Couples Retreat to Cara Creek, Portugal
For monogamous couples craving quality time, shared adventure, and space to reconnect.
18-23rd Sept 2026
A RETREAT FOR COUPLES Set in the wild beauty of central Portugal, this retreat is for couples who want to step away from the noise of everyday life and spend meaningful time together β just the two of you.
Awaken your wild. Celebrate the solstice. Step into magic
Highlights
Private access to the White Spring for cleansing and renewal
Walk among the ancient oaks of Avalon β Gog and Magog
Solstice sunset pilgrimage to Stonehenge
Horse healing and connection experience with a local Horse herd
Sunrise ceremony, sound bath & cacao ritual on Glastonbury Tor
Beautiful shared meals, ancient wisdom talks, and gentle movement
A Note on Accommodation & Meals πΏ
This pilgrimage is a day-facilitated experience, meaning Clare will guide all the magical ceremonies, hikes, and gatherings β while giving you the freedom to create your own rhythm outside of the sessions.
Accommodation: Guests can arrange their own stays. Clare has five beds available in a beautiful property 15 minutes walk from the centre or she is happy to recommend beautiful local options and help coordinate car shares or tips.
Meals: Most meals are self-arranged, allowing you to explore Glastonburyβs cafes, bakeries, and magical food spots. Friday eveningβs Queen of Cups banquet is included for a shared feast to connect and celebrate.
This flexible approach gives you the freedom to wander, explore, and rest in a way that feels right for you β while still being held and guided through the heart of the pilgrimage.
Programme Overview
(Subject to small shifts in flow β we follow the rhythm of the land and the group.)
Thursday 18 June β Arrival
Arrive and check into your chosen accommodation in or near Glastonbury.
The evening is free to settle, rest, and tune in to the energy of Avalon.
Friday 19 June β Sacred Waters & Ancient Oaks
Theme: Grounding in the Heart of Avalon
Chalice Well visit for our Welcome Circle in a quiet corner of the gardens & exploration
Private White Spring session for cleansing and renewal.
Weβll honour the mysteries of sacred waters and the balance of the masculine and feminine lines that cross beneath Glastonbury.
Gog & Magog Ancient Oaks and Tor Hike
Walk the old processional path once lined by oaks leading to the Tor β the ancient guardians of Avalon.
Afternoon β Free time to wander Glastonburyβs cafΓ©s, gardens, and healing spaces.
Dinner at Queen of Cups, a feast of local flavours with tarot, astrology, or fortune-telling readings.
Saturday 20 June β Fire Horse Energy
Theme: Freedom, Courage & Connection
Morning β Horse healing and connection session with the local herd.
A powerful encounter with horse medicine during the Year of the Fire Horse β embodying freedom, intuition, and transformation.
Lunch β Free time in Glastonbury or at your accommodation.
Drive to Amesbury for our Stonehenge Pilgrimage Hike.
Follow the ancient two-mile route, passing the King Barrows, the Cursus, and Normanton Down Barrows β each a layer of history beneath your feet.
Sit among the stones, witness the Solstice sunset, and gather for a simple circle with music, movement, and firelight.
Optional: Bring a picnic dinner (or light catering TBC).
Return to Glastonbury β early to bed after a night of golden magic.
Sunday 21 June β Solstice Sunrise & Farewell
Theme: New Beginnings
In the early dawn we will gather at Glastonbury Tor for our sunrise ceremony and sound bath.
As the sun rises around 4:44am, weβll move through gentle dance, yoga nidra, and reflection.
A shared cacao ceremony will close our time together, with cups of warm cacao.
Guests are welcome to bring breakfast snacks to enjoy on the Tor.
Late morning β Farewell brunch in town or at your own pace before departure.
The Solstice Pilgrimages
Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with two unforgettable pilgrimages:
π Solstice Eve β Stonehenge Sunset
Journey to this ancient circle to witness the sun dip behind the stones. A moment of connection, intention, and awe.
π Solstice Morning β Glastonbury Tor Sunrise
Rise before dawn to greet the new day atop the Tor. Experience sound healing, gentle movement, and the magic of the first light on the longest day of the year.
These experiences are the heart of our retreat β powerful, symbolic, and soul-stirring.
Plant Medicine
Plant Medicine
For those who feel curious, there will be an optional opportunity to explore plant medicine during the retreat.
This is not the main focus of the retreat, and the retreat is a full, beautiful experience whether you choose this or not. It is simply an invitation β one possible doorway into deeper self-connection, insight, healing, and shared experience.
For some couples, this may feel like a meaningful experience to explore together. For others, it may be something only one partner feels called to. Both are completely welcome.
This offering is suitable for beginners and first-timers, as well as those with previous experience. You will be guided through the process with care, preparation, and support, with ceremonies held in a way that honours Amazonian traditions while blending ancient wisdom with grounded modern care.
