(English).jpg

5 Element Yoga | Retreat & Teacher Training

March 22-29 | 2025

What is 5 Element Yoga?

I practiced yoga for more than 20 years, taught for 10, and then when the pandemic hit in my late 30’s, my Father died and I got pregnant. Then, in the endless sleepless, lonely, existential nights my training was put to the test.

This is what yoga is for. Not for touching your toes, gaining a yoga butt or balancing like a tree in precariously beautiful scenery. Yoga is for the shit bits: the darkest moments, the deaths and transitions, the anxiety and the pain. Yoga teaches us how to sit in the eye of the storm, knowing it too shall pass.

This retreat is for everyone who wants practical, tangible solutions for the everyday challenges we suffer in mind, body and spirit. Anxiety, self-deprecation, overwhelm, and burnout are modern diseases that can be alleviated through simple practices. 5 Element Yoga teaches us to practice through an observation of Nature, and a remembering of our place in the world.

This training is the fruit of a decade of study, work and play in the fields of Yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shiatsu and Bodywork. It’s a training taught through the body, in which you will learn to truly embody your practice on and off the mat.

My aim is to ignite your motivation and enthusiasm with fresh ideas whether you want to teach or not, and fill in the blanks for teachers and students who crave more than gymnastics in their yoga practice.

The space & accommodation

Bodhi Bhavan Retreat Centre is located on mountain Picota, surrounded by more than 6 hectares of peaceful nature and mountain views.

With plentiful space to find peace in the land and gardens, this is a calm and powerful haven that holds space for self exploration and deep rest.

There are 8 elegant heated rooms with en-suite bathrooms. You can opt to share or have your own space. We will join together in the communal areas within the main house: eating in both indoor and outdoor dining rooms, relaxing in the comfort of the home’s living room, sitting around the pool and of course a lot of time in the beautiful yoga shala.

Less than half an hour away are the spectacular coastlines of both South and West Portugal for a day trip to the beach, and there are abundant walking routes from the retreat centre.

What’s included

  • Yoga Alliance accredited 5 Element Yoga YACEP qualification

  • 7 nights in Bodhi Bhavan Retreat Centre

  • 2 Yoga practices daily - Yin and Yang

  • Meditation daily

  • 5 Element study sessions

  • A Foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Location, key points, and stretches for each Meridian

  • Acupressure and hands-on adjustment tutorials

  • 5 Element Yoga workbook

  • Video tutorials and class plans for each Element and corresponding Meridians

  • Moxibustion sticks

  • 5 Element Food in abundance

  • Swimming, walking, and space for integration and deep rest

Beach walk .JPG
_CAT2752.jpg
EP0A6556.jpg
IMG_7469.jpg
EP0A6589.jpg
Unknown-1.jpeg

Price

You can choose between a private room or a shared twin room. The price includes all course materials, classes, meals and accommodation. Travel to the retreat centre is not included, but we will help you to join together as a group to share transport from the airport to the space.

There is a 15% discount on all bookings made before September 2024.

Private room: €1760

Shared Twin: €1400

A non-refundable deposit is required to book your place

Monthly payment plans are available. Please get in touch to find out more.

FAQs

  • Yes! This is a retreat first and foremost, and while you will leave with a qualification you don't have to teach to benefit from the retreat. This is for all those who want more depth and knowledge of Yoga.

  • No. To teach yoga you need to be a registered yoga teacher and have a 200 hour training certificate.

    After completing your 5 Element Training you will have a 50-hour Yoga Alliance YACEP qualification that can be used by existing teachers who wish to teach 5 Element Yoga, and Yin teachers who wish to teach with more integrity and knowledge. YACEP is a continuing professional development qualification for registered yoga teachers. You can add the 50 hour certificate to your Yoga Alliance accreditation with the certificate that you obtain after completing the course.

  • All levels of ability are welcome. I offer plenty of adjustments, spaces to rest and options to tap out of practices that are unsuitable. We all have different levels of ability, but this course will provide tools for you to practice 5 Element Yoga for your individual needs.

  • Payments

    To secure your place a deposit of €500 is required. Full payment is due one-month prior to the start date of the retreat. I offer a payment plan to help spread the cost leading up to the start date of the retreat.

    Cancellation & Refunds

    6 months notice: fully refundable

    3-6 months notice: 50% refund

    Less than 3 months: No refund available


    I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of your booking so you are protected in the event you need to cancel with less than 75 days notice.

  • Food is a big part of this retreat, we take it seriously! There will be plenty of plant-based options catering for all tastes and dietary requirements, and all meals follow 5 Element Energetics.

    Please get in touch if you have specific dietary needs.

  • Check in is Saturday 22nd March at 16:30 and check out the following Saturday at 10:30.

  • We can arrange for shared taxis from the airport at a rate of €25 per person one way. If you'd like to make your own way there, and have freedom to roam when you're at the centre you can rent a hire car at a reasonable rate if you book in advance.

  • Yes! Bring a friend and receive a 15% discount off. Early Bird offer does not apply.

Book a call

I encourage you to book in a time to talk in depth about the retreat to answer any questions you may have.