Nestled in Portugal’s Arrábida Natural Park, Casa Palmela is a destination that immediately attracts lovers of well-being and serenity. This exclusive location is distinguished by its peaceful atmosphere and exceptional setting. Here, time seems to stand still, giving way to total disconnection and refocusing on what’s essential: well-being. The VEDA retreat at Casa Palmela is an immersive experience that combines the ancestral practices of ayurveda and yoga to offer total rejuvenation. The program focuses on balancing body, mind and soul through daily yoga sessions, guided meditations, ayurvedic massages and an ayurvedic-inspired detox diet. Pascal Languillon, CEO of Luxe Wellness Club, was lucky enough to test a retreat in November 2021.
An enchanting setting in the heart of a natural park
The first thing that strikes you on arriving at Casa Palmela is the beauty of the site. The hotel is nestled in the heart of a 70-hectare vineyard, within the Arrábida Natural Park. The scenery is breathtaking. The surrounding green hills, pine forests and vineyards offer a panorama that is both soothing and inspiring. Here, every eye is drawn to unspoilt nature that invites contemplation. It’s hard not to be seduced by the harmony that emanates from this place.
The hotel itself, a tastefully restored 17th-century manor house, is an architectural work of art. Every detail of the interior design exudes elegance and refinement. The spacious rooms, with their large windows, offer breathtaking views over the gardens and vineyards, creating a sense of intimacy and well-being from the very first moment. The natural materials used in the decor, such as wood and stone, reinforce this connection with the surrounding nature.
A VEDA retreat
Thérèse Skovgaard Poulsen, founder of Veda Wellness, has 27 years’ experience in traditional and holistic practices. An Ashtanga yoga teacher, she is also certified in Shiatsu and Swedish massage and has studied Chinese medicine. Based in Bali for 14 years, she runs the Breath of Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization offering preventive yoga programs in Asia. A former athlete, she has transformed her passion for sport into a profound practice of yoga, integrating her medical training with her spiritual quest to balance body and mind.
The retreat also emphasizes a personalized approach, with individual consultations to tailor care and wellness recommendations to the specific needs of each participant. This includes an assessment of the doshas, key elements of Ayurveda, to define the diet and treatments best suited to each constitution.
Yoga sessions vary between dynamic practices and more meditative sessions, always in line with the principles of ayurveda and the body’s needs at different times of the day. In the morning, energizing practices stimulate the circulation of vital energy, while evening sessions promote deep relaxation.
The exceptional natural setting of Hotel Casa Palmela, located in the Serra da Arrábida nature park, contributes to the soothing atmosphere of the retreat. Surrounded by forests and mountains, participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in nature and take time for themselves, away from everyday distractions.
The VEDA Retreat also offers workshops and discussions on topics such as Ayurvedic nutrition, stress management and the importance of mindfulness in daily life. These moments help to anchor spiritual teachings in concrete practices that participants can take with them into their daily lives.
Well-being also involves reconnecting with silence and inner calm. So, moments of voluntary silence are encouraged to allow deeper introspection, accompanied by the serene beauty of the surroundings.
At the heart of this retreat is the idea of cultivating a state of well-being that lasts beyond the stay. Whether it’s improving digestion, calming the mind or releasing physical tension, every element of the program is designed to bring about lasting positive change in participants’ lives.
In short, the VEDA Retreat is much more than just a relaxing break: it’s a journey of personal transformation, guided by age-old teachings and supported by an exceptional natural setting. It promises a complete reconnection with oneself, in an integrative approach to well-being, to leave regenerated and aligned with one’s true aspirations.
The program begins with a personalized assessment, where a wellness specialist analyzes our needs, expectations and physical and mental state. Then everything is planned to offer a unique experience: relaxing massages, body treatments, meditation and outdoor yoga sessions are all designed to promote relaxation and regeneration.
We tried out several treatments, including the signature grape-seed oil massage, a local specialty. This treatment combines the antioxidant properties of local grapes with a deeply relaxing massage technique. The therapist’s expert hands loosen every accumulated tension, while deeply nourishing the skin. After the session, we were left with a feeling of lightness and lasting well-being.
Other treatments include steam baths with local aromatic herbs, body wraps with fresh herbs and fruit, and sound therapy sessions to harmonize the body’s vibrations. The natural setting, with its fragrant gardens and verdant landscapes, adds an extra dimension to these relaxing moments.
Yoga and meditation in the open air: the call of nature
For those who, like us, are looking to reconnect with their bodies and minds, Casa Palmela also offers outdoor yoga and meditation sessions. Imagine practicing yoga at sunrise, surrounded by the Arrábida hills, or meditating in a lavender garden, lulled by birdsong and the gentle sound of the wind in the trees. It’s a complete sensory experience that allowed us to refocus and clear our minds.
Practising yoga in this exceptional natural setting takes on a different dimension. Here, asanas (postures) and pranayamas (breathing exercises) blend naturally into the landscape, strengthening our connection with the earth. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, Casa Palmela’s teachers tailor the sessions to your level, offering you a deep and rejuvenating practice.
Local gastronomy and wellness nutrition
Well-being also means eating well, and Casa Palmela understands this. The hotel’s restaurant offers refined cuisine, using local and organic produce. Each dish is designed to be both tasty and balanced, with particular attention paid to the nutritional needs of guests.
We had the opportunity to sample several well-balanced menus, where each ingredient is carefully selected for its nutritional virtues. Most of the vegetables come from the hotel’s own kitchen garden, while the fresh fish is caught in the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Special mention goes to the chef, who knows how to combine flavors and nutritional benefits in colorful, tasty dishes like the quinoa salad with preserved lemon, or the local fish ceviche.
For those following a detox or revitalization program, special menus are available. These are designed to support the body’s natural purification processes while providing essential nutrients for cellular regeneration. We loved the fresh vegetable juice, perfect after a morning yoga session, and the detox herbal teas made from local plants.
Immerse yourself in local culture and traditions
Casa Palmela doesn’t just offer wellness experiences; it also provides an authentic insight into the local culture. During our stay, we were lucky enough to take part in several activities that immersed us in Portuguese traditions. These included a guided tour of the vineyards, with tastings of organic wines produced on site. This experience allowed us to discover the secrets of local viticulture, while tasting delicious wines directly from the surrounding vineyards.
Another not-to-be-missed activity is a bike ride through the Arrábida Nature Park. This protected area is a veritable jewel of biodiversity. Accompanied by a passionate guide, we discovered exceptional flora and fauna while enjoying panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean. A true moment of communion with nature.
For the more adventurous, Casa Palmela also offers horseback rides through the vineyards, an activity that is particularly popular with visitors, and which we loved. This unique experience lets you reconnect with nature while exploring the estate’s vast grounds at a peaceful, contemplative pace.
Exceptional service for an unforgettable stay
What also sets Casa Palmela apart is the attention to detail and excellence of service. Throughout our stay, we were greeted with smiles and kindness. Every member of staff, from the concierge to the spa therapist, is committed to making the experience as pleasant as possible.
The hotel team is always ready to listen and respond to our every need, while respecting our need for privacy and tranquility. This balance between personalized service and discretion is undoubtedly one of the keys to Casa Palmela’s success.
Casa Palmela is undoubtedly an exceptional destination for those seeking a wellness break in an enchanting natural setting. Whether you’re looking for total disconnection, a yoga retreat or a revitalization program, this place has everything to please discerning travelers in search of authenticity and serenity.
Book Casa Palmela
Prices: From 2,500 euros for an all-inclusive 5-day/4-night retreat.
Call us for the USA on +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK on +44 20 4577 3258
