10 day Retreat Discovering Svadharma on the Camino de Santiago
10 day Retreat Discovering Svadharma on the Camino de Santiago
Held Space - Retreat and Gathering Venue, Rua do Padre António Vieira, Porto, Portugal
Up to 9 in group
May 10 - 19, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- 10-Day Transformative Journey: A blend of self-discovery, rejuvenation, and spiritual exploration.
- 6 Days of Pilgrimage: Walk an average of 10 miles per day along historic sections of the Camino de Santiago.
- Daily Yoga and Mindfulness Practices: Morning and evening yoga, meditation, and chanting sessions designed to ground and energize.
- Creative Expression Workshops: Unlock your creative potential through journaling, playful movement, and sensory explorations.
- Personal Growth and Reflection: Dive into your personal journey through themes of Svadharma and mindful walking, inspired by Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutra.
- Community and Connection: Join a supportive, like-minded group of international people sharing this unique experience.
- Historic and Spiritual Locations: Visit Santiago de Compostela and experience the deep spiritual energy of this ancient pilgrimage.
- Two Days of Integration at Held following our walk on the Camino: Reflect, integrate, and rest at Held, our serene retreat center in Porto, after your Camino journey.
- Nourishing Cuisine: Savor wholesome meals at Held and experience local cuisine along the Camino.
- On-Site Sauna and Massage: Relax and rejuvenate with access to a soothing sauna and a 60-minute massage, enhancing your retreat experience. Additional massage will also be available while walking the Camino (massage on the Camino not included in retreat package price).
- Accommodation and Support: Enjoy clean, comfortable accommodations and guided support throughout the retreat.
About this Retreat
Lynn is a Practitioner and Facilitator of Yoga and a Creative Grief Support Coach.
She got her first taste of yoga as a child when she practiced with her Nana along with Lilias Folan's program on public television. Later, a career in hospice nursing fueled her commitment to developing personal agency and discovering the power of authentic living through fierce self-compassion and curiosity for the unknown unknown.
Today, she enjoys sharing yoga as a self-healing modality. She believes the project of yoga is to explore the intricate process of meaning-making by experiencing the abundance of love. She is captivated by empowering others to embark on their own transformative journeys through creative expression, embodiment practices and heart-opening conversations.
When she’s not on the mat, you can often find her in her garden. Lynn lives in Portugal with her dog and loyal walking companion, Jyo.
Meet Maria Nicolau, a proud native of Porto, who will bring you a fusion of historical exploration and holistic healing in the heart of Porto.
With an unwavering passion for her craft, Maria has spent the last 8 years guiding visitors through the enchanting city of Porto, navigating the medieval cobblestone streets that wind through hillsides adorned with vibrant terracotta-tiled rooftops and colorful houses.
Embark on a journey through time with Maria as she introduces you to the first stretch of the Camino de Santiago, where blue-tiled churches and gothic cathedrals will leave you awe-inspired and eager for the adventures ahead. As the Camino concludes, Maria extends a unique invitation to experience her Massage Therapy project, Makoto(Truth in Japanese).
As a dedicated massage therapist, Makoto aims to heal your body and nurture your emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. Maria believes in staying true to herself and her purpose, fostering a safe space for individuals to open up, delve into their emotions, and aspire to their authenticity.
Through a blend of specially selected music, traditional Ayurvedic techniques, and the soothing power of voice healing, Maria's work promises a healing and immersive experience. Your journey with Maria begins with a swift foot massage upon arrival, paving the way for a rejuvenating full-body treatment on integration days.
Maria looks forward to connecting with all who choose to embark on this transformative journey, inviting you to experience this Way with us!
Kat is a yoga teacher and ceremonial tattoo artist. Kat holds a bachelor in business management, and further studies in sustainability, photography and art. She nurtures a profound love for travelling and exploring different cultures and practices of life around the world. Currently, Kat focuses on healing yoga practices, hand poke tattoo rituals and teaching language classes. Kat connects self care and self development, stimulating expression and creativity, forming a bridge to individually and culturally flourish .
Details of this retreat
Join us for a transformative 10-day retreat, “Discovering Svadharma on the Camino,” from May 10-19, 2025. This unique journey combines the spiritual depth of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage with the healing power of yoga, creative expression, and mindfulness.
