For an unbelievable transforming yoga retreat with comfortable sleeping bell tents, excellent food and hosts that go way beyond anything I experienced before, look no further.The retreat is located in the most beautiful place set on a mountain top with incredible views.Even though it’s called Rural Escapes , This city girl fitted right in.5***** Highly recommend.Go for it.

I can't recommend it highly enough. Camilla is a very creative soul and is just a genuinely lovely person. communication was spot on. Camilla is very organised and the itinerary had been put together with care, love and attention it really is a journey staying at RE. Ellis is such a talented builder and also very creative - go on the tour of the land with him. it's fantastic. Sean's a fantastic chef and his passion really comes through with the dishes he creates. Nicky was also an absolute joy to be around! (volunteer) veggie food for a week made me a bit apprehensive. don't be! healthy, varied, colourful and just delightful. compost toilets and outside showers. a view you'll never get at home! you get used to them. everything is clean and checked regularly. I urge you to have an experience you'll not regret. keep up the amazing work and I look forward to returning. not forgetting the beautiful dogs and boo! Mani and chuva were a joy to be around. thank you each and everyone one of you. big love and hugs

The most amazing place with the most amazing people. Deep in nature. Off grid. More than comfortable. Close to amazing white sandy beaches. Camilla and Ellis are more than welcoming and Camilla is the best Yoga teacher I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I can’t wait to return either to volunteer, experience one of their retreats or just to camp.

This place has been a lot of fun. Ellis and Camilla are loving and caring people, always happy to share their wisdom and knowledge! I really learned a lot about Off-Grid, Sustainable Living and building Things like a stone path or roofs for the yoga platform. We recommend staying with those two! Looking forward to coming back some time! Cheers Marvin :)

Amazing volunteer holiday with Camilla and Ellis who were so warm and welcoming. Their place is beautiful and comfortable and I can’t wait to return. I so wish I could attend camilla’s y12sr meetings regularly. We also enjoyed the luxury of a massage and sound bath therapy. It was very relaxing being in the heart of nature but with nearby access to local towns and activities. Highly recommended.

The place to go in Portugal for a wholesome, nourishing and beautiful experience. Camilla and Ellis are approachable and down-to-earth. I really enjoyed the yoga classes, the conversations and being in such a peaceful, secluded location overlooking the mountains. Food was delicious, fresh, healthy and varied. I loved spending my days outside, every night I saw a beautiful sunset. I can’t wait to go back sometime!

Had a lovely time at Rural Escapes, and was amazed at how comfortable camping (in bell tents supplied) can be. Camilla and Ellis have done an amazing job of making their retreat centre comfortable and off grid!! It's how we all could be living, and I take my hat off to them for actually doing it. I slept like a baby (who snores) and felt fully rested. They are both very friendly and accomodating, and told us about local nearby beaches which were amazing. They also have two adorable dogs. Definitely worth a visit :-D

It’s a wonderful place where you can truly unwind and deep connect with nature. Camilla and Ellis are precious and welcoming people to share your ‘Rural Escapes Portugal’ experience with. Camilla is a great person as well as yoga teacher while Ellis is an energetic and fun handyman. Their energy and the powerful environment make Rural Escapes Portugal a little heaven on earth. THANKS ❤️

Amazing place, very special & friendly people, very cosy environment; enjoy, feel, breath nature. Even the 2 dogs walking around are so happy! Excellent!

I love the place. I was there for the 12step yoga retreat and had such an amazing time. Camilla and Ellis are great hosts and they’ve created a really unique and special place. I found it very soothing and relaxing to be there. Thanks Camilla and Ellis, I’ll be back soon again :)

I had the most amazing time staying at rural escapes with Camilla and Ellis who were wonderful hosts. A beautiful spot to deeply relax and enjoy nature. I will be back!!

