4 Day Relaxing Yoga, Meditation, and Massage Holiday in Peniche, on the Western Coast of Portugal
Relaxing Yoga and Meditation Holidays in Portugal
Start your morning with the soft sound of the sea breeze rustling through the trees. Greet the day with sunrise meditation by the shore, move mindfully through yoga as waves crash nearby, and then head off on your own to an island adventure. It’s a perfect mix of freedom, balance, and connection. At The Salty Pelican, relaxation comes naturally for those seeking stillness and renewal. It’s also a space to share meaningful moments with a vibrant community: people drawn to wellness, inspiration, and the simple joy of good company.
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- Unlimited yoga classes except for Mondays
- Semi-private meditation class
- Morning yoga and afternoon relaxing Yin yoga
- 1 45-minute relaxing massage
- 2 days of surfboard rental
- All yoga mats and equipment provided
- Delicious healthy breakfast daily
- 3 nights premium accommodation
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Yoga styles
Lisbon Portela Airport (US$ 132 per person)
Accommodation
The retreat was designed and built recently, so you'll find everything new, comfortable, modern, secure, and clean with custom designed beds, personal locks, laundry service, luggage storage, clean bathrooms and a heated swimming pool with poolside loungers.
The Salty Pelican has been converted into a stunning traveler's meeting point, featuring swimming areas, with a low-level view, an out tropical back garden area with poolside restaurant, outdoor yoga deck, indoor yoga shala and cinema room with Netflix.
So whether or not you’re up early to go check out the beach or stretch out those achy muscles at the early morning yoga class, joining their learn to surf classes, or you’re just after a few lazy sangrias poolside before hitting the town, all your needs will be taken care of. %The accommodation includes a comfy bed in a spacious room with shared bathrooms and a delicious healthy breakfast buffet is served each morning with some freshly baked bread, fresh fruits, fresh fruits, natural yogurts, vegetables, manade hummus, jams, muesli and cereals, dried fruits, mixed nuts, chia seeds, cheeses, chorizo, eggs, Nespresso coffee pods, soy milk, herbal detox teas, mixed nuts fruit infused water and a delicious hot section with warm dishes varying throughout the week.
Besides the amazing time you will have learning to surf, the retreat offers all the comforts of a home. Relax in the beautiful garden which has a heated swimming pool, chill in the sun loungers all day while reading a book, or just socialize with new friends.
If The Salty Pelicans Baja-Mexican poolside restaurants all-day food and drinks menu doesn’t tempt you, then there’s plenty of beachside restaurants to choose from. To explore Peniche, you can easily walk most places. The retreat also offers female-only accommodation where available.
Important note: Check-ins arriving after 10 pm are only accepted with prior notice by email or phone call. Reception closes at 10 pm without prior notice.
Program
Hatha flow yoga is the perfect way to prepare your bodies for the day ahead. Whether it’s through strength, flexibility, or simply just breathing better. Learning how to breathe properly is really important and your bodies will feel more in tune and balanced.
While afternoon Yin yoga will bring beautiful balance within your energy systems and a unique sense of calmness you will feel both physically and mentally.
Enjoy a special treat and relish the beauty of the magnificent Berlengas Island, on a self-guided half day trip. Exploring Portugal's beautiful nature, relax and sleep in a laid back beach retreat, eat well to restore, revive, and feel amazing. The friendly, highly experienced team will help you develop your own yoga practice and create that perfect experience for you.
Whether you are seeking a wellness break or a more active vacation, you will find the perfect balance at The Salty Pelican Yoga Retreat. You can pick and choose your extra activities. Additional wellness treatments and activities like a relaxing massages, SUP yoga, guided meditation or group dinner nights. Create memories of a lifetime and let The Salty Pelican be one of them!
The yoga classes
Yoga is for everyone, you don't need to have any prior experience. They practice early morning Hatha flow yoga class followed in the late afternoon with a gentle practice of Yin yoga which focuses on increasing your inner peace, harmony, love and joy. Practicing Hatha flow yoga will help to harmonize the nervous system, increase your sense of balance with the body and mind and strengthen your lymphatic system.
Traditionally the Yin late afternoon classes are more soft, slow, restorative to integrate with the days surfing activities and prepare the body for a great rest overnight. Let yourself emerge into a nice flow of your yoga practice. Enjoy breathing, relax your body, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and also your mind.
Sample daily program
- 07:00 Wake up
- 07:30 Hatha flow yoga
- 09:00 Healthy breakfast buffet
- 11:00 Surf lesson
- 12:30 Lunch at the beach
- 13:00 Free time
- 17:30 Yin yoga class
- 19:00 Seafood or vegetarian BBQ or other activity
Massages
On the first morning, a schedule is open to make your massage reservations.
Self-guided island and Obidos tours
Every Monday and Thursday afternoons depending on the time of year and weather, it’s the perfect time to take a self-guided tour to Berlengas Island with its beautiful nature and beach or to the UNESCO medieval town of Obidos. Visiting both of these places is highly recommended.
