The Threshold Into the Long Exhale
The Threshold Into the Long Exhale
Mata da Rainha, 6230, Portugal
Up to 10 in group
Sep 25 - 27, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Small group (8 participants) for an intimate and high-quality experience
- Quiet, off-grid natural setting in central Portugal
- A slow and flexible structure — no pressure, no fixed expectations
- Daily optional sessions (meditation, sound, somatic practices)
- Plenty of unstructured time for rest, nature, and personal space
- Shared meals in a simple and informal atmosphere
- A grounded, non-performative approach (no intensity, no “push”)
- A soft transition out of summer
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Matteo has been working with sound and meditation since 2017, trained as a Gong practitioner by Don Conreaux and Aidan McIntyre.
His approach is deeply influenced by the Tibetan tradition of Chögyam Trungpa and years of somatic meditation practice with Reggie Ray and Dharma Ocean. His work is not focused on performance or peak experiences, but on creating spaces where people can slow down, reconnect with their bodies, and access a quieter, more grounded state of presence.
Alongside his work with sound, Matteo has been developing a life closely connected to the land — exploring permaculture, regenerative practices, and simple forms of living in relationship with nature. This dimension naturally informs the retreats, where the environment itself becomes part of the experience.
Together with a small, carefully chosen team, he hosts intimate retreats that combine sound, silence, nature, and shared human presence — with a simple intention: to create conditions where something real can unfold.
Details of this retreat
A small, seasonal retreat designed as a pause — a few days to step out of a fast, externally driven rhythm and return to something simpler, quieter, and more grounded.
This retreat is part of a small seasonal series exploring different moments of the year through a shared approach of simplicity, nature, and presence. Taking place at the beginning of Autumn, the retreat offers a moment to integrate, slow down, and gently shift into a new rhythm. Set in a natural, off-grid space in central Portugal, the retreat unfolds in close relationship with the land itself. Trees, open sky, and silence are not just a backdrop, but part of the experience.
The structure is intentionally light. The weekend includes a few guided sessions — meditation, sound, and nature awareness practices — offered as invitations rather than fixed commitments. What matters is not the schedule, but the quality of attention each participant brings to their experience.
There is time for walking, resting, being alone, or sharing space with others in a simple and informal way. No pressure to engage, no expectation to perform.
The group is kept small to preserve a sense of intimacy and to allow a more attentive and responsive atmosphere to emerge.
This experience is best suited for those who resonate with simplicity, nature, and a more essential approach, rather than structured programs or high-intensity retreats.
It is not about adding more, but about removing what is not necessary — and noticing what remains.
This retreat is part of a small seasonal series exploring different moments of the year through a shared approach of simplicity, nature, and presence. Taking place at the beginning of Autumn, the retreat offers a moment to integrate, slow down, and gently shift into a new rhythm. Set in a natural, off-grid space in central Portugal, the retreat unfolds in close relationship with the land itself. Trees, open sky, and silence are not just a backdrop, but part of the experience.
The structure is intentionally light. The weekend includes a few guided sessions — meditation, sound, and nature awareness practices — offered as invitations rather than fixed commitments. What matters is not the schedule, but the quality of attention each participant brings to their experience.
There is time for walking, resting, being alone, or sharing space with others in a simple and informal way. No pressure to engage, no expectation to perform.
The group is kept small to preserve a sense of intimacy and to allow a more attentive and responsive atmosphere to emerge.
This experience is best suited for those who resonate with simplicity, nature, and a more essential approach, rather than structured programs or high-intensity retreats.
It is not about adding more, but about removing what is not necessary — and noticing what remains.
Schedule
A spacious weekend rhythm
FRIDAY — ARRIVING
Arrival and time to settle into your accommodation.
Shared dinner, an informal welcome and a gentle opening sound immersion.
Nothing demanding is scheduled on the first evening. The purpose is simply to arrive.
SATURDAY — LISTENING AND DEEP REST
A slow breakfast followed by an Art of Noticing experience on the land, using sensory awareness, active listening and simple encounters with the natural environment.
Shared lunch and genuine unstructured time for rest, reading, walking, sleeping, using the mini-jacuzzi when available, or doing nothing.
Later in the afternoon, a Forest Council: a simple listening circle held by the river, on the land or around the fire, according to the weather.
