A different way to retreat
Set in a beautifully designed private space in the Algarve, this is a more spacious, considered experience — guided by the natural rhythm of the day and the season, as understood through Chinese medicine.
Rather than a structured yoga schedule, the retreat is built around gentle, restorative practices including Qi Gong, acupuncture, and simple self-care — all suitable for beginners.
There’s nothing to keep up with.
Just space, guidance, and time to properly rest.
What your time here feels like
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.
How this retreat works
This retreat is guided through the lens of Chinese medicine and Yang Sheng — the practice of nourishing life. Rather than following a fixed schedule, your time here is shaped by the natural rhythm of the day and the season.
Practices are gentle, restorative, and intentionally spacious — designed to support your system without asking more from it.
There’s no pressure to open up. No expectation to transform. No sense of needing to keep up.
Just thoughtful guidance, a carefully held environment, and the space for things to settle in their own time.
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A typical day
Each day has a gentle structure — enough to feel held, with plenty of space to rest.
Morning
The day begins slowly with Qi Gong outdoors — a simple, grounding practice to wake the body and settle the nervous system.
A relaxed brunch follows, unhurried and nourishing.
Later in the morning, we gather for a self-care session. This may include acupuncture or guided seasonal practices you can take home.
MiddayThe middle of the day is yours.
Time to rest by the pool, read, nap, wander the gardens, or simply do nothing at all.
There’s no expectation to fill the time — rest is part of the practice.
Afternoon
The pace remains open and spacious.
You might journal, sit in the shade, or take a gentle walk.
You’re encouraged to follow what your body is asking for, rather than a schedule.
Evening
As the day softens, we come together for a quiet practice — meridian stretching, meditation, or a gentle self-care ritual.
An early dinner follows, relaxed and communal.
The evening is yours to unwind and prepare for rest. Nothing is compulsory. Rest is always a valid choice.
Life at the retreat
What's Included
A small, thoughtfully held retreat designed to support rest at every level.
The setting
Five nights in a beautifully designed private retreat in Tavira, Algarve — with exclusive use of the space for the week. Gardens, orchard, terraces, and quiet places to rest, including a wild pond and private pool.
Your stay
Spacious ensuite bedrooms, most for solo use, each with outdoor space or direct access to the gardens. Quality linen, organic toiletries, and pool towels are provided.
- Single Room: £1,495
- Twin Room: £1,295 (per person)
Food & nourishment
Two daily meals — a relaxed mid-morning brunch and early evening dinner — with seasonal, beautifully prepared vegetarian dishes. Tea, coffee, and water are available throughout the day.
Guidance & practices
- Daily Qi Gong and gentle movement (all levels)
- Group acupuncture session
- Chinese medicine-inspired self-care workshops
- Restorative sessions and guided meditations
Time & space
A small group (maximum 11 rooms), allowing for a spacious and personal experience. Generous free time is built into each day to ensure a calm, supportive environment throughout.
Ease
- Location: Approximately 30–40 minutes from Faro Airport.
- Travel: Suggested flights, travel guidance, and group transfers can be arranged at an extra cost.
Single Ensuite Room
Spacious, light-filled rooms designed for rest and ease, each with a double or king-size bed.
Soft tones and natural textures create a calm, comfortable environment — somewhere you can arrive and immediately switch off.
All rooms are ensuite, with air conditioning, quality linens, and private outdoor space. Some include loungers or hammocks for quiet moments outside.
5 nights, single ensuite room: £1,495
Twin Ensuite Room
Spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms shared with one other guest.
Light, airy, and comfortably furnished, they offer a calm space to settle — with plenty of time to yourself throughout the day.
Each room is ensuite, with air conditioning, quality linens, and access to outdoor space for quiet moments outside.
If you’re booking on your own, you’ll be paired thoughtfully. If a suitable match isn’t available, a solo room will be offered.
5 nights, twin room: £1,295 (per person)
Your Host Jo Darling
Jo has been helping people live happier, healthier lives for almost 20 years. She has a degree in Acupuncture and years of extensive study and practice utilising the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine.
With deep expertise in the art of Yang Sheng, the practice of nourishing life, Jo creates a truly transformative wellness retreat. Blending acupuncture, Qi Gong, and self-care wisdom, she guides participants in how to eat, sleep, move, and feel in harmony with their bodies and nature. At each retreat, Jo ensures that every aspect of the experience is thoughtfully tailored, offering a deeply personal and enriching journey toward lasting well-being.
Through her retreats and Acupuncture practice she has witnessed the profound impact that self-knowledge coupled with bespoke, natural self-care practices can have on people’s lives. She has curated her retreats to give you the rare opportunity to do just that.
Testimonials
I booked on a bit of a whim and wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was such a special experience. Jo is down to earth, knowledgeable, and creates something that feels both relaxed and really effective.
Helen
Source
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
Source
Jo is an amazing, kind and welcoming soul. She uplifts in the most supportive and understanding way, and brings such warmth and humour to everything she does.
