Join Stephanie Paolini, owner of 3 Bridges Yoga, for 5 nights / 6 days of yoga, adventure, and restoration in the Azores, Portugal!
The Azores are an adventure lovers paradise, full of natural, raw beauty, a temperate climate and outdoor activities. We will be staying on the "Green Island" of Sao Miguel, home to vibrant blue volcanic lakes, black sand beaches, lush natural preserves, and panoramic cliffs.
Our included excursion days will include all levels hikes to some of the most stunning vistas on the island, soaks in natural hot springs, and exploration of neighboring towns and beaches.
Daily yoga classes will be offered by Steph and there will also be plenty of time for relaxation and rejuvenation amongst the stunning grounds of our 4-star, beachfront resort.
All meals (with the exception of 2 lunches) are included, and will be nourishing, fresh, and delicious, so that you can get a true taste of Azorean fare.
ALL PRICES LISTED ARE PER PERSON and a €500 per person non-refundable deposit is due to reserve your spot on the trip. Trip balances are due 120 days prior to departure. If you'd like to inquire about payment plan options or have retreat related questions, please email info@solseedretreats.com.
Please read on for important info on: What is Included, What is Not Included, Passport, Immunization & Covid-19 Entry Requirements, Our Cancellation & Refund Policy, and Required Travel Insurance.
*5 Nights / 6 Days lodging at Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort
*Breakfast & Dinner Daily (Arrival day no breakfast, departure day no lunch or dinner)
*Lunch on Arrival Day, and Picnic Lunch on Excursion Days (no lunch on free days)
*Early Check-in on the morning of your arrival to the resort
*Two group hiking, hot springs, and town visit excursions, including all guides and transportation
*Daily yoga classes with Steph
*Roundtrip airport transfers from Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) to SBER and back (about a 15 minute ride each way).
*Base gratuities for the resort staff, taxi drivers and tour guides
*Airfare to Ponta Delgada (PDL). We recommend flying SATA (Azores) Air direct from Boston and NYC.
*Lunch on your two free days
*Alcoholic beverages
*Additional excursions or cab rides
*Massages & Spa Services (can be booked directly at the resort front desk)
*Required Travel Insurance
You will be flying into Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL).
For non-stop flight options, we recommend booking flights directly through Azores Air out of New York (JFK), and Boston (BOS). If you are originating from another US airport, reference Azores Air for the most direct flight options to Sao Miguel island. We recommend allowing 3 hours minimum between your connecting flights, if you are not booking them as one itinerary through Azores Air.
Feeling adventurous, and have some extra PTO? Look into "stop over" packages which would allow you to continue on to Lisbon or Porto for very little extra money on Azores Air.
Retreat start date: Saturday, October 19th
The best direct flights are red-eye flights, so you leave one calendar day prior to the start date of your retreat. Everyone's rooms are held for an early check-in, so you will have an opportunity to get settled and take a nice nap. The first event of the retreat is a lunch at the resort at roughly 1PM. If you are arriving on a flight other than the direct red-eye options from BOS and JFK, you should arrive at Ponta Delgada by 11:30am in order to attend this meal.
If you are considering arriving early, please reference this guide for Early Arrival - Santa Barbara Resort.
Retreat return date: Thursday, October 24th
Check out at the resort is noon. The last programmed events are in the morning leading up to and including breakfast. We will offer multiple shuttles to Ponta Delgada airport, and/or hotels in Ponta Delgada, during the day according to people's travel itineraries. The resort will safely store luggage, and you are welcome to enjoy the restaurant and grounds if you schedule an evening flight.
If you book flights outside of these dates, you may be responsible for paying for your own taxi (budget about 35 Euro for this each way), but we can still help to coordinate a taxi for you.
Once you have secured your flights, please forward your flight confirmation email itinerary to info@solseedretreats.com.
You must have a valid passport to travel to the Azores. Please check your passport expiration date and make sure it is valid for at least 3 months after the end date of your retreat.
Currently, there are no COVID testing or vaccination requirements to enter the Azores or mainland Portugal.
We will keep you posted if this changes prior to your retreat. However, registrants are personally responsible for complying to local laws, at their own expense. Such expenses may include, but are not limited to:
The purchase of travel insurance is required for this trip.
Most policies protect you against potential trip delays or cancellations due to airline issues, family emergencies, illness, injury, etc. The travel insurance will also demonstrate to the host country that you are able to pay for any emergency services which may be necessary during your stay.
SolSeed is not authorized to sell travel insurance. Any offer to purchase travel insurance that you encounter during the checkout process are third party offers. You are free to select your own policy provider. If you would like to review options in a convenient online marketplace, we like what www.insuremytrip.com has put together. We have also had great experience with Trawick International and their customer service, and heard very good things from AAA and AMEX Members who have purchased their travel insurance through those respective agencies.
We strongly encourage you to speak with a travel insurance agent to discuss your specific coverage needs, and to clear up any questions you may have relative to travel insurance coverage, including questions about COVID-19.
Please make sure you purchase a plan that includes coverage for COVID-19 related trip cancellations and trip interruptions as not all do.
To learn more about Travel Insurance and review some FAQs, please visit this helpful blog post that we put together on the topic: https://solseedretreats.com/travel-insurance-faqs/
All retreats include a €500 non-refundable / non-transferable deposit, which is required to hold your spot on the trip.
Additional balance payments made are refundable up to 120 days prior to the retreat start date. SolSeed must receive an email at info@solseedretreats.com requesting cancellation prior to 12:00AM on this date in order to secure a refund of additional balances paid. The initial €500 deposit remains non-refundable and non-transferable. All balances paid are non-refundable and non-transferable within 120 days of the retreat start date.
SolSeed Retreats can only make an exception to these terms if:
If SolSeed must further postpone or cancel the trip for any of the above reasons, all registrants will receive a refund of all deposits paid less €200.
Below you'll find all of our available accommodation packages. If you're wondering which is the best type for you, and possibly your travel buddy or group of friends, please follow this link to our handy ROOM SELECTION FLOW CHART.
By selecting a single occupancy room type you will have a private bedroom and bathroom, while selecting a double occupancy room type you will have a shared bedroom and bathroom with your travel buddy.
All Villas and Studios are equipped with: LCD TV | Independent air conditioning | Wi-Fi | Hair dryer | Bathrobes | Electronic safe | Kitchenette equipped with microwave, fridge and utensils | Coffee machine with capsules
Luxury Upgrades: The resort also offer a handful of villas which feature private hot tubs on their decks. If you're interested in booking one of these more high end rooms, please reach out to info@solseedretreats.com to inquire about pricing and availability.
Day 1: Arrival + Settle In
Early morning arrival post red-eye and check into room
1pm Lunch and SolSeed orientation
5pm Opening Class
7:30 Dinner at resort
Day 2: Excursion Day
8am Morning Class
9:30am Breakfast buffet
10:30am Excursion including group hike, picnic lunch & hot springs visit
7:30pm Dinner at resort
Day 3: Free Day
8am Morning Class
9:30am Breakfast buffet
Free time
5pm Evening Class
7pm Depart for dinner out
Day 4: Excursion Day
8am Morning Class
9:30am Breakfast buffet
10:30am Excursion including group hike, picnic lunch & hot springs visit
7:30pm Dinner at resort
Day 5: Free Day
8am Morning Class
9:30am Breakfast buffet
Free time
5pm Evening Class
7pm Depart for dinner out
Day 6: Free Day + Departure
8am Morning Class
9:30am Breakfast buffet
12pm Check out Shuttle to airport
