Back to Herself - May 28-31, 2026
4 Days Away to Remember Who You Are
A gentle, restorative four-day retreat specifically designed for the busy woman who needs a real break from the to-dos, who craves time and space to rest, breathe, and hear herself again - with no pressure to perform, and zero expectation.
Do you ever feel like, even when you pause, your mind keeps racing from the invisible mental load of anticipating the needs of your family/children/partner ? Do you feel like you give to everyone, all the time, but barely have any time left to take care of yourself ?
What you truly crave is to be held instead of holding everything together, and to reconnect with the woman you are beneath the constant demands.
You don’t need more advice, or another thing to optimize, you need an invitation to just be, without anything to plan. If you feel like you’re exhausted, but rest feels out of reach, this retreat may be just what you need to pause and step back to better return.
Back to Herself is a restorative wellness retreat for women on the edge of burnout - emotionally, mentally, or energetically.
Over four slow days in the countryside, you’ll be guided into rest and reflection through:
Grounding, accessible yoga practices (no experience required)
Guided personal writing to help you reconnect with your inner world
Spacious time for rest, silence, and integration
A calm, supportive environment where nothing is mandatory, and everything is optional.
In short, this a time where You Do You ! Rejuvenation is the priority.
📅 Thursday May 28th to Sunday May 31st
📍 Grandola, Portugal — 90min south of Lisbon
A peaceful venue in the heart of Alentejo countryside for a long weekend of movement, nature, nourishment & rejuvenation.
Imagine waking up slowly, in your own time, not to a child calling your name… Imagine having had a full night of sleep, without someone asking for you in the middle of the night… Imagine a sun-lit room and the softest bed, entirely for yourself.
Do you remember the last time you had a quiet morning on your own terms, without anyone to tend to before yourself ?
An invitation to reconnect with yourself
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An invitation to reconnect with yourself 〰️
YOUR HOST
Bonjour ! I’m Pauline, and I will be your host on this fabulous retreat. I am a certified Yoga & Meditation instructor with over 500 hours of training - and I’m also a mom to two amazing kids, whom I love deeply and sometimes also need a break from ;)
My work is rooted in supporting the unique needs of women through major life transitions using yoga, meditation, mindfulness, community, and retreat experiences for holistic wellbeing.
After a first professional career in retail tech between New York and Los Angeles, I moved to Lisbon with my family in 2023 and changed everything in pursuit of a slower, more soulful and more aligned lifestyle.
Since then, I’ve been teaching group, private and corporate yoga classes weekly in Lisbon, and I’ve led a dozen wellness retreats in Portugal, for international groups of all backgrounds.
From tech to wellness, from the US to Portugal, from disconnected to embodied. Voilà !
“Pauline’s class is absolutely amazing! I really appreciate how she allows each student to move at their own pace while still providing clear and professional guidance. Her expertise and calm energy make every session so enjoyable and motivating. In other yoga classes, I often felt rushed trying to keep up, but in her class, I can truly focus on my own body and breath. It’s one of the best yoga experiences I’ve ever had!”
LOCATION
Located just 90 minutes south of Lisbon (125 km), between Grândola and Comporta, the Monte das Casolas tranquil estate is set in an oak forest surrounded by rolling hills, unspoiled beaches and landscapes that shift from lush green in winter to golden hues in summer, offering a serene haven for relaxation, creativity, and connection with nature.
Whether seeking inspiration, stillness,or hands-on artistic expression, guests can unwind in this tranquil setting, far from the rush of city life, and reconnect with themselves through nature and creativity.
On the grounds, enjoy an oval pool inspired by nature, an open-air yoga shala, and shaded spots under ancient olive trees. Created for rest and reconnection, it’s a place to slow down and enjoy the essentials in an exceptional natural setting.
ACCOMODATION
3 casolas or small houses are available for our group for this retreat; whitewashed houses, designed with simplicity and sustainability in mind, offering modern comfort and blending seamlessly into the landscape.
All casolas are identical in size and layout, with 3 bedrooms in each. You’ll be sharing the common areas of your casola with 2 other participants, and you have your own private room and bathroom.
BEDROOMS
Each room has a double bed and a private bathroom, and for this retreat, unless you are coming as a couple, you will not be sharing your room with anyone else. Enjoy restful nights of sleep with no disruption !
Beds, mattresses and linens are of the highest quality to ensure the most rejuvenating nights and the windows in every room are framing the surrounding nature. The bathrooms are complete with a shower, sink, and toilet.
