One of the best experiences of my life. The yoga and meditation were of a really high standard. The accommodation was so warm and comfortable and the food was superb. I went to this retreat on my own and i didn't feel a moment of loneliness, it was wall to wall kindness and love! Caroline x

Thank you Zarqa and Patrícia for giving me the opportunity to contribute as a volunteer at Shamballah over the course of 10 days. I gained a lot of insights regarding my practice in meditaiotn and yoga during that time and had a wonderful experience at Shamballah. The surroundings are absolutely stunning (beach, cliffs, nature) and I felt really welcome there. The food was beyond delicious in all kinds of variations and tasty things you would never expect coming out of a kitchen (best regards to the best cook in the world, Mia) Keep on what you are doing guys - I believe it's the right thing Best regards Jonas

I have recently returned from the haven that is Shamballah Yoga Retreats. The experience that Zarqa and Patricia provide is unlike any other that I have had and it was a true privilege to have been welcomed into their home to share even a brief time of their extraordinary life. Very comfortable accommodation, the tranquil setting of Sintra National Park and nutritious tasty food were all key aspects that I enjoyed but the true beauty of this yoga retreat is found in Patricia and Zarqa and in the wonderful way that they have chosen to share their way of life with others. The yoga was wonderful, twice daily I got the privilege of being taught by Patricia - a truly outstanding teacher - who helped and challenged me to progress my own practice throughout the week. The group of people that I was lucky enough to share this experience with brought another element of adventure to the week. Meeting those from different walks of life, initially a group of strangers and bonding as a group, we journeyed through the week together. We formed fantastic memories as we learned the restorative powers that yoga and daily meditative practise can provide and had plenty of free time during the day to explore the stunning town of Sintra and the surrounding coast. I learned more about myself than I could have imagined possible in such a short space of time and am inspired, more than ever, to continue developing my own practise. Zarqa and Patricia are very special people and it was an absolute pleasure to spend the week in their company. I really cannot recommend this retreat more, I came home feeling rested, restored and invigorated and can't wait to further explore the world that this retreat has introduced me too. I'm already thinking about my return trip! Thank you again Patricia and Zarqa x x x

I visited Shamballah Retreats for a week's course of yoga, surf and meditation and it was the best thing I've done for a long time. As a busy Journalist I was amazed to discover how much one week in a retreat can enrich creative thinking, help with writing and make you feel that just about anything is possible. The yoga classes with Patricia at sunrise and sunset each day were beautiful, the food absolutely gorgeous and the meditation sessions with Zarqa's flute playing unforgettable. Thank you!

Staying at Shamballah after Tony Samara's detox meditation retreat at Vila Gale hotel in Sintra couldn't have been more perfect. It's the best place to process and intergrate after the fast or anytime. Patricia and Zarqa are the most lovely relaxed and welcoming hosts embracing everyone with so much love ❤️ The house is very spacious, clean and light with the aroma of essential oils and sound of water. Vegetarian food with high level superfoods and abundance of herbs in the garden and tea. The blissful natural walk to the beach is invigorating beyond words and reaching the cliffs overlooking spectacular Atlantic Ocean where Zarqa and friends surf and swim, sandy beach easily accessible below - ITS TOTALLY HEAVENLY HERE THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING AND THE WONDERFUL YOGA AND DANCING AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT

I highly recommend Shamballa Yoga Retreats. The location near Sintra and owners/operators, Zarqa and Patricia, are magical. The natural beauty of the coast and surroundings are equally matched with the healing and supportive environment created by Zarqa and Patricia. Whether you are trying yoga for the first time or an experienced yoga and meditation practitioner, Shamballa Yoga Retreats will exceed your expectations. I can't wait to return for a visit sometime next year!

Great yoga sessions for all levels, different meditation techniques, fun surfing classes, breathtaking views when hiking, healthy & delicious food (!) and these all in most cosy and beautiful villa in Sintra! So far my best wellbeing experience!

I went on a fantastic retreat with Shamballah at the beginning of October. Booking process was great, Patricia and Zarqa were very accommodating. Transport to the location was organised for us from the airport. The house was lovely - clean, comfortable and the food was fantastic. The yoga and meditation were also excellent. We had a great stay and I have been recommending to friends since I got back.

Thank you dear Patricia and Zarqa! We had amazing experience in your retreat and great time and you made us feeling very welcome and at home! The house is located in beautiful surroundings, you can choose from several amazing beaches, the nearest beach was actually my favourite and just 10-15 mins walking distance away. We travelled with small baby, so not sometimes possible to hike with stroller ;), in this case you have uber which is so cheap (4-5 euros) and was always available for us. We arrived at the state of stress and tiredness and after one week of eating healthy food, doing yoga, meditation and enjoying the nature, we feel totally recharged and relaxed. We loved good energy of hosts and the house, yoga and meditation sessions were really good, food was tasty and healthy. Would definitely come back ;) Rgds, Turguna and Albin

