DRIFT away

portugal 2025

12-18 october 2025

Join us for a very special retreat in south west Portugal

Join us for a unique Drift Away retreat: Six nights based at The Good Place in Arrifana from 12 to 18 October 2025.

The triangle of Good Surf, Good Food and Good Yoga prevails, plus for this year we have added a Reciprocity element. This is the intention to give back a little by spending half a day with Mossy Earth to learn about ecosystem restoration. Plus we will offset the whole trip with SeaTrees Blue Carbon tokens for our guests.

Collage of images representing Portugal's coastal scenery and beach activities, including sunset over the ocean, people with surfboards on the beach, surfing scenes, tiles with traditional Portuguese patterns, Portuguese pastries, and outdoor gatherings, titled 'Portugal Mood Board'.
A graphic with a concentric circle design above the word "FOOD" in capital letters.
Glass pitchers of green juice or smoothie on a tray, with bowls of sliced fruit and whole peaches in foreground.
A collage of various dishes including tacos, dumplings, salad, roasted tomatoes, and a dessert topped with pomegranate seeds, with text overlay indicating food from @racedoesfood.

About the retreat

We aim to surf every day and eat delicious food together. We’ll practice yoga to wake up every morning and have evening yoga nidra sessions for deep relaxation and good sleeps. We’ll be exploring the Costa Vicentina National Park in SW Portugal; a haven for wildlife, picturesque sunset spots and of course, waves!

You’ll be joining Nat Fox as your local host, surfer and yoga instructor - who’s been in the area for four years and is excited to guide you to all the best spots. The rugged coastline picks up plenty of Atlantic swell, but we’ll be next to one of the most sheltered spots on the West Coast - Praia da Arrifana - so there’ll be fun surf for all levels. During October you can find some of the best waves and weather this area has to offer!

We’re also stoked to be working alongside Rachel Weir, retreat chef and mum to Nomi; our friend and culinary inspiration, who has been catering for surf retreats in the Algarve for over 6 years. Known for her “mindful, healthful mostly plant-based cuisine”.

Rach will be preparing fresh lunches and dinners as sharing platters so we can continue the community vibe, sharing waves and sustenance together.

We cater to any dietary requirements - so just let us know yours.

Black and white illustration of a tropical scene with a palm tree, sun, ocean waves, and the words "DRAFT AWAY" in a stylized font.

arrifana

Arrifana is a small parish and fishing village in the Faro District's Aljezur Municipality in the Barlavento Algarvio region of Portugal. Embraced by cliffs, this seductive crescent-shaped cove 10km southwest of Aljezur has a small harbour and an offshore pinnacle known as “Pedra da Agulha”.

A white two-story house with blue doors and windows, a swimming pool in the foreground, and a clear blue sky. There are outdoor furniture and plants around the house. The image includes a banner that says 'The Cosy Surf Villa.'
A hotel room with two beds, each with gray sheets and pillows, and towels with pink flowers on top. There is a small wooden table with a potted plant between the beds, a light blue wall, and a wall hanging above one bed. The room has a door and a radiator.
A peaceful yoga studio with mats, bolsters, and blocks arranged for a class, large windows revealing greenery outside.

A GOOD PLACE

Our accommodation for Drift Portugal is our own personal surf villa, with five rooms, a pool and private yoga shala. We love the location of the villa - Vale de Telha - as we are 5 minutes walk from gorgeous clifftop views overlooking the Atlantic, and 20 minutes walk from a small complex of restaurants where you can find great coffee. The villa has everything you need to Drift Away and simply enjoy the specially curated activities and delicious food on offer.

We will have sole use of

  • Yoga shala

  • Communal areas including the breakfast and dining room with cosy fireplace, apero lounge and honesty bar 

  • The sunlit veranda

  • The full garden space, which has plenty of corners to explore

  • Swimming pool 

  • Fire pit area / BBQ area 

Rooms available:

The deluxe room is on the first floor and has its own ensuite bathroom *this room is now booked*.

There are two rooms on the first floor where there is one bathroom shared between the two rooms and another two rooms on the ground floor with a shared bathroom (sharing with 1 other Drifter). Prices start at £1195, email us for a brochure with more details and prices.

