Silent Retreat

A week of deep meditation and silence

October 27 – November 1

Hello friends,

We are excited to announce this opportunity to join us on a silent retreat. During these days, we will embark on a deep journey together through meditation — completely silent, without eye contact or screens. We will let go of words and doing, and come together from sunrise to sunset, exploring our inner world in shared silence and contemplation.

Silent retreats have been a common practice since ancient times, allowing us to enter deep states of meditation that are often inaccessible amidst the busyness and responsibilities of daily life. By reducing sensory input and practicing self-observation over an extended period, we create the space to heal on a profound level, gain deeper insight into who we truly are, and find clarity about what truly matters in life.

…At the beautiful Karuna Retreat Centre…

Tucked away in the mountains of Monchique, South Portugal, Karuna is a meditation center with a truly special energy. With wide views over the Algarve coast and a spacious wooden hall for practice, it offers the peace and simplicity needed for deep inner work.

The land was chosen by an Indian yogi who completed a 3-year, 3-month, and 3-day retreat here — after which he built the centre. Since then, it has remained a place dedicated to silence, presence, and transformation.

Silent Retreat Schedule

Unlike other silent retreats that are more rigorous and exclude movement or pranayama, this retreat includes gentle movement and breathing sessions to open and harmonize the system in support of your meditation journey.

Where some retreats involve up to 12 hours of meditation a day, we offer a lighter, more accessible schedule, suitable for most people.

While other retreats can feel highly individual and may even leave participants a little disoriented afterwards, we emphasize community and integration, coming together to process and reflect on our experiences.

An overview

On the first day, we gather as a group to share our intentions and prepare for the journey ahead. In a short ceremony, we hand in our phones, books, and laptops, creating the space to retreat from daily life and enter fully into our silent journey.

Throughout the retreat, there is no communication or eye contact with others. The only spoken words come from the facilitators during the morning sessions, which include guided practices and a daily talk on meditation to deepen your understanding.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions by writing them down and placing them in a basket before the morning talk. There will also be time and space for personal journaling and reflection, if you wish.

On the final days, we begin gently opening the silence, creating room for integration, mindful conversation, and connection as a group.

  • 07:00 - 7:30 Meditation

  • 07:30 - 9:30 Gentle Yoga Asana & Qigong for all levels, Pranayama, Guided Meditation

  • 09:30 - 11:00 Mindful Breakfast

  • 11:00 - 12:00 Talk & Meditation Teachings

  • 12:00 - 13:00 Guided Meditation

  • 13:00 - 15:30 Mindful Lunch & Silent Break (time for rest, walking meditation, journaling)

  • 15:30 - 16:30 Meditation

  • 16:30 - 17:00 Tea break

  • 17:00 - 18:00 Sunset Meditation

  • 18:30 - 20:00 Mindful Dinner

  • 20:30 - 21:00 Meditation/Yoga Nidra

  • 21:00 - Lights off

“The self cannot be found in books. You have to find it in yourself for yourself.” - Ramana Maharshi

Requisites

A silent retreat is a powerful experience of inner transformation. To support the depth and safety of the process, we kindly ask that participants meet the following prerequisites:

  • You have some prior experience with traditional Eastern meditation practices

  • Or you have familiarized yourself with the content of the Awakening Meditation Course

  • You have a regular meditation practice (or begin establishing one at least 40 days prior to the retreat)

  • You feel comfortable with early mornings, silence, and a focused daily rhythm

  • You are open to personal reflection, inner work, and group exercises (only on day 1 and the final day)

  • You abstain from alcohol, cigarettes, and other intoxicants during the retreat and in the lead-up

  • You commit to attending the full program and all sessions

  • You are emotionally stable and mentally able to participate in a full schedule of meditation

If you have experienced significant psychological challenges in the past — such as psychosis or schizophrenia — or are currently navigating a vulnerable phase, we encourage you to consult with a mental health professional or reach out to us before applying. In some cases, a different kind of support may be more suitable at this time.

Accommodation

You’ll be staying at the Karuna Retreat Centre, in one of the many beautiful rooms available. The property is spacious, with plenty of indoor and outdoor areas to relax, reflect, or enjoy time alone.

Accommodation includes same-gender shared rooms (double or triple occupancy). Private rooms are very limited and available upon request.

Enrollment & Participation Fee

Spaces for this immersion are limited to 30 people, to ensure an intimate and supportive experience.


The participation fee includes the full program, daily guidance, and shared meals throughout the immersion.

Shared Room – €650
Private Room – €1150

How to Register

  1. To register, send us an email using the button below and let us know which retreat dates you’d like to join.

  2. Reserve your spot with a €400 down payment using the link below.
    Once we receive your payment, your spot is confirmed, and you’ll receive all the info you need to prepare.

  3. The remaining balance is due one month before the immersion begins.

Getting to Karuna – Monchique

  • We understand that life can be unpredictable. If something comes up and you’re no longer able to join, here’s how cancellations are handled:

    • The down payment is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another course or retreat within 12 months

    • If you cancel more than 30 days before the start of the immersion, any additional payments made (beyond the down payment) will be refunded

    • If you cancel less than 30 days before the immersion, we’re unable to offer a refund, as preparations and bookings will already be in place

    • Any changes to bookings (such as transferring your spot to another date or person) will include a €40 administration fee

    • Any changes to bookings (such as transferring your spot to another date or person) will include a €40 administration fee

    If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. We're here to help.

Cancellation

  • The silent retreat takes place at Karuna Retreat Centre, a secluded meditation sanctuary nestled in the forested hills of Monchique. Surrounded by nature, panoramic views, and a deep sense of stillness, it’s an ideal place to step away from daily life and turn inward.

    Closest Airport:

    – Faro Airport (FAO): Approx. 1 hour by car

    – Lisbon Airport (LIS): Approx. 3.5 to 4 hours by car

    How to Get Here:

    – By car: The most flexible option, especially if you want to explore the area before or after the retreat

    – By shared taxi/shuttle: We’ll help connect participants interested in ride-sharing

    – By public transport: Buses run from Faro and Lisbon to Monchique or Portimão. We can support you with travel planning if needed

  • – Please arrive not earlier than 16:00 and not later than 18:00 on the first day

    – The retreat ends before noon on the final day

    Once your spot is confirmed, you’ll receive the full address, travel tips, and a detailed packing list.

    If you’re coming from abroad, we recommend arriving in Portugal 1–2 days early to rest, settle in, and begin your transition into the retreat space with ease.