Gaia Retreat & Eco Hostel

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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.

Gaia Retreat exists to fund and propel the regenerative action (and non-action) we aim to accomplish so that the land here can thrive and provide. Sometimes all nature needs is for humans to step back and observe. And we learn so much in the process.

The retreat is a new project wholly built and founded by your hosts Rasmus and Elizabeth, with the love and support of many treasured friends and family members over the years. We upcycle, recycle, reclaim and rebuild one small step at a time and we truly believe our land is giving back in plenty with good energy, a sense of calm and serenity, and an everchanging landscape of diversity. We try to step back, give back, observe and work with nature, instead of fighting, taking, tearing down and subdueing. We hope you get a sense of all this when you visit us in the future.

Will H

June 12, 2022.

Verified

Gaia Retreat is Beautiful! Forest land, lovely cabins and very friendly, respectful and talented hosts. The food is incredible and they are so thoughtful and attentive. Will be back for sure.

marianne gaj

June 8, 2022.

Verified

This is really the place, if you want peace, quietness and Nature. The retreat is located in mountains with beautifull views, forests, running water and treks of different standards including the Portuguise Camino. We were accomadated in a cabin with a small kitchen and a very comfortable bed and slept like babies. The retreat are hosted by Elizabeth and Rasmus. Both very dedicated and friendly People, who Will do their utmost to make you feel comfortable. Rasmus (The Chef) cooked delicate and lovely fod for us. We were especially fond of the Italian inspired menus. We are very satisfied with our stay and will definately Be back😀

Josh Menkens

April 21, 2022.

Verified

It was a pleasure to spend a week at Gaia Retreat. I was able to fully disconnect from my fast paced life and reconnect with nature. The retreat is situated on an old wine vineyard, Liz & Rasmus are regenerating the land to create food forests and sustainable eco systems. I spent my week swinging in a hammock drinking cold beers and exploring the mountainside. Rasmus is an amazing chef, I decided to let him cook for me every day and I felt truly spoilt. I cannot recommend Gaia Retreat enough. I cant wait to go back! Please check out all of my photos attached.

S J

March 30, 2022.

Verified

Felt nourished from the fresh air, trees, animals and wonderfully at home in the cabin. I felt inspired and created art sitting in the sunshine looking across the valley (The views are gorgeous ). It's a tranquil place with lovely walks around, including part of the Camino de Santiago. I loved hearing the birds and sounds of the trees waking up and going to sleep. Rasmus is a great chef - I recommend a taste of the hummus he makes and homemade flatbreads! Buff is a dear friend and kindest soul. Thank you both for your hospitality down to the touches of fresh herbs and flowers on arrival, blankets and all the things one may need for 'off-grid' living.

Learn English with Mingle-ish

January 18, 2022.

Verified

Excellent location in nature in The Portugese mountains. A very relaxing retreat with amazing hosts and great vibes. Chill out in a hammock with the chicken or go for a hike in the mountains and feel really refreshed after your stay. I can't wait to go back, I thoroughly reccommend it!!!

Carmen Kerschbaumer

November 28, 2021.

Verified

Such a beautiful place. L and R are amazing hosts. Dont forget Svedgen the dog, we had such a lovley time there. Lots to discover, serene and tranquil. Just what we needed to get ready for another ten months of a hectic work schedule. Miss you!

Adriano Costa

November 8, 2021.

Verified

Eu e a minha companheira passamos um fim-de-semana na Gaia Retreat & Eco Hostel e foi realmente uma maravilhosa experiência de reconexão com a natureza. Para quem vive num meio mais stressante e agitado e sente necessidade de uma pausa da azáfama acreditamos que aqui encontra o local ideal para tal. É um prazer desfrutar da paisagem do Minho logo ao acordar, melhor ainda é sentirmo-nos englobados naquele ambiente de uma forma tão natural e num sítio onde a vida é feita em simbiose com a natureza e inspirada na própria. Há ainda a possibilidade de conhecer os trilhos pela serra, partes do Caminho de Santiago, ribeiros e lagoas muito bonitas nas proximidades. A comida é fantástica, a Buff e o Rasmus sabem hospedar e deixar quem os visita super à vontade. Recomendo a 100%!