'Rise Up!'
Reclaim your vitality & vibrancy!
Portugal
23rd - 29th May, 2026
with
Sarah Powell & Jacalyn Prete
This gorgeous retreat 'Rise Up' promises to be a journey of profound healing and self-discovery as you experience the combined wisdom of two seasoned Anusara yoga teachers. Jacalyn and I have come together to co-create and beautiful week for you full of experiences to help you align, nourish and reclaim your vitality! We have crafted a week that with our unique blend of expertise will allow you to explore all aspects of yourself ... physical, emotional and spiritual.
This retreat includes a whole variety of yoga practices that go waaayy beyond the mat—my co-teacher Jacalyn is also an Ayurvedic health coach, and she will offer insights and workshops to help you balance your body and mind through the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Together, we will create a nurturing space where movement, breath, and nourishment align to awaken your inner radiance and vitality.
Throughout the 6 days, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of inspiring early morning meditations, invigorating Anusara hatha yoga, grounding evening practices and sound baths, and nourishing Ayurvedic wisdom tailored to your individual constitution. Jacalyn's expertise in Ayurveda will provide you with practical tools to balance your energy, enhance digestion, and cultivate vibrant health.
So, whether you’re seeking to deepen your practice, restore balance, or simply reconnect with yourself, this retreat offers a holistic pathway to transformation. Come and experience the magic of movement, mindfulness, and Ayurvedic nourishment as we guide you toward lasting vitality and vibrancy in your life!
A yoga retreat magnifies the fabulous benefits of your regular weekly practice tenfold! Think of the fabulous feelings that come after an hours practice ... the clarity of mind it brings, the bodily ease and the renewed spring to your step, the savasana bliss-out ... then multiply that by seven days away and the results are truly powerful!
Yoga retreats pause time. Allowing space for you to reflect and ponder, to journal, to stretch and move, to laugh with like minded people, to hide away a while, to eat well, to sleep deeply and to step outside of the daily churn. On retreat you can simply be you ... ditch the labels (leave behind your role, your job title, your family position, the labels you give yourself) and start listening to your heart space.
The luxury of being in a beautiful yoga setting, in a natural space that calms the soul will help you focus inward and gives offers you an increased capacity to indulge in what you love. Having me on hand for the entire week will give you the confidence to play a little more with poses, get curious about technique, discuss the nuances, and develop all aspects of your personal yoga practice. I see students on retreat evolve and refine their yoga in all ways. Bodies begin to open up, emotions settle and spirits life as the week progresses and there is always a little transformative sparkle in the eyes at the end of the week.
This retreat includes a whole variety of yoga practices that go waaayy beyond the mat—my co-teacher Jacalyn is also an Ayurvedic health coach, and she will offer insights and workshops to help you balance your body and mind through the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Together, we will create a nurturing space where movement, breath, and nourishment align to awaken your inner radiance and vitality.
Throughout the 6 days, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of inspiring early morning meditations, invigorating Anusara hatha yoga, grounding evening practices and sound baths, and nourishing Ayurvedic wisdom tailored to your individual constitution. Jacalyn's expertise in Ayurveda will provide you with practical tools to balance your energy, enhance digestion, and cultivate vibrant health.
So, whether you’re seeking to deepen your practice, restore balance, or simply reconnect with yourself, this retreat offers a holistic pathway to transformation. Come and experience the magic of movement, mindfulness, and Ayurvedic nourishment as we guide you toward lasting vitality and vibrancy in your life!
A yoga retreat magnifies the fabulous benefits of your regular weekly practice tenfold! Think of the fabulous feelings that come after an hours practice ... the clarity of mind it brings, the bodily ease and the renewed spring to your step, the savasana bliss-out ... then multiply that by seven days away and the results are truly powerful!
Yoga retreats pause time. Allowing space for you to reflect and ponder, to journal, to stretch and move, to laugh with like minded people, to hide away a while, to eat well, to sleep deeply and to step outside of the daily churn. On retreat you can simply be you ... ditch the labels (leave behind your role, your job title, your family position, the labels you give yourself) and start listening to your heart space.
