A retreat is a conscious choice, to exhale more fully, to soften into the rhythms of nature, and to savour the gift of being alive in this human body. It’s an opportunity to step out of urgency and into presence; into longer savasanas, quieter mornings, and the kind of rest that nourishes the nervous system and the soul.
This fall retreat is an invitation to explore what it means to live with spaciousness and intention. Together, we’ll look gently at the patterns we’ve grown accustomed to, the ones that rush us, deplete us, and keep us from feeling grounded. Through practice and reflection, we’ll begin to replace them with habits that support our well-being, and we’ll explore what it’s like to show up for life with the full spectrum of our humanness, holding space for ourselves exactly as we are.
Through guided exercises, meditation, and embodied movement, we’ll uncover our deepest values and feel what it’s like to live from them. When we’re clear on what matters most, it becomes easier to recognize when we’re aligned—and when we’re not. Living from our values doesn’t mean life becomes effortless or free from challenge; it means our relationship with difficulty shifts. Instead of feeling like roadblocks, challenges begin to reveal themselves as opportunities to practise, to soften, and to stay connected.
We’ll explore the kleshas, a powerful lens for understanding the obstacles that arise in practice and in daily life. These universal human tendencies colour our perception, shape our reactions, and often pull us away from presence without us even realising it. By becoming familiar with how the kleshas show up, sometimes loudly, sometimes subtly, we begin to recognise our own patterns with greater clarity and compassion. This awareness doesn’t ask us to judge or fix ourselves; it simply opens the space to pause, soften, and choose differently.
Yoga is both a state and a practice. To be in the state of yoga is to be fully absorbed in the present moment. The practices of yoga are anything that brings us closer to that state.
Over the course of the week, we’ll look at where in our lives we can create more space so we can consciously choose how we wish to show up: which thoughts we feed, and which we allow to pass through. This retreat offers the time and spaciousness to be with yourself as you are, along with the tools of radical acceptance, clarity, and the simple, profound gift of coming home to yourself.
Our home for the week will be Xhale Azores, the perfect retreat on Terceira Island. With stunning ocean views, serene surroundings, and easy access to the ocean, it's an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. Their conscious and luxurious facilities are designed to nurture your mind, body, and spirit, offering an extraordinary experience beyond a traditional vacation.
Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing symphony of ocean waves, the grounds of Xhale Azores exude a sense of natural wonder. The retreat centre is nestled in the heart of the Terceira coast, offering ample space to explore and connect with nature.
Terceira is a lush, volcanic island in the Azores, defined by dramatic cliffs, rolling green hills, and a striking volcanic landscape. Its historic town of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits amid winding streets and colonial architecture, while volcanic caves and lava tubes reveal the island’s dynamic geological history. With its varied landscapes and serene surroundings, Terceira is an ideal destination for our retreat including hikes and time in nature while we explore and deepen our practice and living with intention.
Retreat Schedule
October 19th, 2026
Arrival on Terceira Azores and transfer to Xhale
Early check in and breakfast on arrival
Time to settle into your rooms
Lunch
Welcome Fire Circle
Gentle Arrival Yoga Class
Dinner
October 20th
Breakfast
Dynamic Yoga Class
Hiking the Majestic Cliffs of Algualva with Picnic Lunch
Flow and Restore into Crystal Bowl Sound Bath
Dinner
October 21st
Breakfast
Dynamic Yoga Class
Lunch
Wander in Angra do Heroismo
Restorative Yoga and Breathwork
Dinner
October 22nd
Breakfast
Dynamic Yoga Class
Hiking into the Caves of Terceira with Picnic Lunch
Yin Yoga and Poetry
Dinner
October 23rd
Breakfast
Dynamic Yoga Class
Lunch
Free Time to Explore or get a Massage
Dinner at the Windmill to Enjoy Local Specialties
October 24th
Breakfast
Dynamic Yoga Class
Lunch
Hike Mt. Brasil with Picnic Lunch
Final Class and Closing Circle
Dinner
October 25th
Breakfast
Goodbyes
*Schedule Subject to change; exact timings yet to be determined
Activities Available During Your Free Time
Zen Garden Walking Meditation with Reflexology
Spa Circuit with Sauna, Aromatherapy Shower, Turkish Bath and Restoration Lounge
Swimming in the Heated Infinity Pool
Swimming in the Local Natural Volcanic Pools 3 mins away