WHO THIS IS FOR
This retreat is for you if:
You feel emotionally depleted or constantly “on”
You miss yourself, but can’t name what’s missing
You crave rest more than answers
You feel guilty needing time away
You want reflection without pressure to share
WHO THIS IS NOT FOR
This retreat may not be right for you if:
You want a packed schedule or high-energy experience
You’re seeking intense emotional processing
You want someone to tell you what to do with your life
You’re looking for quick, dramatic transformation
You’re not open to slowness and quiet
FOOD
Great food is a pillar of a successful retreat ! Be assured that you will eat well, and enough, during your stay :)
All meals are homemade and prepared on-site daily by a private chef. Ingredients are seasonal, sourced locally, and organic for the most part. The cuisine is vegetarian, fresh and delicious and meals are shared by the group.
The menu is the same for everyone but we can of course accommodate specific dietary restrictions - please inform us ahead of time of any allergies or intolerances.
FULL SCHEDULE
Day 1 (Thursday):
3pm - Arrival & check-in. Rooms will be available at 3pm, you’re welcome to relax by the pool if you arrive earlier.
5pm - Introductions, opening circle and setting a few intentions to begin.
5.45-7pm - Yin-Yang yoga: a gentle movement and relaxation practice to fully arrive and anchor ourselves in the present moment.
7.30pm - Family-style dinner, getting to know each other while sharing a hearty meal.
Day 2 (Friday):
Light breakfast: fresh fruits, nuts, herbal teas, coffee, tea.
8.30-10.30am - Hatha Yoga, a 2-hour grounding practice on the theme of Root & Rebound. Accessible to all levels.
11am - Nourishing, healthy and delicious Brunch.
1-4.30pm - Free time: read, rest, relax, swim, explore, you do you :)
4.30-6pm - Journaling workshop: exploring the act of writing as a mindfulness tool.
6-7.15pm - Restorative yoga, a relaxing practice where we hold poses for several minutes, allowing for deep stretch & release, on the theme of the Air element.
7.30pm - Delicious family-style dinner & bonfire chats.
Day 3 (Saturday):
Light breakfast: fresh fruits, nuts, herbal teas, coffee, tea.
8.30-10am - Dynamic morning Yoga flow practice to energize, stretch and strengthen, on the theme of Transitions.
10.15am - Morning swim in the pool.
11am - Nourishing, healthy and delicious Brunch.
12 - 2pm - Quiet time: read, rest, relax, explore, you do you :)
2 - 5.30pm: Guided Hike with a local guide to explore the area.
6-7.15pm - Yoga Nidra (or the Yoga of sleep) with Tibetan bowls, a lying-down practice for total relaxation.
7.30pm - Family-style dinner & stargazing.
Day 4 (Sunday):
Light breakfast: fresh fruits, nuts, herbal teas, coffee, tea.
8-9.30am: Morning Meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises) to fully integrate the learnings of our wellness weekend.
10-11am - Nourishing, healthy and delicious Brunch.
11-12pm - Room checkout by 12pm, you are welcome to enjoy the venue until 3pm.
12.30pm - Closing circle, reflecting on the benefits of the 4 days spent together.
1.30-3pm - Departure of participants. Transportation to Lisbon airport or city center can be arranged for a fee.
Step away from daily life and back into your own energy
〰️
Step away from daily life and back into your own energy 〰️
How incredible would it feel to step out of your daily whirlwind and finally reconnect with a clearer, lighter, more energized version of yourself? On this retreat, through intentional pauses, grounding practices, and deeply restorative moments, you’ll be guided back to a place of inner spaciousness - where your mind quiets, your body unwinds, and your spirit begins to rise again.
Here, you’re not carrying anyone else’s needs. You’re not rushing, juggling, or stretching yourself thin. Instead, you’ll receive gentle guidance and nurturing experiences that help you release the noise and return to your center, so you can move forward feeling refreshed, renewed, and wholly yourself.
This is your chance to step away from the pace of everyday life, and step back into your own energy !
WHAT’S INCLUDED
4 days / 3 nights in a premium eco-lodge in nature
Your own private bedroom (with a queen-size bed) & private bathroom
Local, vegetarian, nourishing and delicious meals
5 yoga classes, accessible to all levels, no previous experience required
A guided hike
A meditation & breathwork session
A writing workshop
A thoughtful gift-bag
Fireside conversations, wellness talks, community and plenty of time to unplug and do you !
Supported, but never crowded. Held, but never pushed.