The luxury of being in a beautiful yoga setting, in a natural space that calms the soul will help you focus inward and gives offers you an increased capacity to indulge in what you love. Having me on hand for the entire week will give you the confidence to play a little more with poses, get curious about technique, discuss the nuances, and develop all aspects of your personal yoga practice. I see students on retreat evolve and refine their yoga in all ways. Bodies begin to open up, emotions settle and spirits life as the week progresses and there is always a little transformative sparkle in the eyes at the end of the week.
Your dedicated teachers ... Sarah & Jacalyn
Sarah Powell
I've been teaching for over 18 years now, so you are in safe and experienced hands! I'm an Experience Certified Anusara® Yoga (ECAT) and a Sound Healer, and my passion is for teaching this spiritually uplifting and inspiring hatha yoga classes. I will include both challenging poses, as well as easeful restorative classes, sound baths and meditations, all with the spiritual aim of guiding you to start looking for the good, to fall in love with the roller-coaster of life and trust your body and life flow. The yoga will help you tap into your physical strength, find emotional calm, and explore your spirituality.
I encourage you not to take yourself, or life, too seriously, which acts in perfect balance with the Anusara Yoga safe, well aligned yoga system. The combination is perfect to stimulate and motivate you physically, mentally and spirituality ... all of that with a smile on your face and having the best time!
I can't wait to help you explore and deepen your yoga practice with daily Anusara® Yoga (hatha & restorative), pranayama, meditations and sound baths on this retreat.
I encourage you not to take yourself, or life, too seriously, which acts in perfect balance with the Anusara Yoga safe, well aligned yoga system. The combination is perfect to stimulate and motivate you physically, mentally and spirituality ... all of that with a smile on your face and having the best time!
I can't wait to help you explore and deepen your yoga practice with daily Anusara® Yoga (hatha & restorative), pranayama, meditations and sound baths on this retreat.
Jacalyn Prete
Jacalyn is a Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher, Health Coach & Holistic Healer
Join Jacalyn on a journey of deep transformation, healing, and renewal. A certified Anusara Yoga teacher since 2001, Jacalyn has led teacher trainings and therapeutic yoga experiences across Europe, Japan, China, the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica. Her teaching weaves together decades of experience with a soulful, grounded presence that invites you to connect, realign, and rediscover your body’s natural wisdom.
Jacalyn’s approach is richly informed by her work as a massage therapist and her own profound healing story—recovering from a serious bike accident and navigating life with a hip replacement. Her sessions blend precise alignment, therapeutic movement, and compassionate guidance to support every level of practitioner.
As a certified health coach and founder of The Vibrant Living Tribe, Jacalyn offers practical tools from Ayurveda, yoga, and functional movement to help you let go of limiting habits, experience natural weight loss without dieting, and reconnect with vibrant health—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In this retreat to Portugal, Jacalyn will hold space for you to restore your energy, reclaim your vitality, and step into your most radiant self.
Join Jacalyn on a journey of deep transformation, healing, and renewal. A certified Anusara Yoga teacher since 2001, Jacalyn has led teacher trainings and therapeutic yoga experiences across Europe, Japan, China, the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica. Her teaching weaves together decades of experience with a soulful, grounded presence that invites you to connect, realign, and rediscover your body’s natural wisdom.
Jacalyn’s approach is richly informed by her work as a massage therapist and her own profound healing story—recovering from a serious bike accident and navigating life with a hip replacement. Her sessions blend precise alignment, therapeutic movement, and compassionate guidance to support every level of practitioner.
As a certified health coach and founder of The Vibrant Living Tribe, Jacalyn offers practical tools from Ayurveda, yoga, and functional movement to help you let go of limiting habits, experience natural weight loss without dieting, and reconnect with vibrant health—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In this retreat to Portugal, Jacalyn will hold space for you to restore your energy, reclaim your vitality, and step into your most radiant self.
