All prices are listed per person. You will be paying a deposit of $1,000 and the balance will be split between two payments invoiced on January 5, 2026 and March 2, 2026.

Cocoon is set on Portugal’s stunning Atlantic coast, just minutes from the charming fishing villages of Zambujeira do Mar and Vila Nova de Milfontes, in the Alentejo region.

• From Lisbon (LIS): About a 2-hour drive south, depending on traffic (and how many espresso stops you make along the way).
  
• From Faro (FAO): Slightly closer — about a 1.5–2 hour drive north. Faro is also a hub for many low-cost European airlines.
  
• Arrival tip: Renting a car is the easiest way to reach Cocoon and gives you the freedom to explore the area. We can also help coordinate shared transfers if you’d prefer not to drive.

Cocoon is located in the coastal Alentejo region. Also known as The Costa Vicentina, much of the Southwest coast of Portugal is protected by a natural reserve.  This means that development stays constrained, with traditional architecture + small farms dotting the land.  The nearest town to us is the charming Vila Nova de Milfontes.  

The Vicentine Coast Natural Park runs about 100 km down the coast.  The preserved nature has a strong + wild character here, creating landscapes of breathtaking majesty. The coast is ideal for swimming, surfing, and world-class hiking along the gorgeous sandstone bluffs. 

Conde Nast Traveller recently wrote about this up & coming area, a place where people like Carli Bruni & Christian Louboutin come to escape. 

For this retreat, we highly recommend participants rent a car. Cocoon is located in a beautiful, remote area of Portugal, and having a vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the coast, villages, and surrounding countryside at your own pace.

Traveling together? If you’re coming with friends or family, we recommend renting a single car together. To save on rental and gas expenses, groups of up to 3-4 people per car work best.

Solo travelers: If you’re traveling alone but are willing to rent a car, we can help you connect with other solo travelers to share a ride. This makes getting around easier, more cost-effective, and a great way to meet fellow participants.

If you’re a solo traveler and would like to be matched with others, email us at cayayogaschool@gmail.com, and we’ll link you up before the retreat and also set up a shared document beforehand to help participants team up.

Note: Guests are responsible for their own transportation to activities, too. To reach the boat and surf lesson, you will need to drive using your rental car. It will be extra useful for exploring the coastline, hiking trails, and swimming holes, too!

Check-in at Cocoon is between 4–6pm on August 4th, and check-out is at 10am on August 10th. 

Please note: Cocoon is not able to accommodate early arrivals or extended stays before or after the retreat.

We provide three daily meals (mainly vegetarian), served buffet-style and featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Most of our produce comes from our onsite or nearby farms, and while we do not serve red meat, eggs from our chickens and local cheeses are available.

Typical Meals:

• Breakfast: Eggs, local fruit, Greek yogurt, homemade granola, local honey, homemade jam, and slow-rise bread.
  
• Lunch: Often a nourishing bowl with a base of ancient grains like farro, topped with avocado, roasted vegetables, nori, or mixed greens.
  
• Dinner: Expect Indian and Japanese curries, Mediterranean stews, legumes, rice, salads, and three evenings with desserts.
  

Special Dinner Highlights:

• Pizza Night: Once per week, enjoy pizzas cooked outdoors in our wood-fired oven.
  
• Seafood Dinner: Two evenings features a wild-caught, sustainable fish dinner to savor regional flavors.
  
• Dessert Nights: Three evenings offer delicious desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth.
  
• Spritz Bar Night: One evening includes a spritz bar, perfect for relaxing and connecting with fellow guests.
  

Beverages: Coffee, tea, and water are available throughout the day, sourced from our natural spring.

Dietary Needs: We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and vegan options.

Alcohol: Guests may purchase local wine, beer, and homemade chocolate from our honesty bar at reasonable prices. Please do not bring your own alcohol.

Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable layers for yoga and movement
  
• Comfortable clothes for hiking and exploring coastal trails
  
• Swimwear for surfing, paddleboarding, swimming, or sailing
  
• A light jacket or sweater for cool evenings
  
• Casual clothes for dinners and social evenings
  
• Hat, sunglasses, and a light rain jacket (just in case)
  

Footwear:

• Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers for trails and bluffs
  
• Water shoes or sandals for beaches and potential rocky shores
  
• Flip-flops or comfy shoes for around the farm
  

Yoga & Fitness Gear:

• Yoga mat (optional — mats and props are provided on-site)
  
• Water bottle and small towel
  
• Lightweight backpack for day trips
  

Beach & Water Accessories:

• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  
• Beach towel or sarong
  
• Snorkel mask or goggles (if you like)
  

Other Essentials:

• Reusable water bottle
  
• Personal toiletries
  
• Lightweight daypack for excursions
  
• Camera or phone for photos
  
• A journal or notebook (optional, for reflections)
  

Optional:

• Book or e-reader for relaxing in hammocks
  
• Small snacks for day trips
  
• Travel adapter (European plug)

Hiking

The southwest coast of Portugal is famous for its stunning coastal hiking trails. The Rota Vicentina features three main routes: the Fisherman’s Trail, the Historical Way, and various circular routes. For breathtaking day trips, we recommend the Fisherman’s Trail, which Conde Nast Traveller named one of the six most beautiful coastal trails in the world.

• The trail is a single track along bluffs and accessible only by foot.
  
• Some sections are just 10 minutes’ drive from Cocoon.
  
• Our favorite hikes:
  Zambujeira do Mar → Carvalhal
  Cabo Sardão → Almograve

Both are moderate, roughly 90 minutes one way.

Official site: Rota Vicentina

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Pego das Pias

Pego das Pias is a hidden freshwater swimming hole about 20 minutes from Cocoon, perfect for an afternoon picnic with your group.

• Best time to visit: February through June, before it gets crowded and the water levels drop.
  
• How to get there: There are two entrances. Searching “Pego das Pias” on Google Maps usually directs you to the second entrance, which is bumpy and difficult to drive on. We recommend the first entrance, linked here on this map. From there, turn right onto the dirt road, stay left following the river until you reach a gate with a small makeshift parking area. From the gate, it’s a 12-minute walk to the swimming hole.
  

Massage Therapy

Your can schedule these during your stay, no need to plan them in advance!

€75 / hour, cash only, pay directly to the therapist.

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Stand-Up Paddle (SUP)

Just a 15-minute drive away in Vila Nova de Milfontes, SWSUP offers SUP board, wetsuit, and paddle rentals, along with guided tours. Timing varies depending on the tides. You’ll paddle along the Mira River, one of the most beautiful and cleanest rivers in all of Europe.

They also host 90-minute SUP yoga classes with an experienced instructor several times per week.

📞 To book, call +351 963 551 232

Pricing:

€15 per person — 1 hour rental
€25 per person — 2 hour rental
€20 per person — 90 min SUP yoga

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Horseback Riding – Moita Nova Equestre
They care for their horses and operate their business with integrity. The center is just a 12-minute drive away, located before the Cabo Sardão lighthouse.

• Duration: 1 hour (longer rides possible for the group). Beginners are welcome; for them, the ride will typically be 30 minutes getting to know the horse + 30 minutes riding.
• Group size: Maximum of 3 guests at a time.
• Route: From Cabo Sardão lighthouse to Almograve.
• Booking: Best to reserve a few days or a week in advance, especially in high season.
• Tips: Wear jeans, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. Best in spring or fall, as summers can be very hot.
  

Email: moitanovaeq@gmail.com
Phone: Anna +351 967 218 594
Price: €45 per person (cash only)

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Wine Tasting – Vicentino Winery

Take your car or book a taxi to Vicentino Winery, about 20 minutes south of Cocoon. St. Vicentino is a staple producer in the Alentejo coastal region, and many local restaurants serve their wines.

• Booking: Required in advance. They usually run two tastings per day (around 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM).
• Minimum group: 5 people.
• Extras: Cheese boards available for €15 per person.

Find different packages and prices here.

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Hydrofoil – Time 2 Wing

In the river between Furnas and Vila Nova de Milfontes, you can take a hydrofoil lesson with Time 2 Wing. A fun water activity perfect for adventure seekers!

We’ll be visiting in August, right in the heart of summer - expect long, warm days with plenty of sun, perfect for both yoga and ocean adventures. Average daytime highs reach approximately 27°C (81°F), while nighttime lows are around 18°C (64°F).

Tipping in Portugal is appreciated but not obligatory:

• Villa staff (cook, clean, maintain): €10 per day per guest, left in your room.
  
• Massage therapist: ~10% of the service price.
  
• Surf instructor: Around €5 per person.
  
• Boat staff (catamaran): €10–15 per person, given at the end of the trip.
  

This trip is nonrefundable. We advise purchasing trip insurance, which can be obtained HERE.