Congratulations on attending the 2023 Heart Accelerator. The 7-day retreat is from October 22 – 29, 2023 at the Pine Cliffs Hotel along Portugal’s southern Algarve coast.
This page provides attendees information to make their experience extra special and as stress-free as possible. Note that the actvities, excursions and shuttle / private transfers listed below are not included in the 2023 HEART ACCELERATOR retreat fee.
Planning Your Arrival and Departure
The Pine Cliffs Hotel is located in Albufeira, Portugal. The closest international airport is the Faro International Airport (FAO). Retreat participants can facilitate travel to and from the Pine Cliffs Hotel using one or more of the options below.
FLYING INTO FARO:
- A flight into the Faro Airport is the most direct option. This will require a transfer by taxi/uber/shuttle or private transfer from the Faro airport to the retreat hotel which is approximately 38 km (24 miles) or 30-40 minutes away.
See the “Shuttle & Private Transfer Options” Table at the bottom of this page for times and costs
FLY INTO LISBON:
- Many international flights fly into the Lisbon Airport and will require an additional connection (or a separate flight) into the Faro Airport. This will then also require a transfer from the Faro airport to the retreat hotel.
- Participants may want to consider one of the following options for direct transfers from Lisbon to the retreat hotel:
- Direct shuttle or private transfer(s) from Lisbon to the retreat hotel
- Public transportation options (bus or train) may require a metro connection from the Lisbon Airport to the Orient Station in order to take the inter-city bus or train to Faro / Albufeira.
- Once in Faro / Albufeirayou will then require a transfer from the bus or train station to the Pine Cliffs Hotel
See the “Shuttle & Private Transfer Options” Table at the bottom of this page for times and costs
Or send an email to [email protected] if you have any questions.
Two Optional Activities During the Retreat
The retreat schedule includes some free time (between lunch and dinner) on a couple of days. You can use this time to add these optional activities.
| ACTIVITY | COST (including transportation) |
|---|---|
| Silent Hike Along the Seven Hanging Valleys Coastline | 50 Euros* |
| Algarve Coast Boat Tour | 50 Euros* |
NOTE: Due to off-site transportation requirements, space will be limited so be sure to secure your spot early. Reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Silent Hike Along the Seven Hanging Valleys Coastline
(1.5 – 2 hours plus transportation time)
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the most scenic part of SEVEN HANGING VALLEYS TRAIL starts at the Benagil beach and ends at the Praia da Marinha beach.
This is a spectacular trail along the top of coastal cliffs overlooking turquoise ocean waters, natural arches and rock formations. Considered by many to be the best hike in the Algarve, this winding and fragrant trail takes winds its way through some of the most beautiful natural gems of the Algarve.
Algarve Coast Boat Tour
Enjoy the Algarve coast from a completely different perspective… this time from the sea.
This 2 – 2.5 hour boat tour explores the unique caves, Algarvian coastline and dramatic rock formations and if you’re lucky an opportunity to see dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea.
Or send an email to [email protected] if you have any questions.
Post-Retreat: Integration and Portugal Exploration Excursions
As a result of the feedback from the 2022 Post-Retreat Best of Portugal excursion, this year’s Post-Retreat: Integration and Portugal Exploration excursion has been updated to include an expanded program and an option to include one (or more) coaches from the retreat. The program allows for a slow and smooth post-retreat transition back to the day-to-day reality. In addition to a slow(er) pace of travel, the optional support from a retreat coach allows for additional guidance as well as group check-ins to share thoughts and feelings with a gradual decrease as the integration week progresses.
The general concensus from previous excursion participants was that having a retreat coach included as part of the (re)integration excursion would be very helpful and as a result that option is now available and strongly recommended.
The excursions include with two possible options:
- Short version: 3 days in Lisbon (with a day trip visit to Sintra and Cascais); or
- Extended version: 7 days starts with the 3 days in Lisbon PLUS 4 additional days in central and northern Portugal.
In order to maintain the harmony of the group, the 4-day segment of the excursion is not available separately. These excursions will depart directly from the Pine Cliffs Hotel (after lunch on the last day of the retreat, October 29, 2023)
3-Day Option: Three nights in Lisbon with visits to Sintra and Cascais
(Nights of Oct. 29 – 30 – 31, 2023)
LISBON: Portugal’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the second-oldest European capital city (after Athens), predating other modern European capitals by centuries. Lisbon is also one of the top 10 most visited cities in southern Europe and Portugal’s main economic center. With just over 500 thousand inhabitants (3.5 million including the metropolitan area) it is a hub for finance, international trade, fashion, arts & entertainment and of course tourism. The Belém district is just a few kilometers from the historic center of Lisbon and where you visit historic landmarks that recall Portugal’s seafaring past, like the 16th-century Tower of Belém and the sail-shaped Discoveries Monument.
