JULY 04 - 10, 2026 | CARRAPATEIRA, PORTUGAL
Ashtanga Yoga Retreat & Teachers Cocoon with Dena Kingsberg & Jack Wiseman.
Magical eucalyptus groves, endless pine forests, raw sandy beaches and cliffs that drop straight into the Atlantic. The Monte Velho Nature Resort sits quietly in the heart of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park – a wild westcoast jewel of the Algarve. Here, Ashtanga Yoga unfolds in rhythm with nature. This retreat is an invitation to explore the richness of Ashtanga Yoga - as a practitioner as well as a yoga teacher. Within 10 min. you are barefoot on the beach, enjoying the sun, diving into the waves, or simply swaying in a hammock on your terrace and letting time dissolve.
OPTION 1: ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA COURSE + A GARLAND OF PRANA & MANTRA.
Each morning will begin with quiet reflection and development of the breath. Followed by a combination of conducted and Mysore style classes which will accommodate and extend practitioners of all levels.
In the three afternoon classes : A GARLAND OF PRANA & MANTRA
Dena will weave together a collection of mood altering practices, whilst scattering seeds of ancient wisdom that provoke, promote and inspire unbounded potential, exposing the knowledge of the
Universal within the individual.
The focus in these sessions will be:
Steps to stillness | Movement | Breath regulation | Vocal discipline | Guidelines of Chanting | Shanti Mantra’s | Vedic Mantra | Jappa Mantra | Sutra | Heart singing | Nothing | Deep rest |
Conversation
"Meditation can’t be forced. It’s a little like sleep. You can’t make sleep happen. However you can create a conducive environment to increase the likelihood. Working from breath through simple sound resonance into peace- provoking mantra sets the stage for stilliness to steal you away. Bringing with it healing , harmony, connection and joy." Dena Kingsberg
OPTION 2: TEACHERS COCOON + ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA COURSE + A GARLAND OF PRANA & MANTRA
This year we are delighted to offer a rare opportunity to study and refine not only your practice but also your teaching skills directly with a senior female teacher. This option includes
all of the classes listed above plus an additional 4x 90 minutes mentorship sessions directed at current teachers.
The focus in these sessions will be:
Developing a deeper pranayama practice | sharing safe principals and development of Hands - on adjustment | reading the room| healthy boundries | Refinement of teaching skills
| collective contribution | practice and teaching questions | Individual guidance & feedback.
The Cocoon is by application or Invitation and will cost and additional 200 euro
SCHEDULE.
SUNDAY
Practice 7.00am - 10.00am Everybody
Workshop 4.30pm - 6.00pm Everybody
MONDAY
Practice 7.00am - 10.00am everybody
Teachers Cocoon 11.00am -12.30am
TUESDAY
Practice 7.00am - 10.00am Everybody
Teachers Cocoon 3.00pm -4.30pm
Workshop 4.30pm - 6.00pm Everybody
WEDNESDAY
Practice 7.00am - 10.00am everybody
Teachers Cocoon 11.00am -12.30am
THURSDAY
Practice 7.00am - 10.00am Everybody
Teachers Cocoon 3.00pm -4.30pm
Workshop 4.30pm - 6.00pm Everybody
FRIDAY
Practice 7.00am - 10.00am Everybody
DENA KINGSBERG & JACK WISEMAN.
Dena Kingsberg has been studying and practicing traditional Ashtanga yoga for over 40 years. She was a devoted
long term student of the late Sri K.Pattabhi Jois. Having completed the fourth series in 1996 she is certified by the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute to teach this method.
She remains committed, deeply inspired and continuously amazed by the vast healing potential of this life changing practice. Dena has a disciplined, yet lyrical style of teaching. Her
holistic approach looks beyond external form to inspire a passion for self-inquiry and reflection.
Jack has been practicing and teaching in the tradition for the past 35 years. His approach is uncomplicated and accessible to all. He supports Dena both in and out of the classroom.
Their love for each other, family and community shines through the teachings creating a nurturing environment where ever on the globe they may be. Life is full and sweet.
ACCOMMODATION & SURROUNDING - MONTE VELHO NATURE RESORT
The Costa Vicentina is untamed beauty: thirty hectares of pure wilderness - cliffs, dunes, hidden bays and a vast horizon of ocean. Monte Velho
rises gently on a hill, offering a 360° view over forests and sea. Dawn comes with bird calls and frog choirs, dusk melts into sunsets you’ll want to hold on to forever. This place doesn’t just
look magical – it feels it.
