Quinta Carvalhas is a family-run farm retreat in the Ribatejo countryside near Santarém, about an hour from Lisbon airport. It suits adults who want a quiet, gentle reset with yoga, meditation, bodywork and time with horses, or a peaceful base for a private or group retreat.
What it's like
Quinta Carvalhas means Oak Farm, and that's what it is: a working farm in Portugal's Ribatejo region, near the city of Santarém, about an hour from Lisbon airport and roughly 90 minutes from the Atlantic coast. The owners, originally from South Africa, moved to Portugal in 2016 after spending two years looking at properties in seven countries. It's still run by the family, with a small staff and visiting therapists and teachers.
The farm calls itself The Green Farm, partly for the scenery and partly because it's kept free of chemicals. There's an orchard and vegetable garden, an olive grove that produces the farm's own organic oil, a meditation garden, a zen garden and a pool garden. The farm pond is clean enough to swim in, kept clear by reeds and plants, and it's home to fish and turtles.
The main practice space is Pine Hall, with stone walls, wooden beams and room for a full circle of mats. Yoga also happens in the shala and on the pond deck. National Geographic picked it in 2025 as one of its retreats for people feeling burnt out.
The programs
- Scheduled retreats. The farm runs its own retreats, such as Just Flow, a yoga and meditation retreat, and hosts themed retreats led by visiting artists, coaches and teachers.
- Private retreats. You can come on your own or with a partner and build a stay around the experiences you want.
- Host your own retreat. Yoga teachers and facilitators can hire the venue for their groups, and there are day events for companies and training days too.
Experiences on offer include private and group yoga in styles from Hatha and Yin to Vinyasa and Ashtanga, meditation, reiki and massage. One of the farm's signatures is time with its horses, including two mini Shetlands and a big Irish Draught. Sessions are mostly on the ground with a facilitator, and you don't need any horse experience.
Food
Meals are vegetarian and served with an emphasis on mindful eating. A lot of the produce comes straight from the farm's own garden and orchard, and the tap water is safe to drink.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
Quinta Carvalhas is a good fit if you want somewhere calm and rural to rest, move gently and spend time outdoors, without a packed schedule or a big hotel feel. It also works well for teachers looking for a ready-made venue with good food and lovely practice spaces.
It's not set up for families with younger children during retreats, since under-16s aren't admitted while retreats are running. If you want a beach on the doorstep or nightlife, you'll be better off on the coast.
Getting there
Fly into Lisbon. The farm is about an hour's drive away, near Santarém in the Ribatejo. Having a car gives you the most freedom, and the farm has electric car charging on site.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Lisbon?
About an hour from Lisbon airport, and around 90 minutes from the Atlantic coast.
Do I need riding experience for the horse sessions?
No. Most of the work is on the ground with a facilitator, so beginners are welcome.
Is the food vegetarian?
Yes. Meals are vegetarian, with much of the produce grown on the farm.
Can I bring my dog?
Well-socialized dogs are welcome for private stays, but it's best to leave them at home if you're joining a group retreat.
Can children come?
Children under 16 aren't admitted while retreats are running. Find current retreat dates on the official Quinta Carvalhas website.
