Revitalise your mind & body while connecting with like-minded people in a stunning location 🌿
Escape to the gorgeous Praia do Canal Nature Resort in the Algarve, Portugal, for a yoga retreat that will nourish your mind, body, and spirit. This October 2025, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while deepening your yoga practice, fostering connection, and embracing tranquility.
Dates and options 🌿
Two retreats to choose from:
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6-night retreat
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5pm, Wed 1 October - 11am, Tue 7 October 2025
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Sharing: £1,456* per person
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Single occupancy: £1,746* per person
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4-night retreat
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5pm, Tue 7 October - 11am, Sat 11 October 2025
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Sharing: £1,008* per person
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Single occupancy: £1,199* per person
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* Please note: To book, you will need to make two payments: a non-refundable deposit in GBP to Matt & Saz and another payment in EUR to Praia do Canal Nature Resort. The above rates are based on the GBP-EUR rate at time of website publication. The payment process will be straightforward and clearly explained after your initial expression of interest. For the cancellation policy, please visit the FAQ section below.
The location: Praia do Canal Nature Resort 🌿
Nestled within a nature reserve, Praia do Canal Nature Resort offers the perfect setting for a transformative retreat. Surrounded by lush forests, rugged cliffs, and views of the Atlantic Ocean, this eco-luxury resort embodies harmony with nature. You’ll enjoy:
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Beautifully designed rooms that offer comfort and serenity
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Wholesome, locally sourced meals crafted to nourish and delight
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Options for vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike along with a well-curated wine list
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Access to hiking trails and peaceful, natural surrounds
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Beautiful facilities, including a yoga space with panoramic views
What’s included and not included in the price? 🌿
What’s included:
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Luxury accommodation
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Breakfast & dinner (except for one dinner when the group will have the option of going out to eat)
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Daily yoga classes (morning vinyasa and evening restorative/workshop)
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Use of yoga equipment including a mat, brick and strap
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Access to the resort’s facilities, including the spa, yoga space, and hiking trails
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A daily shuttle to Aljezur or a local beach
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Unlimited tea & coffee in your bedroom
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An optional guided silent walk
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An optional nature-inspired craft workshop
What’s NOT included:
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Flights to & from Portugal
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Airport transfers to the resort (but we will provide details for booking this)
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Spa treatments including massages and facials
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Lunch (which can be purchased at the resort - download a sample lunch menu from last year)
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Private yoga sessions with Matt or Saz (which can be purchased through them)
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Alcoholic beverages (which can be purchased through the resort)
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Additional excursions or activities outside the programme
Who is this retreat for? 🌿
This retreat is designed for those seeking:
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A serene escape to reset and recharge
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A chance to deepen their yoga practice with experienced teachers
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Connection with an inclusive and like-minded community
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The perfect blend of yoga, relaxation, and adventure in a stunning location
People join our retreats for the sense of community as much as the yoga itself. We encourage a non-judgmental approach in yoga and in life.
Sample daily schedule 🌿
7:30am: Coffee and tea available in your room
8:00am: Energising vinyasa flow class
10:00am: Breakfast
11:00am – 5:30pm: Free time to explore, hike, swim, or relax. On certain days, optional group activities will be offered.
5:30pm: Focused workshop or restorative yoga
7:00pm: Dinner
NB: This is a sample schedule and subject to change.
About your hosts 🌿
Based in Bucks UK, Matt & Saz are partners in life and in business. They each have a diverse set of skills but if you had to say where they excel, you'd probably say that Saz is the heart & soul while Matt is the brains & methodologist.
Saz (the heart & soul)
Saz (real name Sarah Newman) is a popular full-time yoga teacher who is known for her ability to build community in her classes which are as equally nourishing as they are invigorating. Also known as the 'silent assassin', she will lull you with her compassion and French charm before making your legs turn to jelly from some crazy Warrior-3-to-Bird-of-Paradise sequence she came up with the night before. Don't be fooled by her sweet and gentle voice!
Matt (the brains & methodologist)
Originally a trained dancer, Matt (Matthew Huy) has been teaching yoga for over two decades, has a master's degree in exercise science, and is the co-author of the popular book The Physiology of Yoga (2022). In addition to teaching group yoga classes, he specialises in teaching anatomy and physiology to yoga teachers. He's not afraid to ask you to do 40 press-ups in class because he knows they will get you closer to balancing in handstand. His classes are strong and his jokes are dad-ish.
Sofia (the hostess with the mostest)
While Matt & Saz will nourish your soul through the power of yoga, Sofia and her amazing team at Praia do Canal Nature Resort will take care of just about everything else. You're in good hands.
You're practically on your way to Portugal... 🌿
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When will I receive the recording?The replay is normally sent via email shortly after each session. At the latest, the recording will be sent the next morning.
