Gaia Forest Retreat

Gaia Retreat & Eco Hostel is located in beautiful northern Portugal, just 1 km from the ancient Camino De Santiago route, close to Rubiães. Here we have created the space for our guests to disconnect from the day to day stressors of life, and reconnect with nature, and themselves. We invite you to stay in one of our two charming wooden cabins nestled in oak forest, with views of the hills of Paredes de Coura and the plethora of flora and fauna surrounding us.

Our hope is to welcome every perspective, provide the setting for your unique journey, and make friends along the way. You might feel called to visit us here for:

• a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life / the rat race
• a few nights of rest as you walk the Camino De Santiago
• a creative retreat for you to find the calm that enables inspiration
• a much needed pause when recovering from stress or burnout
• a safe space to retreat following personal loss, or a bend in the road that is life

This magical piece of land consists of 1 hectar of ever-changing gorgeous oak and cork oak forest. Walking paths twist and curl, and lead you through the terraces where you can explore and take in the diversity of nature.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Muriel Camille Beck 
 
2024-09-11
 
 
  
I feel blessed that I’ve been able to spend the last couple of days in the woods, in the cabin and especially with Elisabeth, Rosa, and Rasmus. I felt an instant relief when they welcomed me and I adored their warmheartedness, open-mindedness, and hospitality! It felt like being invited into their own little cosmos that they’ve created with so much passion, consideration, and love.
Staying in the cabin was like having your own little nest and safe space. Elisabeth (with all of her creativity, and inspiring knowledge and perspectives) created a very supportive environment and Rasmus (with his soft and grounding energy) perpared the most delicious soulfood with so much dedication and ease and surprised me with a variety of (vegetarian) dishes everyday! To Rosa: I love your curious, caring and nature-loving soul.
Thanks to all of you!! I’m looking forward to seeing you and your “Quinta” again 🧡
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Susan Scott 
 
2024-06-24
 
 
  
As soon as I landed at Gaia Retreat, I felt my shoulders drop, my belly soften, my exhale lengthen, and my nervous system let go of the layers of city living.

I could immediately feel and sense how these wonderful people have been tending the land & the care and consideration and effort was visceral and potent.

The cabin in the woods was Perfect for rest and relaxation. I was super grateful for the small touches like a cool box to keep some water.

I felt incredibly content sitting outside the cabin, listening to the birds & the trees. It felt deeply nourishing and restorative.

The soul food that Rasmus created was completely delicious & delightful and Elizabeth was on hand to help make the stay utterly wonderful. (And huge appreciation for the rest of the team- Rosa, the dogs, cat & even the chickens!)

I also adored the other cabin for all the creative possibilities, the space to wander and notice all the plants & trees, and the local surroundings to have a wee walk.

Even though this taster trip was just for a short period of time, I felt the benefit of it & I can’t recommend this place & these fabulous people enough!

I have Huge admiration & deep respect for the unfurling of Gaia Retreat and I wish all of it Wonderfully Well!

Until next time.

More than 5 stars
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Charlie Morgan 
 
2024-06-09
 
 
  
This was our second visit to Gaia Nature Retreat and it won’t be our last! This is becoming a firm family favourite. Rasmus and Elizabeth provide a warm welcome, a willingness to share their home and knowledge of the land. Our first trip was 4 days, this time it was 7 days - we think that speaks for itself! Thank you so much and we can’t wait to see you again next year. Charlie, Hayley and Benjamin.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Manuela Forero 
 
2023-12-19
 
 
  
Gaia Nature Retreat queda entre bosques y ríos en el norte de Portugal. En una Europa cada vez más árida, este lugar se siente como un pedacito de paraíso que roza lo mágico y tiene perfume a cuento de hadas. Ahí te atienden, cuidan y miman la familia más linda que conocí en la vida. El alimento, que sale fresco de la huerta, se traduce en amor y te llena el alma.
Recomendar es poco, viviría allí todas mis vidas.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Sebastian Carrizosa 
 
2023-08-07
 
 
  
Este lugar es increíble para desconectarse de la ciudad y estar en la naturaleza. Se siente el amor que los dueños le han puesto a la tierra. Rasmus, Buff y su pequeña hija Rosa son encantadores e inmejorables anfitriones. Otro gran punto a favor de este lugar es la comida, ya que se utilizan ingredientes frescos que ellos cultivan y se siente el sabor hogareño y es realmente deliciosa. Si están buscando un lugar para descansar, reconectar con la naturaleza, sentir el calor de una familia amorosa y comer rico este es el lugar!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 alex chemodanov 
 
2023-07-05
 
 
  
Me and my wife stayed with Elizabeth and Rasmus for a long period of time and it was perfect!
They are such caring and gracious hosts and pleasant people and  we felt very comfortable and relaxed there.
Their land is beautiful, the cabin is cozy and the birds and nature around is a delight.

I highly recommend a getaway at their place.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Paloma Ferro Rodríguez 
 
2022-10-20
 
 
  
I'm so grateful that I found this place and had the opportunity to spend a few days there. Eli and Rasmus are the sweetest, helpful and generous. The cabin is super cozy and in an amazing location, surrounded by nature and beautiful hikes. If you feel burnt out or are a nature lover this is the place, magic place, filled with good vibes.
Don't forget to try Rasmus food, the best chef! Thank you so much❤️
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Indre C 
 
2022-09-23
 
 
  
This beautiful place is such a safe and wildly nourishing refuge for lovers (or anyone in need to rest in the belly of Gaia) I have never seen my partner so at peace, serene, calm and relaxed. Our nervous systems just took a huge exhale the moment we settled in. Elizabeth and Rasmus took such a great care of us by inquiring about our wants and needs, then providing us with a magical mix of presence, guidance, supplies, space and nourishment. Rasmus doesn't just cook; he creates delicious magic at every bite. The cabin has everything that one might need and is perfectly equipped to suit the basic needs. Every detail, touch and item drew us deeper into the magical presence on nature, awakening and reconnecting us to our own wilderness and innocence. We loved the cabin so much that we seriously contemplated never leaving. We will back! It's the perfect cocoon for creativity. So, if you have a book to write or something magical to birth into the world this is SO the place for it.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Phoenix 
 
2022-09-23
 
 
  
Gaia is the most wonderful hidden gem in the forests and pastural lands about an hour from Porto. As you enter the property, hidden by ancient stone walls and verdant trees, you are immediately encapsulated in nature’s protective bubble. The cabins are perfectly equipped expertly balancing your needs for some comforts and the desire to disconnect and commune with nature. The cabins are truly the smallest largest, most wonderful rooms in the universe. In a matter of hours, the peaceful, spiritual, natural energy of Gaia soothed my soul and time and space seemed to transform. (An effect the caring hosts seem to know and encourage with their gentle and respectful support both energetically and physically (Rasmus is an amazing chef)). Opportunities for self knowledge and healing abound if you wish to explore either/ or the inner and outer worlds. This is truly a magical place and I can’t wait to return.