The Anusara Yoga Practice
Through daily meditation and twice daily Anusara® yoga practices, Jacalyn and Sarah will treat you to experiencing yoga on all its traditional levels. From a physical practice (that will be appropriately adjusted for all bodies, woven into some mythology and story telling!), to the emotional and spiritual practices of pranayama and meditation, as well as some wonderful health & wellness gems from Jacalyn! A week dedicated to these practices will really help you reset, re-evaluate and return to your life invigorated.
The unique combination of Sarah and Jacalyn is set to be a powerful and joyful mix ... we are both truly excited about working together! Drawing on inspiration from the vitality and vigour of the Hindu pantheon of goddesses. Sarah has some wonderfully empowering stories to share ... explaining these ancient stories in a relevant and entertaining way to help you, a modern house-holder yogi feel into their messages and contemplate their meanings and how they can be applied to our modern lives.
We are all different, and I will cater to all levels of yogi and all energy levels. For those of you with heaps of energy - this retreat will help you explore that further, harness it and focus it towards for finding a clear, positive purpose. Others of you may be feeling tired or even rundown - so for you, this will be the perfect chance to get some well deserved rest, allow us to help you lean in to a quieter place and enjoy gentler options (which will always be given).
The unique combination of Sarah and Jacalyn is set to be a powerful and joyful mix ... we are both truly excited about working together! Drawing on inspiration from the vitality and vigour of the Hindu pantheon of goddesses. Sarah has some wonderfully empowering stories to share ... explaining these ancient stories in a relevant and entertaining way to help you, a modern house-holder yogi feel into their messages and contemplate their meanings and how they can be applied to our modern lives.
We are all different, and I will cater to all levels of yogi and all energy levels. For those of you with heaps of energy - this retreat will help you explore that further, harness it and focus it towards for finding a clear, positive purpose. Others of you may be feeling tired or even rundown - so for you, this will be the perfect chance to get some well deserved rest, allow us to help you lean in to a quieter place and enjoy gentler options (which will always be given).
Through daily meditation and twice daily Anusara® yoga practices, Jackie and Sarah will treat you to experiencing yoga on all its traditional levels. From a physical practice (that will be appropriately adjusted for all bodies, woven into some mythology and story telling!), to the emotional and spiritual practices of pranayama and meditation, as well as some wonderful health & wellness gems from Jackie! A week dedicated to these practices will really help you reset, re-evaluate and return to your life invigorated.
The unique combination of Sarah and Jackie styles is set to be a powerful mix! Drawing on inspiration from the vitality and vigour of the goddess Durga. Sarah has some wonderfully empowering stories about this vibrant goddess ... explaining these ancient stories in a a relevant and entertaining way to help you, a modern house-holder yogi feel into their messages and contemplate their meanings and how they can be applied to our modern lives.
We are all different, and I will cater to all levels of yogi and all energy levels. For those of you with heaps of energy - this retreat will help you explore that further, harness it and focus it towards for finding a clear, positive purpose. Others of you may be feeling tired or even rundown - so for you, this will be the perfect chance to get some well deserved rest, allow us to help you lean in to a quieter place and enjoy gentler options (which will always be given).
We will delve into 2 inspiring yoga practices a day - an energising practice in the morning before breakfast, and a restorative & meditative, nourishing practice in the evening as the sun goes down. There will also be early morning meditations and an evening yoga nidra to truly find a place of inner, silence and stillness and the best nights sleep ever!
The unique combination of Sarah and Jackie styles is set to be a powerful mix! Drawing on inspiration from the vitality and vigour of the goddess Durga. Sarah has some wonderfully empowering stories about this vibrant goddess ... explaining these ancient stories in a a relevant and entertaining way to help you, a modern house-holder yogi feel into their messages and contemplate their meanings and how they can be applied to our modern lives.
We are all different, and I will cater to all levels of yogi and all energy levels. For those of you with heaps of energy - this retreat will help you explore that further, harness it and focus it towards for finding a clear, positive purpose. Others of you may be feeling tired or even rundown - so for you, this will be the perfect chance to get some well deserved rest, allow us to help you lean in to a quieter place and enjoy gentler options (which will always be given).
