Maitri in its simplest form is most commonly interpreted as loving-kindness, compassion, friendliness, benevolence, and goodwill towards self and others.
Yoga Retreats (3)
4 Day Silent Meditation and Yin Yoga Retreat in Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Feb | Mar | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | More…
from US$ 559
8 Day Silent Zen Meditation and Yin Yoga Retreat in Algarve, Portugal
April | July | October | November, 2025
from US$ 807
7 Day Silent Zen Meditation and Yin Yoga Retreat in Bali, Indonesia
March 25-31, 2025
from US$ 1,119
Videos (7)
Instructors (1)
Hamid Ebadi
Drawn to meditation in the 1990’s, Hamid encountered Japanese Zen Master Ryotan Tokuda in 1998, was ordained as a monk at Ei Tai-Ji Monastery in the South of France in 2000 and, in 2011, was authorized by his master to pass on these ancient teachings. Hamid is also a qualified psychotherapist and has continued his personal and professional development by sharing his experience conducting lectures, meditation retreats, and personal therapy sessions. Hamid firmly believes that giving unconditional support and guidance is fundamental to a joyful existence.
Reviews (28)
Nicole Van De Beurcht
from Netherlands, October 2024
"Loving awareness"
This has truly been a heartwarming and opening experience. Ive left the retreat feeling like I've connected to myself and the world more. Replenished and full of bliss. Its like a warm bath, and the facilitators have done an amazing job in making everyone feel welcome and home. The food is great, the accomodation and surrounding beautiful. Because the Zazen is sometimes a struggle its very valuable (although wouldve liked in the first days for some more practical tips on the meditation). Talks are very teachable and wouldve loved a bit more of them! Overall amazing experience and definitely want to go back. Thank you Hamid, Helen, Jenn, Karl and all the loving volunteers.
Gigi Flamand
from Netherlands, October 2024
"Amazing"
Everyone should go on this retreat at least once in their lives. It’s a really special experience.
Elise Bergshoeff
from Netherlands, October 2024
It was an experience I can recommend to every human being.
It's not always easy or fun to be sitting with your own thoughts or pain or whatever it is, that appears when being in silence.
Some moments felt very hardcore to me, epically in the first days.
But then you just keep on sitting.
And everything passes. Joy and happiness also arise. I felt so truly fulfilled with joy.
I think the talking circle is very healing, that takes place one day before the end of the retreat. Everybody felt so heard, so connected, so loved and there is so much recognition in our shared stories. Also beautiful to hold the space again after that till the next day.
In the end the deeper sense that I got out of this week is, I 'landed' more in the present moment, more connected to nature, more connected to all the people in the retreat. More connected to the core of my being.
As well, the yin yoga sessions helped a lot. They were guided in a way that helped relaxing, restoring your nerve system, letting go of old pain that was stored in my body.
The Talks of Hamid were holding so much essence, so much insights and recognition, so much resonance and helped during the sittings.
And thanks Carl, for letting the body be in flowing energy through your friendly way of showing us Tai Chi. Above all, the food was so tasty and there was plenty for everyone. And thanks to Jenn who walked us through the beautiful mountain and helped out during the retreat. The environment is truly amazing.
Emanuelle Jones
from Australia, December 2023
"Reconnect to your inner tranquility "
Words cannot describe how wonderful the retreat with Maitri retreats was, surrounded by lush Balinese rainforest and staying in a nurturing luxurious accomodation.
The retreat was structured excellently, allowing participants the space to delve deep and release; interspersed with time in nature, superb yin yoga, delicious meal times and deep tissue massages.
This retreat found me at exactly the right time, Hamid s daily teachings and the connection to the rest of the group healed me.
Thank you infinitely!
Rosie Liew
from Singapore, December 2023
"Zazen was divine for me, Im so calm & focused now"
I have been practicing other style of Meditation for more than a decade. My experience with Zazen was divine. This is not to validate or justify an achievement rather I hv learnt to appreciate the art of Being and sitting still. There were moments with whirlpool of thoughts but they were very distance from me and dissolves quickly by itself. After the retreat back home, I became a calmer person and experience alot of clarity. This is a retreat I plan to do yearly while keeping the practice in my daily life.
