Create Peace Retreat: A week for expansion, play, and ease in Portugal
April 26-May 1, 2025
Give yourself the gift of peaceful living. Join us for 5 nights and 6 days and step into a natural haven nestled in the Portuguese countryside. Picture relaxing days where you’ll be invited to explore your inner world.
What’s the vibe?
“The feeling of being exactly where you should be strengthens – just like coming home”
This intimate retreat will feel like coming back home to yourself. Life will be peaceful. There will be a nice balance of group activities and space for you to explore and adventure as you please on expansive farmland. With only 12 retreaters on this journey, we are cultivating a space for every person to be seen, heard, and uplifted.
You will immerse yourself in nature and come back to the natural rhythms of your body, mind, and soul. Foster inner harmony - from mindfulness sessions to mini workshops centered around emotional regulation, where we’ll be playing games and letting loose.
Awaken your divine nature and connect with your heart. Find your village and enrich your lifes journey.
“Our days will be full of opportunity, but fluid. There will be group activities and time set aside for solo adventures.”
What’s the itinerary?
Days are filled with a variety of activities, from movement practices, to nature exploration all with the intention of learning to live fully and mindfully, and peacefully.
We’ll be indulging in delicious vegetarian farm-to-table meals using the food that was grown on the land we’ll be immersed in. You’ll have ample opportunity to unwind amidst the serene backdrop of the pool and the various natural areas on the property. Each day offers a balance of introspection and connection, culminating in moments of reflection and shared experiences. We’ll be getting out of our comfort zones and honoring the growth we experience and witness in others.
As the retreat draws to a close, you will depart with newfound insights and a renewed sense of well-being. You will leave with a full heart, memories to last a lifetime, and a deep sense of community. You’ll be ready to embrace life's journey with clarity and resilience.
Offerings
We have several curated experiences for you to immerse yourself in.
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Let your creative side shine and express yourself using different techniques in this experiential session
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Join Quinta's herd in the field for a free-flowing interactive experience. Connect with the horses through touch, matching breath and energy and let the sounds of nature and the peace of these gentle beings take you on a journey. Experiencing their energy as they mirror yours, will bring deeper insight into the way we are with others and ourselves.
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The movement is slow, each movement is linked with breath, and we enter into the postures gradually—moving in and out of each pose first, and then finding a holding position. This preparation and fluid entry into postures protects and nurtures the joints, muscles, and connective tissue.
We'll have multiple spaces to practice: The indoor yoga shala is a beautifully restored, climate-controlled stone barn, offering a peaceful, private world in which to meditate and practice asana. The outdoor shala is a deck alongside the oak forest and our farm pond where you can connect with nature as you practice.
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The need for intentional mindfulness and somatic regulation keeps increasing as we are being pulled away from our internal state of wellbeing.
Guided Visualization engages the imagination to achieve almost any desired state. Words, music, silence and/or sound effects may be used to create a multi-layered, sensory experience designed for a specific outcome. These include relaxation, sleep, focus, productivity, or pain relief. Visualization is most widely known for achieving successful outcomes in sports, performance and wellness.
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Gentle vibrations are sent through the body using Tibetan bowls, Feng Gong and Tam Tam, leading to deep relaxation. Different frequencies gently harmonize every cell of the body, creating a flow of positive and creative energy.
Sound baths may be particularly beneficial to someone who has difficulty connecting with traditional meditation or yoga but still yearns to experience similar benefits. This is especially true if you overthink or have excessive thoughts that make it difficult to meditate in a more traditional way.
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Ecstatic dance offers a space free from observers, judgments, posturing, attitudes, conversations, shoes, alcohol, fragrances, and smoke. It’s a place where everyone can feel safe to be spontaneous, explore new movements, and push their boundaries. Here, you dance as if no one is watching, letting your body move without concern for grace or beauty. It’s about losing yourself in the dance, entering a state of pure, mindless flow.
Who is this retreat for?
