Retreat details
A special nourishing retreat to practice yoga with Vonetta Winter, massage with Peter Packard, culinary magic with Chef Raul Crespo and forest-bathing meditations with Andrew Winter
Morning walks with Andrew, followed by movement in the shala with Vonetta. Afternoon workshops learning a few simple clothed-based massage techniques with Peter. And a cooking workshop with Raul. This retreat is open to everyone, irrespective of your experience of yoga, massage or meditation, travelling solo or with loved ones.
A chance to immerse in nature and in the somatic refuge of the body, guided safely and inspirationally by these long-standing therapists, teachers and friends. The forest in May at Vale de Moses will be in resplendent bloom. We do hope you can join us.
What’s included
4 morning guided forest bathing meditation walks with Andrew
4 morning yoga posture practices with Vonetta
3 afternoon massage workshops with Peter
1 afternoon cooking workshop with Chef Raul
90 minute body harmonising treatment, with additional treatments available for 90€
5 nights accommodation in farmhouse bedrooms, stone cottages or Strawberry belle tents
3 freshly prepared, nourishing vegan/vegetarian meals daily
Transportation to and from Oleiros
Your Teachers
Peter Packard - Massage Therapist and Acupuncturist
Vonetta Winter - Vale de Moses Co-Founder
Peter Packard
I use the combination of energetic work from acupuncture with the physical work of massage and manipulation to find a way to optimal health. It’s a pleasure to use my skills and knowledge of massage on many clients all around the world. Finding ways to help people navigate their own bodies .
In my early twenties, a trip to South East Asia introduced me to Traditional Thai massage, village healers, herbal remedies, cultural diversification, and myriad of new food – for belly and mind. After a short 10 day course with one very special teacher, my world illuminated afresh, giving me a focus and new direction that felt like coming home. It shifted my life into a different realm and has had me returning to that part of the world for two decades.Thai massage was my first love in the bodywork world, I then pursued Chinese Tui Na and Acupuncture, studying at the Bodyharmonics Centre in the UK and visiting China to help deepen my understanding.I have been privileged to work and study with some wonderful teachers, abroad and on home soil, which has helped develop my work and touch to the present day.Initially working in London with the Pure Medicine Group, Harley Street, an opportunity to move to Cheltenham appeared and I opened my own practice. There I work closely with an Osteopath, comparing ideas and case studies to broaden our understanding of the body.
Vonetta Winter
Growing up in the West Indies, Vonetta became acutely aware of the natural and joyful ways people healed themselves and each other through touch, dance, storytelling, simple local food, and a slow soul bolstering approach to life. This initial grounded upbringing was enhanced by the study of Social Anthropology at the London School of Economics, with a particular interest in shamanistic healing.
Subsequent study of Community and Youth Work at Goldsmiths and several years working with homeless people, those with mental health difficulties, unemployed and vulnerable young people further fuelled her compassion for human life and the desire to assist in a more pragmatic and direct approach. This led Vonetta to the study of yoga, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, mycology, Naturopathy and Osteopathic medicine.
Travelling to us
We are located approximately 2.5 hours from both Lisbon and Porto and accessible by car, with a number of hire options available in both cities. For those looking to travel by public transport, we recommend travelling via Lisbon for regular Rede Expressos bus services to our local town of Oleiros, where we’ll pick you up for the short drive to the retreat.
Check in after 10am Monday morning or arrive with the 7am bus from Lisboa Sete Rios into Oleiros at 10.30am. Breakfast for you on arrival. At the end of the week depart with the 8am Saturday morning bus from Oleiros to Lisboa Sete Rios or check out by 10am if you are driving.
Check in/outs and transportation outside of these times may be available at an additional cost, please contact admin@valedemoses.com to confirm.
Accommodation & Prices
Shared space in 4 bed stone Moses Cottage, 3 bed stone Adega Cottage or private Single SoulPad - 800€ per person
Private Double/Twin SoulPad for single occupancy - 1,000€ per person
Private Double/Twin SoulPad for double occupancy - 1,400€ for 2 people
We ask for a 20% deposit to secure your place and if for any reason you can’t make it, we simply carry your deposit forward onto any visit in the next 3 years.
Bursary Support
It’s important to us that healing is accessible to everyone and that those often underrepresented on retreat and in yoga spaces are actively welcomed and able to be a part of Vale de Moses. Therefore we’re offering a number of supported spaces this year, so please email us on admin@valedemoses.com for more information.
For group booking discounts or if you have any questions, please contact admin@valedemoses.com