The Mountain Within
SERRA DA ESTRELA PARK, PORTUGAL
MAY 2 - MAY 7, 2026
Join us in Portugal for a 5-night women’s wellness retreat combining movement, adventure, and soul-healing connection.
This retreat is brought to you in partnership with Kate Buer of LivingWell, personal trainer and nutrition coach with a heart for holistic wellness, along with Riya Kurian of Next Horizon, fitness instructor, travel curator, and lover of wanderlust. Together, we’re creating a space where movement meets mindfulness, where travel becomes transformation, and where you’ll leave not just rested, but renewed. We’ll escape to the mountains in central Portugal for five days of meaningful connection.
The Mountain Within.
What if the greatest journey you could take wasn’t across oceans, but inward?
Set against the serene peaks of Portugal’s Serra da Estrela, The Mountain Within is a 5-day retreat designed to help you reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit. Each day invites you to explore a new theme, from grounding in movement, to opening your heart, to quiet reflection, mirroring the way we climb a mountain: one step, one breath, one layer at a time.
You’ll be supported in uncovering the strength and clarity that’s always been inside you. Whether you come seeking renewal after a life transition, space to dream bigger, or simply a pause from the noise of daily life, this retreat is an invitation to find yourself again.
Come as you are, leave with a lighter spirit, a stronger sense of self, and a new community of kindred souls by your side.
sample schedule
MORNING FLOW:
We will begin each day with intentional movement, most likely a rejuvenating Pilates or Barre session on the mat combined with calming breathwork to center your mind. Afterwards, we will gather for a nourishing breakfast designed to fuel your body and set the tone for the day ahead.
AFTERNOON RENEWAL:
Afternoons are typically yours to unwind, reflect, or explore. Enjoy free time to journal or rest, indulge in a massage or spa treatment, or join in a guided activity such as hiking through the breathtaking Serra da Estrela mountains, or a group journaling session. A wholesome lunch will be provided to keep you feeling balanced and cared for.
EVENING RITUAL:
As the sun sets, we’ll come together for an evening practice, perhaps a gentle movement flow, a restorative sound bath, or a gratitude circle. Each night closes with a delicious dinner, shared in community and connection.
the highlights
Luxury mountain resort stay
Welcome gathering
Daily movement
Daily mindfulness practices
Spa day
Sound bath journey
Relaxing massage
Guided group hike
Burning bowl ceremony
PRICING AND DETAILS
INCLUSIVE RETREAT PRICE
Double Room (Shared): $2,399.00 USD per person
Single Room (Private): $2,799.00 USD per person
WHAT IS INCLUDED*:
5-night/6-day stay at a luxury resort (spacious bedrooms each with private bathrooms, linens)
Daily movement class
Daily mindfulness practice
Daily meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Use of hotel amenities (pool, saunas, spa spaces, etc.)
Welcome aperitivo reception
1 relaxing 60-min massage**
Group sound bath journey**
Group guided hike through Serra da Estrela Natural Park**
Transfer to and from Porto airport to the resort (within arrival window***)
And some surprises
*Airfare is not included. **Activities may change based on weather or unforeseen circumstances.
*** Complimentary group transfers are available only for flights arriving at Porto (OPO) between 9:45 AM and 12:00 PM on the retreat start date, and departing between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on the retreat end date. Flights arriving or departing outside of these windows may require private transfers at an additional cost.
CHOOSE YOUR ROOM
Portugal Retreat: May 2-7, 2026 | Double Room (Shared)
$2,399.00 (+5% Processing Fee)
A beautifully designed shared room for 5 nights. If you’re joining with a friend, you’ll have the option to request each other in the registration form. Otherwise, we’ll thoughtfully pair you with another amazing woman on the retreat. A new friend in the making.
Payment Options:
Option 1: Pay in Full
Secure your spot today by paying in full.
Option 2: Pay a Deposit
Reserve your place with a $500 deposit now. The remaining balance will be due 90 days before the retreat.
Portugal Retreat: May 2-7, 2026 | Single Room (Private)
$2,799.00 (+5% Processing Fee)
Your own serene sanctuary for 5 nights in our luxury mountain retreat property. Perfect for those who want extra privacy and space to recharge. Each room is designed with comfort and calm in mind. A cozy haven to return to after a day of movement, mindfulness, and adventure..
Payment Options:
Option 1: Pay in Full
Secure your spot today by paying in full.
Option 2: Pay a Deposit
Reserve your place with a $500 deposit now. The remaining balance will be due 90 days before the retreat.
PLEASE NOTE BEFORE BOOKING:
You may choose to pay in full or pay a deposit to secure your spot.
A 5% processing fee applies to all payments.
For guests who pay the deposit only, the remaining balance will be due 90 days before the trip.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare to and from Porto, Portugal (OPO)
Transfers outside the designated arrival/departure window (these can be arranged at an additional cost)
All beverages, except for water, coffee & tea
Additional spa treatments or massages beyond the one included session
Personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Optional excursions or add-ons not listed in the retreat itinerary
Tips or gratuities for staff, guides, or drivers (optional, at guest’s discretion)
A NOTE ABOUT FLIGHTS:
We’re just as excited as you are to get your travel plans in motion! To make sure everything is perfectly set, please wait to book your flights until we give you the official “go-ahead.” We’ll send you the green light when it’s time to book along with all the details you need to book confidently.
A NOTE ABOUT THE LOCATION:
The retreat accommodations are located approximately 2 hours by vehicle from Porto, Portugal in the mountains. Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when the body doesn't acclimatize quickly enough to the reduced oxygen levels at higher altitudes. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, and its severity varies from person to person. If you have a history of high blood pressure or heart problems, please make sure to reach out to my physician to determine whether this trip is right for you.
Meet your Retreat Leaders!
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Kate is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach with a holistic approach to wellness that goes beyond the gym. As the co-leader of this retreat, she brings her philosophy that true fitness is about more than exercise. It’s about building consistency, nourishing the body, and creating sustainable habits that support a balanced life. Kate’s work bridges strength, mindset, and daily practices, helping her clients create transformations that are both meaningful and lasting.
Beyond her one-on-one and group training, Kate is also the founder of Living Well STL, a growing wellness community in St. Louis centered around fitness, connection, and self-care. Through monthly events like Coffee + Walk, wellness book club gatherings, and her newest project The Self-Centered Club, she’s creating spaces where people can step away from their responsibilities and reconnect with themselves. What began as a small idea has blossomed into a movement—one that celebrates community, inclusivity, and the reminder that wellness is for everyone.
Kate brings that same spirit to this retreat: combining her passion for movement, her experience as a coach, and her gift for creating safe, welcoming spaces. Whether guiding you through a powerful strength session or encouraging you to slow down and connect inward, Kate’s goal is to help you feel stronger, more grounded, and more at home in your own body.
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Riya is the founder of Next Horizon and the heart behind this retreat experience. With over a decade of travel across the globe and years spent living abroad, she’s learned that the most powerful journeys are the ones that invite us inward as much as outward. Alongside her expertise as a travel planner, Riya is also a Barre and fitness instructor with a passion for holistic wellness, movement, and embodiment practices.
Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that movement and stillness go hand in hand: the strength we build in our bodies mirrors the resilience we build in our lives, while the quiet moments of reflection help us reconnect with our intuition. Riya integrates these practices into her retreats, creating experiences where women can step away from their routines, honor their bodies, and rediscover their confidence.
For her, travel is more than sightseeing. It’s a tool for self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Whether guiding a group through the streets of a new city or leading a grounding movement session, Riya’s goal is to hold space for women to feel both adventurous and deeply at home within themselves.