Welcome to
Rural Escapes Portugal
An intimate off-grid retreat space for travelers, facilitators, and creatives seeking a unique, off-grid setting for holidays, workshops, retreats, and immersive experiences. In between retreats, our space opens for accommodation, offering guests a quiet escape to reconnect with nature.
We are an off-grid retreat space in the heart of nature, where we host intimate retreats, workshops, and slow, restorative stays.
Hidden within a peaceful valley in the Serra de Monchique, Algarve, our land offers a quiet escape from the pace of modern life. Just a short drive from Monchique and the wild beaches of the west coast, it’s a place where time softens, nature leads, and you can truly unwind.
Here, days are shaped by simple pleasures — resting in a hammock beneath the trees, walking hidden trails, taking a dip in the spring water filled pool, sharing nourishing food, and watching the stars in a sky untouched by light pollution.
A Unique, Off-Grid Experience
Our space is designed for those seeking something more grounded, personal, and connected to nature. We host a range of retreats and workshops, while also welcoming guests for peaceful stays outside of retreat dates.
We warmly invite teachers, facilitators, and creatives to host their own retreats here, offering a supportive setting for them and their students.
With a maximum of 14 guests, everything remains small, intentional, and personal — creating space for genuine connection, rest, and reflection.
“Sustainability is at the heart of how we live, inviting guests to experience a simpler, more mindful way of living”
Upcoming Retreats
& Workshops
Learn about Off-Grid Living with Ellis
26-29 March, 2026
Learn about off-grid living. Solar, water management, creating a basic veg garden.
ACA 12-Step Retreat
5-11 May, 2026
Sorry but this retreat is now full. Please enquire about future AcA retreats.
Steps to Freedom
a 12-Step Retreat
18-23 June, 2026
A structured retreat offering you time to commit to your step work.
Awakened Path -
A Vision Quest Retreat
11-18 July, 2026
This retreat is a deep immersion into your personal healing.
The Phoenix Rises -
A Vision Quest Retreat
13-19 October, 2026
Continuing the vision quest journey and your personal healing.
Yin Yoga & Sacred Ceremony Retreat
23-28 October, 2026
Along with Yin Yoga this retreat will include a Sweat Lodge
Our Offerings
Whether you are joining a hosted retreat, escaping for a quiet stay, or looking for something more personal….
Self Catering Holidays
Peaceful, self catering stays in nature – your own space to unwind at your pace
What Guests Say on Google Reviews ...
“This is my second time at Rural Escapes and I love coming here. Camilla and Ellis are wonderful hosts, the land is immersed in nature, the accommodation is clean and inspiring and the outdoor kitchen has everything you need. There are also places to practice yoga and meditation if that’s your thing and some lovely walks nearby. This is a must stay when in Portugal.” Jay, 2025
“My stay was perfect in every way, beautiful, peaceful surroundings, great amenities and my tent was more than comfortable and I immediately felt as if it were my own home. Ellis and Camilla are wonderful warm welcoming hosts, as are their two dogs. I’ve never experienced such attentiveness, openness and authenticity from hosts such as them.” Paul, 2024
“From waking up in the morning to the day coming to life and sun rising over the hills, to the sky full of stars at night and the sound of an owl hooting in the distance, it’s truly amazing. We enjoyed some delicious homemade meals and Ellis makes the best bread! It was nice to sit around the dinner table and enjoy everyone’s company and stories. If you want to enhance your relaxing stay even more, we’d definitely recommend booking a massage/reiki with Emily.” Rebecca, 2022
Come Home to Nature, Come Home to You
Join us in rural Portugal for restful retreats, a back to nature self catering holiday or create your own bespoke escape