Quinta do Rajo, Alentejo

Quinta do Rajo is an organic farm yoga and meditation retreat in the Alentejo plains of southern Portugal, set in a restored 19th-century quinta. The Alentejo is known for its wide, open landscapes of cork oak, olive groves and wheat fields, and the retreat uses this stillness as its backdrop. The mood is rural, unhurried and simple, with an emphasis on slowing down and reconnecting with the land.

The programme centres on twice-daily yoga classes and meditation, combined with olive grove walks and time on the working organic farm. Meals are farm-to-table vegetarian dishes made from produce grown on site or locally, and natural wine from the region is part of the experience. Stays last from three to seven days, with prices generally between €500 and €1,200 depending on length and room type.

Groups are kept small, with eight to twelve participants, which allows for personal attention from the yoga teachers and a communal atmosphere around shared meals. The restored quinta provides accommodation on site, so guests stay within the property for the duration of the retreat. As the item is a retreat rather than a day spa, the main facilities are the yoga space, the gardens and farm, and the surrounding countryside.

Booking is by advance reservation, as places are limited and retreats run on set dates. Visitors should check the schedule before travelling, since Alentejo summers are very hot and many guests prefer spring and autumn, when the countryside is greener and walking is more comfortable. A car is useful for reaching the quinta from Lisbon or the Alentejo coast.