There are plenty of spots around the house to chill out, sun loungers in the garden, hammocks and cosy sofas to curl up on, and a big screen for our special movie night.

The retreat is limited to 10 spaces. 

A scenic view of a beach with rocks, waves, and a sandy shoreline under a blue sky with some clouds, seen from a grassy cliff.
Minimalist logo with a large triangle containing concentric triangles and a small letter 'G' inside, with the word 'YOGA' below.

What we will be doing

We’ll start the day with an early morning meditation and vinyasa flow practice. A light breakfast will be available for when suits you (before or after yoga).

After that, we’ll head to the surf - we’ll be looking for mellow, longboarding waves and have a few options in the local area. Drift surf sessions are all about having fun and connecting with the Ocean, and you’ll be supported by local, qualified and experiences coaches whatever level you are.

After surfing, we’ll head back to the villa for a delicious, nutritious lunch prepared by our lovely chef Rachel.

In the afternoons we’ll have optional activities such as a hike through the National Park to a secret beach, an Ocean Literacy workshop, learning about ecosystem restoration with Mossy Earth or simply free time to take a massage or read a book.

Dinner is the main event in the evening, followed by a special screening of “Point of Change” one night. We’ll wrap up our days with a yoga nidra to prioritise sleep and restoration, ready for another day of Drifting!

Minimalist logo with wavy lines representing water and the word 'SURF' underneath.

our theme is: connection

Each Drift retreat is specially curated and delivered with intention, and Drift Away Portugal is more than just a holiday—it’s a chance to reconnect.

Whether you’re riding the Atlantic waves, finding balance on the mat, or sharing nourishing meals, every moment is designed to deepen your connection with yourself, nature, and a like-minded community.

During Drift Away Portugal, connection will be at the heart of everything we do—because we believe that when we connect with the ocean, the earth, and each other, we cultivate a sense of belonging that lasts far beyond the retreat. Join us for an unforgettable week of movement, mindfulness, and meaningful moments.

Let’s drift together.

"Every wave, every breeze, every sunset is a love letter from the universe."

Sunset over the ocean with a colorful sky, crescent moon in the sky, shoreline with bushes, and a few surfers in the water.
A view of the ocean from a rocky cliff with waves crashing against the rocks below and clear blue sky above. The top left corner contains text that reads 'The Location'.
click here for a brochure
A serene beach scene at sunset with cliffs on the left and the ocean on the right. The sky is clear with the sun low on the horizon. Text overlay with contact information for brochure requests, an email address hello@driftretreat.co.uk, on a torn paper design.
A large group of women and children gathered outdoors around a long table enjoying a meal on a sunny day, with some people wearing sunglasses and casual summer clothing. There are plates of food, salads, and drinks on the table, with a decorative centerpiece in the middle. The background consists of grassy areas and stone pavement. The theme displayed on the image is "Connect."

Join our retreat

Includes

  • Airport transfers for Faro airport (if you fly into Lisbon we can help arrange transfers)

  • 6 nights accommodation starting on 12 October 2025 (check in from 3pm)

  • 3 meals per day (except one dinner out)

  • x5 Surf lessons (1.5 hours including equipment and transport to beach)

  • Daily meditation / vinyasa yoga / restorative yoga / yoga nidra (at least 2 hours per day)

  • Ocean literacy workshop with Nat Fox  

  • Film screening of “Point of Change” and conversation with Director Rebecca Coley

  • Afternoon with Mossy Earth learning about ecosystem restoration

  • Pre-trip group call and debrief call for connection  

Doesn't include:

  • Flights/travel to Portugal

  • Alcohol

  • 1 dinner out

  • Massages

  • Other activities such as surf skating, horse riding or pottery class (but we can help arrange!)

Prices start from

£1195 per person for a twin room 

Deposit of £400 required to book - contact us for BACS details

Cancellation policy: 50% deposit refundable up to 60 days before, after that it is non-refundable.

We will always try to postpone or offer an alternative date or a voucher wherever possible.
Please make sure you have your own flights and travel insurance. 

Please ask for a brochure to see the available rooms at the Villa - first come first served. 

Email us for a brochure or reach out if you have any questions.

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