Finding Peace in Douro

During the fall, the hills and valleys of the Douro region are covered in a carpet of copper and browns — a place where nature lives in harmony with the farmers and vintners who work the land while preserving the scenery.

For Colleen Saidman and Rodney Yee, it is the perfect paradise for their autumn yoga retreat.

[caption id="attachment_82639" align="alignright" width="1000"] Colleen Saidman and Rodney Yee[/caption]

“When the sun is low and before the holidays grab your attention, we can commune and find peace in the beautiful wine country of Portugal,” according to a press release. “The retreat will feature four hours of yoga each day, and when we aren’t on the mat we will be tasting wine, rolling down the river, shopping in Porto, or carousing the gorgeous hills and the enchanting nearby villages.”

The retreat location, Six Senses Douro Valley, is home to a renovated 19th-century manor house set high on a hill overlooking the vine-covered rolling hills.

[caption id="attachment_82638" align="alignleft" width="275"] Six Senses Portugal[/caption]

Its spa is regarded as one of the best treatment centers in the world, the release said, comprised of 10 treatment rooms, a heated pool and gym, with a range of locally inspired therapies.

“It is the perfect retreat to wind down your year in luxury and relaxation,” the release said.

Plan to arrive at the retreat on November 11 at 3 p.m. and depart on November 17 at 12 p.m. There will be no classes on these days. Early registration is recommended, and a $2,500 deposit is required. Single occupancy is $7,500 and double occupancy is $6,000 per person.  

For more information, visit yogashanti.com/retreats.