The Retreat

These retreats move in a natural rhythm across the years.
Every other year I hold longer immersions in Asia, where life becomes quieter, simpler and more inward.

The following year I hold a retreat in Devon, rooted in stillness and meditation. That same year, there is a European nature-based retreat, which sit between these two, held in warmth, beauty and simplicity.

The Place

When I began looking for a home for this retreat, I wasn't simply searching for somewhere beautiful. I was looking for a place whose philosophy reflected my own.

Altanure was created around the idea of living in harmony with nature. Every part of the land has been thoughtfully cared for through ecological design, permaculture and a deep respect for the landscape that surrounds it. Rather than imposing itself upon nature, it works with it.

When we arrive, we are first introduced to the land itself; its story, how it has been shaped, and how we, too, become part of it during our stay. Over six nights, the landscape quietly becomes part of our practice. The rhythm of the days, the gardens and the simplicity of the place gently remind us that we are not separate from nature, but part of it.

Your Home

For six nights, home will be two beautiful houses set within six hectares of peaceful countryside, connected by gardens and just a minute's walk from one another.

Casa Terra was built from rammed earth using natural materials and designed around the idea of living in harmony with the land. Alongside it sits Quinta Sol d'Água, a lovingly restored Portuguese farmhouse surrounded by gardens, orchards and quiet places to rest.

The retreat is intentionally limited to just twelve guests. Almost every bedroom is offered as a private room with its own bathroom, allowing space to rest, reflect and simply be. There is one shared room available for two friends travelling together who would like to share their stay. Between practices, quiet corners, gardens and your own room offer space simply to rest and feel at home.

Around the Table

Nourishment is an important part of the retreat. Each meal becomes an opportunity to slow down, gather together and care for the body with the same attention we bring to our practice.

Three seasonal meals are prepared fresh each day using local ingredients, inspired by Altanure's farm-to-table philosophy. Wherever possible, fruit and vegetables are harvested from the surrounding gardens and orchard, with menus changing according to the season and what the land provides.

Meals are thoughtfully prepared to accommodate a range of dietary requirements, allowing everyone to feel nourished, cared for and at home around the table.

A Different Rhythm

Beginning the Day

The Season

Practical Details