Teresa
Source
Jo is a great teacher, extremely talented and so much fun. She held the space for us all to be safe and open and flawlessly had the balance to be on the same level as everyone else.
Her healing talents are in her listening, understanding and communication as much as in her teaching and treatment sessions
Jayne
Molino Del Rey 2023
Retreating with Jo was life-changing for me. And the impact is still strong. The changes that I’ve made to certain aspects of my life feel permanent as there’s been some kind of fundamental shift in me It feels much easier now, as that’s just who I am now!
Sasha
I had never been on a retreat before so I didn’t really know what to expect - it was the most incredible experience! It was a week to step away from daily life into a bubble of self care and laughter with a wonderfully supportive group of ladies. Jo’s knowledge, empathy and skill in leading the retreat gave us the perfect balance of learning, guided practice and also time for ourselves. Molino del Ray is a beautiful centre lovingly and sympathetically created in the stunning Andalusian mountains, the food was perfect, freshly homemade and nourishing and the massages were a real treat! Thank you Jo.
Vanessa
Via Email
Frequently Asked Questions
Terms and Conditions
What's Included
What is group acupuncture?
The opportunity to experience relaxing and energising acupuncture treatment in a group setting.
If you're new to acupuncture with Jo, you'll be asked to complete a new patient form before you retreat so that she knows your full health history.
If you have any concerns about the treatment please email hello@jodarling.co.uk before travelling.
I'm new to Qi Gong what does it entail?
The type of Qi Gong that Jo shares is self healing Dao Yin style. She chooses simple, meditative practice to share with you so that you can get maximum benefit in minimum time.
Jo's mantra is 'if you like it take it home'. She sincerely hope you will.
What happens during the workshops?
Jo curates your stay to harness the energetics of the Chinese energetic clock. Helping to make 'one day feel like three'.
The workshops on this retreat include seasonal support moving energy from Winter to Spring, one of the hardest seasonal transitions. From hibernation to growth.
Plus, Jo creates your personalised astrology chart so that you can take full advantage of the Chinese new year predictions for 2025.
What food is included?
All meals are vegetarian. Special diet meals at no
extra cost, please advise Jo 1 week before departure.
Breakfast – 9am
Start the day with a nourishing buffet breakfast — fresh fruit, local cheeses, olives, eggs, homemade breads and jams, alongside tea and coffee. Everything is prepared with seasonal produce from the region, including thyme and lavender from the gardens.
Lunch – 1pm
A light and colourful lunch of wholesome salads, vegetables and grains, designed to keep you energised yet light for afternoon practices. Meals are vegetarian, full of flavour, and made with the retreat’s own olive oil.
Dinner – 7pm
Each evening enjoy a freshly cooked, generous dinner featuring warm vegetarian dishes, soups, grains, and seasonal vegetables. Meals are hearty but balanced, offering comfort after a day of practice and rest. Wine and drinks are available from the bar if you’d like.
Do I have to pay extra for drinks?
Tea and coffee is served with all meals. Water is available throughout the day. All other drinks are an extra cost.
Payment
Do you offer payment in installments
Yes, you can pay by instalments, email Jo hello@jodarling.co.uk to arrange.
Can I pay by Klarna?
Yes, choose Klarna payments at checkout.
What payment methods do you take?
Shop pay, Google pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard and Amex.
Getting There
How do I get there?
The nearest airport is Faro (FAO), approximately 30–40 minutes from the retreat venue.
I’ll organise transfers from the airport for you, so everything feels simple — especially if you’re travelling on your own. The cost of the transfer is paid separately.
Once you’ve booked, I’ll share suggested flights, arrival windows, and all the details you need to make the journey straightforward.
What time should I arrive?
Check-in at the retreat is between 3pm and 6pm, so it’s best to book a flight that arrives into Faro by early afternoon (around 12–2pm) to allow for a relaxed transfer.
Once you’ve booked, I’ll share suggested flights, arrival windows, and all the details you need to make the journey straightforward.
How much is the transfer?
Transfers are typically around €25–€40 each way, depending on timings and whether you share.
I’ll organise shared transfers where possible to keep things simple and cost-effective, and confirm the exact details closer to the time.
Location And Facilities
Is there a hairdryer in my room?
There are hairdryers in every room.
Do I need to bring towels?
You don't need to bring towels with you. Bathroom and pool towels are supplied.
Is there Wifi?
Yes there is WiFi throughout the centre.
What is the temperature?
September in the Algarve is typically warm and settled, with plenty of sunshine.
Days are usually comfortably warm, with slightly cooler evenings.
What's the accommodation like?
The retreat is set in a beautifully designed private space surrounded by gardens and orchard.
Rooms are spacious, ensuite, and thoughtfully styled, with most offering private outdoor space. The overall feel is calm, comfortable, and quietly luxurious.
Tell me more about the local area
The retreat is set just outside Tavira, in a peaceful rural setting.
You’re surrounded by nature, with space to slow down and switch off — while still being within easy reach of the coast if you choose to explore.
