Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the retreat?
The retreat venue is in Corgas Bravas, Algarve, Portugal. Corgas Bravas is a secluded area of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains just 40 minutes from Faro airport.
What is the nearest airport and how far is it?
The nearest airport is Faro in Portugal and transfers by taxi take approximately 40 minutes.
How far is the nearest town and beaches?
São Bras de Alportel is the nearest town, with supermarkets such as Continente, Lidl, Pingo Doce.
The retreat is located in a secluded area at least 15 minutes from the nearest town and 40 to 45 minutes from Faro, Faro airport and the beaches.
The nearest beaches are Praia do Cavalo Preto, Praia do Loule Velho, Praia de Ancão, Praia Trafal. We also recommend Praia Barril.
How can I find out about booking a taxi?
We can provide you with the details of local taxi companies nearer the date of the retreat.
What time is check in and check out?
Check in on arrival day is from 5pm. Check out on departure day is by 10.30am
What's not included?
- Transfers to and from the venue
- On site massages can be booked at an extra cost (currently 70 euros but this maybe subject to change nearer the time).
Are the activities optional?
Yes, all activities are completely optional including the individual hypnotherapy or health coaching taster session. You are free to choose how much or little you want to do.
Are there any day trips?
All our activities are on-site. If you wish to visit the local towns or beaches we can provide you with contact details to book your transfers.
How do I inform you about dietary requirements?
Once booked, we will issue you with a health questionnaire which includes information about your dietary requirements.
What type of food do you serve?
We serve 3 healthy, nutritious vegetarian and vegan meals per day prepared by a chef.
Tea, hot water, filtered drinking water and fruit are available all day.
What type of accommodation do you provide?
We provide 5 types of accommodation to suite varying requirements and budgets.
- Single occupancy private double with on suite
- Double occupancy private double or 2 x single beds with ensuite
- Triple occupancy single beds with ensuite
- Single occupancy shepherd Hut with external shared bathroom
- Double/ twin occupancy shepherd Hut with external shared bathroom
Shampoo and shower gel is provided every bathroom. A hair dryer, clean linen, towels, sun lounger towels are also included in all accommodation types.
For more information, prices and photos go to our bookings page
Confidentiality & privacy
We adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines to protect your privacy and sensitive information during our sessions.
Is WiFi available?
Yes, WIFI is available at the retreat including bedroom areas. There is stronger connectivity in certain areas of the venue, for instance the Manor House.
Cancellation policy
Please read this cancellation policy carefully before booking and feel free to ask any questions.
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.
If you cancel on or before 7 Feb 2025 you will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable deposit
The remaining 80% balance of payment is required on 8 February 2025 (8 weeks prior to the retreat start date). If you cancel on or after this date there will be no refund.
Please do get in touch early if you need to cancel for whatever reason. We will do our best to resell your place on the retreat, which we have a better chance doing if you let us know as soon as possible. If we are able to resell your place, we will be more than happy to give you a refund, minus the non-refundable deposit.
Note: Refunds cannot be made:
- If your transport (train/air etc.) is cancelled
- No-shows, i.e. you don’t inform us of your wish to cancel and you don’t let us know that you won’t be attending, or if you cancel at such short notice that we are unable to resell your place
- Any illnesses; please purchase appropriate travel insurance
Mobile policy
We suggest you take this time to step away from your devices, however feel free to connect or disconnect to suit you.
Alcohol policy
Alcohol is not provided at the retreat venue.
Smoking, fires and BBQ policy
BBQ and fires are strictly prohibited at Wild View Retreat due to the significant fire risk of the Algarve. Smoking is permitted outside the Manor House in a designated place only. There is no smoking inside.
Pool and sauna information
Please note it is not heated and the water will likely be cold in April.
The Finnish Log Cabin sauna can accommodate 8 to 10 and is available for 2 hours a day times to be confirmed near commencement day.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy combines the use of therapy with hypnosis. It is a very safe, natural and relaxing state where the mind can focus on thoughts and suggestions in order to bring about positive change in habits, mindset and behaviour. Generally it takes between 3 and 12 sessions to achieve the desired change.
