¨Stop and breathe for a week in the mindful serenity of the Portuguese mountains.¨

The Philosophy

If you are looking for help with stress, burnout, depression, loneliness, grief, or anxiety. If you wish to work on personal development and your mental or physical wellbeing. Or maybe you would like to learn more about yoga, meditation or mindfulness. But also when you would like to take a relaxing break in a peaceful environment where you can nurture your wellbeing and learn about self-care, then a stay at the mindfulness-based wellness retreat ¨New Life¨ in Portugal is the right choice for you.

New Life Portugal is a unique combination of a wellness retreat and recovery centre. They are a specialised centre for mindfulness, burn-out and personal growth. The programs offer a wide range of therapeutic elements rarely found all in one place, including meditation, yoga, mindfulness practice, counselling, life coaching, personal training, workshops, the restorative benefits of being in nature, and a supportive community. Whatever the reason is for you to choose a stay at New Life, you will find a holistic and integrative approach, which is focused on engaged community living, mindfulness, compassion, physical self-care, counselling, life coaching, and nature. Here you will learn how to make life-changing changes and return home with a whole set of new tools to face the challenges of daily life.

The Centre

The centre is located in the heart of the Serra Da Estrela natural park. So with nature right on your doorstep, you’ll rest in the rhythms of the Portuguese countryside, surrounded by sunshine, birdsong, and exquisite views. 

The facilities include a multifunctional community centre with spaces for having a meal, a cup of tea, connection, and conversation. It’s where you can relax, work out, have a swim, sauna, or massage, do some yoga or movement practice, attend a workshop, and gather for meetings and groups.

The stunning meditation hall offers panoramic views of the valley. The hall is located at one of the highest and most picturesque sites on the property, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Serra Da Estrela while doing your daily meditation, yoga, and mindfulness practices.

And then there is a tranquil therapy centre. This is where one-on-one counselling and life coaching sessions and therapeutic activities take place.

The Programs

You can choose from the 3 programs on offer and learn from wellness professionals, but also by sharing stories and experiences with other guests, about sustainable self-care and nurturing personal growth. Be guided step-by-step through the transformative courses as you learn and practice essential skills for boosting your wellbeing. Explore topics like yoga, art and dance therapy, mindfulness, meditation, emotional resilience, self-compassion, navigating transitions, and much more with the expert facilitators. 

The 7 nights ¨Rest & Rejuvenate Path¨ is a (minimum) 7 nights peaceful and relaxing break. You can participate in all group activities and benefit from what the retreat centre has to offer. You’ll have lots of time to relax while having the option to be active in the community when you choose.

If you are looking to work on self-development or wish to address burnout, then the ¨Wellness Path¨ program can be the right program for you. During (minimum) 14 days you will restore balance and learn to become more connected to your physical wellbeing through one on one sessions and life coaching, group workshops and nature expeditions. 

The (minimum) 28 nights ¨Resilience Path¨ program is the longest and most complete program and is for those who are looking to learn to be more skilful in dealing with stress and burnout and work on personal growth.

The Accommodation

The accommodation and facilities are designed to give you the perfect blend of privacy and community. Embodying modern comforts while celebrating traditional Portuguese architectural styles and materials, the living spaces invite you to feel at ease, openness, and harmony in both mind and body.

The accommodation is made up of ten traditional stone houses remodelled into four residential clusters, offering a total of 49 private ensuite Standard and Premium rooms.

Mindful Eating

When it comes to food and nutrition, Mindfulness is key at New Life! Paying attention to what, how and why you eat things makes you conscious and is also a form of self-care.

During your stay, you will enjoy tasty and beneficial meals containing plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low GI foods, and probiotics. The menu features plenty of fresh, home grown produce. New Life works together with local artisans and small businesses and showcase regional Portuguese produce and dishes.

Example day

6:30  am - Start your day feeling refreshed with group meditation or yoga.

7:30  am - Breakfast in Noble Silence offers the opportunity to practice mindfulness

8:30  am - Connect with the rest of the community at the morning meeting

10:30 am - One-on-one session with a wellness professional or having time to yourself

12:30 am -  Nourishing lunch

14:30 pm - Get pampered with a massage, or have more ‘me-time’ to relax.

16:30 pm – Yoga or meditation

18:30 pm - A light dinner

19:30 pm -  Community-led activities such as movie and game nights, life story sharing, or calming evening practices.

Excursions and other activities are typically scheduled on weekends.