The retreat is nestled within a nurturing environment where the ecology system remind us the cycle of life (organic farmings, animals, insects, weather, people etc)
I really appreciate the fresh vegetables & salad harvested from farm to table, it cant get any fresher. Room was clean, comfortable, weather cool, staff so friendly and always doing their best, an unforgettable experience. They even made me special food due to my allergy diet, very thoughtful.
Hamid, the Zazen Master has a warm personality, full of wisdom with a wealth of knowledge. Love his sharing of philosophy and poems. His presence during the silence display much abt his dedication to the Zazen tradition & the practice, very inspiring. I have bought some books to support my Zazen practice. I do look forward to the Zazen Retreat next year but for now I sit still amd appreciate being.
"Let silence be the art you practice, Let silence speak to you about the secrets of the universe" ~ Rumi
Morgan Scale
from United Kingdom, October 2023
"Wonderful experience "
It was a beautiful place in a great setting, the retreat was well run and it allowed space for people to go within
Anonymous
from Portugal, October 2023
"Great location!"
The location of the retreat on top of the Monchique mountains. Breathtaking!
Margot Campaignolle
from Belgium, October 2023
"Enlightening "
Cadre incroyable des vues magnifiques
De la nourriture exceptionnelle et varie avec des produits frais et de saison
Une qualité d'activité (yoga, thai chi... incroyable)
Un programme bien construit qui ne change pas pourtant chaque jour est différent
Experience intense mais tellement ressourçant
Prise de conscience du tri, sauver l'eau, zéro gaspi...
Nicole Harding
from Philippines, August 2023
"A beautiful spiritual awakening "
This retreat was the most peace, humility and connection I have felt in my life. The way in which Hamid weaved together these seven days was truly transformative. I felt like years of my searching, completing two degrees and countless self development courses on body, mind and spirit, together with my moms wisdom shared before she passed all made sense. I cried tears of joy on our last evening when Hamid did his final talk because I truly felt that I had a spiritual awakening. I will continue to practice Zazen at home and I cannot thank Hamid, the gentle and beautiful yin yoga teacher(Nana), the amazing diverse attendees who joined and Yogis garden for proving the most delicious organic vegetarian food and for their constant smiles and generosity. Money cannot buy the wisdom I gained from this retreat, I am so grateful☺️
Stephan Schaar
from Germany, May 2023
"A journey of connection and silence."
Right from the start: I would recommend the Silence Meditation Retreat in Karuna and under the guidance of Hamid to anyone who wants to embark on a journey to themselves and to improve their meditation practice. Before, during and also after the retreat one felt cared for and well looked after. The food was fantastic, the group warm and lovely and Hamid's autentic way and talks were inspiring. The whole program was perfectly organized and very well prepared. You could tell that very experienced mentors were at work here. We participants did not feel left alone despite the silence. I thank Hamid and Helen (yoga teacher) from the bottom of my heart for this experience. I am sure that I would like to repeat the Silent Meditation Retreat.
Aleksandra Rudnitska
from Belgium, April 2023
"Exceeded all that I could expect"
This stay was truly magnificent. The atmosphere, the place itself, the people, tranquility there, the delicious and nutritious food - nothing was lacking. The experience of silence, meditation, thinking and not thinking, it all brought me the learnings that I couldn't expect.
I will not say that this is the right choice for everyone, I can't know. But for me it had everything and way more, and I had a strong impression, that other participants shared the feeling :)
Thank you again Hamid and everyone who contributed to that experience being as it was, and it was a blast.
Cheers from Brussels!
Anonymous
from Netherlands, November 2022
"Very profound, life changing experience"
The unique combination of the beautiful nature, the blissful silence, having daily intense meditation and a beautiful yin yoga practice, the deep (and often mind-blown) talks by Hamid, and last but not least the group energy (and love), made this into a very profound and life changing experience for me. I booked the retreat in need for alone time, time to heal, time to treat myself better. And what I got in return is so much more and better. I have a greater understanding of myself, a new found compassion and love for myself, and know now how to better take care of myself. After the retreat, I had my last therapy session (for now) and my psychotherapist concluded to me that what I experienced during the retreat was having very intense therapy sessions with myself. I healed a lot of wounds in me (some I didn’t even know that were even there). This was my first retreat with Maitri Retreats but certainly not the last one.