You’re craving a deeper relationship with yourself
You’re an explorer at heart and can’t wait to immerse yourself in a beautiful landscape
You enjoy living life to its fullest
You know building community is an important part of your self-expansion
You consider yourself a lifelong learner
You love delicious, nourishing food
You want to create more space in your life for FUN
You are constantly giving to others, overextending yourself and you’re ready to live a more balanced life that includes honoring your needs
You are a high achiever who doesn’t have the time to relax
You want to feel F R E E
Sample Schedule
07:30 am Morning Meditation and Gentle Movement
08:30 am Healthy Breakfast (available between 07:30 - 09:30 am)
10:00 am Session / Workshop
12:30 pm Lunch (available between 12:00 - 2:00 pm)
2:00 pm Session / Workshop
4:00 pm Free Time
5:00 pm Time for Massages
8:00 pm Dinner (available between 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Where are we staying?
Quinta Carvalhas - The Green Farm
The Green Farm, is a Luxury Farm Stay & Retreat Center in Santarém, Portugal.
A holistic well-being haven that offers unique experiences for Body, Mind and Soul.
We have the privilege of being the only guests at the farm during our retreat. We have taken care of your comfort so that you can feel pampered and nurtured, from the food to the luxury linen and the sublime mattresses – so that nothing distracts you from the inner work you’ve come to do. All rooms are equipped with coffee & tea facilities and reusable water bottles.
Private Room
For those seeking to have a space that’s all their own. Step into your personal sanctuary of peace and luxury. Enjoy the privacy of your ensuite bathroom, complete with premium toiletries and plush towels. The bedroom has a spacious and comfortable double bed.
Thoughtful details greet you at every turn. This space is designed to nourish both body and soul. Your retreat awaits—an intimate and luxurious experience where every detail is crafted for your comfort.
Cost: $3,550
Pay as low as $126/month for 36 months
(Only 4 private rooms left!)
Shared Room
Enjoy a luxurious stay with the perfect balance of privacy and connection in one of our beautifully appointed shared rooms. Designed with comfort and tranquility in mind, these rooms features two comfortable beds, each adorned with plush linens and soft textures to ensure restful sleep.
The ensuite bathroom, shared only between you and your roommate, is equipped with premium amenities, Elegant design and serene touches create a calming environment where you can unwind and recharge.
Whether you're bonding with a friend or making new connections, this shared space offers the ideal blend of community, and relaxation—perfect for those seeking to deepen connections with others.
Cost: $3,050
Pay as low as $105/month for 36 months
(Only 2 shared rooms left!)
*Payment plans available with Klarna or Affirm!
Discounts available for therapists, teachers, first responders
What will I learn?
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Coping skills are strategies and techniques individuals use to manage stress, overcome challenges, and navigate difficult emotions or situations effectively. They can encompass a wide range of practices including mindfulness, problem solving skills, social support, and boundary-setting. You’ll learn how to make coping feel fun instead of another chore on your endless to-do list.
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We’ll teach you to be intune with your mind and body, and how to recognize feelings as they are happening in real time. All vibes are welcome here. We’re not in the business of bypassing emotions. You’ll learn how to accept challenging moments without the negative self-talk.
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This isn’t just about bubble baths. We’re talking about learning to be attuned to one's own needs and taking proactive steps to nourish and replenish oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally, ultimately leading to greater resilience, well-being, and overall quality of life.
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For many high achievers, relaxing can be really difficult. We’ll learn about how relaxation is a skill that can be honed and practiced through intentional action.
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You’ll learn how to maintain peaceful, harmonious relationships. You'll have the chance to learn how to peacefully relate to diverse kinds of people, including those whose beliefs, views, and life experiences may differ significantly from your own. You'll be empowered to stay centered, spacious, and open, possibly in the midst of challenging interactions.
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Embodiment is a state of being that involves being in touch with the present moment and the felt experience of your body. Expanding your self-awareness to include your physical, emotional, and sensory experiences. We'll help you move from head-to heart-thinking. As you come home to your body, you will come home to earth.
What’s included?
5 nights, 6 days in luxurious accommodations in the countryside
Airport Transfer from Lisbon Airport (LIS)
Welcome Gifts
Self-care Workbook, Journal, Mental Health Fidgets, etc.