I was lucky enough to attend a retreat at Rural Escapes Portugal, I say lucky because this place (sorry for the cliche) , truly is a slice of heaven. Set in the beautiful mountains of Monchique, the hosts Camilla and Ellis have created a real retreat from the hustle and stress of the outside world. Everything is self sufficient and not in the fashionable box-ticking way. This place lives and breathes sustainability and as such it gives you space to breathe and really feel at one with nature. I attended one of Camilla’s 12 step yoga retreats with a friend who has been practicing for years, I mention this because I’m a total beginner and she and I were equally happy with the yoga practice on offer. You really can do as much or as little as you want. Camilla is a marvellous teacher, and given that it was a recovery retreat she really does have the warmth and sensitivity needed. I got in touch with feelings in a very safe environment and couple this with the surroundings it was incredible. you are given the space to breathe and feel and just stop for a moment. Sitting in a group first thing in the morning looking out over the mountains was an experience I find hard to put into words. We laughed, we cried and we celebrated how amazing it is to be alive. There is also plenty of time for quiet contemplation, with hammocks strung from trees and perfect spots for meditation. Meals are healthy and delicious and taken outdoors. I especially loved breakfast/brunch after yoga practice, with plenty of good coffee. I’m hoping to return to Rural Escapes as soon as Possible. I believe they run a few retreats each year and spaces are limited. I’ll race you to it!

Un véritable paradis, un dépaysement complet ! L'endroit est tellement paisible, l'accueil y est tellement chaleureux. Aucun mot n'est à la hauteur de cette expérience. Sérénité, calme, bien être, lâché prise tout les éléments sont réunis pour passer un séjour plus que magique.

Wonderful week at Yoga of the Heart retreat. I needed time for me and coming here allowed me to do that and more. Camilla and Ellis are lovely hosts and Rosie and Lola fed us so well I put on 3.5 lbs! Yoga and meditation with Camilla was a positive and soul searching experience and I was able to think about a plan for the future. Simple off grid living added to the peace and tranquillity.

Thank you for such a beautiful week! I spent 6 nights at Rural Escapes for Camilla's 'Heart of Yoga' retreat and it was an incredible experience exploring the heart surrounded by mountains and beautiful nature. A real chance to slow down and have some wholesome, self-nurturing time. Camilla and Ellis are great hosts, down to earth and entertaining! Camilla's yoga practice and teachings are inspired and heart felt and allowed me to truly relax and open to the healing, strength and vitality of yoga. The food was delicious and plentiful! The accomodation comfortable, simple and a joy to spend time in connecting with the surrounding tranquility and views. Highly recommend!

Recently returned from a yoga retreat here. Stunning scenery, lovely people and fantastic food made for an amazing experience. Highly recommend.

A truly special place. The people (Camilla, Ellis and all the others who pass through) are warm and welcoming. The location is beautiful and peaceful, and the atmosphere will encourage you to breath a bit deeper, walk a bit slower, and appreciate every step. And there is tons of smiling! We are very grateful to have spent some time here.

A wonderful place for peaceful connecting with self and nature around. Super caring and lovely hosts, stunning nature.

I stayed here in May for a 5 day break on my own. It was a truely magical experience, I loved it. Camilla and Elis were wonderful hosts. Delicious food and beautiful views. I would highly recommend it ☺️ P.S sorry it took my so long to write review ❤️

I found Rural escapes nestled within the mountains, a place that feels far from civilization and close to nature. The green scenery and mountain views are just breathtaking and the respect and love Camilla & Elis have put into their land, adding a new creation from time to time working together with nature’s forces shows in this beautiful fairy tale they have created. I’m grateful that I got to be part of this fairy tale for some time during a yoga retreat that I participated in. It has been a great experience practicing yoga and meditation with the best teacher I've had so far. The ayurvedic massage and sound healing have been an adjective experience for me and being around like-minded, beautiful people spending time at the beach and enjoying nutritious food together a bliss. But really, just to live so close to nature for a while; Feeling how the early morning fresh mountain air turns into a warm summer breeze and looking at the sunset every evening seeing day turn into night was enough to feel Happy, fulfilled, alive.

