Algarve Surf & Yoga Retreat

"I have recently spent a life changing week at the truly beautiful Tipi Valley, in the Algarve. The visit was fired by my growing love of Yoga, of which I'd dabbled in sporadically since I was a young girl. I'd always wanted to try surfing and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to try something I hadn't done before. Yoga and Surfing seemed like the perfect synergy.
 
What I hadn't banked on was something extra than just the activities on offer. There is a very magical energy in the air there. Whether it was the positive and encouraging vibes of our wonderful Yoga teacher, helping us all to go that little bit further with support and love, or the most incredible organic, healthy food that has touched this lifetime vegetarian's lips, passionately cooked by Carlos everyday. Maybe it was the buzz of the surf and despite more wipe-outs than success, the moment of two feet up on a board and being propelled into shore by the power of the ocean was awesome (albeit a very tiny white wave). Maybe it was the friends made, the peace and quiet, the night skies, showering under the trees, I could go on.
 
One things for sure, the passion and vision of Laurie and his team who all work hard in making it happen, deserve top marks for such an original and inspiring place. Living in the very comfortable tipi's and tents, make you feel all the more immersed with the nature around you and in our fast paced lives today, this is such a blessing.
 
Back home and my now regular Yoga practice takes slightly more effort under the greying English skies, but all I have to do is close my eyes and remember and I'm smiling once again."
Leela Ananda Hunt 

Tipi at night

"I spent one wonderful but all-too-short week at Surf Algarve in late April 2009. First, the location is absolutely beautiful, secluded and close to four great beaches. The valley is so quiet and Laurie's done a great job making a camp that blends into the beautiful natural setting.

The whole program is such an inspiring alternative retreat. There is low impact on the land and other resources, solar power, composting toilets and a huge on-site organic garden to provide food for the guests. It was really cool to see that they put so much time and effort into providing organic locally grown food and Carlos never failed to cook up delicious, healthy meals.

The staff is awesome, super laid back and incredibly accommodating. I don't surf much, but the surf instructors were super patient and fun. The two yoga programs a day were amazing with great, diverse instruction. Plus the yoga deck is a perfect little sandy platform overlooking the valley. All the accommodations are great; rustic but clean, comfortable and private.


The week spent here was exactly what I needed -- a quiet, fulfilling escape from the hustle and bustle. Definitely coming back."

David

Yoga and Surf

"I enjoyed every bit of the yoga ayurveda holiday, which I attended in February with six other happy ‘sisters’ cooking away in the kitchen. Watching the sunrise every morning was just a bliss and made it very easy to get up. I loved the meditations and fantastic yoga classes, had enough time to relax, ate most delicious food, enjoyed one of the best massages ever and just had so much fun in the kitchen learning to cook ayurvedic dishes.

Diana made these cooking classes so much fun, relaxed and enjoyable. It was so hard not to over eat though on out daily dinner fiestas. As far as accommodation goes- you couldn’t ask for anything better. A perfect place to relax and the surroundings of Monte Velho are just outstanding.

We had so many joyful and meaningful experiences during the week, we all left on a real high. Thank you Diana for your ability to make an entire group of people so special and revived! I think it won’t be too long before I want to return…."

Jutta, Zurich