Kind words from our guests
Every retreat is shaped by the people who join us. Over the years, we've had the privilege of sharing beautiful moments of connection, laughter, stillness and discovery with wonderful people from many walks of life.
We're incredibly grateful to everyone who has trusted us with a few precious days of their lives and for taking the time to share their experiences. We hope their words give you a little glimpse of what it's like to be part of a Surfhippie retreat.
A wonderful week in a heavenly location – the villa is a haven of tranquility, oozing understated luxury. The vegetarian food is incredible, the gardens are wild but beautiful and there’s always a secluded spot at hand for some undisturbed reading or snoozing in the spring sunshine. And there’s always a massage option for ultimate relaxation. The other highlight is of course Sirkka’s morning and evening yoga which underpins the week. It is strong and at the same time immensely relaxing and soothing – an incredible combination and accessible to both newbies and experienced yogis alike. Sirkka is the reason we come to Tavira.
Sarah
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2025+2026
Absolutely lovely, relaxing, delicious food, wonderfully supportive staff, very comfortable rooms lovely mix of scheduled activities and free time. Communication was excellent. 5 out of 5 stars!
Peggy Proerer
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2026
Wouldn’t change anything about this retreat! The comfort and ease of layout of the place, the landscaping, and rural scene, as well as staff are incredible.
5 out of 5 stars.
Jojo Murnaghan
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2026
Environment, food, staff, homely but luxurious. Schedule of activities was perfect. I give the retreat 5 out of 5.
S. T.
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2026
Sirkka is a wonderful yoga teacher, providing such a lovely space and atmosphere. I give 5 out of 5 for the retreat!
Kate F.
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2023+2024+2025+ 2026
The yoga practice twice daily is wonderful, especially practicing outside. Sirkka with her experience makes me feel safe and her calming voice transports me into a blissful calm. I can highly recommend this retreat.
Sarah McC.
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2024
Pete is a master and passionate of his trade. This was my first experience of Breathwork, l enjoyed learning that there is so much more than just breathing! The breath can heal us spiritually, emotionally and physically. Thank you, Pete, for a new experience.
Paula
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2024+2025
The most wonderful week, very relaxed, just how I had wanted it. Wonderful food, thank you, Ines and Rosario! And perfect amount of yoga and breathwork, excellent guidance. Loved the sea swims and hikes. I've had a most wonderful week, thank you.
Amira M.
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2023 + 2024
I had researched breathwork prior to this trip to Portugal but this experience exceeded all my expectations. Pete was very sensitive in his approach which allowed me to release buried emotions. A totally beautiful memory, I will hold on to forever.
Tejal M.
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2024
Sirkka is a calm yet inspiring leader with no expectations other than for you to spend a restful and enjoyable experience but her enthusiasm for what she does is inspiring and raises one’s own level of aspiration. After the retreat, I felt rejuvenated and optimistic about my ability to continue practising and applying all that I’d gained from the shared experience.
Susan F.
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2026
Thank you for holding the space that we are all navigating with sensitivity, lightness and humour.
All credit to Sirkka for creating an atmosphere that was both restful and purposeful. I felt nurtured, cared for and enabled.
The food was a highlight of the trip - a real pleasure to receive food that was lovingly prepared, with local ingredients.
Amanda
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2026
Before arrival, you painted a lovely picture of Monte do Alamo, and the reality was even lovelier. The pool was great. Facilities overall excellent. I thought the combination of you and the team at Monte do Alamo was excellent. The whole retreat felt as if our needs were both anticipated and met.
A. E.
Tavira Retreat • Portugal 2026
The yoga was a wonderful combination of gentle and strong and done mostly by the pool side which was absolutely wonderful. The food was 'out of this world' delicious!
Lynn
Carcassonne Retreat • France 2018
5 days for a total reset, the yoga, the place, the food – I loved it.
Fiona Y.
Carcassonne Retreat • France 2018
Stunning location, fun group, food excellent, beautiful accommodation.
Tory
Carcassonne Retreat • France 2018
Thank you Sirkka, it was a GREAT day! Book me in for the next one.
Claire B.
Mill Yard Day Retreat • UK 2025
Thank you Sirkka and Les for such a beautiful and powerful experience.
Monica M.
Mill Yard Day Retreat • UK 2025
Such a wonderful day, loved the flow of it. The woodland mindful walk was beautiful and loved(!) the sauna .
Emma A-D.
Mill Yard Day Retreat • UK 2025
I have never done yoga before, I really enjoyed it. The place is beautiful, the food super yummy, when is the next one?
Lindsay
Mill Yard Day Retreat • UK 2025
I loved the mixture of things we did throughout the day, active, relaxing, chatting and just being, it was a real pause.
Jo M.
Mill Yard Day Retreat • UK 2025
Such a “special day” on Saturday. The programme was fun packed, l enjoy a schedule. The setting was stunning. Sonia from the Mill Yard was very welcoming and Les as always a dream too. A very inclusive day.
Kate
Mill Yard Day Retreat • UK 2025
Sirkka is such a wonderful yoga teacher – providing such a lovely space and atmosphere. Food was delicious. It was a lovely chance to unwind and also meet new people. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Kate B.
Mill Yard Day Retreat • UK 2025