Life Awareness Project
Breath, Body & Mind Retreat
Ancient breath, energy & mind-training retreats.
In a magical hidden valley in South Portugal.
May 29 – June 3, 2026
June 16 – 21, 2026
A Time to
Reset, Reconnect
and Recreate Your Life
We’re excited to invite you once again to Portugal this year—to come together in person and dive deep into the Life Awareness practices.
More than just a yoga retreat; this will be a transformative journey deep into powerful ancient and modern mind & body practices. It will be a chance to live and breathe the practices and lifestyle alongside a group of fellow practitioners.
With a focused daily rhythm, the supportive guidance of Michaël Bijker, Thomas Mathias and the power of group energy, we will ignite deep transformation and growth from within.
Surrounded by nature and deep silence, this is your time to realign. A full week of breathwork, QiGong, yoga, and powerful mind-training practices designed to sharpen your focus, elevate your energy, and bring clear insight back into your life.
…What You’ll Experience…
This immersion is a chance to move from practicing at home to practicing together—in a space where the methods come alive in real time, with real people, and real energy.
You’ll step into a daily rhythm that’s simple, structured, and deeply supportive—designed to help you integrate the Life Awareness practices and Yogic lifestyle on a whole new level, guided by Michaël and a team of Life Awareness Instructors.
Guided breathwork and pranayama sessions
Guided breathwork and pranayama sessions each day to explore the breath and ancient techniques
Yoga and Qigong
Yoga and Qigong to awaken the body and energy system through embodied movement
Silent sitting and meditation
Silent sitting and meditation to access deeper states of awareness
Group sessions and sharing circles
Group sessions and sharing circles where we learn from each other and grow as a community
Refinement of techniques,
Refinement of techniques, personal reflections, and Q&A in real life
Time in nature:
Time in nature, embracing simplicity and stillness by stepping away from daily distractions
Workshops:
Workshops including sound healing, life reflection sessions, yoga philosophy, tea ceremonies, and more
Cultivating inner power, harmony, and inspiration:
Cultivating inner power, harmony, and inspiration to carry with you long after the retreat ends
Nourishing plant-based food
Nourishing plant-based food cooked with love by our wonderful chef Mukta
Who Is This Retreat For
Whether you’ve been practicing the Life Awareness methods for some time or have completed one of our online teacher training programs, this is your chance to experience it all in real life. To move beyond the screen and into shared space—breathing, moving, learning, and growing together in the warmth of community.
The Venue
A place made for deep rest & renewal
Tucked away in a magical hidden valley in Aljezur, Portugal, this retreat sanctuary offers the perfect blend of nature, peace, and spaciousness.
Just a 15-minute drive from the unspoiled, breathtaking beaches of the Algarve, it’s a place where the ocean, forests, and quiet hillsides all meet.
Enjoy our:
Outdoor Yoga Deck — surrounded by nature, ideal for sunrise sessions
Indoor Yoga Shala — warm, calm, and perfect for deeper practices
Swimming Pool — a quiet spot to relax and unwind
Sauna — soothing, grounding, and supportive for the whole body
Every corner of this place invites you to slow down, reconnect, and settle into a deeper rhythm.
Accommodation & Food
Simple Comfort Surrounded by Nature
You’ll be staying in shared yurts surrounded by nature. Each yurt hosts 4 to 6 participants and offers a cozy, down-to-earth space to rest and recharge. Males and females will be separate. The terrain is big and has plenty of spaces both indoor and outdoor to relax, reflect, or enjoy time alone. Private options are very limited and available upon request. There is also the option to rent your own Airbnb nearby.
Nourishing Food Made With Love
During the retreat you’ll be cared for with delicious, nurturing meals prepared by our wonderful chef, Mukta. The food will be plant-based, mostly gluten-free, and created with fresh, vibrant ingredients that support both energy and ease.
Each meal is designed to help you feel light, grounded, and deeply nourished—so your practice can unfold with clarity, strength, and comfort. From comforting warm dishes to fresh, colorful plates, every bite is meant to support your body, calm your mind, and make you feel at home.
The Schedule
On the first day, we arrive and settle in together as a group—setting intentions, getting to know each other, and opening the space for the immersion.
The days that follow are held within a supportive and steady rhythm. We rise early together and move through a daily schedule of practices, including yoga, pranayama, qigong, meditation, and self-inquiry.
There is time for rest, reflection, nature, and integration—time to connect with each other as a community, as well as time to be in silence and stillness.
07:00 - 7:30 Silent Meditation (Optional)
07:30 - 9:30 Yoga Asana, Pranayama, Meditation
09:30 - 11:00 Breakfast, break
11:00 - 13:00 Workshops & Group Practices
13:00 - 17:00 Lunch & Break (Time for rest, nature walks, or a massages with one of the on-site therapists)
17:00 - 18:30 Sunset Practice
18:30 - 20:00 Dinner
20:00 - 20:30 Light evening practice, finishing the day
Dates & Prices 2026
The participation fee for the immersion includes the full program, 3 nourishing meals per day, and a spot in a shared yurt with between 4-7 people, same gender.