No surf lessons are included in your 4 day package, giving you plenty of time to rent a surfboard (unlimited rental included) and free surf, relax during the day, swim, have a massage, explore Berlengas Island, walk around the beaches in Peniche or even discover the hidden restaurants of Baleal and Peniche.
Lisbon is just a 50 minute taxi or bus ride away and the magical town of Obidos is less than minutes away. It really is the perfect spot here at The Salty Pelican. Extra surf lessons can be booked at additional charge once you are here.
Nightly activities
Every night, they try and get all guests together to socialize over a good meal and some nice Portuguese wine. From traditional Portuguese tapas nights to their seafood BBQs with delicious sea bass or vegetarian delights. You are going love every moment here at The Salty Pelican.
Instructors
Alex
Alex is a qualified surf coach with the Portuguese Surf Federation. He is also a qualified swimming coach. With Alex, you are in safe hands. He is very understanding and patient and will make sure you have a smile on your face, in and out of the water.
Ida
Ida, the in-house yogi goddess from Finland, will help develop muscular strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, and breathing. Ida will bring balance to your body and mind during your morning practice by the sea, so that you build your bodies to be light and strong for the day. She teaches both Ying and Yang yoga along with meditation sessions.
Wellington
Pro surfer and amazing surfer, Wellington is great for advanced classes and also great with beginners. A must to watch when he is free surfing. Great to have him and his skills and knowledge at The Salty Pelican.
Gabby
Born in England and went to high school in Portugal, at heart, Gabby is a true South African and the beach has always been a great part of her life. She will make sure you are not only progressing with surfing, but that you have a smile on your face the whole time.
Monika
Monika is one of the co-founders of The Salty Pelican and she is also the hostel "mum". She is always happy no matter how bad the day may seem. Monika will always find a way to make you smile and cheer you up. Not only that, she is also a qualified masseuse with over 10 years experience and available everyday to help you relax with a beautiful Ayurveda massage.
Tina
Tina is from Germany and she organizes all the SUP activities. She will help you learn to paddle, take you on sunset paddle tours or relax with some SUP-Yoga sessions. The good vibe extends from The Salty Pelican to the beach, its one team with a shared vision on what to offer to the guests to make sure that their overall experience is unique.
Retreat location
You’ve probably heard all about Lisbon as a digital yogi destination, but what about Europe's westernmost city, Peniche which has also been dubbed Portugal’s surf capital? Just 50 minutes northwest of Lisbon International Airport is Peniche, a charming fishing town and surfing paradise ideal for surfers of every ability.
It’s such the perfect spot to seamlessly blend your yoga practice with a fully immersive experience that connects you with the elements of nature through yoga, surfing and adventure. This picturesque and laid-back surfer town of unspoilt sand dunes, sandy beach breaks, and beachfront restaurants, will steady your heart and maybe that’s the magic of this place.
Just in front of the property, you can directly access the beach in a few steps to catch some sun, swim in the protected bay or paddle onto some nice beginning waves. If you are dreaming about white sandy beaches and clear blue waters in a peaceful surrounding – this might be it!
Located just opposite The Salty Pelican, you will find a few cozy restaurants snuggled between the sand and the sea, creating a more upbeat ambience which are famed for their tasty food and gorgeous sea views.
Aside from the beautiful beach and delicious food, with the whole coastline offering a seemingly endless amount of surf-able waves and ever-changing scenery, it’s also the perfect beach to learn how to surf. Finish your days at the rooftop bar and sea view terrace with new friends, feel the warm ocean breeze with a sangria in hand and await that magical sunset!
Exploring Peniche is a voyage of discovery. On the one hand, there is the endless amounts of sandy beaches with a great variety of waves. Then there’s the joy of discovering the back streets of town center where you will find hidden whitewashed houses, vegan cafes, lively bars, grilled sardines, specialist coffee shops, cool bars, fusion restaurants, surfers from the lives and throughout the world.
The proximity to Lisbon, Portugal’s enchanting capital city, is just an easy day trip away. Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. Spend a day or half day exploring the city, rooftop cafes with wonderful views and end the day in the abundant amount of cozy cool bars, clubs and restaurants that litter the city.
The UNESCO heritage medieval town of Obidos, Just a short 20-minute trip from The Salty Pelican, there’s no excuse not to see one of the loveliest towns in Portugal. A town and castle perched on a hill, that has kept its beautiful historic center with traditional shops, walk along the city wall with magnificent views and local ginja tastings. This is a perfect destination for your next yoga and surf holiday.
Distances
- Peniche bus station, 3 kilometers
- Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) - 50 minutes
Food
The retreat includes a delicious healthy breakfast buffet served each morning with some freshly baked bread, fresh fruits, natural yogurts, vegetables, homemade hummus, jams, muesli and cereals, dried fruits, mixed nuts, chia seeds, cheeses, chorizo, eggs, Nespresso coffee pods, soy milk, herbal detox teas, fruit infused water and a delicious hot section with warm dishes varying throughout the week.
You can also enjoy 4-6 group dinner evenings per week, including their famous seafood / vegetarian BBQ nights, their Portuguese tapas dinner or their sourdough pizza and wine nights. Some weeks, they also organize live music during these evenings.