We will delve into 2 inspiring yoga practices a day - an energising practice in the morning before breakfast, and a restorative & meditative, nourishing practice in the evening as the sun goes down. There will also be early morning meditations and an evening yoga nidra to truly find a place of inner, silence and stillness and the best nights sleep ever!
OUR APPROXIMATE DAILY SCHEDULE
Please note this schedule is tentative ...
7:30 am Morning Meditation
8am Breakfast
10 - 12noon Morning Anusara Hatha Yoga
12:30pm Lunch
4pm - 5:45pm Restorative / Gentle Yoga
6 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9pm Satsang, journalling, sharing
This schedule is subject to tweaks and on one afternoon we plan to take a trip out either to the beach or a nearby town!
Please note this schedule is tentative ...
7:30 am Morning Meditation
8am Breakfast
10 - 12noon Morning Anusara Hatha Yoga
12:30pm Lunch
4pm - 5:45pm Restorative / Gentle Yoga
6 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9pm Satsang, journalling, sharing
This schedule is subject to tweaks and on one afternoon we plan to take a trip out either to the beach or a nearby town!
Our Home For The Week
Quinta Carvalhas
Quinta Carvalhas – The Green Farm – is a Luxury retreat venue in Portugal, located in the peaceful Ribatejo countryside. The centre prides itself on luxury accommodations and giving guests the chance to experience the calming rhythm of nature, combined with the loving energy of their family team.
Ouinta Carvalhas is lovingly restored 150 year old working farm, where traditional stone barns have been transformed into contemporary accommodation and wonderful venues for yoga retreats. During our stay the family promise to nourish us with healthy, home-cooked, vegetarian meals, full of ingredients from their very own organic farm.
We will have 3 yoga spaces to choose from (one outdoors!) as well as use of all their facilities as we have booked the entire venue for our week here. There is a swimming pool, a natural pond, a meditation garden, numerous lounges and places to rest, they even have stables and arenas.
Ouinta Carvalhas is lovingly restored 150 year old working farm, where traditional stone barns have been transformed into contemporary accommodation and wonderful venues for yoga retreats. During our stay the family promise to nourish us with healthy, home-cooked, vegetarian meals, full of ingredients from their very own organic farm.
We will have 3 yoga spaces to choose from (one outdoors!) as well as use of all their facilities as we have booked the entire venue for our week here. There is a swimming pool, a natural pond, a meditation garden, numerous lounges and places to rest, they even have stables and arenas.
The centre is full shady paths and sun-filled nooks with lush foliage; there are benches that invite you to sit, pause and breathe. This haven is surrounded by rolling hills and flatter farmland, with many trails for walking, cycling and horse riding.
For horse lovers there will be the chance to experience a 1:1 horse energy class (at extra cost) and spend time with their beautiful animals.
For horse lovers there will be the chance to experience a 1:1 horse energy class (at extra cost) and spend time with their beautiful animals.
"Imagine a place where horses and humans are treated as equals. A place where you can tap into the wisdom of these gentle giants and learn together.
That is our vision at Quinta Carvalhas’ Horsemanship Centre."
That is our vision at Quinta Carvalhas’ Horsemanship Centre."
The luxury bedrooms are set up as either twin or a VERY limited number of singles. Each room is unique and has been decorated to complement the history and charm of the farm. Ten rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, the other 6 rooms share one bathroom per two bedrooms. Rooms are nicely spread out and are divided over three different areas of the farm.
Every room is equipped with coffee & tea facilities and reusable water bottles. The thick walls keep heat out in summer and there are fans for those extra hot days. In winter underfloor heating and woolen blankets keep you nice and warm. Our comfortable beds are made with luxury linen, and both bath and pool towels are provided. Every bathroom has a hairdryer, shampoo and body wash for you to use.
Ideally we will request you all to disconnect whilst you are away with us, but if needed, there is complimentary Wi-Fi available. The centre also has a small spa and shop for you.