Wellness Workshops
3 Vegetarian Farm-to-Table meals, per day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner + Snacks
Daily Yoga Classes
24/7 Concierge Service for booking Tours, Transportation, and Restaurant Reservations
Equine Energy Healing Session
Sound Bath Session
Art Session
Guided Visualizations + Meditations
What’s not included?
Any additional Activities (Excursions, Massages)
Airfare
“You have permission to rest. You are not responsible for fixing everything that is broken. You do not have to try and make everyone happy.
For now, take time for you.
It’s time to replenish…”
Your Hosts
Atsede Scarseth, MA, LPC, CIGT, CYT-200, TCYM
My name is Atsede Scarseth (pronounced At-said-uh). I'm a later-in-life diagnosed neurodivergent (AuDHD, 2e) therapist and Certified Yoga teacher. I spent much of my early years confused, overwhelmed, and anxious despite my ability to “successfully” navigate the majority of situations I was presented with. My own trauma history paired with undiagnosed neurodivergence greatly impacted my sense of self. My journey to understanding my needs and how to care for myself included a holistic approach involving my mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. I like to balance evidence-based therapeutic modalities and spiritually aligned practices (yoga, psychedelic work, intuitive practices, etc.) in retreat offerings to create impactful and life-changing experiences. The majority of my work is centered around trauma recovery, empowerment, and helping deepen people’s understanding of their individual and collective experiences. Together we search for 'the why' that is often missing and work to cultivate a space to redefine terms that have largely been used to produce a sense of shame in each of us. Retreats truly have a special place in my heart and I'm excited to help you deepen your understanding of who you are and watch you show up in the world more authentically and confidently.
Alicia Hopkins, MA, LPC
My name is Alicia Hopkins and I am a licensed therapist that has personally survived my own childhood trauma. Now, I have dedicated the majority of my professional career teaching and supporting others to do the same. I love guiding people on their journey to regain their power and see a new perspective on the past. I have learned through my own healing that my trauma does not define me yet it is a part of me and has a hand in shaping how I walk through this world. I now am able to enjoy the glimmers that I have gained through this hardship and absolutely love witnessing other people make that shift. I truly hope I have the opportunity to work with you on this retreat!
FAQ’s
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No, Airfare is not included.
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Yes, you will need a Passport if you are not residing within Portugal. We recommend making sure that it will not expire within 6 months of the start of the retreat.
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Yes! You can pay as little as $126/month for a private room or $105/month for a shared room!
Klarna and Affirm, are both payment options. Both of these services offer flexible payment plans that allow you to split your purchase into manageable installments, often with no interest depending on the option you select. For those residing outside of the US, that are interested in a payment plan, please reach out to Atsede directly at Atsede@unearthingchoicecounseling.com
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That’s totally fine! Althugh this retreat offers similar activities that you might learn in therapy, it's not a replacement for therapy or a therapeutic relationship. You might find that what you learn on this retreat might be further explored in a therapeutic space.
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You know what’s great about yoga? It’s not about being the most flexible person in the room; it’s about finding what feels good for you and your body. The yoga classes that will be offered will be accessible for all body types and skill abilities. Yoga isn’t just about physical flexibility, it’s also about mental and emotional balance. It’s all about progress, not perfection which is one of the main themes of this retreat!
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No! Yoga mats will be provided along with blocks and bolsters to fully support your yoga practice. Feel free to bring your own if you would prefer to!
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No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism or business.
However, you must have a U.S. passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your stay.
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This will be an intimate retreat with up to 12 retreaters to make sure everyone can enjoy the group offerings.
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Yes! We would be happy to pair you up with another retreater that is also traveling solo.
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Absolutely! Each offering is completely optional. The Horse Healing session will only be a few hours on one day. There will be plenty of other activities to immerse yourself in to make this an experience you don’t want to miss!
“That sense that there is no rush, that all will be accomplished in the right time. All is well in nature, and all is as it should be. This is what we would love to have in our everyday lives: that acceptance of being, and that we are perfect as we are.”
Testimonials
