There are times in life when something within quietly whispers that it's time to pause.
A time to step away from the busyness of everyday life.
To rest. To breathe.
To remember what it feels like to simply be.
Journey to the Heart is an invitation to answer that call.
Nestled in the peaceful countryside of central Portugal, this week-long retreat offers a gentle space to reconnect with yourself through yoga, meditation, chakra exploration, creativity, nature, and the simple healing that comes from slowing down.
If you have found your way to this page, perhaps something within you is longing for a little more space, a little more stillness, or simply a chance to pause for a while.
I created Journey to the Heart because I know how easy it is to become caught up in the busyness of life. We spend so much of our time caring for others, meeting responsibilities, and moving from one thing to the next that we often forget to offer ourselves the same care and compassion.
Over the years, I have seen the quiet transformation that happens when you are given permission to slow down. When there is no pressure to achieve, no expectations to meet, and nothing to be other than yourself, something begins to soften. You breathe more deeply. You listen more closely. You begin to remember who you are beneath the doing of everyday life.
That is the space I hope to create for you.
My intention is simply to offer a week where you will feel welcomed, supported and gently guided through practices that nurture body, mind and spirit. Whether this is your first retreat or one of many, you will be invited to take everything at your own pace and honour whatever you need in each moment.
It will be a joy to share this special week with you.
Each day unfolds at an unhurried pace.
Our mornings begin with gentle yoga, mindful movement, breathwork and meditation, inviting you to arrive fully in the present moment.
Throughout the week, we will explore the chakras through yoga, colour, sound, creativity, and reflective practices. Each energy centre offers an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, gently releasing what no longer serves you and creating space for greater ease, balance, and joy.
As evening falls, we will gather for deeply nourishing practices designed to settle the body, quieten the mind, and support restful sleep.
Everything is offered as an invitation. You will always be encouraged to honour your own body, your own pace, and whatever you need in each moment.
One of the greatest gifts of retreat is having nowhere else to be.
Between our sessions, your time is your own.
Perhaps you will spend an afternoon beside the natural pool, wander through fragrant gardens, rest beneath an ancient olive tree, enjoy a quiet walk through the Portuguese countryside, or simply curl up with a book and a cup of herbal tea.
Healing often happens in the spaces between the doing.
Throughout the week, you will enjoy delicious vegetarian meals prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of them lovingly grown in the retreat gardens.
Meals become more than nourishment; they are moments to gather, share stories, laugh together, and enjoy the simple pleasure of slowing down.
Surrounded by nature, this peaceful sanctuary is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be.
You will find quiet corners to read, gentle shade beneath the trees, birdsong replacing busy schedules, and wide open skies inviting you to pause and take a deeper breath.
It is a place where your shoulders soften almost without noticing, your breathing slows and deepens, and your whole body begins to relax. with:
Is This Retreat for You?
This retreat may be just what you are looking for if you are longing to:
• Step away from the demands of everyday life.
• Slow down and reconnect with yourself.
• Find space to rest, reflect, and simply breathe.
• Enjoy yoga and meditation in a gentle, supportive environment.
• Spend time in nature and nourish yourself with wholesome food.
• Meet kind, like-hearted people and enjoy meaningful connection.
• Return home feeling calmer, lighter, and more grounded.
Whether you are completely new to yoga or have been practising for many years, you will be warmly welcomed. Every practice is offered with options and encouragement to move at your own pace, honouring your own body and your own experience.
Those who join us come from many different walks of life. Some come seeking rest after a busy season, others are looking for clarity, connection, or simply a little time to themselves. What brings everyone together is a shared longing to slow down, reconnect, and be gently supported.
Why Journey to the Heart?
Life asks a great deal of us.
We can be so busy caring for others, meeting responsibilities, and moving from one thing to the next that we forget to offer ourselves the same kindness and care.
This week is an opportunity to pause, take a deep breath, and gently reconnect with the part of yourself that can so easily become lost in the busyness of everyday life.
The practices we share are simple, nourishing, and accessible, offering gentle ways to cultivate greater presence, self-compassion, and inner calm: gifts you can carry with you long after you return home.
Perhaps the greatest gift of all is the space to simply be yourself, held by nature, supported by a caring community, and able to slow down long enough to hear your own heart again.
If your heart has been quietly asking for time to rest, I would be delighted to welcome you.
Come and spend a week surrounded by nature, nourished by wholesome food, supported by gentle practices, and held within a warm and caring community.
Come exactly as you are.
Leave feeling rested.
Grounded.
Inspired.
With a quieter mind, an open heart, and a deeper connection to yourself.
It will be an honour to share this special week with you.
If you would like to explore the retreat in more detail, you will find everything you need on the Retreat Information page, including accommodation, the daily programme, what is included, and booking information.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I will be delighted to hear from you and happy to help in any way I can.
I look forward to welcoming you to Portugal.
With love,
Marie-Angeline
To be confirmed
INCLUDED
EXCLUDED
To restore balance to your chakras, awaken your inner voice, and reconnect with your true self"
Call Marie-Angeline +353 86 824 2033
or Email: relax@bestressfree.ie
These retreats are a chance to take some time out to look after yourself in a peaceful and relaxing environment.
Marie-Angeline's teachings incorporate a meditative practice and yoga that is catered to the level of the participants perfectly. The setting is intimate and Marie-Angeline gives you one on one advice and help, leaving you with a feeling a deep sense of peace and well-being. I honestly cannot recommend Marie-Angeline's teachings highly enough.
—Cliona, Bray
Marie-Angeline enjoys nothing more than to see you blossoming. She works from an inner place of knowing, guiding you to your potential and leading you to your inner self with love, great energy, sensitivity and creativity.
—Mary, Killiney
I have been attending Marie-Angeline's amazing healing sessions of yoga and sound baths for nearly 10 years now, and I can't recommend enough!
Attending Marie Angeline sessions is one of the most nurturing, healing and comforting experiences I have ever had, a beautiful treat. You emerge from the experience feeling "whole" again...balanced, energised, nurtured, and wiser.
—Claire, Dublin
I am so grateful to have met Marie-Angeline who has helped me over a lot of dark shadows in my life. She has taught me how to relax, stay calm, and breathe… These techniques have enabled me to control the pain in my body caused by injuries.
—Peggy, Dublin
Marie-Angeline offers a number of impactful health and well-being sessions, all of which are met with positive feedback. She is a delight to work with and brings a sense of positivity and professionalism to each session.
—Niall, Dublin
I have worked with Marie-Angeline Lascaux for many years in both a personal and professional capacity. The feedback on her classes was always very positive and she creates great energy and enthusiasm with everything she does. I have gained so much over the years through her guidance and support and my life has transformed because of that. I would have no hesitation in recommending Marie-Angeline. She is exceptional in everything she does.
—Lorraine, Ahsford
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