Stop surviving. Come back to yourself.
There are times when life looks functional from the outside, but inside, something feels empty.
You keep working, caring for everyone around you, performing competently, and even practising yoga consistently. But somewhere underneath the routines, the responsibilities and the “I’m fine,” your body knows the truth: you are tired of surviving your own life.
This 6-day retreat is an invitation to step out of autopilot and return to what really matters and is authentic within you. It will teach you how to put yourself first in a non-selfish way, so you can show up as the best version of yourself for everyone around you.
Through Forrest Yoga, breathwork, Energy Medicine, ceremony, nature and authentic community, we will use the body as the doorway back into clarity, courage and Spirit. Not as a concept, but as something you can feel in your breath, your choices, your spine, your sleep, your yes and your no.
This is not a retreat for escaping your life.
It is a retreat aiming to reconnect you with your sense of clarity, vitality and your true, authentic self.
This retreat is for you if you:
You feel there is more to life than just working, coping and keeping everything together.
You perform at a high level, but you know your current rhythm is not sustainable.
You feel stress, fear, grief, procrastination or emotional heaviness living in your body.
You want to understand the deeper roots of chronic tension, pain or recurring injuries.
You are in a transition, or you sense one coming, but you need space to hear yourself clearly and find your courage.
You want a spiritual experience that is grounded, embodied and practical, not vague or performative.
You are ready to stop negotiating with the patterns of your life that are slowly making you numb and draining your energy.
What we will do:
Each morning begins with a deep Forrest Yoga practice: strong, precise, breath-led and adapted to the people in the room.
Afternoon sessions may include yoga, breathwork, Energy Medicine, ceremony, inquiry and integration. Some afternoons will stay spacious so the work can land: resting, journaling, swimming in the river ponds, receiving a massage, walking in the forest, or simply doing nothing without needing to justify it.
We will sweat, breathe, move, rest, listen and tell the truth.
The intention is to remember what it feels like to be alive in your body and ignite your passion for life.
Why Vale de Moses
Vale de Moses is hidden in the Portuguese forest, away from the noise that keeps the nervous system constantly braced.
There is clean mountain air, spring water, forest paths, river ponds, nourishing food and minimal to zero distraction. The place itself does part of the teaching. It slows you down. It strips away performance. It gives the body permission to let go and release what’s unnecessary.
This will be my fourth consecutive year offering retreat work there, and I keep returning because the land supports depth without drama. You do not need to force transformation there. It helps you quieten your mind and truly listen to unearth the pearls of wisdom hidden within you under the multiple layers of noise and fear.
About me:
I am Ilias Kousis: Forrest Yoga Guardian, Energy Medicine Practitioner and certified Breath Coach.
Before teaching yoga full-time, I trained as a geologist and climate scientist. After spending years studying Earth, I came to the realisation that our planet and our body have an awful lot in common: they both signal in similar ways. Ever since I dedicated my life’s purpose to self-discovery, which I use as my resource to help others heal.
I was left with no choice. I left my PhD near completion and chose the work that felt more truthful, honest and useful.
My teaching is direct, detailed and deeply embodied. I do not believe in spiritual decoration. I believe in breath, sensation, courage, intelligent sequencing, and the willingness to stop lying to yourself in polite ways.
This retreat is built from that place.
Your investment
5 nights’ accommodation, all retreat sessions, meals, and transfer from Oleiros are included.
Shared Twin Bed in Glamping Tent: 1450 €
Shared Double Bed in Moses Cottage: 1600 €
Shared Double Bed in Adega Cottage: 1600 €
Single Glamping Tent: 1550 €
Single Accommodation, Ninja Suite, Yellow Room or Farmhouse Room: 1750 €
Limited places available. Bookings are open until the retreat is full.
Included
Daily 2.5-hour morning Forrest Yoga practice with Ceremony
Afternoon sessions with yoga, breathwork, Energy Medicine and integration
5 nights accommodation at Vale de Moses
3 nourishing meals per day, plus fruit, tea and coffee
Transfer from Oleiros to Vale de Moses on arrival day
Transfer from Vale de Moses to Oleiros on departure day
Not included
Flights to and from Portugal
Travel from Lisbon or Porto to Oleiros
Massage sessions with local therapists
Travel insurance
Questions
Questions, room requests, injuries, pregnancy, or anything you want to check before booking?
Email me at ikousis90@gmail.com and I’ll help you decide whether this retreat is the right fit.
How to get there?
Vale de Moses is hidden in the Portuguese forest, approximately 2.5 hours from both Lisbon and Porto by car. The land is quiet, remote, and deeply supportive for retreat work: clean mountain air, spring water, nourishing food, forest paths, river ponds, and very little distraction.
If you travel by public transport, the easiest route is usually via Lisbon to Oleiros via Rede Expressos buses. Vale de Moses staff will collect the group from Oleiros on arrival day and bring you back on departure day.
Read more about the unique beauty of Vale de Moses here.