From Fear to Freedom in Portugal: A Retreat for Inner Strength with Michelle Kaspari

duration
7 days · 6 nights
travel date
Aug 11 - 17, 2025
activity level
Moderate
group size
8 - 10
transportation
Airport & activity transfers
Your TourHero
tourhero
Michelle
bio

The inward journey. In 2014, I landed my body in my first Vinyasa Class, not having a clue of the pathway I’d follow thereafter. I kept hearing, ‘show up, it gets easier, and I love you.’ These three elements on this path were extremely crucial in my interest in diving deeper into the practice. What followed the next two years was a journey inward, one that encouraged me to lean into discomfort, that growth was somewhere on the other side. So as I learned to manipulate my body into shapes that it’d never experienced before, I also began to unravel tight chords wrapped around my inner existence that were begging to be freed.

I was certified to teach Vinyasa Yoga in 2016 and shortly thereafter began my career as a Yoga Instructor. My passion stems from the acknowledgement of being extremely uncomfortable in my body and mind, and learning how the rhythm and flow of the practice soothed both physically and emotionally. The ability to guide others on their own journey inward through this practice, is something I deeply cherish. Everything we seek is already within us. We practice mindful movement, physical and emotional alignment, with fluid breath to regulate and rediscover the things we thought were lost.

Looking forward to holding space for those willing to journey inward, unravel, and explore the body, mind, and spirit connection!

Portugal > From Fear to Freedom in Portugal: A Retreat for Inner Strength with Michelle Kaspari

Discover transformation and empowerment at a serene wellness retreat in Portugal, inspired by Pema Chödrön's teachings on fearlessness and compassion. Start each day with meditation and a nourishing breakfast, followed by activities like mindful walks, restorative and Vinyasa yoga, and workshops aimed at embracing life's uncertainties. You’ll also have the chance to immerse yourself in local culture with visits to historic towns and unwind on a private yacht tour along the stunning Portuguese coast. From food to fear – we’ll engage it all together!

Join Michelle and friends for a life-altering journey that promises to inspire and transform. Connect with yourself and return home rejuvenated, ready to face life’s challenges with newfound strength and grace.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · August 11, 2025 · Faro & Portimão
Group transfer from Faro Train station at 13:30 - Train 570
Check-in at Casa Conmigo
Free time
16:00 Juice/Snack, Welcome To Portugal, Introductions, and Intention Setting
17:00 - 18:00: Restorative Yoga Session
19:00: Dinner
Day 2 · August 12, 2025 · Portimão
6:45: Coffee & Light Breakfast
7:00: Guided Morning Meditation
7:30: Walk
10:00: Breakfast
11:30 - 12:30: Inner Saboteurs Workship
13:00: Lunch
14:30 - 15:30: Restorative Yoga
16:00: Juice/Snack
19:00: Dinner
Day 3 · August 13, 2025 · Silves & Portimão
6:45: Coffee & Light Breakfast
7:00: Guided Morning Meditation
7:30: Walk
10:00: Breakfast
10:30: Visit Silves
13:00: Lunch
14:30 - 15:30: Vinyasa Yoga
16:00: Juice/Snack
19:00: Dinner
Sound Healing session
Day 4 · August 14, 2025 · Portimão
6:45: Coffee & Light Breakfast
7:00: Guided Morning Meditation
7:30: Walk
10:00: Breakfast
11:30 - 12:30: Comfortable with Uncertainty Workshop
13:00: Lunch
16:00: Juice/Snack
17:00: Restorative Yoga
19:00: Dinner
Day 5 · August 15, 2025 · Lagos & Portimão
6:45: Coffee & Light Breakfast
7:00: Guided Morning Meditation
7:30: Walk
10:00: Breakfast
10:30: Visit Lagos
13:00: Lunch
14:30 - 15:30: Vinyasa Yoga
16:00: Juice/Snack
19:00: Dinner
Day 6 · August 16, 2025 · Portimão
6:45: Coffee & Light Breakfast
7:00: Guided Morning Meditation
7:30: Walk
10:00: Breakfast
11:30 - 12:30: Comfortable with Uncertainty Workshop
13:00: Lunch
16:00: Private yacht tour
22:00: Light farewell dinner
Day 7 · August 17, 2025 · Departure
6:45: Coffee & Light Breakfast
7:00: Guided Morning Meditation
7:30: Walk
8:15: Group transfer 1
10:00: Breakfast
Check out of accommodation
12:15 pm: Group transfer 2
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · August 11, 2025
Portugal welcomes you with open arms

-Welcome to a transformative journey of empowerment and inner peace in Portugal's serene landscapes. Your adventure begins with your arrival at the Faro train station, where you’ll be warmly greeted and transported to your peaceful retreat, Casa Conmigo.