We believe the medicine is not only in the ceremony itself, but also in the preparation, intention, and integration that surround it.
If this is something you are curious about, or you have questions around suitability, medication, or what to expect, please contact us directly and weβll be happy to talk it through with you.
Queen of Cups Banquet β A Feast for the Senses
On Friday evening, weβll gather for a celebratory Queenβs Feast at Queen of Cups β Glastonburyβs beloved restaurant, known for its warm atmosphere, Middle Eastern-inspired flavours, and deep connection to local land and season.
Here, food becomes ceremony. Chef Ayesha Kalaji and her team craft each dish with love, using seasonal, locally sourced produce and spices that awaken the senses. The Queenβs Feast is a shared banquet β the chefβs choice of dishes, designed for connection, conversation, and the joy of tasting together.
Expect an abundant spread of mezze, breads, pickles, vibrant salads, and slow-cooked dishes infused with the aromas of zaβatar, rose, and pomegranate. Every plate celebrates the alchemy of Somerset produce and Levantine soul.
Allergies or dietary needs will be gladly accommodated with notice.
The exact dishes will shift with the season, but previous feasts have featured:
β¨ Hummus with charred courgette, apricot harissa, and almonds
β¨ Labaneh with sticky urfa onions and buckwheat
β¨ Triple-cooked potatoes with confit garlic and numbing zaβatar salt
β¨ Kamouneh-spiced pigeon or chicken makmoura with turmeric butter and yoghurt
β¨ Grilled nabulsi cheese with wild zaβatar and honey
β¨ Vegan delights such as laverbread falafel, heritage tomato fattoush, and roasted Somerset squash with red pepper freekeh
This evening will be our moment to come together β to break bread, tell stories, and celebrate the magic of Avalon through taste, scent, and soul.
Whoβs this for?
This pilgrimage is open to everyone β all ages, all stages of life, and all levels of experience. You donβt need to have done yoga, meditation, or retreats before β only a curious spirit, an open heart, and a willingness to walk the wild path.
Itβs for those who feel called to reconnect with nature, to feel the pulse of ancient lands beneath their feet, and to remember something deeper within themselves. For those longing for renewal and transformation, who sense that the turning of the seasons β and the Solstice sun β marks a new beginning.
Whether youβre seeking adventure and laughter, quiet reflection, or a like-minded community of kindred spirits, this journey offers space for it all. Come as you are β leave a little lighter, brighter, and more connected to the magic thatβs always been yours.
Your Host
Clare is an experienced yoga teacher, wellness and empowerment mentor with a wealth of knowledge, a fun, dynamic energy, and a warm, open heart. A full-time yoga teacher since 2009, Clare has hosted numerous yoga classes, retreats, and workshops.
She founded The Quaives Retreat centre in 2016. Her expertise lies in women's wellness; her sessions are all-inclusive, non-judgemental, and welcoming to people of all levels and life stages. Clare is qualified in Sunpower Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Women's Wellness Yoga Therapy, Yoga Nidra, sound healing, and Ayurvedic massage. Her mission is to support you in finding inner peace, joy, and self-confidence, offering a safe, compassionate, and supportive space for personal growth and increased confidence in your body and life choices.
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I had the most wonderful time on retreat with Clare. It was my first yoga retreat and it has set a high standard. Clare was a warm and inspiring host. The food was amazing. I was nervous about trying a retreat on my own. But the whole experience was wonderful and felt very natural. The yoga, sound baths, and cocoa and fire ceremonies were all authentically delivered, the whole group were made to feel safe and all experiences were inclusive as well as immersive. It was a real healing experience
- Samantha L
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A wonderful escape from everyday life. I received a warm welcome and the cottage was lovely; clean, cosy and beautifully decorated. The classes were great; excellent instruction, loads of guidance and new learning. Clare was a brilliant instructor for yogis of all levels. Adaptions were made for those of us with injuries and there was no judgement. The food was fantastic and there was plenty of it! I will certainly be booking to come back. Keep up the good work!
- Suzie T
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My experience with Clare and her team were utterly phenomenal. Right from the moment I arrived, Clare was welcoming and thoughtful. This was my first ever yoga retreat so I was unsure of what to expect for the weekend. The quality of the healing, nourishment, workshops and lasting tools was exceptional. Clare was also extremely respectful when I needed solitude versus group activity over the weekend and I didnβt ever feel pressure to participate if it wasnβt right for me. Two weeks after returning home, I still feel the radiant glow that I left the weekend with, which is indicative of the quality of the retreat
- Erin H
Supported by Εukasz
Εukaszβs background is in the hospitality sector formally working at some of the top restaurants and hotels in Edinburgh. Now the founder of Whispers of the Jungle, a retreat centre in the heart of the Amazon jungle in Peru where he leads groups on transformational experiences and dietaβs. He believes playfulness and creativity are essential to healing, fostering deeper connection with oneself and others. His passions are plants, storytelling, sound healing and movement such as martial arts, yoga and fire spinning, some of which he undoubtedly will share with us during our stay.