After dinner, an extended Sound Journey using gongs, crystal singing bowls, tuning forks and other acoustic instruments.
SUNDAY — RETURNING
A gentle body-based awakening practice, breakfast and a final integration walk or nature experience.
Shared lunch, closing circle and departure during the afternoon.
The programme may move between the forest, river, activity barn and fireside according to the season and weather. Its rhythm will remain intentionally spacious.
FRIDAY — ARRIVING
Arrival and time to settle into your accommodation.
Shared dinner, an informal welcome and a gentle opening sound immersion.
Nothing demanding is scheduled on the first evening. The purpose is simply to arrive.
SATURDAY — LISTENING AND DEEP REST
A slow breakfast followed by an Art of Noticing experience on the land, using sensory awareness, active listening and simple encounters with the natural environment.
Shared lunch and genuine unstructured time for rest, reading, walking, sleeping, using the mini-jacuzzi when available, or doing nothing.
Later in the afternoon, a Forest Council: a simple listening circle held by the river, on the land or around the fire, according to the weather.
After dinner, an extended Sound Journey using gongs, crystal singing bowls, tuning forks and other acoustic instruments.
SUNDAY — RETURNING
A gentle body-based awakening practice, breakfast and a final integration walk or nature experience.
Shared lunch, closing circle and departure during the afternoon.
The programme may move between the forest, river, activity barn and fireside according to the season and weather. Its rhythm will remain intentionally spacious.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Limiar - Nature Stays & Retreats, Mata da Rainha, 6230, Portugal
Directions
Limiar Nature Stays & Retreats is located near Mata da Rainha, central Portugal.
Approx. 2.5 hours from Lisbon or Porto
Accessible by car or public transport (train/bus to nearby towns)
We provide clear arrival instructions and support when needed.
Approx. 2.5 hours from Lisbon or Porto
Accessible by car or public transport (train/bus to nearby towns)
We provide clear arrival instructions and support when needed.
Accommodation
Accommodation is simple, comfortable, and fully immersed in the surrounding landscape. Facilities are basic, clean, and thoughtfully arranged. Comfort is present, but not the focus — the experience is oriented toward presence rather than consumption. Options (subject to availability) include: – Shared canvas bell tents (2 units, up to 3 beds each) – A wooden tiny house (single or couple occupancy, with private bathroom and compost toilet) – Two rooms in the main house (single or couple occupancy, one with ensuite bathroom) – Camping with your own tent
Bell tent accommodation (shared), forest or fields view
Private camping tent accommodation among cork oaks.
Private tiny house accommodation (sofa bed with topper). Forest and lake view, private bathroom with compost toilet.
Room accommodation (1 with ensuite bathroom and flush toilet, 1 with sofa bed and office space) - terrace and fields view
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
The main indoor space is a restored 30 sqm barn, now used as a simple, insulated room for quiet practices, sound journeys, and gentle movement.
Below, a more informal living area includes a sitting and reading space, a small kitchenette, and a fireplace.
Shared bathrooms and showers are located on the same level.
The upper floor hosts two private rooms and opens onto a large south-east facing terrace, offering an open, relaxed space to rest and spend time between sessions.
Below, a more informal living area includes a sitting and reading space, a small kitchenette, and a fireplace.
Shared bathrooms and showers are located on the same level.
The upper floor hosts two private rooms and opens onto a large south-east facing terrace, offering an open, relaxed space to rest and spend time between sessions.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Meals are simple, nourishing, and seasonal.
We prioritize local ingredients and shared moments around the table.
Dietary needs can be discussed in advance.
What's Included
- Your stay includes
- Two nights at Limiar
- Accommodation in a room, tiny house or tent, according to the selected option
- All meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch
- Tea, infusions and simple refreshments
- Personal welcome and hosting throughout the weekend
- Guided Art of Noticing nature experience
- Forest Council
- Opening sound immersion
- Extended Saturday evening Sound Journey
- Gentle Sunday body-based practice
- Time to rest, sleep, walk, read or simply be
- Use of the land and shared spaces
- Mini-jacuzzi, subject to weather and availability
- Maximum eight participants
- Optional additions: Private sound session, additional night before or after the retreat, and station collection when available.
What's Not Included
- Flights or travel to Portugal
- Transfers (can be arranged on request)
- Extra nights outside retreat dates
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