Your private retreat within the retreat.
Spacious suites designed with simplicity and care: the bedroom, en-suite bathroom and lounge flow into your own terrace or deck, complete with a hammock and daybed. After practice, expect meals
that are both grounding, healthy and indulgent – our chef crafts vibrant vegan/vegetarian dishes with local organic produce, all infused with love for nourishing body soul.
And when you’re ready to move, the wild calls.Only 10 minutes away, the beaches of Amado & Bordeira invite you to bask, wander, or surf (boards, wetsuits and lessons are right there on the sand). Old fisherman trails turn into playgrounds for hikers and mountain bikers, while inland paths of the Rota Vicentina promise discovery at every turn. And if your body craves softness, step into Monte Velho’s Spa – sauna, steam, massage – and let yourself be undone.
OPTION 1: THE ASHTANGA YOGA RETREAT INCLUDES:
- 6x morning Mysore/conducted practice classes
- 3x afternoon workshops
- 6 nights at Monte Velho Nature Resort
- 6x delicious and healthy vegetarian fullboard catering (brunch & dinner)
- filtered water, snacks & fruit throughout the day.
Total cost Option 1:
€ 1.525,- in a Twin/Double Room (ensuite)
€ 1.795,- in a Single Room (ensuite)
€ 1.395,- in a Triple Room (ensuite)
€ 1.225,- in a 4-bed dorm
Prices are per person. Travel costs are not included. To make a booking a deposit of 520,- Euro is neccessary 72 hours after registration to secure your spot. The remaining
paypment is due to 4 weeks before the retreat start.
OPTION 2: ASHTANGA YOGA RETREAT + TEACHERS COCOON INCLUDES:
- 6x morning Mysore/conducted practice classes
- 3x afternoon workshops
- 6 nights at Monte Velho Nature Resort
- 6x delicious and healthy vegetarian fullboard catering (brunch & dinner)
- filtered water, snacks & fruit throughout the day.
- PLUS 4 x teachers cocoon content
Total cost Option 2:
€ 1.725,- in a Twin/Double Room (ensuite)
€ 1.995,- in a Single Room (ensuite)
€ 1.595,- in a Triple Room (ensuite)
€ 1.425,- in a 4-bed dorm
Prices are per person. Travel costs are not included. To make a booking a deposit of 520,- Euro is neccessary 72 hours after registration to secure your spot. The remaining paypment is due to 4 weeks before the retreat start.
NOT INCLUDED.
Airfaire. Airport transfer. Travel insurance. Massage treatments.
OTHER ACTIVITIES.
- Bask on the breathtaking beaches of Amado & Bordeira
- Catch the thrill with surf lessons or easy board & wetsuit rentals
- Explore the stunning Rota Vicentina trails – cliffside or inland
- Enjoy serene walks or a refreshing swim in the natural lake
-
Indulge in blissful relaxation at the Spa with sauna, steam & massage
GETTING THERE.
Check-In: Saturday July 04th after 4pm. Welcome meeting & dinner 18:00.
Yoga: Sunday - Friday.
Check-Out: Friday 10th by 11:00.
Flights: To Faro (1,5 hrs drive) or Lisbon (3,5 hrs. drive to Monte Velho).
We recommend to book a rental car with luzcar (operating from Faro) which allows to discover the amazing beaches & offers flexibility on the whole journey.
We can arrange a taxi pickup from Faro airport for 120 Euro | from Lagos 50 Euro | from Lisbon 320 Euro. If you prefer to catch a bus or train from the airport - you find all Algarve connections here
HOW TO SIGN UP.
Before registering: Please send us an email to clarify availability
and/or any questions you might have. After having received your registration, we will send you further details and our bank
information. To secure your spot a deposit of 570,- Euro is required within 48 hours of receiving our email. If we don’t receive the payment in time, the spot will be released to the next
person on the list.
All of our emails are answered personally, please allow 1–2 days for a reply.
Important Please wait for our confirmation email before booking your flights.
Cancellations: In case we (yogabija) have to cancel the retreat we will refund your payment fully. If you cancel your booking before June 23, 2026 we will refund your payment reduced by 150,- Euro cancellation fee. No refunds with later cancellations. We highly recommend to get a travel insurance.
You belong here.
With your full life, your full heart and your whole self.
We can’t wait to meet you.
With warmth,
Annette, Dena & Jack
REGISTRATION