SINTRA: Regarded by many as the best day trip from Lisbon, Sintra is a gem that cannot be missed and less than 30km (19 miles) from the Lisbon city center. Pastel and mystic palaces, moorish castles and lavish estates are just some of the highlights.
- DAY 1 (Sun. Oct. 29th) – After ample time for goodbyes (and an optional lunch at the retreat hotel), we’ll depart for Lisbon and check-in to the hotel. This first night in Lisbon is a good opportunity for a group dinner (included) when other retreat participants that are heading home. Enjoy some free time before and after a welcome reception and buffet dinner to rest & reflect or venture out for a stroll around Lisbon. (Hotel in Lisbon)
- DAY 2 (Mon. Oct. 30th) – enjoy this special day to Sintra includes a visit to the mystic Quinta da Regaleira which will be an ideal location for a group check-in circle. The Quinta boasts a romantic palace and chapel, and a luxurious park that features lakes, grottoes, wells, benches, fountains, and a vast array of exquisite constructions. After lunch in the historic city center in Sintra, we’ll head to the seaside to enjoy a walk along the Cascais coast, the Boca do Inferno look-out and a leisurely walk through picturesque Cascais. End the day, back in Lisbon for some free time back in Lisbon to enjoy your dinner at your leisure. (Hotel in Lisbon)
- DAY 3 (Tues. Oct. 31st) – in the morning, enjoy a guided walk-through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods with colorful buildings and impressive architecture. Our walk starts at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara then we will walk by Carmo Convent, Santa Justa Elavator, through Praça Dom Pedro IV to Praça do Commercio. Enjoy your free afternoon at leisure for lunch, shopping and time to enjoy Lisbon. Alternately, you can take advantage of a free transfer to (and from) the Belem district to explore its numerous monuments and museums. Evening and dinner is at your leisure. (Hotel in Lisbon)
7-Day Option: 3-Days PLUS 4 additional nights in central and northern Portugal
(Nights of Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, 2023 Included)
Includes visits to Óbidos, Tomar, Coimbra, Aveiro & Porto, as well as a day-trip along the Douro River
- DAY 4 (Wed. Nov. 1st) – Get ready for another memorable day with a morning guided visit to Óbidos, one of the most picturesque and well-preserved medieval towns in Portugal, if not Europe. Within the walls, we find a well-preserved castle and a labyrinth of streets and white houses that enchant those who walk there. The cobble-stone streets, flowered windows, small squares and a taste of cherry-based liquer Ginjinha a chocolate cup are sure to delight. After lunch we continue to another trip highlight – Tomar. Best known as home of the 12th century Templar Castle and Convent of the Knights of Christ Monastery, a UNESCO “Heritage of Humanity” site and a unique jewel in the history of the West. Built on a place of Roman worship, this vast monumental ensemble encompasses seven centuries of Portuguese history and great moments in the history of the West and another ideal location for a group check-in circle. (Hotel in Tomar)
- DAY 5 (Thurs. Nov. 2nd) – You’ll enjoy a stroll through Coimbra. This riverfront city and former capital is home to a preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra. Built on the grounds of a former palace, the university is famed for its baroque library and its 18th-century bell tower. In the city’s old town lies the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral Sé Velha. It is also the cradle of the most cherished traditions of Portugal, the “Fado”, a profoundly melancholic way of singing accompanied by the Portuguese guitar. After lunch, we’ll continue onto Aveiro for a short-stop to enjoy a cruise on a colorful moliceiro (large gondola-like) boat along Aveiro’s canal and lagoon. After a short drive to Porto, settle in for a three-night stay in the unique city of Porto. Tonight enjoy a free night in Porto with dinner at leisure and then an optional evening stroll along the ribeira district and across the Dom Luis I bridge to the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the Douro for an unforgettable view of Porto at night. (Hotel in Porto)
- DAY 6 (Fri. Nov. 3rd) – Prepare for this Douro Day with an earlier start so that you can enjoy the best the Douro River has to offer. After a drive along the Douro, you’ll also enjoy a short boat cruise along one of the most scenic segments of the Douro. After a short train-ride back to the bus you will enjoy a visit to a traditional Douro vineyard and a wine taste-testing. (Hotel in Porto)
- DAY 7 (Sat. Nov. 4th) – This final day in Porto, allows for a slow start to recover from the Douro Day. Enjoy the free morning to rest or do some shopping. After lunch enjoy a guided city walking tour. We will cap off the Post-Retreat: Integration and Portugal Exploration excursion with a farewell buffet dinner (included). (Hotel in Porto)
- DAY 8 (Sun. Nov. 5th) – After breakfast the expanded excursion ends and you can: return home, extend your trip, or take the optional transfer back to Lisbon.
Or send an email to [email protected] if you have any questions.
AZORES ISLANDS – SELF-GUIDED PACKAGES
You may want to take advantage of the trip to Portugal to make a side-trip to relax and recharge on the idyllic Azores islands. This remote, nine-island archipelago of Portugal offers you an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Restore & revitalize the mind, body and soul as you explore this beautiful subtropical paradise. The islands can be easily reached from Lisbon (2.5 hour flight) or on a stop-over flight to the United States or Canada.
