What language will the retreat be given in?
The retreat will be conducted in English.
What’s included in the price?
For the 1-day workshop “A Day of Touch & Presence”: the workshop itself, a shared vegetarian lunch, and all offered snacks.
For the 3-day retreat, there are two options:
Workshop + Accommodation — full participation in the retreat program, all shared vegetarian organic meals and snacks throughout, and shared accommodation (2 people per room) on-site at Orto Creative Hub, Fornelo, Portugal, for the duration (2 nights).
Workshop only — full participation in the retreat program plus all shared vegetarian meals and snacks. Accommodation not included.
Where exactly is it, and how do I get there?
The workshop and retreat take place at Orto Creative Hub, near the small town of Fornelo, Portugal. It’s a 20km drive from Porto Airport (Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro) and 25km from Porto city centre. Click here for directions.
Do I need any prior knowledge of meditation or any of the other practices?
No. A commitment to personal development and a willingness to explore your awareness and conscious touch is what matters most.
Will I receive a certificate?
Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation confirming attendance at the retreat.
This retreat is designed as an experiential personal development program rather than a professional training and is therefore not accredited by a professional association.
What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a Japanese holistic, clothed, therapeutic bodywork practice that uses finger, thumb, and palm pressure, along with stretching and joint rotation, to support the body’s energy flow and relieve stress, tension, and pain. During the retreat, you’ll be introduced to the fundamental basics of this practice. Afterwards you’ll be able to give a gentle, caring and relaxing Shiatsu massage.
What should I wear during the sessions?
Loose, comfortable clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Think sweatpants, leggings, and a long-sleeved T-shirt.
Do I need to undress for any of the practice?
No. Shiatsu and all the other exercises we’ll be doing are performed fully clothed. Touch practices mainly involve the arms, legs, back, shoulders, and hands. This is a therapeutic practice grounded in mutual respect and clear communication and consent; nothing beyond what feels comfortable to you will ever be asked.
Why combine Zen, Shiatsu, and Aikido?
Zen is a meditative tradition, Shiatsu is a somatic bodywork therapy, and Aikido is a martial art built on flow and redirection. Though they’re distinct practices, they share deeply rooted roots in Japanese culture and somatic philosophy; we’ve found in our own practice that they speak to each other. Zen trains stillness and presence, Shiatsu translates that presence into touch, and Aikido teaches how to stay grounded and aware even in movement and contact with another person.Together, they give us a fuller way of working with the body: not just relaxing it, but learning to inhabit it mentally, physically, and in relationship with someone else’s presence too.
Is it allowed to drink alcohol or use substances during the retreat?
We strongly advise against alcohol and any mind-altering substances during the retreat. Part of what we’re doing together is opening and relaxing the nervous system, alcohol and substances work against that. If you drink or smoke daily, consider using these three days as a gentle detox.
The same goes for phones; we invite you to minimize screen time and let yourself be fully in the nature, fresh air, and sensory experience around you.
Touch can bring up a lot of emotions. Is this retreat still for me?
Touch is deeply personal, and people relate to it differently depending on their history, culture, upbringing, or body. It’s completely normal if the idea of touch brings up hesitation, self-consciousness, or even strong emotion.
This retreat is built on communication and consent at every step: nothing is fixed or forced, you can always pause, adjust, or opt out of any exercise, and we check in verbally throughout the practices. Part of the work is learning to notice and voice your own boundaries — and to respect others — at whatever pace feels right for you.
For some people, this slow, supported environment is exactly the place to gently rebuild trust with touch and with their own body. For others, more active healing work may need to happen first, ideally with a therapist, before a group setting like this feels supportive rather than overwhelming. If you’re unsure which is true for you right now, we’d genuinely welcome a conversation beforehand, please reach out, and we can figure it out together.
Do I need a partner to attend, or can I come alone?
You can absolutely come alone. No partner needed, though of course it can be nice and comforting to come with one.
Is there an age range, fitness level, or health condition to consider?
The workshop and retreat are open to anyone above 18, in good general physical and mental health.
If you have a physical injury or limitation, please let us know in advance so we can offer guidance and adapt exercises to your needs where possible.
This retreat is designed as a shared space for connection, self-discovery, and exchange between participants. This is not a substitute for individual therapy. Because of this, and out of care for the group dynamic, we ask that participants currently going through an acute mental health crisis wait for a time when they feel more stable to join. If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, feel free to reach out and we can talk it through together.
What’s the daily schedule like?
Across the day, including the meditation and do-in, we practice for around six hours with spacious time for lunch, rest, and tea breaks in between. Look at the bottom of this page for the full three day schedule.
What’s the accommodation like?
Accommodation is at Orto itself, in 5 newly built rooms shared between two people (single beds), allocated on a same-sex basis. Two bathrooms with showers are shared among the retreat group. The venue is not a luxury spa, it is much better, it is a real place – with animals, creative outdoor spaces and the kind of quiet that reminds you what quiet actually feels like.You’ll sleep simple, walk barefoot on earth and breathe fresh air. See the bottom section of this page for a feel of the space.
Dietary requirements — can you accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or allergies?
All meals are vegetarian. Please let us know your dietary needs or allergies in advance so we can pass them on to the cook/Orto.
Are you thinking of doing this retreat online?
No — this retreat was created to be experienced through physical presence.
What is the maximum number of people who can participate?
Ten. We’ve chosen to work with a small group to keep the atmosphere intimate, safe, and caring.
Can I have follow-up support after the retreat ends?
Yes, you can schedule individual sessions with the teachers online.
What if I want to cancel?
If you need to cancel, we’ll reimburse 100% of the amount paid up to two weeks before the event — that’s before 12 August for the 1-day workshop, and before 14 August for the 3-day retreat. After these dates, we’ll reimburse 50% of the price paid.