A different way to retreat
Set in a beautifully designed private villa in the Algarve, this is a rest-focused experience guided by the natural rhythm of the day and the season, as understood through Chinese medicine.
Each day has a gentle structure — Qi Gong, acupuncture, seasonal self-care — with generous space around it to rest, wander, or simply do nothing at all. No pressure to perform. No expectation to transform. Just guidance, good food, and time to properly rest.
This retreat is for you if.....
- you hold a lot, think a lot, and rarely put yourself first
- you feel quietly stretched — even if everything looks fine on the outside
- you sense it’s time to pause before moving forward
- your nervous system has been “on” for too long
- you’re craving space, nature, and room to think clearly again
- you want steadiness and clarity, not a dramatic overhaul
- you’re ready for support that doesn’t feel like pressure or performance
You don’t need experience.
You don’t need a plan.
Just space to slow down.
What’s included
The setting
- 5 nights in a beautifully designed private villa in Tavira, Algarve
- Spacious ensuite rooms, many with private outdoor space
- Gardens, terraces, and quiet corners to rest or simply be
- Elevated freshwater swimming pool and natural swimming pond
- A calm, design-led environment created for rest
Food & dining
- Daily mid-morning breakfast and early evening dinner
- Seasonal, beautifully prepared meals
- Tea, coffee, and water available throughout the day
- Relaxed, shared dining in a beautiful outdoor (or indoor) setting
Guidance & practices
- Gentle Qi Gong and movement practices (all levels)
- Seasonal Chinese medicine self-care guidance
- Group acupuncture session
- Quiet evening practices or meditation
The experience
- Small group for a more spacious, personal experience
- Generous free time built into each day
- A relaxed, supportive atmosphere throughout
- Solo-friendly - many guests come on their own
- Suggested flight times and transfers arranged for ease
Not included
- Flights
- Transfers (arranged for you, usually in a group)
- Massages and additional treatments
Reserve your place
Twin ensuite room · £1,295 per person
Single ensuite room · £1,495
Guarantee your place with a £300 deposit. Balance due 60 days before the retreat.
Klarna available at checkout - payment plans available.
Single Ensuite Room
Spacious, beautifully designed rooms that offer a calm, light-filled space to fully switch off and retreat at your own pace.
Soft tones, natural textures, and carefully considered details create an environment that feels both elegant and deeply comfortable — somewhere you can arrive, exhale, and immediately feel at ease.
Each room includes an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, quality linens, and thoughtful finishing touches, with all opening onto private outdoor space. Some feature loungers or hammocks — a quiet place to sit, read, or simply take in the stillness around you.
Single room £1,495
Twin Ensuite Room
Spacious, beautifully designed rooms shared with one other guest, offering a calm and comfortable space within the retreat.
With soft tones, natural textures, and a light, airy feel, these rooms are designed to help you settle easily — balancing shared space with plenty of time to yourself throughout the day.
Each room includes an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, quality linens, and thoughtful finishing touches, with many opening onto outdoor space where you can step out, sit quietly, or unwind.
If you’re booking on your own, I’ll thoughtfully pair you with someone similar. If a suitable match isn’t available, a solo room option will be offered. Twin room £1,295.
Limited Spaces
Secure booking and flexible payment options via paypal and Klarna.
What women say
"I got on the plane feeling sluggish, low and fed up. I came home feeling like a new person."
Helen · Google Review
"I arrived feeling exhausted and left completely rested, energised, and with a new sense of purpose. Jo's sessions are uplifting, grounded, and delivered with real care and knowledge."
Trude · Google Review
About your guide
I’m Jo Darling — acupuncturist, retreat guide, and practitioner of Chinese Medicine.
I create retreats for women who are tired of pushing through and ready to work with their bodies instead. My work is grounded, seasonal, and focused on nervous-system support, nourishment, and living in rhythm with nature.
I’ll be guiding you throughout the retreat — gently, practically, and with plenty of space for rest.
Not quite ready to book?
Download the full brochure or arrange a free 15-minute chat with Jo — she replies personally to every message.
Questions that often come up
Participation & pace
Do I need experience with Qi Gong, meditation, or yoga?
No. Everything is guided, gentle, and suitable for all levels. You don’t need to be flexible or experienced — you’re encouraged to listen to your body and move at your own pace.
Do I have to take part in everything?
No. All practices are optional. You’re welcome to rest, sit something out, or take time alone whenever you need. Although most people join all sessions - the FOMO can be real!!
What does a typical day look like?