Common myths about hypnotherapy and hypnosis
Myth: The hypnotic state is very unusual
Fact: Trance is actually very ordinary. It’s similar to daydreaming and we go in to trance many times a day. For example when we are doing exercise or driving we may find our mind switching off as we go into a light hypnotic state of flow. We also go through the trance state every morning and evening when we wake up and fall asleep.
Myth: Some people can’t be hypnotised
Fact: Everyone has the ability to be hypnotised because it is a natural, normal state that each of us enter at least twice a day – when falling asleep and waking. However, you can’t be hypnotised if you don’t want to be
Myth: A person can get stuck in trance
Fact: This can’t happen. Hypnosis is a natural state that we enter and exit during the course of a day. If you need to bring yourself out of hypnosis you can just open your eyes
What should I expect in the taster hypnotherapy session?
The taster session will last up to 50 minutes. In the first half I gather information from you and discuss your goal. I then guide you into the relaxed state of hypnosis and provide positive suggestion based on our discussions.
The subconscious mind will take this information and act upon it making the change easier and more automatic.
Note that this taster session will allow you to experience hypnotherapy, however to realise the full benefit, further sessions may be required. As with all habits and fixed patterns of behaviour, repetition is key.
What is health coaching?
Health coaching is a collaborative client led process that helps individuals improve their overall health and well-being by setting and achieving health related goals.
Health coaching typically focuses on whole health, areas such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep and overall lifestyle habits. A coach will use various techniques for setting goals and behaviour change strategies to empower clients to take control of their health and make positive choices, leading to a healthier, happier and more balanced life.
A health coach is a bit like having a personal trainer for your overall well-being and lifestyle. Just as a personal trainer helps you achieve fitness goals, a health coach guides you in making sustainable changes to improve your overall health.
The duration of health coaching services varies depending on individual needs, goals and preferences. Some people may benefit from just a few sessions to address specific concerns while others may engage in longer term coaching for ongoing support and accountability.
Typically, health coaching sessions range from a few weeks to several months depending on the client’s needs. Sessions last around 60 minutes each.
The retreat taster sessions gives you the opportunity to have a laser health coaching session for around 30-45 minutes.
What should I expect in the taster health coaching session?
During a taster session of health coaching, you can expect to get an idea of what working with a health coach entails. It gives you an opportunity to experience the coaching process first hand.
- You will have the opportunity to experience a condensed version of a coaching session, where we discuss a specific health goal or issue and brainstorm potential strategies to address it using various coaching techniques.
What types of issues or goals can I bring to these taster sessions?
Both hypnotherapy and health coaching can help you work on various goals, such as stress/ anxiety reduction, weight management/ nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Please be aware that this will be a taster session to allow you to experience hypnotherapy or health coaching. To gain the full benefit, further sessions may be required. As with all habits and fixed patterns of behaviour, repetition is key.
What is yin yoga?
Yin yoga is a branch of yoga that works deeply into our mind and body using mindfulness principles and passive, long held poses (3 to 5 minutes). It targets the deep tissues of the body; our connective tissues that are critical for mobility and flexibility, strengthening our joints, ligaments, bones and fascia.
The breath and body work during the practice also helps calm the nervous system and bringing about a sense of wellbeing and balance.
Energetically, yin yoga improves our energy flow, enhancing the flow of chi/ prana in the organs offering physical, emotional and mental health benefits.
What is HypnoNidra®?
Sevarin’s knowledge of hypnosis and yoga nidra (yogic sleep) inspired her to create HypnoNidra® a unique form of guided mediation that combines wonderful benefits of both techniques. HypnoNidra® is experienced lying down on the mat and is designed to calm the nervous system and encourage self compassion and positive emotions. I end the session with a sound bath savasana allowing energetic blockages to be released from the body. Attendees often comment on a feeling of deep relaxation and an improved sleep following a session.
Read my blog on the benefits of HypnoNidra® and yoga nidra to find out more.
How do I book a massage session and how much does it cost?
We will provide you with a booking link a few weeks prior to the retreat start date. Massages cost around 70 Euros but be aware this may be subject to change. Please pay the therapist in cash at the time of your appointment.