Jura Zvag
from Lithuania, July 2022
"The week of magical, deep and full of unexpected insights"
Extraordinary and magical place in picturesque mountains. Wonderfull, warm and supportive professional teachers Hamid and Helen. Unexpectedly tastefull vegetarian food (as I am not vegetarian).
All week brought much much more than new skills of meditation practise and new style of yoga. As it was also deep inner journey with lots of unexpected insights, bringing back inner calm and even small miracles to my life 😉
Martina Gleissenebner-teskey
from Austria, July 2022
"A true revelation"
It's very hard to describe with words what the whole being of myself has been experiencing throughout that retreat.
The outcome, however, is clear: what wanted to emerge from the bottom of my self, has emerged, releasing me back to the world calmer, stronger and more complete.
There is nothing more to say than that : thank you.
To Hamid and Helen, our Yoga teacher.
To the team of the center who cared for us.
To the group.
To myself.
Julia De Los Rios
from United Kingdom, May 2022
"A lesson in humility and awe"
This was a wonderful experience that I am sure I will repeat in the future. I was hoping to unplug from the trials and tribulations of everyday life and reconnect with myself and this definitely was the case.
I LOVED the silence. The first thing you notice is that whatever role you are used to playing in your daily life; entertainer, care-giver, people pleaser etc becomes immediately redundant. You realise that you are responsible for yourself and other people are responsible for themselves. It’s empowering for everyone. I spent the first day thinking – ‘this really is just for me’.
The Monchique mountain setting is stunning and transfixing. I think it was linked to the silence as you knew there would be no harsh noises to jolt you out of peacefulness and nothing would be asked of you (literally), so you could really enjoy the experience.
The noises were also incredible – birdsong, a frog chorus and insects buzzing and chirping.
The night sky is also mesmerising and there are plenty of places you can lie back and watch the stars.
I noticed throughout the meditation that a lot of inconsequential thoughts and anxieties faded away and I was left with the things that mattered. This might have been painful feelings such as grief and loss, sadness and hurt but they certainly needed to be felt and processed and the retreat provided the space for this to occur. There was definitely a sense of letting go.
Anonymous
from Netherlands, November 2021
"Unforgettable meditation retreat in beautiful surroundings"
This was my first silent meditation retreat. I was struggling with a burn out and wanted to find more peace in my mind. At the end of the week I felt calmer and inspired. The daily schedule was different than what I was used to back home and beforehand I was afraid it would be ‘too much’ for me. In a call with Hamid before the retreat, he told me that shouldn’t be a problem. He was right - getting up at 5:30 and meditating for 4,5 to 6 hours a day was tough at times but in the end it felt really good. And I think bringing my shakti mat was not a bad idea either…
The Kuranu center is located in the beautiful mountains of Monchique. The views are absolutely breathtaking wherever you are. Especially during breakfast, your first meditation sit or just when chilling in the chair watching over the green mountains and the sea.
If Ana ever releases a cookbook I’ll be the first in line to buy it. The food is so tasty and so well taken care of. You can taste her love for food.
During the yoga lessons of Jessica I could totally relax. Something I was sometimes struggling with during the meditation sits. Her calm voice and her loving energy made you feel at ‘home’.
Hamid is a very interesting kind person and his talks made me feel like I could sit there for hours listening to his wise words.
Many thanks to Hamid, Jessica, Ana and her team for this wonderful experience!
Femia Smit
from Netherlands, November 2021
"A total stillness "
This 8 days of silence was a total delicious experience. The spot in Monchique is incredible. In the beginning it is hard work. You have to sit quiet so long, but after two days I got this stillness in my head and all my senses where sharp and my head so clear! From that moment every single minute I enjoyed! The talks from Hamid were so inspiring. It triggered me to think over aspects of life. I came to a deeper level of myself. I will come back!
Wendy Arends
from Netherlands, November 2021
From 31-10 to 08-11 in 2021.
This was my first silent zen retreat ever and to be honest, I treasure every moment and every memory of it. I surely want to return one day.
The experience of the Zazen practices and the silence all around leaves an impact that is different for everyone. For me it meant a great inspiring week. I did feel some physical pain for sitting for a long period of time. But nothing to serious.
