December 2-7 , 2025
Monte Velho, Algarve, Portugal
In-Person Retreat
An Invitation into Presence:
A Year End Silent Retreat
Join us for our first ever Silent Retreat in the Algarve, Portugal.
This December, we invite you to wind-down the year by disconnecting entirely from the distractions of daily life. During this retreat, we'll be going within to find the ever-present silence that permeates us and all we encounter.
As Sri Ramana Marharshi said, "Oral lectures are not so eloquent as silence. Silence is unceasing eloquence. It is the best language."
You will contemplate and meditate on your true nature, while building an energy and momentum that is a powerful accelerant in your path to self-realization.
After our welcome and orientation on your arrival, our evening Opening Ceremony will begin our dive into the sacred, alive Silence. For the next three days, we will remain in complete silence with opportunities to ask questions via written notes. The only time we will use our voice is to sing evening mantra as it guides us back into the quiet that can be found in-between every syllable. The days in silence will be a balance between self-guided discipline and support from Hareesh and the TI Team. Each day you can expect one guided contemplative meditation, one Q&A, and one evening mantra meditation from Hareesh. We recommend that participants have experience with meditation and feel comfortable with extended, self-guided practice.
On our fourth day together, we will break silence after brunch and have the remainder of the day to ask for more clarification on our experiences, or any questions that may have arisen during our time in silence. We will also have the opportunity to connect with each other, share, laugh, cry and feel the richness and depth of community. The following morning we will practice together one more time before departing with a well of Shakti, and the ever tangible presence of Silence, to carry us forward into the holiday period. We highly recommend spending one night in the neighboring town of Aljezur on the night on the 7th for better retreat integration.
This retreat will be in the stunning landscape of Monte Velho, Portugal. Surrounded by coastal flora, breathtaking vistas, and a serene atmosphere. This retreat invites you to step into a space of deep practice, contemplation and community.
Please note, this retreat is entirely device free. You will be required to hand your phone in during the orientation session. There will be a number provided to you for your family and loved ones to contact in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Please read the full break down of the schedule and FAQ below.
“The retreat was a life changing experience for me. I was blown away by the level of thought and design put into the programming. Hareesh and his staff really understand how people need to ease into the flow, reach a crescendo of experience, and then be brought down to stability safely—both on a daily basis and across the week. I will be eternally grateful”
Retreat Details
-
Arrival Day
3:00pm - Arrival
5:30pm - Orientation
6:45pm - Dinner
8:00pm - Opening Ceremony & Silence Begins
Days in Silence
7:00am - Meditation
8:45am - Pause
9:00am - Embodiment
10:45am - Brunch
12:00pm - Contemplative Inquiry & Meditation with Hareesh
2:00pm - Pause & Snack
4:00pm - Optional Meditation
5:00pm - Q&A with Hareesh
6:30pm - Dinner
7:45pm - Mantra & Meditation with Hareesh
Day of Breaking Silence
7:00am - Meditation
8:45am - Pause
9:00am - Embodiment
10:45am - Brunch and Breaking of Silence
12:00pm - Midday Teachings
2:00pm - Pause & Snack
5:00pm - Afternoon Teachings
6:30pm - Dinner
7:45pm - Evening Practice, Poetry, Satsang and Song
Departure Day
7:00am - Meditation
7:30am - Embodiment
8:30am - Pause
9:00am - Closing Ceremony & Sharing
10:45am - Brunch
12:00pm - Departure
-
Q: What if I have an issue during the retreat and need to speak to someone?
A: You will be able to communicate with our support team via written notes. If at any stage you absolutely need to speak with a member of the team, you can do so in private.Q: Will Hareesh be present during the self-guided meditations?
A: It is not guaranteed that Hareesh will be present during your self-guided sessions.Q: Do I need to be an experienced meditator?
A: You will need to sit in self-guided meditation for two hour periods. If you are able to become comfortable with this prior to the retreat start, your prior experience is not important.Q: I have family that I need to communicate with during the retreat. Can I use my phone to reach them?
A: No. Phones will have to be turned in and you will get a contact number they can reach you in case of emergency.
Q: I need to do some work during the retreat. Is this possible?
A: No. We do not allow online work during the retreat.
Q: How do I get there?
A: You can find directions and information on the venue HERE.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: Please make sure you read our full T&C's before booking HERE.
Q: What do I need to bring?A closed water bottle or thermos as no open containers are allowed in the yoga shala.
Meditation cushions if you have a preferred comfortable cushion at home (we will provide bolsters and backjacks).
Meditation shawl or blanket
Appropriate clothing for winter weather (make sure to check a week before arrival - Portugal can be cooler than expected with the wind blowing from the Atlantic).
An umbrella
All toiletries
A notebook if you wish for journaling
-
It is feasible that people on retreat may be infected or become infected with Covid. As the virus is no longer a significant threat to the majority of people, we will not isolate Covid positive students in separate accommodation. We will require Covid positive students or those showing symptoms to mask in the yoga shala and keep distance from other students. If you are Covid conscious and have health concerns related to this, please book a private room.
Allow the all pervasive silence to be your guide to your true nature.
Our Beautiful Venue
Monte Velho Retreat Center, nestled in the tranquil Algarve region of southern Portugal, offers a serene and rejuvenating setting for our retreat. Surrounded by lush nature, rolling hills, and breathtaking views to the sea, this peaceful sanctuary is designed to harmonize with the natural landscape. With thoughtfully designed accommodations, open spaces for yoga and meditation, and an emphasis on sustainable living,
Monte Velho provides a quiet haven for practice, contemplation, and relaxation.
Owing to the proximity to a variety of holiday accommodation, we have a number of commuter spots available too. If your preference is to have your own private accommodation, this might be the best option for you.
The nearest airport is Faro International Airport (FAO), about a 1.5-hour drive from the retreat center (Lisbon airport is a 3-hour drive.) You can reach Monte Velho by renting a car, arranging a private transfer, or using public transportation to the nearby town of Aljezur, followed by a short taxi ride.
There is a ride share sheet for all participants to coordinate sharing cars/taxis.
“This retreat was an unforgettable experience of total freedom — a beautiful immersion into presence, expression, and deep inner stillness. Each day felt like a journey back to the essence of who I am. There was so much joy, vibrancy, and connection — both within myself and with the group. I left feeling nourished, open, and deeply aligned. This wasn’t just a retreat — it was a homecoming.
”
“What an amazing experience! All the practices are so much more powerful when done in person. Hareesh’s guidance was precise and inspired in so many ways. It was also a pleasure to be a part of an amazing kula and share space with all. Now after the retreat, as the integration continues, I feel a deeper connection to my Heart and self again. Thank you.”
Meet Your Guide
Christopher Hareesh Wallis.
Dates
December 2 – 7, 2025
Location
Monte Velho Retreat Center
Algarve, Portugal
How Much?
Starting from €1,150
Please note, there is a non-refundable booking fee of €100
For further information please contact support@tantrailluminated.org