Join Us in Sagres Algarve, Portugal!
September 28 – October 4, 2025
Embracing Delight: Practicing the Art of Attention
September 28 – October 4, 2025
Sagres Algarve, Portugal
with Christa Mastrangelo Joyce & Jen Rolston
Join us on Portugal’s breathtaking Algarve Coast and let yourself fully surrender to your senses. Through thoughtfully crafted yoga practices, a stunning landscape, and the richness of local cuisine and wine, you’ll learn to practice the art of embracing delight. In this retreat, you will be lovingly cared for, giving you the space to become fully embodied in the present moment, immersing yourself in deep attention to the natural beauty of Portugal’s “Coastal Crown Jewel” — where old-world architecture meets new-world ecological designs. Amidst the setting of a luxurious hotel, you’ll be given the time and permission to live life to its fullest, to retreat from your everyday life, and revitalize your body, mind, and spirit. Together, we’ll experience the joyful connection and delightful company of old and new friends, and the ways that deep attention and new-found vitality leads to greater imagination and creativity.
The retreat schedule allows for daily yoga and meditation practices inspired by the needs and desires of the participants along with a variety of ways to unwind and restore. You’ll have plenty of free time for walks along the stunning coastline, swimming in or lounging by the pool, strolls through the nearby towns, resting on your own, and connecting to your retreat community. Yoga practices will combine fluid movement with the grounding qualities of a Hatha practice, along with restorative practices to fully decompress, meditation practices to encourage contemplation, breath-work, and Ayurvedic wisdom. These practices will be made accessible to all practitioners regardless of fitness or experience level. We encourage EVERYONE, no matter where they are physically, to feel welcome and supported in their practice — during, and after, this retreat.
- Shared Accommodations – $3,395 USD
- Single Accommodations – $4,095 USD
- Save $200 when you sign up between Jan 1 – 7 using code NEWYEAR200
Happy Faces from Our Previous Retreats
“My Baja Bliss (2019) retreat was perfect! The classes that Christa offered were varied and each one felt special in their own way. Her calming, patient and very spiritual demeanor, were the perfect marriage with the beautiful and tranquil surroundings.”
“Christa Mastrangelo Joyce’s yoga retreat with Jen on the island of Amorgos in Greece (October 2022) was absolutely divine. Their beautiful teaching style, stories, humor, and pearls of wisdom provided a wonderful experience on a gorgeous island. Their teaching allowed for all different yoga levels and experiences, and each class was an absolutely beautiful experience. Although I’ve been practicing yoga for more than ten years, I greatly enjoyed learning new poses and flows and methods to improve my practice. Their style is a wonderful mix of contemplative, rigorous, meditative and overall feels just wonderful for the body, mind and spirit.
Many of the participants knew each other already, but they were all exceptionally welcoming to newcomers so the group felt very integrated. Christa and Jen were very attentive to all the participants’ needs and super fun on island excursions too. I highly recommend signing up for their retreats.”
About Your Stay
Sagres, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, is a coastal gem renowned for its wild and rugged natural beauty. This town captivates visitors with dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and an ambiance steeped in history and maritime heritage. Sagres is the site of the world’s first nautical school, and the historic Sagres Fortress, which stands as a testament to the town’s rich seafaring past. Nearby, Cape St. Vicente boasts one of Europe’s largest lighthouses, perched atop a cliff that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sagres is not only about history and nature; it also provides a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere ideal for relaxation. The 4-star design hotel enhances this experience with its contemporary décor, modern amenities, and panoramic views of the sea and Baleeira Harbor. The hotel’s rooms ensure comfort with fully equipped facilities, including free Wi-Fi, a gym, and a spa.
