Portugal LOGISTICS AND TRAVEL INFORMATION

Are you already dreaming of our retreat in Portugal? We are, and we can’t wait to see you there! Below are some logistics and packing information. We hope it answers all of your questions and if it doesn’t, please feel free to reach out at any time. We are here for you all along the way!

 

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

US citizens will need a passport for entry into Portugal. The passport should have at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date and have two blank pages for stamps. A visa is only required if you are staying longer than 90 days. 

Please make a copy or take a photo of your passport and email it to yourself so you have one on file.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES & GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Transportation between the retreat center and Lisbon Airport is included on the first and last day of the retreat.

We will be arranging group transfers from/to the Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), which is the main international airport 7 km from Lisbon. We recommend arriving in Lisbon in the morning or by 2pm on the first day of the retreat! On the last day, please make sure to book your flight departing Lisbon from 2pm or later!

Check in on Day 1 starts from 4pm and we will begin our opening circle after dinner. On the last day, we will finish after breakfast, and check out will be at 11am.

If you arrive days earlier or stay after the retreat, there are plenty of boutique hotels and AirBnBs to stay at in Lisbon. If you want to stay at an AirBnB before or after the retreat, you can use this link for a discount if it’s your first time!

IN CASE OF TROUBLES ON DAY OF TRAVEL

Should you have flight delays or other troubles on the day of travel, please contact us as soon as possible.

Email: hello@revampretreats.com

 

PAYMENT

The credit card on file will be charged for the final retreat balance 60 days prior to the retreat. All payment is non-refundable. If you have any questions, email hello@revampretreats.com.

 

GETTING READY FOR YOUR TRIP  

 

PACKING YOUR BAGS

We highly suggest you pack light. You will not want to have to lug around a lot of excess luggage. Keep valuables to an absolute minimum. Revamp Retreats is not responsible for any lost or stolen items including important paperwork such as passports. Think less is more! Some more packing tips below:

1.     We recommend a sturdy bag, easy to pull or push or carry. Rolling clothes instead of normal folding works wonders too in saving space.

2.     Carry your daypack with you on the first day as your carry on. Keep your valuables in your daypack- i.e.: passport, money, ticket, journal, etc.  We recommend you pack one set of clothes in it should your suitcase get lost.

 

SOME PACKING SUGGESTIONS:

·       Yoga outfits for hot/warm yoga outside

·       Light casual pants and shorts

·       Long sleeved layering shirt and t-shirts

·       Sweater or warm pull over for the plane

·       Windbreaker and light / thin rain jacket

·       Underwear / socks

·       Comfortable hiking/walking shoes

·       Flip flops or house shoes if you don’t like to walk around barefoot

·       Pajamas

·       Bathing suits

·       Casual day wear & day dress/swim wrap

·       1 outfit for ceremony

·       1 day pack (a small backpack you can carry with you on our treks)

·       Insect repellent

·       Toiletries (sunblock, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, face wash, flosses, anti-bacterial spray, etc. Think travel size and if possible biodegradable please!

·       Writing journal, a good book, and pens

·       Sunglasses

·       Eye mask, ear plugs, small mirror

·       Visor/hat/baseball cap

·       Reusable water bottle

·       Any medications needed, allergy medicine

·       Hair ties, bandannas, or other things to keep your hair out of your face.

·       1 light travel yoga mat if you like to use your own (optional: the retreat center has all yoga mats and props provided!)

·       Passport and copy of passport, photo ID, credit card, cash 

·       Power plug adapter - Power plugs and sockets in Portugal are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Above all else, keep it light!

 WELLNESS

Your health and well-being is extremely important to us. To stay healthy with all the travel and switching time zones, it’s important to keep your immune system and your belly happy. Here are a few tips:

  • Supplements:

    • Probiotics (to regulate your immune system)

    • Activated Charcoal (if you get a stomach bug or need a quick, effective detox)

    • Magnesium (to sleep and relax)

    • Elderberry (to boost immunity)

  • Sleep Gear:

    • Eye mask

    • Ear plugs

  • Snacks

    • If you have food sensitivities, low blood sugar or love to snack, bring some healthy snacks with you!

  • Flying

    • For a wellness-focused and comfortable flying experience, check out our tips here!

INSURANCE

Revamp Retreats does not cover the theft, loss, or damage of personal property and equipment of trip participants. We suggest you confirm with your insurance carrier that they would cover the costs if your items are stolen, lost, or damaged while on your trip. We also highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Please bring a copy of your insurance documents.

 

MONEY & TIPPING (GRATUITIES)

Local currency in Portugal is Euro (€). The retreat center and lots of places in Portugal accept Euro, cash only. Please bring cash (Euro) for additional expenses, personal items, snacks, tipping and souvenirs. We highly recommend exchanging cash at the airport or pull money out of an ATM located in the arrival terminal after you arrive.

Make sure you look up exchange rates during your stay and also check fees for Exchange Centers and ATMs.

Tipping in Portugal: You have the option to not leave any tip at all. However, restaurants expect a 10% tip on each bill—although it's not a formal rule, so you are free to decide what amount you would like to tip.

