Come Back to Life
A 5-Night Journey into Nature, Inner Wisdom, and Collective Renewal
Reconnection. Reflection. Renewal
This 5 night retreat is an invitation to come back to life through connection, presence, and shared exploration. Rooted in the Work That Reconnects and Ehama’s Shamanic Wisdom Teaching, it offers space to feel, to listen, and to engage more fully with yourself, others, and the living world around you.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, renewal, deeper relationship, or simply time to land, you’ll be held in a nourishing rhythm shaped by nature, conversation, and community.
A journey of 4 phases
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Welcome and Preparation - We begin by arriving into the land, into the body, and into a different rhythm.
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Immersion into Retreat - Here we step away from the demands of everyday life and into a nourishing rhythm.
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Reflection with Fresh Eyes - We return inward, turning gently toward the life we've left behind"
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Co-creating resilience for the return - With renewed clarity, we explore how to sustain our insights.
Key Information
28 Sept -
3 Oct 2025
The Naess, Alcobaça, Portugal
from £690 per person
Who is this retreat for?
For professionals, leaders, and facilitators:
Step away from the noise and return refreshed, clear-headed, and creatively recharged, with practices to support resilience and clarity in your work.
For community builders and activists:
Receive rest and replenishment in a setting that understands the weight of social and ecological commitment. Leave feeling grounded and supported by a living, human-and-more-than-human network.
For those seeking nature connection:
If you long for quiet, reflection, and deep immersion in nature, this retreat provides a place to recalibrate. You’ll walk the land, participate in earth-honouring practices, and let nature be your teacher.
For those seeking healing:
You’ll find space to process, anxiety, exhaustion, and stress in a compassionate, grounded environment. The land, the circle, and the practices help restore your connection to body and heart.
What You'll Experience
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Reconnect with Nature: Spend time in the tranquil surroundings of The Naess, with forest walks, quiet reflection by the organic pond, and immersive nature practices that allow you to deepen your connection to the earth.
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Transformative Practices: Rooted in Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects and Ehama’s Shamanic Wisdom Teaching — help you explore gratitude, grief, vision, and resilience.
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Healing Conversations: In small group circles and one-on-one sessions, you will explore your personal journey with others who are on a similar path, creating a safe, supportive environment for sharing and growth.
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Personal Reflection Time: Each day includes time for journaling, quiet contemplation, and self-reflection, allowing you to integrate the experiences and insights gained during the retreat.
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Evening Circles & Sharing: Come together each evening around the fire for reflective discussions, storytelling, and group activities that foster deep connection and a sense of belonging.
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Guided by Nature: Whether you're walking through the forest, swimming in the pond, or simply sitting in silence, nature is an integral part of your transformation. Its calming presence will help you connect more deeply to yourself and your path.
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Yoga: movement and other somatic practices ensure that new insights are grounded in the body and soul as well as the mind.
What's Included
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5 nights accommodation at The Naess
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3 daily nourishing vegetarian meals
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Morning meditation and yoga Nidra sessions
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Guided nature-based practices and reflection exercises
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Evening circles for group sharing
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Journaling and personal reflection time
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Access to the beautiful grounds including forest walks and swimming in the organic pond
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from The Naess
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Personal expenses (such as additional snacks or activities)
Accommodation Options
All rooms are designed with comfort in mind, creating a peaceful environment to complement the natural surroundings.
Luxury 4-person Bunk Room: Comfortable and curtained private space.
Twin Rooms: Cosy, serene spaces for two people to enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
Meet The Facilitators
Our Facilities
The Naess offers simple, practical facilities designed to support rest, reflection, and time in nature. Everything here is kept intentionally low-key to create space for what really matters: your process, your presence, and your connection to the land.
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Accommodation: We can host up to 14 people in a mix of single, twin, and shared dorm-style rooms. There’s also space for camping if you’d prefer to sleep outdoors. Rooms are basic, comfortable, and quiet.
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Practice Spaces: Dedicated indoor and outdoor areas are available for yoga, meditation, and group work.
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Shared Spaces: A few communal areas offer space to connect, read, or just be. Nothing fancy, just room to breathe.
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Offline Time: We encourage stepping away from devices during your stay. Wired internet is available if needed.
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Pond: The natural pond is there for swimming, sitting beside, or simply watching the light change.
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Agroforest: If you’re drawn to hands-on learning, there are chances to join in with seasonal work in the gardens and agroforestry systems.
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Forest Walks: Trails through the surrounding woodland offer space for solitude, movement, and grounding.
Get early access to future programs
As we continue to develop new programs and retreats, we want to offer you the opportunity to be the first to know about upcoming events. By signing up, you'll gain early access, exclusive offers, and early bird discounts before they're available to the public.
Co-creating the Emerging Future
Led by Jenny Mackewn
Join Jenny, a world-renowned coach and trainer of trainers, in this transformative experience focused on leadership and facilitation skills that help you co-create a better, fairer, and more beautiful world. Gain the tools you need to lead with purpose and clarity, alongside a community of like-minded individuals.
Holiday Retreats
Led by Jeremy Arnold
Escape to The Naess and reconnect with yourself in nature. Jeremy will guide you through relaxing practices and deep reflections designed to nourish your body and soul. Whether you seek rest or transformation, this retreat offers a chance to step away from the ordinary and immerse yourself in the extraordinary.
Principles of Doughnut Economics
Led by Pedro Santos and Mats Stiffels
Join Pedro Santos and Mats Stiffels for a hands-on course exploring the core principles of Doughnut Economics. Learn how to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, from community projects to local businesses, and gain practical tools to create sustainable and inclusive systems that work for people and the planet.
Our Facilities
The Naess offers simple, practical facilities designed to support rest, reflection, and time in nature. Everything here is kept intentionally low-key to create space for what really matters: your process, your presence, and your connection to the land.
-
Accommodation: We can host up to 14 people in a mix of single, twin, and shared dorm-style rooms. There’s also space for camping if you’d prefer to sleep outdoors. Rooms are basic, comfortable, and quiet.
-
Practice Spaces: Dedicated indoor and outdoor areas are available for yoga, meditation, and group work.
-
Shared Spaces: A few communal areas offer space to connect, read, or just be. Nothing fancy, just room to breathe.
-
Offline Time: We encourage stepping away from devices during your stay. Wired internet is available if needed.
-
Pond: The natural pond is there for swimming, sitting beside, or simply watching the light change.
-
Agroforest: If you’re drawn to hands-on learning, there are chances to join in with seasonal work in the gardens and agroforestry systems.
-
Forest Walks: Trails through the surrounding woodland offer space for solitude, movement, and grounding.