Every room is equipped with coffee & tea facilities and reusable water bottles. The thick walls keep heat out in summer and there are fans for those extra hot days. In winter underfloor heating and woolen blankets keep you nice and warm. Our comfortable beds are made with luxury linen, and both bath and pool towels are provided. Every bathroom has a hairdryer, shampoo and body wash for you to use.
Ideally we will request you all to disconnect whilst you are away with us, but if needed, there is complimentary Wi-Fi available. The centre also has a small spa and shop for you.
The Surrounding Area
The grounds of the farm are huge! Get lost in the grounds, or snuggle down on the sofa ... I personally would recommend making the most of your retreat time and resting in a hammock, or having a massage, or enjoying the pool and allowing yourself to truly wind down. We are, however, planning a trip out one afternoon so do be prepared for a little adventure!
Obviously, you are also free to explore further too and for this we recommend you hire a car.
Ribatejo is a beautiful region with lots to explore! Here are a couple of ideas if you wanted to explore ...
Beaches Near Ribatejo
Charming Towns and Cities
Wine & Nature Escapes
Obviously, you are also free to explore further too and for this we recommend you hire a car.
Ribatejo is a beautiful region with lots to explore! Here are a couple of ideas if you wanted to explore ...
Beaches Near Ribatejo
- Foz do Arelho (1h 15m drive)
- Stunning lagoon meets the Atlantic, great for walking, swimming, and windsurfing.
- Nazaré (1h 30m drive)
- Famous for its massive waves and lively beach scene. Perfect for sunbathing or watching surfers.
- Peniche (1h 20m drive)
- Popular for surfing and fresh seafood. Take a boat to Berlengas Islands for a nature escape.
Charming Towns and Cities
- Tomar (40 min drive)
- Explore the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO site with Templar history.
- Santarém (30 min drive)
- Known as the "Gothic capital" of Portugal. Visit the Porta do Sol for stunning river views.
- Óbidos (1h drive)
- A picturesque medieval village with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and a castle to explore.
- Alcobaça (1h 10m drive)
- Home to the Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich Portuguese history.
Wine & Nature Escapes
- Golegã (25 min drive)
- Famous for its equestrian culture and the National Horse Fair.
- Cartaxo (20 min drive)
- Excellent wine-tasting region with beautiful vineyards.
- Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros (45 min drive)
- Great for hiking and exploring limestone caves.
Delicious and Nutritious
A big part of Quinta Carvalhas is the food! They truly are farm to table as they grow, prepare and serve their vegetarian dishes right at the farm! This combined with Jacalyns guidance on your diet from an Ayurvedic perspective will be a wonderful way to fuel your body to its optimum!
Lots of hard work has led to a menu that is fully vegetarian, astonishingly tasty, nutritionally balanced and healthy. It is said that their soup making skills are legendary! Today Chef Andrea leads the kitchen and she takes great pride in presenting food that doesn’t just makes your mouth water, but also provides all the nutrients you need to be healthy and happy.
Lots of hard work has led to a menu that is fully vegetarian, astonishingly tasty, nutritionally balanced and healthy. It is said that their soup making skills are legendary! Today Chef Andrea leads the kitchen and she takes great pride in presenting food that doesn’t just makes your mouth water, but also provides all the nutrients you need to be healthy and happy.
What's included ...
What's included:
Whats not included:
- 2 Anusara Yoga classes each day (Hatha & restorative)
- 1 daily guided meditation
- Evening satsang
- 6 nights accommodation
- 3 meals a day (light breakfast, full lunch & lighter dinner)
- Daily snacks, water, tea & coffee
- Full use of pools, day beds etc for the entire trip
- All linen, pool and room towels
- Bathrooms are equipped with basic toiletries
- Tea making facilities in all rooms
Whats not included:
- Flights
- Transfers to & from the airport
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Extra Tips
- Spa treatments
- Horse riding and other activities
- Any meals or trips out
What you will need to bring:
- Check out my recommended packing list
- Mats are provided, but you may wish to bring your own
- Travel and health insurance (compulsory)
- Euros for spending and trips
- Seek medical advice and make decisions on your travel inoculations
- Check your visa requirements (most will need 6 months on your passport)
Your Investment
Choose between making a one off payment, or take a payment plan to help spread the cost a little.