Loved staying with Camilla and Ellis, they have managed to bring together the beauty of spiritual practice with off grid living so perfectly, diligently and caringly. Stayed in their gorgeous log cabin with stunning views as you look down the sun drenched valleys. Camilla brought fire to our bellies with her learned knowledge of kundalini practice, which was transformative - I came away from the retreat restored and energised and full of hope. Ellis’ incredible work with the local ecosystems means you can be reassured you are staying in a place completely in tune with nature. Absolutely adored being there, adore both Camilla and Ellis and can’t wait to come again, highly recommended for yogis and those on any spiritual path in tune with their surroundings.

Fantastic yoga retreat in the beautiful mountains near Monchique. Camilla and Ellis were warm and friendly hosts, the yoga classes were brilliant (this one was Kundalini, but Camilla also teaches other types), the accommodation was comfortable, the views were magnificent and the vegetarian food was delicious and copious! Highly recommend.

Awesome location in Portuguese mountains (90 mins from Faro) The yoga is magical, an uplifting and spiritual journey. Loved the bell tents and glamping vibe. Healthy vegan food and friendly contact with hosts. Totally recommend for those who like outdoors and beautiful views.

My name is Constança, and I paticipated in Rural Escapes Portugal, a yoga retreat during the first week of September. I only have good things to say, our wonderful hosts are very professional and organized. I was very welcomed by both, the tents are very spacious, warm and cozy. The food is great, fantastic breakfast, lunch and dinner. The yoga teacher was wonderful and very careful with each one of us. The atmosphere was always full of good healthy, positive energy. The place is beautiful and amazing. I highly recommend these reteats, and i want to share this unique experience. I will defintely go again! Thankyou everyone, who was part of this retreat!

This is a piece of heaven in the heart of Algarve: a hidden place in Monchique for you to experience a peaceful retreat or just a offline and off the grid holiday. Ellis and Camilla are a lovely couple with loads of stories to entertaining you. The bell tent is a glamping, vegan food was delicious and the night sky was just spectacular! I really recommend to pay a visit!

I visited Rural Escapes Portugal for a Kundalini Yoga retreat, and it has been one of the highlights of my year. This place will move you. It is a truly special space, and will leave you feeling lighter and re-charged for life! Camilla and Ellis are awesome hosts. They are warm, funny and friendly. They are knowledgable, dedicated, inspiring and yet truly humble people. Camilla especially made the retreat feel extra special! The self-sustaining, off-grid space they have created together provides a stunning blend of glamping with total immersion in nature. The layout is fantastic, and each 'section' is like a little slice of heaven. You will certainly sleep well here, out under the stars! Everything is so meticulously thought through and laid out that you can't help but feel relaxed here. The outdoor dining was super special, the food was fantastic and some of the extra touches (Golden Milk & Bliss Balls!) were an absolute delight. Camilla has an incredible energy and presence, which really helped tie the whole experience together. She's a fantastic yoga teacher and generously shares her wisdom with a great sense of humour. She's well organised and everything is well thought through down to the smallest of special touches (like a vegan blanket laid out on my matt, or the homemade cashew and oat milk at breakfast!). If I was thinking about doing another retreat, or even creating my own, I would want to do it in this special place! You can really co-create magic here. Thank you to everyone at Rural Escapes Portugal for such a beautiful time. x

It’s magic ! The go to place for an affordable piece of heaven . Sleeping under canvas , yoga, meditation , sharing circles and delicious food and possibly the best massage I’ve ever had ( and I’ve had a few ) So relaxing being secluded in a beautiful mountain hideaway with Camilla as your host .. Loved every second of it and can’t wait to go back x

Such a beautiful place to stay! I had a really awesome retreat here, peaceful surroundings, friendly hosts, and great food.