The Details:
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Your Couples Retreat to Cara Creek, Portugal
πΏ Guided experiences and facilitation with Clare and Lukasz throughout the 6 daysπ« Opening & closing circles
πΈ Use of the natural swimming pool and sauna.
βΛκ©ο½‘ Movement mats, bolsters, straps are provided.
π₯Ύ Neolithic Dolmen Site excursion (hike), hike to the local waterfall
β±οΈPottery Workshop (hand-sculpting & wheel).
π½οΈ All meals included from arrival snack & dinner to departure brunch. Tea, coffee, fruit, nuts, and toast are always available.
π₯ Fire pit gatherings
π Down-time / quality-time with your beloved and other like-minded couples to read a book on the private river beach; explore the Mondego river by stand up paddle board, or try the locally sourced clay to detoxify your skin before taking a leisurely swim in the creek.
π€ Cacao ceremony & sound bath
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Flights
Transfers to and from airport to Cara Creek
Optional extras - massages / Plant Medicine Ceremony
*A few important things to know about the plant medicine ceremony
This is entirely optional
Beginners are welcome
One partner can participate without the other
Some medications are contraindicated, so please check with us first
This is a spiritual and personal growth experience, not a replacement for medical treatment
Contact us for more information or if you are interested.
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Group size limited to between 8-10 couples. Costs are per person (rather the per couple) and includes stay in an Eco Pod with double bed, all meals included, and activities (excluding optional activities massage and plant medicine ceremony)
Investment π«
β¨ Early bird ticket Β£955pp ends 10th May
β¨ Standard Ticket Β£1090pp
Optional Extras:
β¨ Massages Β£80 / hour
β¨ Plant medicine ceremony Saturday or Monday night Β£111 per person
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To and From Cara Creek:
π« Please be in Portugal by the morning of arrival day at the latest and depart Portugal on the afternoon of departure day at the earliest to allow for time getting from and back to the airports.
Once everyone has flights booked, Cara Creek can begin organising shuttles for the most affordable options. Normally the final organising of transfers happens the week of arrival.
Lisbon airport (3 hours by car) & Porto airport (2 hours by car). Coimbra B station, easily accessed by public transport (bus or train from both Lisbon and Porto) (1 hour by car)
Transfer Pricing to and from Cara Creek Eco Lodge:
Coimbra to Cara Creek: β¬120 for an 8 passenger van
Coimbra to Cara Creek: β¬100 for a 4 passenger car
Porto to Cara Creek: β¬220 for an 8 passenger van
Porto to Cara Creek: β¬200 for a 4 passenger car
Lisbon to Cara Creek: β¬320 for an 8 passenger van
Lisbon to Cara Creek: β¬300 for an 4 passenger van
We will link passengers up to share transfers & costs.
*Alternatively, buses and trains arrive at Carregal do Sal and complementary pick up by Cara Creek can be arranged from there.
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What to Bring π
β Reusable water bottle
β A head torch
β A sunhat and other light protective layers from the sun
β Layers for the elements like cozy clothes for cooler nights
β Waterproof jacket and/or umbrella (seasonal, Sept 15-May 31)
β Comfortable walking shoes
β Flip flops or slide on sandals for showers and site
β Swim suit & quick dry towel (Cara Creek provides a shower towel)
β Bathrobe for showers & sauna (optional)
β toothbrush/toothpaste
π§ββοΈ Loose, comfy layers for movement and ceremony
π Journal and pen for reflections and insights*Nearest town to check out the temperatures and conditions on your weather app is Carregal do
Sal, Portugal.
Bring an open heart, a curious spirit, and your sense of wonder β the rest will find its place once you arrive.
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Schedule & Check-In
FRIDAY 18 Sept: Check in, opening circle, gentle movement to ease out tensions from travel, dinner & evening around the fire pit
SATURDAY 19 Sept Guided activities, dips in the natural pool, sauna, massages, local walks. Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner. Optional evening plant medicine ceremony
SUNDAY 20 June: Guided activities, dips in the natural pool, sauna, massages, local walks. Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
MONDAY 21 Sept Guided activities, dips in the natural pool, sauna, massages, local walks. Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner. Optional evening plant medicine ceremony
TUESDAY 22 Sept Guided activities, dips in the natural pool, sauna, massages, local walks. Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
WEDNESDAY 23 Sept. Closing circle, breakfast and depart.
Join the Pilgrimage
If you feel the call to walk these sacred paths, reconnect with your wild heart, and honour the turning of the sun β this is your invitation.