“Pauline teaches yoga with sincerity, kindness and gentleness that’s not so easy to find now that yoga has become more and more commercial. I always enjoy both of her energetic vinyasa and slower yin/yang classes – especially since every week has a new theme and we focus on different areas of the body, different postures, goals and intentions. ”
FAQ
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No. This retreat is accessible to all levels, and I truly mean that.
A lot of people discover yoga during a retreat, and it’s actually the best introduction to it, in my opinion !
I always adapt the classes to whoever is in the room, offer modifications and help you adjust as needed depending on your unique body.
The movement is gentle and optional. Resting is always welcome.
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No. Sharing is never required, always optional.
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No. This retreat focuses on rest, slow movement, reflection, and nervous system regulation - not deep processing.
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That feeling is common - and welcome here. Many women arrive with guilt and leave with clarity and compassion for themselves.
Only when we tend to ourselves can we lovingly tend to others.
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Oh yes ! I love to eat as well ! The first time I went on a retreat I had packed snacks and chocolate in my bag, but I never got to open them…
Food and nourishment are essential to our wellbeing, so rest assured you won’t leave the table feeling hungry, and everything will be yummy !
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Comfortable clothing for the yoga practices, walking shoes for the hike, sunscreen, a hat, a bathing suit, any prescription drugs or medication you’re taking, and an open heart ;)
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Yes, of course ! Sharing is caring and sharing a retreat with a loved one only enhances the experience.
Please inform me if you’re coming with someone so we can accommodate the rooming accordingly.
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Unfortunately at this time, I’m not in a capacity to offer payment options.
The deposit must be paid in advance to reserve your spot and the remainder is due 2 months before the start date.
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No, travel expenses to the venue are not included. If you need transportation from and to Lisbon airport or city center, I can arrange it for you for a fee (around 50€/trip).
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We will practice yoga, which is a spiritual practice, and we do sing OM in the beginning of my classes, but I have a very accessible and “open to all” approach to yoga.
My classes and retreats are inclusive and grounding, not dogmatic or devotional.
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You don’t have to deserve rest. You’re allowed to need it.
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Most women describe feeling steadier, clearer, and more present - not euphoric, but grounded.
Previous participants have reported feeling the effects of a retreat last for several months until after it ended :)
✨ Price: 890 €/person - includes 3 nights in a private room, all meals and all activities listed in the program.
🐣 Early-bird pricing: 790 €/person if paid in full before February 14th.
🤍 Limited to 9 participants only.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
❎ Your airfare for the journey, covering the round trip from your home to Grandola.
❎ Taxis or transportation in Portugal. I can help you arrange it for a fee, please contact me about it directly.
❎ Additional expenses not covered include massages or other extra activities not listed in the schedule.
❎ Personal, medical, or trip cancellation insurance is not included in the package. I recommend getting travel insurance for your trip.
TERMS & CONDITIONS AND CANCELLATION POLICY
A non-refundable deposit of 300 € is required at the time of booking. This deposit serves to minimize no-shows and secure spaces for other participants. The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than April 1st, 2026.
After this date, refunds will not be possible, and if you need to cancel your trip for personal reasons or a medical issue, this would have to be covered by your travel insurance.
ASK ME ALL YOUR QUESTIONS !
About the retreat, the location, the rooms, the program or anything else: I’m here to help !
When was the last time you did something just for yourself ?
〰️
When was the last time you did something just for yourself ? 〰️
TESTIMONIALS
“I’ve been looking for a class with such quality and gentleness for a long time, I love this format. Pauline is gentle, gives space to Pranayama and presence, which is very rare these days in many classes that only focus on asanas. I’ve signed up for all her upcoming classes and I’m delighted!”
“Pauline has a gentle, grounded and calming approach to her classes, she has a way of creating an environment of non judgement that allows you to fully focus on your body’s needs. One on one or in a group setting, Pauline enables a space for healing and for self care. Highly recommend !”
“Pauline’s Wednesday morning classes have become a true anchor in my week. The small group setting creates a peaceful, almost private atmosphere—perfect for reconnecting with yourself. Her calm and steady voice gently guides the practice, supported by a beautifully chosen music playlist. Each session follows a monthly theme, with a focus on a specific area of the body, bringing depth and intention to the class. The sequences are well-balanced: accessible and grounding, yet with just enough challenge to grow within your limits.
Pauline brings a lovely mix of professionalism, simplicity, and genuine warmth. Always smiling, she shares her passion with clarity and grace. A wonderful way to begin the day and set a positive, balanced tone for the rest of the week :-)”
OTHER QUESTIONS
Still have questions for me ? Please send them my way by filling out the form below and I’ll reply within 24 hours.