Tools for Creating Space and Living from Intention
What you’ll experience and take home from this retreat
• Guided meditations that bring a sense of spaciousness and ease into your day
• Accessible and practical mindfulness techniques to stay grounded, present, and open throughout your day
• Thoughtful and energizing movement practices to awaken your being on all levels body, mind and spirit
• The empowering art of noticing your thoughts and choosing which thoughts to feed
• A fresh perspective on your own beautiful, imperfect humanity discovering strengths you didn’t previously see
• Journalling and writing exercises to help you uncover what matters to you most and who you truly are
• Nourishing, restorative savasana experiences that replenish you a give you true experiences of sensory withdrawl
• Quiet, reflective moments immersed in the Azorean landscape, reconnecting you to nature’s rhythm and wisdom
• Practical tools to weave more mindfulness, clarity, and balance into your everyday life
• Heightened awareness to notice and fully savour the simple beauty of the present moment, exactly as it is
• Celebrating the impermanent nature of life as a source of wisdom, beauty, and presence
Rooms and Pricing
Early Bird Registration Before March 1st, 2026
Suite with Direct Ocean View (Rooms 1, 4, 7)
3250 Euros Private Occupancy
2550 Euros per person Double Occupancy
Room with Direct Ocean View (Rooms 2, 3, 10)
3200 Euros Private Occupancy
2500 Euros per person Double Occupancy
Rooms with Partial Ocean View (Rooms 5, 6, 8)
3150 Euros Private Occupancy
2450 Euros per person Double Occupancy
All prices go up by 150 Euros per person after March 1st, 2026
Please note:
1. You must register with another person to secure double occupancy pricing.
2. All rooms can be set up with either a king bed or separate twins.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT SCHEDULE
A 800 Euro deposit is required to secure your spot
The balance is due on June 20th 2026
Alternative Payment plans are available upon request
Discounts and Fine Print
A loyalty discount of 100 Euros on all prices will be applied to past retreat participants.
*Please note: Prices are in Euros and will be converted to either CAD or USD at the time of payment
**All payments are subject to a 4% credit card fee.
***All travel arrangement, and registrations will be organized by Amy Basseches who is affiliated with Travel Edge Network (TICO Registration #50013138) at 2 Queen St. E., 20th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5C 3G7
For reservations and more information you can contact Amy at amy@farandwidebyamy.com
Conscious Cuisine
At Grata Café, you’re invited to savour a delectable array of nourishing delights. The culinary team strives to not only serve fresh, local organic quality food but also provide an elevated experience that fills you with gratitude. Enjoy a variety of locally sourced, plant-based dishes that showcase the vibrant flavours of the Azores. Whether you dine in our cozy indoor setting or amidst the natural splendor of our outdoor terrace, each meal at Grata Café is an experience of mindful indulgence, fostering a harmonious connection between your body and the nourishing power of the Earth.
What’s Not Included
Flights to Terceira airport
Travel insurance
Massages and wellness therapies
Alcoholic beverages
What’s Included
6 nights accommodation
All yoga classes
3 meals a day
3 Excursions
Use of the facilities: Pool, Sauna, Spa
Transportation to and from the Terceira airport providing you arrive and depart in the appropriate windows
What to Expect Weather Wise
At the end of October, Terceira experiences mild, temperate autumn weather. Daytime temperatures typically range from the high teens to low twenties Celsius, with cooler evenings that invite layers. The island is lush and green at this time of year, and while you can expect a mix of sunshine, clouds, and the occasional passing shower, the weather often shifts quickly. Gentle Atlantic breezes are common, adding to the feeling of freshness and vitality. It’s a beautiful time to be outdoors—comfortable for hiking and movement, with a softness in the air that supports rest, reflection, and deep practice.
How to Get There
Getting to Terceira from Toronto is relatively straightforward. There are direct flights from Toronto to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), the main hub of the Azores, followed by a short inter-island flight to Terceira. Travelling to Terceira from other destinations in the U.S. or Europe is generally simple and well connected. Most routes pass through Lisbon or Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), with frequent short flights onward to Terceira. Upon arrival at Terceira Airport, we will be picked up and transferred to Xhales Retreat centre which is about a 20 minute drive.