Vipassana
6 Day Meditation Retreat
6th - 11th April 2027
Monchique, Portugal
Join us for six days of Vipassana at Karuna Retreat Center, high in the Serra de Monchique above Portugal's Algarve coast. It's one of the region's most secluded and silent corners, among forested mountain trails with natural thermal springs close by, and a fitting place to slow down and learn to see clearly
Vipassana means "seeing clearly", seeing things as they really are, not as we fear or hope them to be. It's the insight practice the Buddha taught, one of the oldest forms of Buddhist meditation and one of the most direct, and it leads the way towards awakening.
For six days we set everyday life aside and give ourselves fully to practice. The retreat is held in noble silence with phones switched off, and each day runs from 6:30am through sittings, walking meditation, chanting and yoga, closing with an evening Dhamma talk that brings the day's practice into focus.
The teaching draws on three streams of the insight tradition: the moment-by-moment noting of Mahasi Sayadaw, body scanning in the style of S.N. Goenka, and the natural awareness of Ajahn Chah's Thai Forest tradition. Each has a slightly different way in, and over the six days you get to try them all and see what actually opens things up for you. Alongside this we practise Metta Bhāvanā (loving-kindness) and Tonglen (compassionate exchange), so clear seeing is held by a warm and open heart.
This is a retreat of genuine commitment. From the third day, some sittings are held as sittings of stillness, where we stay unmoving for the full session. Discomfort will come, and we meet it with curiosity and equanimity, without fighting it or running from it. In doing so you start to see for yourself that sensations arise, change and pass, and that you don't have to react to each one. Impermanence, suffering and non-self become things you've actually seen, and this is where the deepest insight begins.
Beginners are warmly welcome. You don't need prior experience, only a willingness to show up fully for each sit.
The Details
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All levels of experience are welcome. For those who want to sit deeply, there will be ample time. For those who prefer a gentler rhythm, you can adjust the schedule to your needs.
Please note that we are unable to accept bookings from people under the age of 18.
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The teaching draws on four streams of the insight tradition: the moment-by-moment noting of Mahasi Sayadaw, body scanning in the style of S.N. Goenka, the natural awareness of Ajahn Chah's Thai Forest tradition, and the approach of the Insight Meditation Society. Each has a slightly different way in, and over the six days you get to try them all and see what actually opens things up for you. Alongside this we practise Metta Bhāvanā (loving-kindness) and Tonglen (compassionate exchange), so clear seeing is held by a warm and open heart.
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Noble silence is held each morning until 12pm. This doesn't mean the mornings are silent throughout, though — some will include guided instruction or a short talk from the teacher. From then on, conversation is welcome during meal times in the dining hall — a chance to get to know fellow meditators, share stories, and form bonds. In the context of non-dual awareness and integration while on retreat, conversation itself becomes part of the practice.
Outside of meal times, we remain in silence throughout.
If you'd prefer to stay in silence for some or all of the retreat — including meal times — silent badges are available so other guests know.
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The retreat includes yoga and pranayama each morning, suitable for all levels of experience. We draw on Vinyasa, Hatha, and YoQi — a blend of yoga and qi gong — alongside pranayama (breath-control techniques) and Kriya Yoga, to stimulate the internal energy system and support the move into non-dual states. This isn't a movement retreat, though — the emphasis stays on meditation, and the movement sessions are there to support it, not to challenge you.
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Chanting is entirely optional, and this is not a religious retreat in any way. We sometimes chant Pali suttas, Tibetan mantras and Zen chants to connect with each of these lineages — it's also a fun way to engage with the traditions. Occasionally we chant specific mantras that have traditionally been used for purification and awakening.
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Yes. Short meditation interviews can be arranged during the afternoon slot after lunch — a chance to check in one-to-one if you want guidance on a technique, or just want to talk through what's coming up in your practice.
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Freshly prepared vegetarian meals are served each day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On some retreats, breakfast is a lighter offering of fruit, tea, coffee, and protein balls.
Let us know of any dietary requirements or allergies when you book, and we'll do our best to accommodate them.
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Where rooms are shared, we place roommates of the same gender. In dormitory-style rooms, we do the same where possible, grouping into male and female dorms. If you have a specific need or preference around room-sharing, let us know when booking and we'll do our best to accommodate it.
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Towel
Torch or head torch
Clothing and shoes suitable for the month and location of the retreat
Toiletries (biodegradable products preferred)
Pillow case, duvet cover, and mattress cover. Otherwise they can be hired on-site for a small fee
Comfort items — slippers, a hot water bottle, a cosy blanket, journal etc.
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Included: meditation, morning movement practice, teachings, hand-outs, accommodation, and food.
Excluded: bedding, travel insurance, travel to and from the venue (flights, train, bus or car), as well as personal expenses. We'd recommend arranging your own travel insurance before you travel. On the last day, we sometimes go for a group dinner and/or sauna after the retreat — this isn't included.
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The retreat is held in English.
Some prior meditation experience is recommended.
Recreational drugs and alcohol are not permitted on our retreats. If a retreatant is found to be under their influence, they may be asked to leave, in which case no refund will be given.
We won't take your mobile phone away — coming on retreat involves a degree of trust that you'll manage your own use of technology.