-After checking, take some time to unwind and settle into your surroundings before gathering for a nourishing juice and snack session that also serves as our official 'Welcome to Portugal'. This time is dedicated to introductions and setting intentions for your stay, fostering a community of mutual support and shared goals. Here, you will begin to immerse yourself in the retreat's theme: cultivating fearlessness and compassion, inspired by the teachings of Pema Chödrön. This session provides a foundation for your personal and collective journeys toward overcoming fears and developing greater self-compassion.

-Participate in a restorative yoga session, a practice designed to soothe both body and mind, encouraging a deep state of relaxation and opening the door to self-exploration and healing.

-Conclude your first day with a communal dinner. This meal is not only a chance to enjoy delicious, locally-sourced cuisine but also an opportunity to connect deeper with your fellow travelers, sharing stories and setting the stage for a week of profound transformation and empowerment.

Day 2 · August 12, 2025
Embrace the day with meditation, workshops, and stretching

-Rise with the sun and greet the day with coffee and light breakfast before joining us in a guided morning meditation session, an essential practice in cultivating mindfulness and presence, pivotal elements in embracing fearlessness.

-Embark on a scenic walk through the surrounding natural beauty of Portugal. This gentle activity not only invigorates the body but also clears the mind, allowing you to fully absorb the tranquility of your environment.

-After your walk, enjoy a full breakfast before we delve into the Inner Saboteurs workshop, focusing on how to quiet their comments. Saboteurs are the voices in your head that generate negative emotions as you handle life’s everyday challenges. They represent the automatic patterns in your mind for how to think, feel, and respond. Your Saboteurs cause all of your stress, anxiety, self-doubt, frustration, restlessness, and unhappiness. They sabotage your performance, wellbeing, and relationships.

-Following a morning of profound learning and self-exploration, gather for lunch at 13:00.

-At 14:30, participate in a restorative yoga session to release deep-seated tension and inner energetic blocks.

-The remainder of the day offers free time and a stellar dinner to ensure your heart and body are both fully nourished.

Day 3 · August 13, 2025
Visit the town of Silves in between wellness sessions

-Begin another enriching day of your wellness retreat with coffee and light breakfast before guided morning meditation and a refreshing walk in the serene surroundings of the property.

-Embark on a visit to Silves, a historical town renowned for its rich heritage, including its well-preserved castle and red sandstone walls which tell tales of its Moorish past. Exploring Silves is not only a cultural experience but also a way to connect with the resilience and transformations of history – themes resonant with your journey of overcoming fear and embracing uncertainty.

-Our outer explorations turn inward with a Vinyasa session that will help you center, ground, and align.

-Conclude your day with snacks, free time, and dinner.

Day 4 · August 14, 2025
Explore inner and outer landscapes through movement and discussion

-Your day at the retreat begins with our morning ritual of coffee and light breakfast, guided morning meditation, and a peaceful walk through the lush surroundings.

-After breakfast, we’re jumping into the theme of getting Comfortable with Uncertainty. This session is inspired by the teachings of Pema Chödrön, focusing on embracing life's uncertainties as pathways to growth and empowerment. Here, you will explore techniques and mindsets that help transform anxiety and fear into opportunities for strength and renewal.

-The rest of the day offers free time, restorative yoga, a delicious dinner, and a sound healing session to help us unwind and quiet the mind.

Day 5 · August 15, 2025
Discover the beauty of Lagos with a midday excursion

-Another day in this Portuguese paradise begins with coffee, guided meditation, and our nature walk.