Each day gently balances movement, rest and learning. You can expect:
- Morning Qi Gong or gentle movement
- A nourishing breakfast
- Chinese medicine teaching or group sessions
- Individual acupuncture or treatments
- Time to rest, journal or enjoy nature
- Evening meditation or Yoga Nidra
There is always space to opt out or rest if you need to.
I’ve never had acupuncture — is that OK?
Yes. Acupuncture is optional and always discussed beforehand.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Many women attend on their own. The group is small and welcoming, with space for connection without pressure to share or socialise more than feels comfortable.
Wellbeing & nervous system support
Is this retreat suitable if I’m feeling emotionally fragile, exhausted or burnt out?
Yes — this retreat has been created especially for women who feel tired, overwhelmed or in need of gentle support.
Jo is an experienced Chinese medicine practitioner who has spent many years working with women who are stressed, depleted or going through periods of change. She is very used to supporting people who are not feeling their best, and the retreat is held with care, sensitivity and flexibility.
How physically demanding is the retreat?
Practices are gentle and accessible and there’s no expectation to push yourself physically.
Practical details & booking
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, depending on when you book Payment plans are available to make the retreat more accessible.
You can reserve your place with a deposit and pay the balance in instalments before the retreat begins.
Full payment is required 60 days in advance.
You can pay via Klarna via this website, at checkout, spreading the cost.
If you'd like a bespoke payment plan there will be an additional cost. Please contact me via the contact form or hello@jodarling.co.uk and I can arrange that for you.
What if I need to cancel?
Booking terms and cancellation policies are shared clearly with the full retreat details so you can make an informed decision before booking. Deposits are non refundable. You can transfer to another person.
How do I book?
You can request the full pricing, room options, and booking details via the form on this page or book directly here. Booking is completed securely online when you’re ready
Accommodation, comfort & what’s included
What’s the accommodation like?
The accommodation is calm, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, with a quiet elegance that immediately helps you settle.
Rooms are light-filled and comfortable, with natural textures, soft tones, and an emphasis on ease rather than excess.
Many open onto private outdoor space, offering somewhere to sit, read, or simply take in the stillness around you.
Throughout the house and gardens, there are places to gather and places to retreat — shaded terraces, quiet corners, and open spaces that invite you to slow down.
It’s a setting that supports rest without effort, where everything has been considered, and nothing feels overstated.
Rooms can be chosen on a first come first served basis after full payment.
What’s included in the price?
Your stay includes accommodation, 2 meals per day, all practices and teaching, plus a group acupuncture session. Flights and transfers are not included.
Do I have to share a room?
The retreat is set in a beautifully designed private space surrounded by gardens and orchard. Rooms are spacious, ensuite, and thoughtfully styled — most with private outdoor space. The overall feel is calm, comfortable, and quietly luxurious.
There are two room options: a solo ensuite room (£1,495) or a twin ensuite room shared with one other guest (£1,295 per person). If you're booking the twin on your own, you'll be paired thoughtfully — and if a suitable match isn't available, a solo room will be offered instead.
Travel Info
Do you recommend flights?
Yes, here's what I recommend:
Suggested outbound flights — Sunday 13 September
From Stansted: easyJet 08:30 → arriving Faro 11:20
From Gatwick: easyJet 09:50 → arriving Faro 12:40
From Gatwick: Jet2 11:20 → arriving Faro 14:20 (latest recommended)
Suggested return flights — Friday 18 September
To Stansted: easyJet 12:05 → arriving London 14:55
To Gatwick: British Airways 12:30 → arriving London 13:20
To Gatwick: easyJet 11:35 → arriving London 14:25
How do I get there from the airport?
How do I get to the retreat from the airport?
The nearest airport is Faro (FAO), approximately 30–40 minutes from the retreat venue. Transfers are arranged as a group around a week before we travel — the cost is paid separately.
How do group transfers work?
Transfers are arranged as a group around a week before we travel — the cost is paid separately. Once you've booked, I'll organise everything so you don't need to think about it. You'll be met at Faro and travel to the retreat with the group — no navigating, no waiting around, no arranging taxis on your own. The cost is typically around €25–€40 each way.
Just book your flight, let me know your arrival time, and I'll handle the rest.
If this feels right
If something in you has softened as you've read this, trust that.
You don't need to arrive feeling well, clear, or ready. You just need the willingness to pause and choose what supports you.
This retreat is an invitation to step out of the pace of summer and into something quieter — space, warmth, and the gentle rhythm of early autumn. Five nights to properly rest, reset, and return to yourself before the year turns.
Have a question?
If there’s something you’re unsure about, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Whether it’s about the retreat, accommodation, travel, or whether this is the right fit for you — I’m happy to help.
I’ll always reply personally.