Led by Lynn, Kat and Maria, this retreat is designed to help you uncover your Svadharma—your true purpose—through daily practices that balance physical challenge with deep inner reflection. Begin your journey in Porto, Portugal, where you’ll spend two days at our urban retreat center, Held, preparing your mind and body with yoga, meditation, and grounding practices. From there, we’ll embark on a 6-day walking pilgrimage along the historic Camino de Santiago, immersing ourselves in the ancient landscapes and spiritual energy of the path.
Each day will be filled with contemplative walking, as well as yoga and mindfulness sessions that help you align with your inner truth. You’ll also explore creative expression through journaling, playful movement, and sensory activities, loosening the grip of daily identities to uncover your soul’s deepest desires.
After arriving in Santiago de Compostela, we return to Held for two final days of reflection, integration, and rest. Relax in our tranquil garden, unwind in our sauna, and enjoy a massage as you allow the insights from your journey to settle into your being. This is a profound opportunity to recalibrate, find clarity, and bring your Svadharma into the forefront of your life.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to these practices, this retreat offers an open, supportive space for people of all backgrounds to connect, reflect, and grow.
Led by Lynn, Kat and Maria, this retreat is designed to help you uncover your Svadharma—your true purpose—through daily practices that balance physical challenge with deep inner reflection. Begin your journey in Porto, Portugal, where you’ll spend two days at our urban retreat center, Held, preparing your mind and body with yoga, meditation, and grounding practices. From there, we’ll embark on a 6-day walking pilgrimage along the historic Camino de Santiago, immersing ourselves in the ancient landscapes and spiritual energy of the path.
Each day will be filled with contemplative walking, as well as yoga and mindfulness sessions that help you align with your inner truth. You’ll also explore creative expression through journaling, playful movement, and sensory activities, loosening the grip of daily identities to uncover your soul’s deepest desires.
After arriving in Santiago de Compostela, we return to Held for two final days of reflection, integration, and rest. Relax in our tranquil garden, unwind in our sauna, and enjoy a massage as you allow the insights from your journey to settle into your being. This is a profound opportunity to recalibrate, find clarity, and bring your Svadharma into the forefront of your life.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to these practices, this retreat offers an open, supportive space for people of all backgrounds to connect, reflect, and grow.
Schedule
Sample Daily Itinerary: Day on the Camino
8:00 AM – Breakfast and Intention Setting
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast together with fellow travelers at the accommodation. Fuel up with local cuisine or a simple meal designed to nourish you before the walk.
9:00 AM – Camino Pilgrimage Walk (4-5 hours)
Embark on your day’s journey along the Camino, walking approximately 6-10 miles each day at your own pace. The path offers quiet time for reflection, punctuated by shared moments with fellow pilgrims. Along the way, contemplate our suggested mindfulness themes.
12:30 PM – Lunch Break
Pause along the trail for lunch at a local eatery or picnic on your own or with the group. This is a time to relax, recharge, and reflect on the morning’s journey.
1:30 PM – Continue Walking the Camino (2-3 hours)
Resume walking after lunch, passing through picturesque villages, ancient landmarks, and the serene landscapes that make the Camino so transformative. This section of the walk allows for more introspection or meaningful conversations with fellow travelers.
4:30 PM – Arrive at Accommodation / Rest & Reflect
Settle into your charming accommodation for the night, whether it be a cozy hostel or a simple hotel. You’ll have time to rest, shower, and unwind before evening activities.
6:00 PM – Evening Yoga (1 hours)
Reconnect with the group for a restorative yoga session, focusing on gentle stretching and relaxation after the day’s walk.
7:30 PM – Dinner and Evening Reflection
Share a nourishing dinner with the group, either at the accommodation or a nearby local restaurant. Enjoy fresh, regional cuisine that supports both your body and soul. We’ll take this time to share our experiences and insights.
10:00 PM – Quiet Time & Sleep
Wind down for the night with some quiet time for personal reflection, perhaps doing some writing with one of our journal prompts in mind.
8:00 AM – Breakfast and Intention Setting
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast together with fellow travelers at the accommodation. Fuel up with local cuisine or a simple meal designed to nourish you before the walk.
9:00 AM – Camino Pilgrimage Walk (4-5 hours)
Embark on your day’s journey along the Camino, walking approximately 6-10 miles each day at your own pace. The path offers quiet time for reflection, punctuated by shared moments with fellow pilgrims. Along the way, contemplate our suggested mindfulness themes.