-From here, enjoy breakfast then head out to Lagos, a town renowned for its historic maritime contributions and stunning coastal views. Exploring Lagos allows you to immerse yourself in Portugal’s rich history and spectacular natural landscapes, providing a broader context to your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

-Back at the retreat, engage your mind and body in a Vinyasa yoga session, fostering a deeper connection between movement and breath.

-Enjoy a snack and some free time on the property before a delicious dinner under the stars.

Day 6 · August 16, 2025
One final day of recognition, release, and a whole lot of boating fun

-Your final transformative day begins like all the rest with coffee, meditation, and a walk, offering an anchor to our time here.

-After breakfast, our final workshop explores how to gracefully handle life's unpredictable moments with practical tools and philosophical insights that encourage embracing uncertainty as a path to personal growth and empowerment.

-Lunch and free time offer us space to integrate before we venture out on a private yacht tour, an exclusive experience that allows you to take in the breathtaking coastal scenery and the tranquil waters of Portugal. This relaxing and luxurious journey is not only a treat for the senses but also serves as a metaphor for navigating the uncertainties of life with grace and ease.

-We’ll close out the night back at the retreat with dinner, laughter, and a whole lot of fun.

Day 7 · August 17, 2025
Say farewell to Portugal and hello to new beginnings back home

-Your final day at the retreat begins with a peaceful start, where you can enjoy coffee and a light breakfast before we engage in a final reflection session.

-Take a contemplative walk through the serene surroundings, offering one last moment to connect with the tranquil environment of the retreat.

-After breakfast, it’s off to the train station in our transfer. This transition from retreat to home is an opportunity to start applying the fearlessness and compassion cultivated during your time here, poised to enrich your life and the lives of those around you. Safe travels and be well!

Tour Price
From USD 2,505
per person
Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Empowerment, wellness, yoga, sightseeing, nature, beaches & boating
Fellow Travelers
6 total travelers
Michelle
Erin
Elizabeth
Olivia
Myra
Veronica
Your local guide
Vitalisé stands as a holistic retreat brand dedicated to fostering a harmony between the mind and body. Central to its philosophy is the belief that a nourished body and regular exercise are foundational to well-being. This vision comes to life in its retreat spaces, Vila Mimosa and Casa Conmigo, located in the picturesque landscapes of Portugal. Offering a range of retreats tailored to individual needs, Vitalisé specializes in Fasting Retreats that incorporate wellness, sports, and yoga, alongside Wellness Retreats focused on healthy whole foods. Vitalisé’s mission is to deliver a transformative experience that enables guests to enjoy the vast health benefits of their carefully curated programs, all while immersed in the serene beauty of their retreat locations.
Accommodation
Casa Conmigo

Casa Conmigo, situated 5 kilometers from the Algarve coast, and 60 kilometers from Faro airport, offers a tranquil sanctuary within easy reach of Alvor, Lagos, Silves, and Carvoeiro. This boutique hotel, with its 10 well-appointed rooms comprising 7 doubles and 3 singles, all featuring private bathrooms, heating, and air conditioning or fans, ensures personalized care and comfort. Guests are welcomed into a homely atmosphere, emphasized by a range of amenities including a heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Finnish and infrared saunas, massage houses, and a yoga dome for various activities. This intimate setting, combined with a focus on inclusivity and cultural diversity, makes Casa Conmigo a perfect blend of relaxation and personal attention, inviting guests from all over the world to feel at home in the heart of the Algarve. Room type: Single & double occupancy (See packages at check-out). Room configuration: Twin, queen or king bed (See packages at check-out).

Included
  • 6 nights at Casa Conmigo

  • 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

  • Airport & activity transfers

  • Individual arrival airport transfer (Between 10:00 - 13:00)

  • 1 group departure airport transfer

  • Daily yoga & wellness workshops with Michelle

  • Day-trips as listed in itinerary

Not included
  • Flights

  • Personal expenses not stipulated

  • Optional add-ons

  • Gratuities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until June 11, 2025. If the departure is cancelled out of your control, you will be alerted by this date and will receive a full refund.

In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip up until June 11, 2025 for a refund, excluding the deposit amount. After that time, no refunds will be issued. You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.