there and taking it in.
Another day, we’ll visit Poça Simão Dias, a hidden natural pool tucked into the cliffs. It’s a simple, beautiful spot where the ocean feels both powerful and calm at the same time. You can swim if you feel called to, or just sit by the water and soak in the stillness. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t ask anything from you.
This healthy week includes:
INVESTMENT
XXL Bunk Bed in Twin Room (Shared House) – €1200 per person
Twin / Double Bed Room (Shared House) – €1350 per person
Private Double Bed Room (Shared House) – €1750
LET’S CONNECT
Have questions or want to learn more about the retreat before booking? Schedule a quick call and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
HOW TO GET THERE
Getting to São Jorge Island, Azores
To reach São Jorge Island, you’ll first fly into Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) in Azores initially, typically via Lisbon or Porto.
From there, you can take a short inter-island flight to São Jorge Airport (SJZ) with Azores Airlines (SATA). These flights run regularly and connect easily with international arrivals
There are frequent direct flights to the Azores from major European and North American cities, including Lisbon, Porto, London, Frankfurt, Boston, New York, and Toronto, with additional seasonal routes available.
For those travelling from or connecting in Portugal, Lisbon offers the most consistent and convenient connections to São Jorge.
Getting to Fajã do Belo Village Resort
Once you arrive at São Jorge Airport (SJZ), the retreat location is approximately a 30–40 minute drive to Fajã do Belo Village Resort.
Airport transfers are included as part of your retreat, so everything will be arranged for you on arrival.
The resort is located on one of São Jorge’s iconic fajãs – a peaceful coastal plateau set between dramatic cliffs and the open Atlantic. The setting feels remote, quiet, and completely immersed in nature, offering the perfect environment to slow down and fully settle into the retreat experience.
Exploring the Azores
If you wish to explore the other 8 Azorean islands, there are short inter-island flights and ferries connecting São Miguel with Terceira, Faial, Pico, and the other islands.