To start positively, the people who run this retreat are good people and a lovely couple. The food is really healthy and every meal was really delicious and made with love. The house is really nice, close to the beach and the surrounding area have many nice hikes and towns. They seem to really want to help people. However, the biggest complaint I have is that the yoga teacher is not certified. The yoga is a mixture of massage, Pilates, and yoga poses but they sometimes felt disjointed and out of flow. I didn't feel like the classes were led with yoga philosophy, or offer many adjustments, especially based on the many studios I've visited in various countries. I don't believe this is not good for beginners since they need the attention to approach yoga correctly nor is it good for advanced practitioners since they are not challenged or grow. The retreat is advertised as yoga: not Pilates or massage. Both couples lived at a meditation center so there is authenticity here however it seemed to be worshipping a unknown shaman and they referred to the infamous Osho an uncomfortable amount of times. I didn't believe that they lead the meditation or yoga with Buddhist philosophy but use the practices of this meditation center. No guided meditation, no mantras, just one type of meditation. The couple made the retreat too personal - I sometimes felt like a guest in their home and for that price I believe I should feel well treated and cared for. They had friends and family over often and were often late for our classes. They bought the house about a year ago which is nice and brand new but the decoration doesn't have warmth that I would want in a yoga retreat. This retreat is expensive and they charge for all additional activities. Ultimately for the price I left feeling a little ripped off and sad. Many of the attendants booked this week because of the feature in The Guardian however I feel obliged to email The Guardian to ask to only feature retreats that have a certification as a minimum. If the couple gets certified in yoga, incorporate more Buddhist meditations and hire hospitality consultant to change some of the small issues they will run a really nice retreat.

Wonderful experience at Shamballah ! Patricia is the best yoga teacher I’ve ever had, enabling us to discover the spiritual dimension of yoga, and Zarqa was a great meditation teacher, and chef ! Ideal for those who need to relax, chill, or have a deep thinking about their life and build a new life routine.

Beautiful week with Patricia and Zarqa who took great care of us. The yoga and meditation classes were amazing. Great experience !

A superb retreat 10/10 From start to finish, Zarqa and Patricia ensure a personal touch to the visit. The yoga lessons are excellent, varied and soulful. The surf lessons add a more energetic dimension, as well as compliment the purpose of the retreat. The meditation sessions at the end of the day are wonderful and set you up for a perfect night’s sleep. The accommodation is clean, comfortable and spacious. The food is one of the highlights. Simply amazing (and this is coming from a person who loves his steak!) Every meal is different and delicious. No chance of going hungry with ample and generous portions. There are also lots of extra activities that can be added to the itinerary - guided walks, voice workshops, rhythm workshops and another highlight - massages. Both the Ayurvedic and Zenshiatsu are divine. I can not recommend this retreat highly enough. Thanks Zarqa and Patricia for all your hard work in creating this haven.

Wonderful week at Shamballah yoga retreat. the yoga was great following a sequence through the shakras which I loved, meditation was a deeply peaceful way to close the day and vegetarian/vegan food delicious, including our packed lunch every day to take on wanderings over spectacular cliffs and to the beaches. Loved swimming! Connection and sharing with others from all over Europe special. Patricia and Zarqa lovely hosts and teachers. Thanks for a special week....

A great place in a great environment surrounded by some great people! Patricia and Zarqa are two caring individuals that help to deepen your practice. Glad to have met them and will be back at some point again.

Very grateful - my first ever yoga retreat was so warm and welcoming. Great vegetarian food (thanks Miya), peaceful bedrooms, cosy lounge space, wild ocean nearby, and the beaming hearts of everyone who worked there! The yoga (Patricia) & meditation (Zorqa) styles accommodated complete beginners, and as someone who's done some yoga I found it perfectly challenging. I also really appreciated the routine/space to sink deeper into the practices and to reflect & relax. I'd love to go back - next time I'd like to get clearer on my intention beforehand, I'd sign up for the horse therapy, I'd definitely do another gong bath, might even treat myself to two massages! And I'd say if you're already big into your yoga and meditation, or have a specfic diet or intention, then just give them a call to see if this retreat will resonant with you as they're super friendly and helpful.

Amazing retreat with beautiful people, food and good energy. You can walk 8 minutes to the cliffs (amazing) just read and focus on your Self. Highly recommended!

One of the most fulfilling weeks I've ever had. The teachers put so much energy and love into their program. Well worth doing! I'll definitely do it again! Yoga, meditation, hiking, surfing all in one of the most beautiful places.

Patricia and Zarqa are really nice persons and clearly do their best to make you comfortable and at ease during your stay. The place itself, meaning locations as well as building, is peaceful, nice (nature, beaches, additional activities, Sintra etc…) and well maintained, as other comments have already underlined. Yoga classes, held by Patricia, are enjoyable and well led, especially suitable for beginners or not-too-experienced practitioners, in my opinion. I would clarify however, that the approach to Yoga refers to the Chakra system :) Meditation with Zarqa is pleasant, varied and never boring, in my experience; Zarqa makes it easily accessible and enjoyable. The surfings classes were fun and the instructors were always nice and supportive. We (my partner and I) both managed to “pop up” quite soon, thought it could get quite crowded in between waves! Food: as mentioned already was really good, maybe just a bit of more variety in the breakfast could be added, but again, food is really (vege)top. The overall experience was great. Said that, I think there is some little room for improvement: for example, surf class timings need to follow nature and tides, but the yoga class scheduling does not; this may result in some clashes that create (occasionally) some rush. The overall offer may take into account this.

Fantastic experience. Zarqa and Patricia conducted the meditation and yoga classes with incredible attention to detail. Their level of commitment is commendable. The rooms are comfortable and the food was so healthy. Sintra is also great for visiting places and for going on long runs.

My daughter stayed here for a week after she finished her A levels, she referred to Zarqa and Patricia as “having the biggest hearts of anyone I’ve ever met”. She came back happier, healthier and having learnt meditation techniques that will help her for the rest of her life. Thank you so very much.

Thank you Zarqa and Patricia for the amazing week! Your dedication, energy and love is so present in all the activities you provide. The meditation and the yoga classes were exceptional and it was a great opportunity to realise that yoga is not only about doing crazy postures but about synchronising your body and your mind so we can be free. The food was amazing, we are commited to try to keep all the things we learnt! You deserve the best! Gavin and Andrea