Rural Escapes is a truly magical place! Really cozy tents, amazing food and wonderful nature! I slept so well and had a wonderful yoga retreat here.

Rural Escapes Portugal is a totally gorgeous and extraordinary place. It has been such an honour to run a retreat there together with Camilla, who is one of the creators of the place, and also a very experienced yoga teacher. We held a Summer Solstice Kundalini Yoga & Gong Celebration Retreat in june 2019, and I want to mention a few of all the special moments from the retreat, in order to give examples of what amazing experiences Rural Escapes can make possible. On the summer solstice morning we woke up early and walked in silence through the forest, along the hillsides, up to a lake, where we welcomed the sunrise, meditated, swam and shared. The surrounding was showing up in beauty of all the trees & the views far away, and gave space to feel everything. Another magic moment was the summer solstice evening, when we spent time on the outside yoga platform, with views over mountains and the sunset, connected to the group and later the participants relaxed on their backs in sleeping bags with the sounds of the gong vibrations under the stars. A third very special experience was the daytrip to one of the nearby beaches. We floated with the stream, meditated in the sun, allowed integration, relaxation, purification & connection to all elements. There where so many more fantastic and memorable moments, e.g. showering with view of trees, the shared delicious meals in presence, the hanging out in a hammock listening to wind chime and hearing about the marvellous treatments people had. I felt so supported by Camilla during the whole retreat, and I so look forward to come back and co-create. This is a lovely place I can recommend anyone to spend time & connect with themselves and nature in Portugal.

A truly magical place. Set in beautiful wooded mountain scenery this holiday was utterly wonderful. Hosts Camilla and Ellis were warm and super helpful, the food was utterly delicious (mostly vegan and all good and varied), and our Bell tent was perfect, with comfy platform beds and all we needed. From the star filled skies at night, to the serenity of early morning strolls, to day trips to stunning beaches and a local spa, it was a perfect break. The yoga led by Camilla was a revelation too, with a platform with long views across hills and valleys. Hill hugging walks from the campsite in every direction and Monchique good for coffees and shops. Nice attention to eco concerns but with all the home comforts you need - solar hot water showers and compost loos with a view!

I have just spent a week staying at Rural Escapes , the retreat is hosted by Camilla & Ellis. The bell tent I slept in was delightful , lovely comfortable bed and plenty of space, being April at times It was cold but extra blankets were provided if needed. I am pretty much a beginner at yoga but Camilla was very attentive and I felt encouraged by her enthusiasm for the yoga practice. I enjoyed the holiday so much that I am planning to return next year .

I would like to thank everyone for the fantastic experience I had with Camilla & Ellis life changing 12 steps Yoga & meditation. Good healthy food, all vegan and unbelievably fantastic recipes, especially the desserts and plenty of laughs, what more do we need? I feel more serene and have even given up smoking easily. Highly recommended 10/10 feel energized inside Can't wait for the next Retreat x

It's not possible to sum up in a few words how wonderful this place is. The hosts Camilla and Ellis have gone to every effort to create a small slice of heaven in the mountains, without disturbing the natural environment in any way. The views are incredible, the food is wholesome and delicious. The yoga is very much set at a pace for each individual - I'm a complete beginner and loved it, whereas the friend I travelled with has been practicing yoga for years and found it as fulfilling and very enjoyable. This is rural living with like minded people, passionate about recycling and loving the planet. From the hosts, to the lovely Olivia doing the cooking and her helper Cloe, they looked after our every need and made us laugh into the bargain . Do yourself a favour and book some time out in this beautiful nourishing environment. Do be warned though, you won't want to leave.

Amazing place in the middle of great nature and mountains. Great people, great experience to be here. So thankfull. Really a place to cool down and let go.You can help, you can learn how to built..learn Yoga. And in the night it is so quiet and you see 100000 stars..