Our retreats can be intense and emotionally challenging, and require a good level of emotional stability. If you have a mental health condition, please get in touch before booking so we can discuss together whether the retreat is a good fit.
If you have a physical health condition or mobility concern, please get in touch before booking so we can discuss together whether the retreat will be suitable.
If you have any further questions, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with Jason via the "Schedule" tab above.
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These are optional, but they're a good way to get a feel for the practice beforehand. Reading isn't part of the retreat itself, so read before you come or save them for afterwards.
Mahasi Sayadaw
Practical Insight Meditation by Mahasi Sayadaw. A short, clear guide to the noting method, written by the teacher himself.
S.N. Goenka
The Art of Living by William Hart. The classic introduction to Vipassana as taught by S.N. Goenka.
Ajahn Chah and the Thai Forest tradition
Food for the Heart by Ajahn Chah. A collection of his talks, simple and direct, and very much worth reading.
A Still Forest Pool, compiled by Jack Kornfield and Paul Breiter. A shorter introduction to Ajahn Chah's teaching.
Insight Meditation Society
Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening by Joseph Goldstein. A thorough, grounded guide to insight practice.
A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield. A good guide to bringing practice into everyday life.
Loving-kindness and compassion
Lovingkindness by Sharon Salzberg. The go-to book on Metta practice.
Start Where You Are by Pema Chödrön. A practical introduction to Tonglen.
Sample Schedule
Our retreats are rooted in practice. Each day follows a clear, disciplined schedule of sitting meditation (guided, group and solo), morning chanting, yoga and pranayama, Dharma talks, shared meals and time in nature. Days start early and there's plenty of time on the cushion, including strong determination sits and back-to-back sessions. The structure creates a strong container, so you can let go of everything else and simply practise. The rhythm is the same across all our retreats. What changes is the theme running through the talks and enquiry.
6:30 – 9:00 am
Morning Practice
Chanting, meditation & yoga
9:00 – 10:00 am
Light Breakfast
Tea, coffee & fruit
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Guidance & Group Sits
Four 20-min sits with walking
12:00 – 2:00 pm
Lunch & Rest
Lunch, rest & walks
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Afternoon Deepening
Group, guided & solo sits
4:00 – 6:00 pm
Workshop & Tea
Guided workshop, then tea
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Dinner
Community meal
7:30 – 9:30 pm
Dharma Talk & Evening Sits
Talk, chant & sits
Karuna Retreat Center
Our venue is Karuna Retreat Center, literally translated as “Compassion.” Karuna is a non-profit retreat and meditation center that has been inspired, conceived and nurtured by the love of many friends from all around the world.
Accommodation
The accommodation is the same across the retreat venue, with multiple twin or triple rooms + single beds in each room.
Location
Address: Karuna Retreat Center, Centro de Retiros Karuna, Apartado 1 8550, Monchique, Portugal
How to arrive: For those in Portugal, it might be a few hours’ drive to Monchique. The closest airport is Faro. There are cheaper flights if you fly to Lisbon and trains that go to Faro each day. We recommend arriving a day earlier if you are flying from abroad, to ensure you are rested for the retreat.
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The closest airport is Faro (FAO) — about 85km, roughly an hour to an hour and a half's drive from the centre, much of it through beautiful hill roads. If you're coming from further afield, flights into Lisbon are often considerably cheaper; from there it's about a 3-hour onward journey down to the Algarve (see train/coach below), so many guests treat it as a scenic transition.
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Comboios de Portugal runs several daily services from Lisbon down to the Algarve (Faro station). The fastest, the Alfa Pendular, takes around 3 hours; the Intercidades a little over 3.5. Worth booking a few days ahead in peak season at cp.pt.
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Flixbus and Rede Expressos both run budget coach services from Lisbon to the Algarve — Flixbus fares start from around €8 if booked early.
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We have a dedicated WhatsApp group to help with travel to/from the venue. Ask in the group beforehand whether anyone wants to split a transfer by taxi and we can arrange for group travel Or if people are driving from Lisbon or the Algarve, we can ask if there’s space for you to join.
Reserve Your Place
Dates: 6th – 11th April 2027
Arrival Time: 2-4pm on the 6th
Departure: Time By 2pm on the 11th
Early-Bird Pricing Until: 10th February 2027
Standard
Full Amount: €650
Early‑Bird: €595
Deposits
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Payments
To qualify for early-bird pricing, full payment must be received by the indicated date.
If a deposit is paid but the full balance isn't received by the early-bird date, the booking reverts to the standard rate.
If you book within 6 weeks of the retreat start date, payment is due in full at the time of booking.
Remaining Balance
The remaining balance (total cost minus deposit) is due at least 6 weeks before the retreat start date.
We'll email you a link to pay the remaining balance once your deposit has been received.
Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel, please email us as soon as possible.
We get it, plans change; if you cancel 6+ weeks before the start date, we'll refund everything paid, minus the deposit;
Or, if you'd rather, transfer your payment to a future retreat within 18 months, subject to availability.
If you cancel within 6 weeks of the event, the deposit is forfeited as usual, and we'll refund 50% of whatever you've paid beyond that.
In the unlikely event that we cancel the retreat, you'll receive a full refund of everything you've paid.
Payment Terms