BREATHWORK AND YOGA RETREAT
Shed the old. Meet the truth. Live from your center.
November 8th – 15th | Monchique, Portugal

This six-night retreat is an invitation to pause, reset, and meet yourself more honestly than ever before. Led by three dedicated facilitators, this journey offers a grounded, intimate space to reconnect with the parts of you that may have been silenced, forgotten, or buried under life’s noise.
Through somatic trauma release breathwork, dynamic movement practices, and embodied self-inquiry, you’ll create the space for something deeper to move through you — your life force, your truth, your natural vitality.
We work with the body, because the body remembers. By learning to understand your nervous system — how it holds stress, how it protects you, how it longs to feel safe — you begin to build a new relationship with yourself and the world around you. Part of the retreat is devoted to this: giving you the tools to recognize, honor, and gently shift your internal states, so you can move through life with more freedom and presence.
This is not about striving or fixing. It’s about softening, about trusting the natural unfolding that happens when you create the right conditions inside.
This is your cocoon: a space of safety, honesty, and depth.
A place to shed what no longer serves you.
A place to meet what has always been waiting within.
Leave lighter. Clearer. Rooted in yourself.
Ready to emerge.
YOUR JOURNEY
Come as you are. That’s all we ask.
This retreat isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about giving yourself the space to return to what’s already true beneath the noise. You don’t need to perform, perfect, or prove anything here. Just bring your whole self—curious, tired, vibrant, uncertain, open. All of you is welcome.
The path may take unexpected turns. That’s part of the process. We invite you to stay open, meet what arises with curiosity, and trust that every step is part of your unfolding.
WE HOLDING SPACE, YOU WALK THE PATH:
You’ll be met with presence, not pressure.
We’re committed to creating a space where your experience is honored, not rushed. Each journey is different, and we’re here to offer individualized support along the way—whether you need encouragement, spaciousness, or a quiet moment to just be.
YOUR ENERGY EXCHANGE AND YOUR REWARD
Your presence is the real investment.
We’ve put care into every part of this retreat – nourishing meals, thoughtful accommodation, a space held with depth and intention – so that you can fully arrive, feel safe and be supported in your process.
We also know that saying yes to a retreat is more than just a financial commitment to yourself, your healing ,your growth. And that looks different to everyone.
If the cost feels like a stretch but your heart is in it, talk to us.
We’re open to finding creative solutions. We believe that when the calling is real, the path can open.

What is included & what you’ll experience
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6 nights and seven days in single or double room or shared room
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Embodied movement & active meditations to awaken your natural rhythm
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Rich brunch, afternoon snack and dinner (vegetarian/vegan)
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Somatic Trauma Release breathwork to support emotional release and deep nervous system repair
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Cacao ceremonies, sound baths, and dance to unlock joy and expression
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Authentic Relating practices to foster meaningful, presence-based connection
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Quiet reflection, coastal adventures, hikes, and shared moments that nourish both body and relationship
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Workshops on nervous system intelligence—understand how your system protects you and how presence and safety create the conditions for real change
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Inner child work to meet the younger parts of you with care, curiosity, and compassion
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Ceremonies and Celebrations
Not included:
- Transport and Insurance
Yoga Level: all
Language of instruction: English and German
Prices:
- Shard room CHF 1650 ( CHF 1450 early bird price ) until 30th June
- Single CHF 1780 ( early bird 1680 early bird price) until 30th June
We offer 20% student discount and special price for Portuguese nationals. Feel free to contact us for further information on room assignments and booking and cancellation policies.
Transport
Transportation is not included in the retreat price.
It’s easiest if you fly to Faro International Airport
Important: If you would like to use our group transport, make sure the plane lands not later than 3.30pm on 08.11 and departs earliest from 1.00pm on 15.11
Arrival & Departure
Group pick ups & drop offs will be organized for Saturdays from/to Faro International Airport. Alternatively you can share a taxi with other participants that arrive at a similar time.
What your days will look like:
General daily programme (subject to change):
- 8:30am-10:00 Morning Session
- 10am -11:00 Brunch
- 12:00-16:00 Free time (some days there will be some additional offerings between brunch and free time)
- 16:30 -18:30 Evening Session
- 21:00-21:30 Evening Meditation
Times and schedule may be subject to changes and adaptations to align with what feels most supportive for everyone involved.
Topics of the days:
- SA * Arrive and Cocoon
- SU * Ground and sense
- MO * Shedding and releasing
- TU * Embracing Vulnerability
- WE * Free like a bird – day off
- TH * Building resilience
- FR * Expanding Self love
- SA * Emergence and celebration


YOUR HOSTS
ERICA is a devoted space holder who supports others in reconnecting to the power and beauty of who they already are. She believes that our nature—beneath the noise and conditioning—is joy, love, and deep inner wisdom. And that with the right support, we can meet life’s hardest moments and still grow from them.
Having walked through her own personal challenges, Erica doesn’t offer quick fixes—she meets people with presence, empathy, and a deep respect for the unfolding process.
As a dedicated Tantra Hatha yoga teacher, Soul-Based Coach (in training), and Somatic Trauma Breathwork facilitator, she brings a holistic, embodied approach to every space she holds. Her intention is simple: to help you remember your truth, your strength, and the unique light only you carry.
MANUEL -holding space comes naturally to Manuel. His presence is steady, grounded, and deeply human—qualities shaped by his own path of healing and transformation.
In a challenging chapter of his life, he turned inward, guided by a genuine desire to grow. What followed was a journey of self-inquiry, emotional honesty, and deep personal work. Through that process, he uncovered not only a stronger connection to himself, but a calling to support others on their own path.
Manuel is especially passionate about the nervous system—understanding how it shapes our patterns, our responses, and the way we show up in daily life. As a certified Somatic Trauma Release Breathwork facilitator, he shares tools that help people access regulation, safety, and deeper embodiment.
TINA – is a dedicated space holder, blending sound therapy, breathwork, somatic movement, and traditional yoga to create transformative experiences for those she guides. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that the most meaningful journey we can take is the one that leads inward—into the heart of our true selves. Through her practices, she helps others strip away the illusions and limitations that mask their authentic nature, guiding them toward a place of self-discovery and healing.
As an explorer, student of life, and seeker of truth, Tina is dedicated to supporting others on their own transformative paths, helping them reconnect with the wisdom, love, and authenticity that reside within. She believes in the liberating power of self-inquiry and is committed to walking this journey of raw, unvarnished truth with anyone who feels called to explore it.
THE MAGIC PLACE
Bodhi Bhavan is a tranquil retreat nestled in the serene mountains of Monchique, Algarve. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Mount Picota, this venue offers a peaceful haven with panoramic views that stretch across the mountain range of Serra de Monchique. It’s an ideal setting for reconnecting with nature and finding peace away from the hustle of everyday life. With several walking trails nearby, Bodhi Bhavan provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for those seeking both rejuvenation and exploration.
THE FRAME AND YOUR TICKET
In the personal and individual encounter and in the protected trustful exchange with like-minded people lies an enormous potential for growth and change. Our mission is: to make the truly impossible possible for you, to hold nothing back and to give you our complete trust. In return, I count on your total commitment to show up do the best possible for you.
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Space in this retreat is limited to 16 participants.
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To secure your place a non-refundable: I STAND BY ME deposit of 500 chf is required.
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You still have questions. Contact us here: hello@soulcity-zurich.ch