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An invitation to
pause, reconnect, and realign.
Over four nourishing days, you’ll be guided through a blend of somatic coaching, NLP practices, movement, reflection, and deep rest. This is your time to slow down, to listen in, and to reconnect with what truly matters — so you can move into the new year grounded, clear, and recharged.
Whether you’re navigating change, craving space to breathe, or simply feeling called to reconnect with your inner rhythm, this retreat offers a soft landing —and a gentle beginning.
Flow, not formula
Led by us, co-created by you
This retreat is intentionally small — held with care for a group of just 10-14 women — so we can honour the needs, energy, and rhythms of those present. Rather than a packed itinerary, we offer a flexible, responsive schedule designed to meet you where you are each day.
While we hold the space and guide the practices, this retreat will gently adapt to meet the unique mix of voices, needs, and stories in the room — because your presence shapes the experience.
What's included
- 1:1 Pre Retreat Prep Call (Optional)
- Accommodation in a peaceful countryside setting
- 3 plant-focussed meals a day using fresh seasonal ingredients
- Round-trip shuttle from Porto Airport (set times)
- Group sessions & guided workshops for women, by women
- Time to rest, reflect, and reconnect — without pressure
- 1:1 Post-Retreat Coaching Session
Coimbra, Portugal
Set in the hills of Portugal
Located just 3 km from the centre of Oliveira do Hospital our retreat venue is in full harmony with nature, set on an isolated 7-hectare property surrounded by vast greenery. Life here unfolds at a serene pace. Pure air, simplicity, and the calm of the surroundings combine perfectly to offer comfort, safety, and complete tranquility.
Peaceful Rooms
Comfortable Accommodation for all budgets
All rooms are thoughtfully furnished with high-quality linens and comfortable beds. You can choose a private room with ensuite bathroom, a private room with a shared bathroom or a shared twin room with shared bathroom (two rooms per bathroom).
Nourishing Meals
Refuel with fresh, seasonal ingredients
With a plant-based focus, our professional chef creates fresh, healthy dishes using local, seasonal produce. Specialised dietary options are available — just let us know what you need.
Spaces to Restore
Space to gather & relax
Between sessions, sink into calm — whether floating in the pool, soaking in the hot tub, or simply resting under the open sky. These moments of quiet ease invite you to pause, breathe, and reconnect. Surrounded by nature, each space is designed to support deep rest and gentle renewal.
Beautiful Surroundings
Reconnect in nature
With the Serra da Estrela Natural Park only 25 minutes away, the retreat grounds offer peaceful gardens, a new swimming pool, and direct access to hiking trails. Nearby river swim spots and abundant local wildlife invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.
The Retreat Space
Explore whole self integration through in a nurturing environment designed to help you reconnect and realign.
In Coimbra, Portugal
Surrounded by enchanting forests and serene rivers, this lovingly restored space in Central Portugal offers the perfect setting to reflect and recharge.
The Retreat, Day by Day
The retreat runs from 3 PM on Wednesday 15th October to 3 PM on Sunday 19th October.
If your travel plans don’t quite line up, just let us know — we’ll do our best to accommodate.
01
Wednesday 15th October
ARRIVAL & EXHALE
Arrive, settle in, breathe.
After the shuttle brings you through the countryside, you'll be welcomed with refreshments and time to ground.
02
Thursday 16th October
Reframe: NAVIGATING CHANGE
How do you meet change — in your mind, your body, your story? We begin by slowing down and exploring the patterns, stories, and habits that shape how we move through transition.
03
Friday 17th October
Renew: Redefining priorities
At this stage of your life, what truly deserves your energy? With more space in your system, this day invites you to gently realign with what feels most meaningful now — not what once mattered, or what you think “should.”
04
Saturday 18th October
REFOCUS: Creating Clarity
What comes next — and how will you move toward it with grace? This final full day is about direction and alignment. We distill insights into intentions — not hustle-based goals, but grounded next steps your body can carry.
05
Sunday 19th October
Departure
A slow morning and nourishing breakfast before we say goodbye. Optional integration support begins here — including your post-retreat 1:1 coaching session in the weeks to come.
Cheryl Jones
Certified somatic coach, yoga teacher, and long-time listener of people in transition, Cheryl also draws on two decades of experience as a marketing & business strategist to support individuals and purpose-led brands navigating change, growth, and deeper alignment.
Melissa Roa
Melissa is a Career Coach, NLP Practitioner, People Development Specialist, and entrepreneur with over 14 years of international experience spanning Big Tech, startups, and corporate environments.
Meet Your Guides
Led by us, co-created with you.
