Imagine a nine-day playdate to awaken your spirit, nourish your body, and elevate your soul.
You are invited to join us for Goddess Within Portugal, November 1-9, 2025!
Be captivated by the charm of an ancient peninsula and a magical island as you step into an experience unlike any other. Goddess Within is a sanctuary for women ready to create ease, alignment, and empowerment in their life. It is designed as a transformational experience that supports you to embrace and awaken your unique feminine expression through a powerful blend of rituals, movement, adventure, and soul-nourishing connection.
“Very different than any retreat I have been on. Mind-blowing, magical, emotional and mystical to see how women can support each other. It was an experience I will never forget.”
“Magical. It’s the one word I keep using over and over. It was a wonderful spiritual learning experience, and is also the bar I will hold all other retreats to.”
Your Luxury Retreat Includes:
Two nights at the fashionable, five-star boutique Hotel Farol in Cascais, on the Portuguese Rivera
Immediate early access to your hotel room upon arrival to the Farol to rest and unwind before the retreat begins (as most U.S. originating flights to Lisbon are overnight)
Six nights at the recently awarded Xhale, a stunning, new eco resort on the Azorean island of Terceira
Airport transfers to/from Hotel Farol and Xhale
Round-trip flight from Lisbon > Terceira > Lisbon
Two seasoned, heart-centered guides, Monica and Shweta, and special guests to support you
All meals and snacks–locally sourced and chef prepared
Daily movement, meditation and mindfulness practices (guided meditation, yoga, dance, Pilates, energy exercises, hiking)
Shopping and exploring in Cascais, Sintra and Terceira
A 75-minute massage of your choice
A floating sound bath under the light of the full moon
A creative craft project to take home
Cultural Excursions: Visit sacred sites, explore the magical, mountaintop queendom, Sintra, savor authentic Portuguese and Azorean fare at local restaurants
Nature Excursions: Hike along the scenic coasts and subtropical forests of Portugal and Terceira, experience energy vortexes and ancient megalithic dolmens, hike into a dormant volcano
Relaxation time for what you desire, e.g., pampering, reading, an off-property adventure, swimming, napping, connecting with like-minded women
Goddess gifts and goodies (yes, you get presents!)
Guided rituals & sacred ceremonies to celebrate and bring forth your Goddess within
Magical moments that will feel like bucket list experiences you didn’t even know you wanted
We have arranged the retreat for you to simply show up and be impeccably cared for. We want your toughest decisions on retreat to be choosing what looks most delicious on a menu, what type of massage would feel most divine, and how you want to luxuriate during R&R time.
The only items that are not included (though we wish they could be) are:
Airfare to/from Portugal, alcohol, tips for hotel and resort staff, chauffeurs and tour guides.
“It was an amazing, special experience that encompassed so much. It was a time to relax, rewind, and unplug while taking time to go inside, reflect, learn, heal, and grow. In addition, there was fun, laughter, yoga, meditation, sisterhood, amazing food, in a magical setting.”
Your Five-star, Award-winning Sanctuaries: Hotel Farol and Xhale Resort
Farol Hotel, Cascais, Portugal ~ Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, this exquisite 5-star boutique hotel offers contemporary luxury, stunning ocean views, and a serene atmosphere to ease into your journey.
As a proud member of prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Farol Hotel is an eclectic composition of adventurous architecture that embraces a remodeled 19th century private mansion, together with unique contemporary additions.
Xhale Resort, Terceira, Azores ~ A secluded paradise designed for deep healing and transformation. Surrounded by lush landscapes and spiritual energy, this sanctuary invites you to exhale fully and embrace your radiant essence.
Magical, mystical excursions to ancient caves, volcanic rock pools, Druid dolmens, and an ocean-side full-moon ceremony beneath a blanket of shimmering stars await.
Farol Pool at Dusk
Fine dining at Farol
Superior Seaview at Farol
Double Room at Farol
Bathroom at Farol
Welcome to Xhale
Xhale Spa
Room at Xhale
Bathroom at Xhale
Firepit at Xhale
The Girls ~ Your Sacred Guardians
Goddess Katie Hoffner
A truly unique feature of our retreat is “The Girls,” original artworks created by legendary artist Lydia Ruyle to honor the divine feminine. A selection of her nearly 400 banners will join us on retreat at Xhale. These pieces represent Goddesses from spiritual traditions all over the world and they carry powerful energies, making it easier to release fear and pain, allowing the wild, gorgeous expression of your unique inner Goddess to come forth.
We are blessed to have them as special guests along with Lydia’s beloved niece and The Girls’ guardian, Katie Hoffner. Katie will join us for the entire retreat as a guest presenter to share the mythology, stories, and wisdom of these powerful archetypes, and teach us how they can support our personal transformation.
This is for you if you:
long to be with like-minded women on a spiritual path
would love a curated, magical experience with a friend whom you don’t get to see as often as you’d like
desperately need a break from your daily grind
are eager to explore new cities and culture
want to play in nature
want to quiet your mind and recharge
want to experience what it means to be in your divine feminine energy
seek to move and strengthen your body
want to feel connected to and nurtured by other women
yearn to feel comfortable in your own skin
Your journey begins in the enchanting seaside town of Cascais, where the rhythm of the waves and the elegance of the Portuguese Riviera set the stage for our sacred adventure. From there, we rise into the mountains to explore an ancient, mystical forest in the sacred town of Sintra before jetting off to the lush Azorean island, Terceira, where deep transformation, scenic hikes, nurturing spiritual practice, and sweet sisterhood await.