The accomandation is well kept, looks lovely and the surroundings are just breathtaking. While watching over the earth and sea by daylight you can
loose yourself in the stars at night. To top it of, there is not a sound in the world, except for nature ofcourse.
The food is also something I allready miss, for the cooking made me feel like eating at a restaurant every day. They work hard to prepare food for everyone, and with that I mean for those who might be vegan or even have a allergy.
Once again I want to express my gratitude to everyone at Karuna.
To Anna who has taken such good care of uss.
To Jessica for her loving yoga sessions.
To Hamid Ebadi, our teacher, for his inspiring words and kindness.
May all be (and stay) well with you.
Kloe Porter
from United Kingdom, July 2021
"Eye opening experience"
As soon as I arrived at the Karuna Centre, in the beautiful rolling hills of Monchique, I felt an overwhelming sense of welcome and belonging.
I'd sought out a silent meditation retreat after a tiring and emotional year. Everything about the journey and experience felt as though it was 'meant to be'.
Hamid was an excellent teacher and council. I felt that he led the group in both a structured yet 'open-to-interpretation' way. I felt that he provided guidance through suggestions and examples which could be applied when wanted and necessary.
I booked the retreat with very little prior experience in meditation and spirituality. I found it difficult at times but very eye opening. My difficulties were mainly with the physical implications of being seated for many hours throughout the day whilst meditating. The aches and pains in knees and shoulders were, for me, completely worth it.
The schedule felt well prepared and practiced. It allowed for some time to rest and digest your meditations without leaving you with too much time to over analyse. I'd recommend taking a journal and a couple of books - one which helps with escapism, and one which aids focus. (It was nice to have the option) I'd recommend Puma Chödrön 'The wisdom of no escape' for its humour and accuracy.
Hamid's daily Dharma talks were insightful and engaging. It didn't matter that I had little knowledge or prior experience with Buddhism as he incorporated many cultural references that were...
Sophie Mccusker
from United Kingdom, June 2021
"Peaceful and amazing experience "
I loved the retreat I wish I could of stayed more days! The yoga was great, the food was great, hamid was great in the meditation and talks that he did. The location was just beautiful!!! The view of the mountains, the lake and the sea was just something else! I really learned a lot about life and myself in this week!! It was intense at times but so worth it! I have taken meditation and some silence home with me and do it everyday now which keeps me a lot more present. I’m already looking at other retreats for the future with Hamid in Bali. I really highly recommend this retreat. It’s very special.
David
from Portugal, April 2021
"Intensely challengingly and wonderfully worthwhile."
At its heart the retreat offers you the opportunity to sit in stillness and silence for seven days. This means that for more than seven hours each day you will be practicing sitting or walking meditation, focusing your awareness on each in and out breath. The body/mind is not used to resting in awareness at this still point, and it will protest. Aching muscles, sinews, tendons and joints complain and try to draw your attention away from this focus. Thoughts and emotions rise from deep within to toss you around like a small boat on a stormy sea, and threaten to swamp you. Your anchor is your breath, to which you return every time your attention is diverted.
Inhaling and exhaling deeply and comfortably will afford you about 12 breaths per minute. Each session, and there are four per day, consists of 75 minutes sitting and 20 minutes walking meditation, so approximately 1150 complete breaths, or the same number of opportunities to focus your attention fully on the in-and-out of air through your nostrils and the rise and fall of your belly.
Whenever the aching muscles and anguished thoughts subside, and awareness deepens, the still point is there, where it has always been, hidden behind all the delusional nonsense your body/mind produces. Vast and deep, there is nothing to like or dislike, hold on to or reject, gain or lose. It is a space without attributes but which remains completely compassionate and totally undisturbed.
Welcome home.
Jeroen V
from Netherlands, November 2020
"i still cant beleive how insightful this week has been"
I almost didnt come because of being silent felt a bit daunting to me. As usual, stepping out of your comfort zone is way more rewarding in the end than choosing the well known (in my case a week of surfing) this week has proven this again.