All prices are per person.
All payments are 100% non-refundable, but 100% transferable to another person.
In the case of any global issues (e.g. COVID resurgence) cancelling the retreat, you will receive your money back minus £100 admin fee.
All prices are per person.
All payments are 100% non-refundable, but 100% transferable to another person.
In the case of any global issues (e.g. COVID resurgence) cancelling the retreat, you will receive your money back minus £100 admin fee.
Room Type |
Total Places |
Book via SARAH |
Book via JACALYN |
Regular |
Early Bird |
Super Early Bird |
Booking Deadline |
Total 24 places |
Places remaining |
Places remaining |
15th April, 2026 |
1st Nov, 2025 |
4th July, 2025 |
Twin Room Share (Price is per person - please book with a friend) |
10 Rooms (20 people) |
9 |
10 |
£2,160 |
£1,960 |
£1,760 |
Single Room |
4 Rooms (4 people) |
SOLD OUT |
2 |
£2,635 |
£2,235 |
£2,235 |
Sarah and Jacalyn will be splitting bookings ... meaning each will be offering 2 single rooms and 5 twin rooms through their own websites. Please book with your preference but please do consider that Sarah will take payment in UK£ and Jacalyn US$
PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
Ensure you have proper insurance in case you need to cancel
TO BOOK VIA SARAH
Please chose either a payment plan or one-off payment
Singles - Sold Out
Twins - NINE left
Please chose either a payment plan or one-off payment
Singles - Sold Out
Twins - NINE left
Finding The Retreat Centre
GROUP TRANSPORT (extra cost)
If you co-ordinate your flights/travel to coincide with Sarah & Jacalyn, we will each organise a group transfer and split the cost between us all. Please let one of us know if you want to join this.
SELF DRIVE
Enter “Quinta Carvalhas” into Google Maps and follow the directions.
From Lisbon Airport it’s an hour drive on the main highway – tolls are payable.
Use the code for Google Maps below: 9CGF+PM Casével
Or enter the GPS coordinates: 39.22352, 08.34331
PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM THE AIRPORT
From Lisbon Airport ...
If you co-ordinate your flights/travel to coincide with Sarah & Jacalyn, we will each organise a group transfer and split the cost between us all. Please let one of us know if you want to join this.
SELF DRIVE
Enter “Quinta Carvalhas” into Google Maps and follow the directions.
From Lisbon Airport it’s an hour drive on the main highway – tolls are payable.
Use the code for Google Maps below: 9CGF+PM Casével
Or enter the GPS coordinates: 39.22352, 08.34331
PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM THE AIRPORT
From Lisbon Airport ...
- Exit customs, turn right and follow sign to Metro Underground
- Tickets are available at the station
- Exit Metro at the 3rd stop Oriente
- At the Oriente Station, go to the upper level ticket booth and purchase a ticket for Mato De Miranda
- The train usually leaves from Platform 5, at 10 minutes to the hour (journey is about 1h20min)
- Please phone and arrange for Quinta to collect you at the station (+351 243 448 114)
Suggested Flights
Please be aware that flights are an additional cost, and are entirely your responsibility. Please also ensure you have full travel insurance. You are free to book what and when you like.
Sarah will publish her flights here once booked, but as a rough idea of rough flight time option
OUT BOUND - Saturday 23rd May
Flight No TBA
Dep: London Gatwick
Arr: Lisbon
RETURN - Friday 29th May
Flight No TBA
Dep: Lisbon
Arr: London Gatwick
Sarah will publish her flights here once booked, but as a rough idea of rough flight time option
OUT BOUND - Saturday 23rd May
Flight No TBA
Dep: London Gatwick
Arr: Lisbon
RETURN - Friday 29th May
Flight No TBA
Dep: Lisbon
Arr: London Gatwick