12:30 PM – Lunch Break
Pause along the trail for lunch at a local eatery or picnic on your own or with the group. This is a time to relax, recharge, and reflect on the morning’s journey.
1:30 PM – Continue Walking the Camino (2-3 hours)
Resume walking after lunch, passing through picturesque villages, ancient landmarks, and the serene landscapes that make the Camino so transformative. This section of the walk allows for more introspection or meaningful conversations with fellow travelers.
4:30 PM – Arrive at Accommodation / Rest & Reflect
Settle into your charming accommodation for the night, whether it be a cozy hostel or a simple hotel. You’ll have time to rest, shower, and unwind before evening activities.
6:00 PM – Evening Yoga (1 hours)
Reconnect with the group for a restorative yoga session, focusing on gentle stretching and relaxation after the day’s walk.
7:30 PM – Dinner and Evening Reflection
Share a nourishing dinner with the group, either at the accommodation or a nearby local restaurant. Enjoy fresh, regional cuisine that supports both your body and soul. We’ll take this time to share our experiences and insights.
10:00 PM – Quiet Time & Sleep
Wind down for the night with some quiet time for personal reflection, perhaps doing some writing with one of our journal prompts in mind.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Held, Held Space - Retreat and Gathering Venue, Rua do Padre António Vieira, Porto, Portugal
Directions
Held is conveniently located in the heart of Porto, Portugal, making it easy to reach for international travelers. Most participants will fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), Porto's main international airport, which is well-connected with direct flights from many European cities and major hubs worldwide.
From the airport, you have several options to reach Held:
By Taxi or Ride-Share: A taxi or ride-share service such as Uber will take you directly to Held in about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
By Metro: Porto’s efficient metro system provides a cost-effective and simple way to get to Held. You can take the E Line (Purple) from the airport to the city center. Held is within walking distance or a short ride from one of the central metro stops. The total travel time by metro is approximately 40-45 minutes.
From the airport, you have several options to reach Held:
By Taxi or Ride-Share: A taxi or ride-share service such as Uber will take you directly to Held in about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
By Metro: Porto’s efficient metro system provides a cost-effective and simple way to get to Held. You can take the E Line (Purple) from the airport to the city center. Held is within walking distance or a short ride from one of the central metro stops. The total travel time by metro is approximately 40-45 minutes.
Accommodation
Held provides shared accommodations with thoughtfully designed rooms that prioritize comfort and community. Each room features cozy beds, natural light, and minimalist decor to create a calming atmosphere. You'll share the space with fellow retreat participants, fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie throughout your stay. While walking the Camino, we will stay at quality hostels and small hotels along the way. One night on the Camino, everyone will have the treat of their own room. All other nights the accommodations are likely to be shared.
Program price, including accommodations and most meals
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
Held is a tranquil oasis in the vibrant city of Porto, Portugal. We have 4 guests rooms with a maximum capacity of 11 people. Our dedicated yoga shala will ground and inspire you during your retreat journey, while our large garden and relaxing dry sauna will leave you rejuvenated. Unleash your creativity in our arts studio and make new friends and life long connections enjoying the company of other guests in one of our cozy community spaces.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
While at Held, we will be served vegetarian meals freshly prepared by local chefs. When walking the Camino, we will eat at a variety restaurants where vegetarian options will be available.
What's Included
- Guided 6 day walk on the Camino de Santiago
- Two days of preparation at Held retreat center prior to the walk.
- Two days of integration at Held retreat center following the walk.
- Nightly accommodations: We will spend the first two and the last two nights of the retreat at Held, in Porto, Portugal. The other 5 nights will be spent on the Camino de Santiago in a mix of hostels and small hotels. One night while on the Camino everyone will have their own room, all other nights will be shared accommodations.
- Food: All meals while at Held (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners) are included, all dinners while on the Camino (5) are included, occasionally breakfast will be included with the accommodations while on the Camino.
- Yoga, meditation and breathe work: You will be guided through various mind and body wellness practices each day.
- Sauna: Enjoy the Held sauna during our stay there.
What's Not Included
- Airfare, airport transfer, travel insurance, all lunches (6) and some breakfasts while walking the Camino, alcoholic beverages, massage available for an additional fee