top of page
Gathering & Retreat SPace
At Valley of the Cross
A quiet, contained retreat environment in southern Portugal, available to facilitators, teachers, and retreat leaders seeking a setting that genuinely supports depth, presence, and meaningful group work.
MAIN GATHERING YURT HIRE
A dedicated space for meaningful group work
At the heart of Valley of the Cross is the main gathering yurt, a dedicated space suited to yoga, meditation, breathwork, movement practices, workshops, and small group gatherings.
The structure has been built through restoration and careful adaptation. It incorporates the central ring and poles of a traditional Mongolian yurt that had fallen into disrepair, combined with purpose-built additions to create a more spacious and practical environment for group work.
The gathering yurt stands on an elevated deck positioned to support the structure and its relationship to the surrounding landscape. From here, the space opens out across the valley towards the forest and the natural river that flows through the land during winter and spring. The window frontage allows abundant natural light to enter the space, creating a sense of openness and connection to the surrounding nature.
A fireplace provides warmth in colder weather, and air conditioning keeps the space comfortable in warmer months, making the yurt suitable for use throughout the seasons. Yoga mats, cushions, mattresses or buckets are included. Catering is available as an extra service; find more information about the catering options here.
Hourly hire (maximum 6 hours)
€40 per hour
Half-day hire (up to 6 hours)
€180
Full day hire (up to 12 hours)
€250
THE RETREAT ENVIRONMENT
A carefully curated space for meaningful group work
Valley of the Cross offers a calm and contained environment shaped by direct experience, hosting retreats and small-group gatherings.
The spaces here have grown gradually in response to what helps facilitators hold their work and what allows participants to settle, regulate, and connect.
Some facilitators are looking for a dedicated group space for a few hours or a day. Others are looking for a full retreat setting where participants can stay on the land and settle more fully into the experience. Valley of the Cross has been built to support both.
The environment here is intentionally simple and low in external stimulation. The quiet setting allows groups to slow down, helping attention be focused on what is held in the space.
FULL RETREAT VENUE HIRE
A contained retreat setting in a secluded valley
For facilitators holding multi-day retreats, the full venue offers a setting where participants can stay on the land and settle more fully into the experience. The environment supports both structured group sessions and quieter time for rest, reflection, and integration.
Group gatherings may take place in the gathering yurt, while the wider land offers space for informal connection, time alone, and smaller group moments throughout the day.
Accommodation is simple, nature-immersed, and flexible, with a combination of shared and more private options. Two accommodation yurts, a guest house, and shared rooms in the main house allow facilitators to adapt the setup according to the needs of their group. Space may also be available for participants arriving with vans or tents, subject to agreement.
Shared facilities include two on-site kitchens, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and several bathroom facilities located across the land. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen with its own spacious seating area is underway to be built and can be expected to open for the 2027 spring/summer season. The availability of any additional amenities will be confirmed prior to booking,
Walking routes, outdoor seating areas, and an outdoor pool provide additional space for rest and time in nature between sessions.
The venue can accommodate up to 18 participants in standard beds, with additional sofa beds allowing for a maximum group size of 22.
A full overview of the venue facilities, sleeping arrangements and seasonal rates can be found here.
bottom of page