EXCURSIONS AND MASSAGES

There will be opportunities to partake in excursions and massages during your retreat.  There will also be free time to explore the area! Please pack comfortable walking/hiking shoes.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT Portugal

 

A LITTLE ON CASA NA FERRARIA

Welcome to your home for the week! Casa Na Ferraria is a renovated farm and retreat venue, offering inspiration and community for the modern traveler. About half an hour's drive south of Lisbon by the magnificent blue lagoon Lago De Albuferia, the air is filled with the perfume of eucalyptus trees. Strolls through native forests will make you forget that you are just miles away from the city.

Casa Na Ferraria consists of three separate houses, each one with carefully designed bedrooms and equipped with thoughtful details to enjoy a silent, peaceful, and beautiful time.

Everything is made to allow you to unwind and reset into a more balanced, natural lifestyle. The homes are filled with natural light and plenty of space to spend outside of your classes and workshops. There are two swimming pools and two hot tubs onsite as well as a clear light infrared sauna, a permaculture garden, and walking paths in every direction. Each meal will be prepared by a private chef, catered around nourishing the body + mind with fresh, local ingredients!

Each day is a celebration, where you will practice surrounded by tranquil landscapes, a perfect blend of peace and natural wonder to reconnect. A 100 square meter outdoor yoga deck nestled in nature, providing a stunning view of the surrounding field, a 250 square meter indoor yoga space, a dedicated massage room, carefully chosen amenities using handmade and natural soap products using raw ingredients and sustainable packaging that you will find in each of the houses. From the moment you arrive, the beauty of the buildings, the old renovated houses, the old rejuvenated wood, the soft colors, the delicious food, the sunlight. It all feels warm, it all feels at peace.

Casa Na Ferraria is situated 5 km from the stunning nature reserve Lagoa de Albufeira, an area that is known for its beautiful blue lagoons with white-sandy beaches, breathtaking trekking opportunities, and untouched wildlife. The breathtaking Atlantic coast of Portugal, with cliffs, trails, and sandy coves, is about 10 km or a bike ride away. It's pure magic. 

LOCATION AND TIME ZONE OF PORTUGAL

During summer, Portugal is on WEST — Western European Summer Time (GMT+1), which is 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST).

 

SAFETY

As it would be traveling to any foreign country, one must remember to be safe and respectful of other customs and situations.  If this is your first experience traveling abroad, please be aware in public places, and keep a close watch on your belongings.  You really won’t want to bring any unnecessary valuables. Leave all of it at home that isn’t essential.

 

INTERNET / TELEPHONE SERVICE

Once we arrive at our retreat site, we encourage you to disconnect as much as possible. 

Feel free to get any international plans if you would like to have calling/text/data during your trip. A lot of phone carriers now include Portugal as part of their phone plans. You can call your carrier to check ahead of time.

Casa Na Ferraria will have internet in some locations on property if you need to connect.

 

TEMPERATURE

The average temperature in Portugal during this time is mid to high 68 - 86 degrees F.

 

CRITTERS

Critters may be prominent in the area we are staying. There are also a few mosquitos in Portugal but nothing really serious that makes you change your life and usually it happens more in green, humid areas. Albufeira is in the south of Portugal which is much more hot and dry despite being next the sea and ocean.

Please keep your eyes open, but remember that many of the insects are harmless. Be prepared with closed toed shoes and clothing to cover your self with in case of any problems. Be sure to pack bug spray (natural or deet). There are also great natural salves for bug bites that can help with itching – you may want to bring one of these!

When leaving your room and bathroom at night please turn off all lights. It will help to keep the bugs away. Conserve energy and have less bugs, it’s a win-win!

 

FOOD

We believe in eating delicious local and healthy meals on our retreat. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of local, freshly prepared food.  If there are any dietary restrictions, please let us know ahead of time so we can inform the local chef we will be working with.  

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST… HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO BE A CONSCIOUS TRAVELER:

Go with the flow: When traveling abroad things might not always go your way. Flights may be delayed, luggage lost, languages misunderstood. It is all part of the adventure, try your best to be okay with whatever comes up and embrace it as part of the journey. Practice patience and find humor in unexpected situations.

Respect the culture: Do some research to where you are going before you arrive. Respect the locals and their way of life (and ALSO respect the animals and wildlife). It is also great to learn a few words before arriving- please, thank you, hello. It will be greatly appreciated by the locals.

Keep an open mind: There is so much to learn from others who live differently and do things differently than we do. Take the time to try new things and enjoy the local food and customs. Slow down, relax, and take it all in.

Have fun: This trip is for YOU…. to relax and unwind, to dive in deep, to get to know yourself better, and to connect with others.  Notice what comes up for you during the retreat.  It may feel emotional, exciting, difficult… whatever comes up, embrace it.  The schedule will be full of activities but also know when you need to take time alone to reflect, read, nap, or just do nothing.  We are here for you on this journey and our mission is to spark passion and inspiration for your path and life purpose.  Let us know how we can support you.

 

We hope this fully prepares you for an exciting trip to come!