Where is Buddha Retreats located?

Buddha Retreats is located in Portugal around 70km north of Lisbon in the village of Columbeira only a short drive from the beautiful beaches of Peniche and Baleal.

How do I get to Buddha Retreats?

Once you arrived at Lisbon airport you need to take a taxi to the Campo Grande bus terminal which is only 2.5km away from Lisbon airport. There is a taxi stand just outside of the arrival area. From the Campo Grande terminal buses leave frequently to Bombarral (around 45min). The bus to Bombarral leaves on the right side of the terminal in a side street (when looking towards the football stadium) opposite a tall green building. You can download the bus timetable of the Rapida Verde bus from Lisbon to Bombarral here: http://rodoviariadooeste.pt/wp-content/uploads/rapida_linha_verde.pdf

From the bus terminal in Bombarral it is a 10min taxi ride to Buddha Retreats (€10 weekdays and €12 weekends). We are happy to arrange the taxi for you to pick you up in Bombarral.

We can also arrange a transfer from Lisbon airport to Buddha Retreats which is €80 for a regular taxi and €120 for a mini-van.

How close is the beach?

We are about 20 km away from the beaches of Peniche and Baleal.

Do I need a car?

You don’t need a car during your stay. The surf lessons include transport to the beach and we can always arrange a taxi for you. During the 8 day retreats an afternoon trip to Obidos and/or the beach is included.

How does the day of arrival look like?

On the day of arrival check-in is from 14.00 followed by a yoga class at 18.00 and dinner at 20.00.

How does the day of departure look like?

On the last day we start the morning with coffee, tea and fruit followed by a yoga class at 9.00 and brunch at 11.00. Check-out is around 13.00.

Can I book an extra night?

Depending on our programme it is possible to stay an extra night after the retreat has finished. However it is not possible to arrive a day earlier before the start of the retreat.

Can I join a retreat for a few days only?

Except during the month of August it is possible to join the 8 day retreats also for 4 or 5 days. If you only stay for 4 or 5 days you can join the retreat for the first or the last 4 or 5 days. The programme might be slightly different.

What is included?

• All meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

• Accommodation in single and double rooms

• Yoga lessons by a certified yoga instructor including all equipment

• Surf lessons by a certified surf instructor including transport to the beach including all equipment

Do many people come by themselves?

Usually about half of our guests travel on their own and the other half are either couples or friends.

Can I share a room when I am coming on my own?

Yes you can share a twin room with another guest when traveling on our own. Female guests share with another female guest and male guests with another male guest.

Are all rooms the same?

All of our rooms are slightly different in size and interior and are spread over four floors with no more than four rooms per floor. We have twin and single rooms with shared and ensuite bathrooms.

What kind of accommodation options are there?

We have the following accommodation options.

• Single room with shared bathroom

• Single room with ensuite bathroom

• Twin or double with shared bathroom

• Twin or double with ensuite bathroom

• Two of our larger suites are also suitable for 3 people

Can I join even if I have never done yoga?

Our yoga lessons are suitable for all levels and there will be plenty of options for more experienced practitioners. Each year we also have a few special yoga retreats with guests teachers. Check out our schedule to find out more.

Are the surf classes suitable for beginners?

The surf lessons are suitable for absolute beginners. Most of our guests have never surfed before and we spilt the groups up according to your surf level so also for the more experienced surfer we have suitable surf lessons.

Where do we surf?

Depending on the wind and waves we will pick a spot were to surf on each day in the Baleal and Peniche area.

When is the best time of year to surf?

From March until November the surf is good. In the Summer months the beaches are more busy and the waves are smaller. In Spring there are the least people around and Fall is the best time for our intermediate surfers.

How warm is the water?

The water temperatures vary between 15 and 18 degrees. March, April & November will have the coolest temperatures. We have 4.3 wetsuits to keep you warm.

What kind of food do you serve?

We serve delicious vegetarian food with an occasional fish option. Our meals are prepared with care and as much local and seasonal products as possible. Dinner includes dessert and a glass of Portuguese red or white wine.

I have food allergies can I get adjusted meals?

We can adjust the meals for any serious food allergies and vegans. However we are not a a la carte restaurant and can’t adjust any meals to every dietary trends.

When is the best weather?

We are located in the vicinity of the Atlantic coast which means that the weather can be unpredictable at times. The area where we are located has a microclimate and it is usually a couple of degrees warmer than at the coast and we get more sun than the coast. From March till the end of November itis most of time sunny with sometimes a chance of a shower. June, July and August are the warmest and driest months. Our favourite time of the year is March till May with sunny day and cooler nights.

How many people join the retreats?

We like to keep our groups with a maximum of 16 people although we can sleep up to 22. In this way we can provide the best attention to our guests.

How far ahead to I have to book?

Spring time is the least busiest season and if you are lucky you can always get a last minute spot in our twin shared accommodation. Our suites are usually booked a couple if months ahead and in the Summer period half July till half September our retreats are mostly fully booked 2 to 3 months in advance.

Is the pool heated?

The pool is not heated so it is a nice and fresh. Our guests use the pool from March till end of Nov. The pool is located on the lower levels of the property protected from the wind and has full sun exposure.

Can I book a massage or any other treatments?

We have several treatments on offer with qualified therapists. If you want to be sure you get the treatment you like, we advice you to book in advance. To see our offer check (direct link to treatments)

Is there a shop in the town

There is small supermarket in town and there are two cafes, all within walking distance.

Are there animals on the property

We have 2 dogs and a couple of cats. They are all very friendly and spend most of their time in the garden or our places. If you are allergic or have any concern please let us know.

Do I have to bring my own towels?

We provide all linen and towels, also for the pool and beach.