These Self-Guided Packages are for travelers comfortable travelling on their own, with a partner or a group of friends or family but want a head start by not having to spend valuable time (re)searching accommodations, activities, local transportation options or coming up with a list of things to see and do. Benefit from the due diligence required in order to be part our LIFE! Wellness network of partners.
Self-Guided plans can be enjoyed at anytime and can be combined to allow for a travel plan to suit your schedule and budget. They can also be modified to your desired level of comfort and inclusions to suit your needs and preferences.
Short Video: Top 10 Things to see on São Miguel Island
Enjoy some of Christina’s unique nature walks and hikes that you’ve seen in many of her videos. Some packages include a special day long hike to the Caldeira do Senhor Santo Cristo which is considered by many to be the best hike of the Azores and, weather permitting, a boat ride along São Jorge’s unique coastline.
Prices, Options, Inclusions and more…
PRE RETREAT NIGHT IN LISBON (with transfer to Pine Cliffs Hotel included):
- One night stay (October 21st ) at 3 or 4 star Lisbon hotel and shuttle transfer with other retreat participants to the Pine Cliffs Hotel on October 22nd, 2023 (via a stop at the airport to pick-up other retreat participants, if any). Cost per person: 325 € per person Subject to availability.
POST-RETREAT EXCURSIONS:
| Integration and Portugal Exploration Excursion Options* | 3 Days (Short Option) | 7 Days (Extended Option) |
|---|---|---|
| Early Booking Price per person based on double occupancy (if reserved and paid by July 31st, 2023) | 1 190 € | 1 970 € |
| Price per person based on double occupancy (AFTER July 31st, 2023) | 1 390 € | 2 270 € |
| Optional: Accompaniment by a Retreat Coach (Based on the participant feedback and the experience from the 2022 excursion opting in to have a Retreat Coach is strongly encouraged) | 140 € | 300 € |
| Single Supplement (private room) | 230 € | 480 € |
| * Subject to availability |
What’s included? Accommodations, transportation, all breakfasts and 1 or 2 dinners, all programmed guided visits, boat and train excursions based on selected package. Exclusions: lunches, certain dinners, airfare and related travel & medical insurance.
AZORES ISLANDS OPTIONS
Self-Guided Packages in the AZORES ISLANDS (pricing valid for October and November 2023 only*):
- BEST OF THE AZORES: 10-nights on 4 islands (S. Jorge, Pico, Faial and S. Miguel Islands): 1 450 € per person based on double occupancy (Single Supplement: 650 €)
- Includes 4 full-day guided tours (one on each island). On S. Miguel island enjoy a full-day tour that includes a a visit to Terra Nostra Garden and its thermal baths and as well as a local COZIDO lunch.
- S. Miguel Island Sampler: 4-nights in S. Miguel: 550 € per person based on double occupancy (Single Supplement: 150 €)
- Includes 2 full-day guided tours including a visit to Terra Nostra Garden with thermal baths and as well as the COZIDO lunch.
What’s included? Accommodations, breakfasts and selected programmed tours or activities. Exclusions: lunches, dinners, airfare and related travel & medical insurance.
* After August 31, 2023 prices are subject to revision due to hotel room availability and pricing.
Table of Shuttle & Private Transfer Options
| ARRIVAL: SHUTTLE AND PRIVATE TRANSFER OPTIONS | Shuttle Transfer* | Private Transfer |
| 1 Night at Lisbon Pre-Retreat hotel + Shuttle Transportation to Pine Cliffs Hotel | 325 € | 525 € |
| Direct from Lisbon airport to Pine Cliffs Hotel (shuttle transfer is tentatively scheduled for October 22, 2023 from 11:00 to 12:00) | 175 € | 350 € |
| From Faro airport to Pine Cliffs Hotel Pre-Scheduled Retreat Shuttles: ** – October 21 & 22, 2023 at 11:00 and 15:00 * Shuttle transfer subject to availability ** Times maybe adjusted to accommodate flight arrival times. If there is sufficient interest, we will look to add additional shuttles on October 20 or 21. (Note: missed shuttles can be re-scheduled but are subject to availability, if there is no alternative shuttle available, the cost will be refunded) | 40€ | 55 € |
NOTE: The Lisbon airport is approximately 275 km (175 miles) or 2.5 – 3.0 hours from the Pine Cliffs Hotel in Albufeira.
| DEPARTURE: SHUTTLE AND PRIVATE TRANSFER OPTIONS | Shuttle Transfer | Private Transfer |
| Direct from Pine Cliffs Hotel to the Lisbon airport ** Shuttle transfer departure: October 29, 2023 at 13:30 (target arrival: 17:00) | 175 €* | 350 € |
| To Faro airport from Pine Cliffs Hotel ** | 40 €* | 55 € |
More Info