It really works, being silent and not distracted by social talks and internet and all that, touches the deeper layers of thoughts and emotions you never fully reach in daily life. I also learned that you still can feel connected with others without talking; its the little things that makes that happen: you can still laugh about things, you hold the door, you fill each others cups, you sit next to each other eating breakfast in the sun, the smiles when passing, helping people getting unstuck from killer bushes ;) but most of all, you are all in it together. No matter what, everyone is here to improve their life some how...
Karuna itself is a beautiful place located high in the mountains and under the humble, calm and experienced guidance of 'ordinary', but really not ordinary Hamid this has been a unforgettable week of so many learned lessons i cant describe all.
in short: dont be afraid of the silence, dont be afraid of the early hours getting up, dont be afraid of the hours sitting per day and dont be afraid of missing your iphone.
i was worrying about all that but in hindsight that was just stupid...that was not hard at all. the difficult part is how you integrate your new insight in your life to make it better.
Mya Jones
from United States, November 2019
"Mind, Body & Soul Essentials "
Such a wonderful experience to sit in silence for 7.5 days at Karuna in the beautiful Monchique mountains. The combination of Zazen meditation, Yin Yoga and hiking was perfect. Hamid is a wonderful teacher with years of experience and infinite knowledge. He is a beautiful story teller who speaks so eloquently. His dharma talks were very well received by all. He is the real thing! The Yin Yoga was a great way to stay aligned after sitting for many hours a da and the massages were a real plus.
Karuna is a beautiful and serene piece of property in of itself. The rooms, meditation and yoga studio and dining areas are all very comfortable. The outdoor areas are even more exquisite; however, it is the hospitality and love of Ana and her staff that brings the experience to another level. She truly puts her heart and soul in her delicious vegetarian and vegan farm to table meals.
My entire experience exceeded my expectations. It is the perfect combination to sit in silence, reflect and connect with nature, self and others. So much gratitude.
Gill Sims
from United Kingdom, November 2019
"Silent Meditation Review "
A life affirming and enriching experiences. The Karuna centre was the most amazing place, with views stretching over the lower mountains and out to sea.. But what strikes one even more is the sense of peace and tranquillity that pervades the whole space. Our host Ana was incredible, she and her team looked after our every need, providing the most amazing food prepared with love. The accommodation was comfortable and warm, and each room had amazing views over the Serra de Monchique.
The retreat itself was led by Hamid, an ordained Buddhist monk, philosopher and psychotherapist. Hamid instructed and guided us through each and every meditation, but more than that, I was personally grateful for his selfless care and compassion when supporting us through the emotions that sometimes surface during and after meditation. In addition; we were privileged to receive a Dharma talk from Hamid on 6 of the 7 full days. The talks were utterly amazing, his wisdom was awe inspiring and he delivered each talk with eloquence and humility. Each talk was a fascinating insight into an aspect of life, and whilst many of the messages were simple his delivery allowed them to resonate at a deep level. Hamid is a truly compassionate person, and his teachings profound.The most important lesson was to understand how the ordinary is itself truly ‘extraordinary’ and that meditation does not turn us into a different person but rather it loosens the grip of the ego, freeing us to be more of the person we are
Fabio Novo
from Brazil, October 2019
"Unforgettable"
An amazing exoerience
Anonymous
from Switzerland, July 2019
"Amazing experience"
I was lucky to join Hamid for two wonderful retreats. One of them in beautiful Karuna retreat center, Portugal. I loved staying in Karuna, it is a very peaceful place in the middle of a beautiful nature, quiet, amazing healthy food cooked by the wonderful host. For me it was the ideal place for my getaway to re-connect to myself and, as Hamid says to "just sit".
But anyway, the location was only secondary, the retreat lives from Hamid, he was the soul of it. He is not only a wise man and humble person but also a great story teller. Even now, a year after my retreat I can still gain from what I have learned there.
Of course, there were hard times during the retreats. Speaking of long hours of meditation, alone with my wild thoughts accompanied by pain in my knees and back the early getting up and freezing cold nights. But at the end, I feel like it was all necessary to discover the real me and a long-lost peace, lightness and happiness.
So, getting to the point, I can only recommend to join Hamid’s retreats. It is not an easy holiday, you will have to work hard on yourself, maybe even suffer for some moments but at the end you will learn a lot about yourself, life and go home stronger and hopefully happy.