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Is this a live or pre-recorded course?The Physiology of Yoga 8-Week Course is a live online course where we meet live online once per week for 8 weeks. The dates of the current course can be found at the top of this page. If you cannot attend live, you can watch the recordings. Most attendees, in fact, watch the recordings rather than attending live.
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Will I receive a certificate of course completion? What if I don't attend live?You will receive a certificate of attendance upon request at the conclusion of the course. If you did not attend live but watched the recordings, you can still receive the certificate.
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How long will I have access to the recordings?All recordings will be available for around 30 days from the date of the last session. For example, if the last session occurs on November 1st, you will have until December 1st to access all of the recordings. After that point, you will be able to purchase a further one year of access for an additional fee.
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Can this trip cater for special dietary needs?If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us in advance — no less than 31 days before the beginning of the retreat.
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What time can I check-in and check-out?Check-in is from 3pm. Check-out is before 12pm. If you arrive early on the day, you are welcome to make use of the resort facilities like the pool and spa.
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Which airport do I fly into?The nearest airport to Praia do Canal Nature Resort is Faro (FAO).
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Is Portuguese tap water drinkable?Drinking tap water in Portugal is considered safe in all regions and the water meets all EU standards. However, we will provide water in your rooms daily.
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Do I need to bring my own yoga mat or other equipment?The resort will supply one yoga mat, one brick, one strap and one bolster to each guest. If you would prefer to bring your own equipment, you are welcome to do so.
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How do I get around the area?A free daily shuttle from the resort to Aljezur or the local beach will be provided. Additionally, Uber cabs and local taxis can be ordered.
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What is the room layout if I am sharing a room with a friend?Not quite ready to spoon your friend? You will have two two beds with a space of about 20 centimetres between them.
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Who do I reach out to if I have additional questions?You can reach us directly via: matt@matthewhuy.com You can also contact Saz on her mobile on 07876 347 400.
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Will meals be provided?Breakfast will be provided every day. Dinners will be provided every day except for one dinner when the group will have the option of going out to eat. Lunch can be purchased at Zimbro, the poolside restaurant with an amazing view (view last year's lunch menu here, subject to change for this year).
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How can I check my remaining balance due?When a payment is due, Matt and Saz will send you an email to remind you. This will be followed by a phone call if payment has not been received. You can contact Matt or Saz any time to check your remaining balance. For more details, refer to the Payment Policy answer in this questionnaire.
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What is your cancellation policy?Cancellations by you If you cancel 45 days or more before the first day of your retreat, you will be refunded the amount paid up to that date excluding the non-refundable deposit. If you cancel 44 days or less before the first day of your retreat, no refund will be given. Cancellations must be made in writing by email to matt@matthewhuy.com. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your yoga retreat. Cancellations by us If for any reason, Matt & Saz have to cancel a retreat or change the start date of any retreat, you may transfer any payments made to any future retreat with Matt & Saz within the next two years. Alternatively, you may request a refund of any payments you have made.
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What time does the retreat start and end?The 6-night retreat starts at 5pm on 1st October 2025 and ends at 11am on 7th October 2025. The 4-night retreat starts at 5pm on 7th October 2025 and ends at 11am on 11th October 2025. We will host a welcome meeting at 5.30pm and our first yoga class will start at 6pm on the first day. Our last yoga class will start at 8am and end at 9am on the last day. These times can be subject to change.
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What plugs and chargers are used in Portugal?For Portugal there are two associated plug types, C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Portugal operates on 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
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Can I come to this retreat alone?Yes! Traveling alone is a great way to meet new people, and many people will be coming solo. On this trip we’re all in it together and you’ll be part of the group from the moment you arrive.
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How long is the drive from Faro airport to Praia do Canal Nature Resort?The journey is about an hour.
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Is travel insurance included?We do not include travel insurance as everyone’s needs are different. However we strongly suggest you purchase your own cover.
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How do you assign the rooms?The resort allocates the room. Rooms are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.
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What payment options are available?You have a few payment options to choose from: To confirm your place, you must pay a non-refundable deposit to Matt & Saz (in GBP). Immediately after or up to one month later, you will make a separate payment to Praia do Canal Nature Resort (in EUR). If needed, the fee to Praia do Canal Nature Resort can be made in two separate payments. Please ask us.
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What currency should I bring?The currency is Euro. Payments with UK debit or credit cards, including Mastercard and Visa, are commonly accepted, and you can use them at most ATMs. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially for small transactions or when shopping at local stores, where card payments may not be accepted.
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I want to share a room but I am travelling alone. Do you assign me someone to share a room with?As a general rule, we do not partner people up but if you are stuck, please contact us and we will do our best to help you.
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Will I get any "free" time?You will have free time everyday from 11am to 5.30pm with some optional occasional activities offered but this is your retreat and even if you want to skip yoga one day, you are welcome to do so.