Cheryl and Melissa met at a retreat in Portugal and quickly bonded over a shared commitment to growth, deeper self-understanding, and creating welcoming spaces for women at all stages of life.
Together, they bring a balance of grounded embodiment, straight-talking career clarity, and deep respect for the complexity of life’s transitions.
While Cheryl and Melissa will hold the space and guide the practices, this retreat will gently adapt to meet the unique mix of voices, needs, and stories in the room — because your presence shapes the experience.
FAQs
What is the purpose of this retreat?
This retreat is designed to help you pause, reflect, and reconnect — with yourself, your body, and what matters most.
It’s a space for people navigating change, feeling stuck, or simply needing time to step back and get clear. Through somatic practices, coaching, movement, and rest, we guide you to move forward with clarity — not chaos.
Why did we create this retreat?
Simply put, we wanted to create the kind of space we were craving ourselves — a retreat that feels welcoming, spacious, gentle, and human.
A place to pause, reflect, and reconnect — without pressure or performance — alongside other women doing the same
Do I need to have experience with somatic work, coaching, or yoga?
Not at all. Everything is designed to meet you where you are — beginners and experienced practitioners are equally welcome.
Are there any other / future dates for the retreat?
We’re exploring new dates for 2026, as well as other wellbeing, coaching, and somatic-led experiences designed to help you reconnect with yourself and what matters most.
If the timing doesn't work for this October — or if you're simply curious about joining a future retreat — we’d love to stay in touch.
What is somatic coaching?
Somatic coaching comes from the Greek word “soma”, meaning the body as a whole — mind, body, and emotions together. It’s a way of working that honours the full human experience by tuning into the body’s wisdom, not just the thinking mind.
Through gentle awareness and body-based practices, somatic coaching helps uncover patterns, beliefs, and emotions that may be hidden beneath conscious thought — the ones we feel but can’t always explain. Because while our minds can tell stories, the body often tells the truth.
How do I sign up?
Fill out this form to tell us a little about you. Once received, your spot is confirmed, and we’ll follow up with a payment link.
You can pay via secure link or bank transfer — whichever is easier.
If you’d prefer to talk first, we’re happy to offer a short intro call to help you decide.
What are the accommodation options?
All rooms are thoughtfully furnished with high-quality linens and comfortable beds. You can choose from three room types:
-
Shared Room with Shared Bathroom
A twin room shared with another guest. Ideal if you’re coming with a friend or open to being paired.
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Private Room with Private Bathroom
Your own space to rest and recharge, with a private ensuite bathroom.
What does the retreat cost?
Standard pricing is as follows,
-
From € 960 per person for double occupancy room with shared bathroom
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€1,260 per person for a single occupancy room with private bathroom
Keep an eye out for our early bird offers or flash sales. We have a limited number of spots and an even smaller number of private bathroom.
What are the payment terms?
A €300 deposit is due at booking to secure your place. The remaining balance is payable no later than 6 weeks before the retreat begins.
Payment plans are available — just ask!
What is the cancellation policy?
Your deposit is refundable minus any third-party transaction fees until six weeks before the retreat begins.
How do I get there?
We generally recommend flying into Porto Airport and then either joining our included group shuttle or renting a car — it’s about a 2-hour drive from the airport to the retreat venue.
Car rentals are straightforward and convenient from Porto Airport, so that’s a great option if you prefer flexibility during your trip.
Shuttle service is included and we offer an arrival transfer (around 1.30 pm) and a departure transfer (around 1.30 pm). We may adjust timings slightly based on the group’s needs and will confirm everything in advance.
What should I pack?
October in central Portugal is usually mild and sunny, with daytime temperatures between 20–25°C. We recommend packing:
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Comfy layers for workshops and coaching circles
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Casual, breathable clothing for warm days
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A light jacket or wrap for cooler mornings and evenings
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Walking or hiking shoes if you plan to explore the local trails
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Swimwear for nearby river beaches (and possibly the pool!)
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Any personal items you’d like for journaling, reflection, or relaxation
Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Meals are plant-focussed and designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients, and we can accommodate most dietary requirements. Please let us know in advance.
Can I share a bathroom with a specific person?
Absolutely — we can arrange that. Just let us know in advance.
What’s not included?
Flights, optional excursions (guided hikes in Serra da Estrela, visits to Aldeias do Xisto villages, local artisan workshops), treatments and personal extras are not included.
I have a question that’s not answered here — how can I get in touch?
We’d love to hear from you!
You can use the chat feature on this page to message us directly, book a call, or simply drop us a line at connect@jonesbydesign.co.uk
We’re happy to answer any questions or help you decide if this retreat is right for you — no pressure, no obligation.
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