You will also find an all-day menu serving delicious Baja-Mexican food and drinks, local wines, ciders, sangria, local beers and some healthy locally made kombucha at an additional cost.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Seafood
Things to do (optional)
The Salty Pelican retreat sits snuggled between the sun-dappled shores of Peniche and the Unesco town of Obidos. To relax, you can always grab a refreshing drink from the rooftop bar, or lay back and chill-out on the poolside sun loungers next to their heated swimming pool.
Beaches
Peniche is renowned for its glorious stretch of white sandy coves which are simply stunning and for its amazing sandy surf beaches. You can take a stroll on the seaside promenade and discover many beachfront cafes where you can absorb the clean swathes of golden sand with the wide stretch of the Atlantic sweeping past Peniche.
Peniche
Exploring Peniche is a voyage of discovery. On the one hand there is the original historic area that has a distinct nautical air about it - with its cobbled winding streets leading down to the cozy harbor where the days fresh catch is still sold by local fishermen in the nearby square.
Baleal beach
Marvel at the unspoilt sand dunes and untamed waves at Baleal beach - with its perfect waves that attract surfers from all over the world as having some of the best beginner waves in Europe. Its directly opposite the property.
Berlengas Islands
This is Portugal's " best kept secret" island which you can take a beautiful short boat ride too. This activity is a self-guided tour.
Obidos Unesco Heritage Town
Looking for an authentic Portuguese experience, visit the UNESCO heritage medieval town of Obidos, there’s no excuse not to see one of the loveliest towns in Portugal. With its whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets, castle, fortified walls and local ginja tastings. This activity is a self-guided tour.
Nightlife
Peniche is also a magnet for night owls, providing an eclectic range of evening entertainment that offers everything from pubs, cafes, restaurants, glitzy cocktail lounges, to cozy beach bars and to late night clubbing. They are located just a few minutes walk from all of the above.
Visiting Lisbon and Belem
Lisbon city center is just an easy 50-minute taxi ride away or a 85-minute bus ride. It's a great day trip to add to your week here and you can visit Belem also and try one of the Portugal's most famous pastel de Belem, a traditional Portuguese custard tart, a treat not to be missed.
Swimming
Opposite the retreat, you have an abundant amount of beautiful beaches and protected coves for swimming all just a few steps away from the property.
Other activities
- Enjoy a relaxing massage at The Salty Pelican
- Enjoy peaceful walks or e-bike rides along the beautiful seaside
- Take it easy and just lie on one of the many beaches all day, that are all within a very short walk away
- Taste great Baja-Mexican food and drinks menu at our poolside restaurant
- Chill-out, relax poolside in the quiet garden with a book and some sunshine
- Try you hand at some of the amazing daily activities including self guided tours and the group dinner nights
Spa treatments
Monika, the in-house masseuse, will pamper your body with a relaxing massage. Trained and a practitioner in Austrian high-end hotels and other parts of the globe, her vast experience over 13 years will allow you to fully appreciate her relaxing massage in a long lasting way. 1 45-minute relaxing massage is included.
What's included
- 1 relaxing 45-minute massage
- 1 semi-private meditation session
- 3 nights premium accommodation
- Unlimited yoga classes except for Mondays
- 2 days of surfboard rental
- Meditation included in yoga classes
- Daily breakfast buffet
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Free time to explore Berlengas Island and Obidos
- All yoga and surf equipment provided
- Complimentary lemongrass and bergamot shower shampoo dispensers
- Complimentary bathroom and pool towels
What's not included
- Airport transfers
- Group dinners
- Surf lessons
- Self-guided tours
- Yoga on Mondays
- Surfboard rental on arrival and departure days
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Lisbon Portela Airport
68 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 132 per person
Driving directions from Lisbon
- Take the A8 Highway
- Drive North towards Leiria / Porto directions
- Exit onto the IP6 off-ramp to head towards Peniche
- Before you enter Peniche center, you will see the big RIP CURL surf shop on the right side of a roundabout
- Turn right here and head in the direction of Baleal
- You’ll find The Salty Pelican on the righthand side, just a few minutes drive along this road
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS). Transfer from and to this airport is available upon request. The Salty Pelican can book you a private airport transfer for 115 EUR per car one-way or 210 EUR return.
Arrival by bus
Take an Uber or a bus from Lisbon airport to the bus terminal Lisboa Campo Grande (10 minutes) or Sete Rios bus terminal (25 minutes). Rodotejo buses departs every 90 minutes from Campo Grande to Peniche, starting at 8 am and finish at 9 pm. Rede Expressos buses departs every hour from Sete Rios to Peniche, starting at 7 am and finish at 7 pm It takes approximately 85 minutes to reach Peniche. Exit the bus at the last stop. Ticket price is approximately 8.70 EUR.
On arrival in Peniche, you can either catch a bus or taxi to Baleal where their property is or it's a 45-minute walk from there. Please kindly note when arriving by bus, taxis are not always available and they do not offer a bus station pick-up service (they recommend the airport transfer service for hassle free arrival).
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookYogaRetreats.com. All major credit cards supported.