Investment in Self for Sacred Sisterhood, Adventure and Connection
November 1-9, 2025
** RECEIVE A SPRING AWAKENING BONUS OF $400 OFF YOUR RETREAT PRICE UNTIL APRIL 30.**
** BRING A FRIEND TO RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL $200 OFF OF YOUR REGISTRATION **
SINGLE OCCUPANCY*
Pay-in-full: $8,097 $7,697
5-payments of $1,765 $1,693
* All payments include a $555 non-refundable deposit.
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY* (PER PERSON)
Pay-in-full: $6,497 $6,097
5-payments of $1,413 $1,341
* All payments include a $555 non-refundable deposit.
Meet Your Goddess Within Guides
We began Goddess Within retreats in 2023 as a way to honor the divine feminine essence within every woman. Excess, toxic masculine energy has been the M.O. for centuries; causing women and men to become unbalanced, rigid, and inflexible in our bodies, minds and hearts. As women strived for equal rights, opportunities and having a voice, we became greatly disconnected from our natural playfulness, sensuality and desires. The price for equality has been a steep one as the prevalence of heart disease, cancer and depression among women has caught up to that of our male counterparts. WE DEEPLY NEED MORE BALANCE.
Our soul-driven mission is to celebrate and restore the powerful sacred feminine energy we hold within ourselves through sisterhood, movement, ritual, creative expression, fun, laughter and spiritual practice. We do so through curated, high-touch retreat experiences in exquisite locales all over the world.
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Monica’s journey to “mind-body-spirit in harmony” began after a successful career as an HR Manager at PepsiCo and as an Organizational Effectiveness consultant for Fortune 500 companies. She transitioned into wellness with the same passion and dedication, becoming a Chopra Center Certified Primordial Sound Mantra Meditation instructor, a yoga teacher since 2002, and a certified Pilates trainer and personal trainer with over 20 years of experience.
Monica is also certified in Thai-Yoga Stretch, Body Flow, Integrated Energy Therapy, and a variety of other holistic modalities. As a Priestess and Reiki Master, she has the unique ability to blend these practices into transformative experiences.
Whether through private sessions, corporate groups, or at The Boca Raton Resort, Monica’s classes, workshops, programs, and retreats are eclectic, deeply healing, and soul-nourishing. (Her most famous client? Deepak Chopra. Ask her about manifesting that one!)
Monica specializes in curating personalized retreats—something she’s been passionate about for over two decades. Having traveled the world to host life-changing retreats, she was recently featured in Palm Beach Illustrated Magazine for her exceptional work. Monica’s ability to weave a “Zen component” into every experience is what makes her offerings truly unique. Clients love how she guides them through playful, yet deeply transformative journeys that align mind, body, and spirit.
See Monica’s website HERE.
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Shweta's journey began with a meticulously crafted career plan, including a bachelor's in finance from DePaul University and an MBA from Northwestern's prestigious Kellogg School of Management. Though poised for the highest levels of corporate success, she felt a deep longing for something more meaningful.
During a challenging period, as her mother faced debilitating pain, Shweta turned to alternative healing methods. Inspired by her mother's journey, Shweta discovered her true calling as a mind/body therapist and integrative health practitioner. Through extensive research and training, she embraced the transformative power of holistic healing, focusing on the mind-body connection, subtle energy systems, and subconscious reprogramming.
Today, Shweta helps clients dismantle trauma and inner blocks, guiding them toward a life filled with happiness, freedom, and fulfillment. With fifteen years of experience in complementary healing modalities, including the Eden Method, Emotional Freedom Technique, LifeLine Technique, and Rapid Transformational Therapy, Shweta empowers individuals to embrace their true selves and live their best lives.
Shweta is also a valued member of the WholeMed team, an evidence-based longevity and lifestyle company. Her compassionate and holistic approach continues to support individuals on their path to well-being, fostering a more fulfilling and harmonious life.
See Shweta’s website HERE.
“I am always amazed about the group energy and dynamic and the building of sisterhood throughout the week. I am going to say it again and again. It’s the leaders and the craft of holding safe, sacred space for things to unfold with grace and love.”
FAQs
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November is a fabulous month for visiting Portugal! Typically, the weather is mild and comfortable with an average of 60 degrees making it perfect for outdoor activities without the scorching heat or humidity of the summer months.
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We will engage a travel concierge in Portugal to assist with your international travel. While we finalize those arrangements, Monica will be delighted to help you make your travel arrangements. Please contact her at (208) 866-6275.
Please note that there are direct flights from Terceira to select East Coast U.S. cities like Miami, Boston, and New York. If this is your destination you may wish to purchase a one-way ticket to Lisbon and a one-way return ticket from Terceira. -
While not required, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in your retreat. Travel insurance is typically very affordable and offers coverage for flight cancellations or changes, medical issues, emergencies, and more. You can even purchase "cancel for any reason" travel insurance; there are many options. Feel free to contact Monica at (208) 866-6275 if you would like a recommendation on who to contact.
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Yes! You can let us know your dietary needs and preferences when you register. We will work with the chefs to take wonderful care of you!
Please note that Xhale is a plant-based, pescatarian resort. Their culinary creations are so delectable, that you will not miss meat (even if you’re a carnivore, like Shweta 😂).
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Alcohol is not included in your retreat package. You are welcome to consume alcohol and adult beverages on the retreat, should you choose.
While in Cascais and Sintra, you can order alcoholic beverages at the hotel and restaurants.
Xhale is a BYOB space and you will have an opportunity to purchase alcohol at local markets near Xhale or at the airport duty-free shop. All rooms are furnished with a fridge to store any items that must be kept cold.
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Of course not. This is your retreat and you are welcome to participate in as much or little as you feel called.
We have found that everyone usually chooses to participate in everything and are grateful they did. We have designed the retreat to take you on a journey and challenge the edges of your comfort zone so you can step into a greater expression of yourself. We encourage participation so you can experience moments of growth, ah-has and receive the support and power of a collective experience.