Get a 15% Early Bird discount when booking 4 months before the start of the retreat 🌿
༄ Standard Package (Shared Yurt) €1350
༄ Private Accommodation
We also offer a few very limited private accommodation for those who prefer more privacy.
The following options are available:
GLAMPING TENT* - €1850 single - €1600 p.p. couple
DELUXE YURT - €2250 single - €1750 p.p. couple
PRIVATE VAN - €1650 single - €1300 p.p. couple
*Glamping tent only available in September
༄ Commuter Option €980
(Sleeping off-site, includes all meals and full participation in the program)
Dates
May 29 - June 3
June 16 - 21
How to Register
Register
To register, send us an email using the button below and let us know which retreat dates you’d like to join.
Reserve your spot
Reserve your spot with a €400 down payment using the link below. Once we receive your payment, your spot is confirmed, and you’ll receive all the info you need to prepare.
Remaining balance
The remaining balance is due one month before the immersion begins.
Meet Your Teachers
Michaël Bijker
On the retreat Michaël will be guiding a beautiful variety of sessions to awaken your full potential.
Michaël is the founder and director of the Life Awareness Project (yogalap). With more than 100,000 students across 190+ countries, he has helped thousands of people improve their mental and physical well-being — supporting individuals of all genders, backgrounds, and walks of life to feel stronger, calmer, and more connected.
He is one of the world’s leading Pranayama and Breathwork teachers. A certified 800hr (Yoga Alliance 500 E-RYT) teacher with a Yoga Therapy Certification from Paramanand Institute of Yoga Sciences & Research, Indore, where he studied under the loving and wise guidance of Dr. Omanand-Guruji. He has been teaching Breathwork, Meditation, QiGong, and Yoga since 2009.
Thomas Mathias
Thomas is an international yoga teacher, coach and meditation guide. Since 2019, he has been sharing his work globally with renowned organizations and platforms, offering yoga and meditation courses, co-living experiences, silent retreats, and private mentorships. Known for his grounding presence and insightful talks, Thomas draws from a variety of ancient traditions and modern science to inspire effective spiritual practice and deep transformation.
Requisites
While these immersions are nourishing and restorative—with amazing food and comforts like a sauna and pool—they are not a holiday experience. They are dedicated spaces for Yogic practice, self-reflection, and genuine inner growth.
To support the depth and flow of the experience, we kindly ask that participants meet the following prerequisites:
You have completed at least one Life Awareness training or course (such as the 7-Day Essentials Course, Breath is Life, 40 Days of Transformation, Meditation Instructor Course, or Breathwork Instructor Course).
(If not, you will receive a free access voucher for the Life Awareness Essentials Course.)You have a regular personal practice in pranayama, breathwork, meditation, yoga, and/or qigong
You feel comfortable with early mornings, silence, and focused daily routines
You are open to group work, personal reflection, and inner transformation
You agree to abstain from alcohol, cigarettes, and other intoxicants during the immersion and in the lead-up to it
You are willing to commit to the full program and attend all sessions
You are physically and mentally able to participate in a full daily schedule that includes breathwork, movement, and stillness
Getting to us
The immersions take place in a peaceful, hidden valley near Aljezur, in the South-Western Algarve of Portugal—surrounded by rolling hills, ocean air, and wild beauty.
Closest airport:
– Faro Airport (FAO) – about 1.5 to 2 hours by car
– Lisbon Airport is also possible – around 3.5 to 4 hours by car
How to get here:
– By car: The easiest and most flexible way—especially if you plan to explore the area before or after the retreat
– By shared shuttle or taxi: Get a direct taxi from Faro airport for around 95€ (We’ll help connect participants who want to share rides)
– By bus: There are buses from Faro and Lisbon to Aljezur, though they’re less frequent. Let us know if you need help with this option
– Arrive by late afternoon on Day 1 (we’ll send exact timing)
– The immersion ends around midday on the last day
Once your place is confirmed, we’ll send you the exact address and everything you need to prepare.
If you’re traveling from abroad, we recommend giving yourself a little buffer time of 1 or 2 days in the country—to acclimatize in Portugal and arrive relaxed and rested for the program.
Cancellation
We understand that life can be unpredictable. If something comes up and you’re no longer able to join, here’s how cancellations are handled:
The down payment is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another course or retreat
If you cancel more than 30 days before the start of the immersion, any additional payments made (beyond the down payment) will be refunded
If you cancel less than 30 days before the immersion, we’re unable to offer a refund, as preparations and bookings will already be in place
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help.
Any changes to bookings (such as transferring your spot to another date or person) will include a €40 administration fee
Get in Touch
We would love to have you join us on this retreat. If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email us at info@yogalap.com or fill in the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.