For food enthusiasts, Sagres offers a variety of dining experiences with its fresh seafood and regional gastronomy. Discover the best restaurants, beaches, and outdoor activities, at this picturesque destination, a true retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
More Happiness from Our Previous Retreats
“Thank you the Baja Bliss (2019) retreat! It far exceeded our expectations in every area! I am not an early bird, but for the entire retreat, I was up at 7am looking forward to what I would learn in the next class. I am thankful to Christa for sharing her wisdom, leadership and encouragement to continue and enhance our own practice.”
“In October 2022, I had the great pleasure of attending the Greece Yoga Retreat for Christa’s retreat she led with Jen. It was my first solo international trip. This was exciting, but also a bit unnerving. I had no reason to worry though. Within moments of my arrival, Christa and Jen welcomed me with true warmth and friendship, as did the entire group.
One of the best parts though was the Yoga practice itself. Christa and Jen put much thought and time into the intentions and practices. They were moving, relevant, and soul-soothing. Exactly what I was looking for when I signed up for this adventure. They helped me find the peace and joy that I was looking for. I have been grateful to continue with those feelings since our trip. I have been even more grateful to be able to call these amazing women my friends. I look forward to traveling with them again in the future – hopefully often!”
What’s Included
- 6 nights accommodations
- 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner, excluding alcoholic beverages) starting with dinner on the first night and ending with breakfast on the last day. Some meals may be in local restaurants. The schedule will allow plenty of time for participants to enjoy lunch on their own at local restaurants.
- Group Ground Transportation to/fromFaro Airport (FAO) to the resort
- Daily yoga practices
- Personal retreat time (having time to nap, explore, walk, read, and just be)
Things to Do
Sagres, Portugal, offers a variety of activities that cater to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts alike. The town’s stunning coastal landscape and rich maritime heritage make it an ideal destination for a wide range of experiences.
While on your retreat you will also have the opportunity to take part in adventure activities and wonderful excursions. Some of the possible options include:
- Explore the nature of the beaches and cliffs of the area
- Dolphin Boat Excursion
- Surfing
- Scuba diving
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- And more!
*Price of some Activities are not included in tuition unless free or listed under inclusions.
Getting There
You will be booking your flights for the Faro International Airport (FAO). Before booking tickets, please be sure you have received your official confirmation note that the retreat has met its minimums. There will be one group airport shuttle each way based on our flight window guidelines. Be sure your flights align with the provided flight windows if you wish to use the group shuttle. The drive time to the center is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Your Hosts
CHRISTA MASTRANGELO JOYCE is E-RYT500 hour certified through Kim Manfredi. She holds more than 1000 additional hours of training through her studies with Sianna Sherman, Bernie Clark, Maria Garre, Shiva Rea, Desiree Rumbaugh, Tiffany Cruikshank, and Andrew McCaulay. Christa founded Jala Yoga in 2009. She has offered yoga training since 2012 and has led multiple yoga retreats. Christa has a wide and diverse yoga background, including training in Ashtanga, Hatha, Ayruveda, Yin Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has a strong understanding of anatomy, especially regarding the nervous system, and incorporates her knowledge of breath work, meditation, and Yoga philosophy in her teachings. She brings her love of story and mythology to the practice. Christa strives to honor the ancient tradition of the practice within a modern context of the world today. She is especially interested in understanding the barriers to accessibility in the yoga practice, and she works to create classes that support adaptability, curiosity, and engagement.
JEN ROLSTON (support team leader and guest instructor) was drawn to yoga in 2005 in a culmination of a life-long curiosity of religions and philosophies. She attended the first yoga studio in Shepherdstown, falling in love with yoga philosophy, meditation, and the asanas as taught by Shanti Saagar founders Judy Jenner & JiJi Beckett. She has maintained a self-practice ever since, and began a consistent practice with Christa Mastrangelo Joyce in 2010. In 2018, she completed Jala Yoga’s 200HR Teacher Training with Christa and has been teaching her Morning Dharma classes ever since. She continues to practice with the teachings of Yogrishi Vishvketu, Stephen and Yeshe Clarke, Jack Kornfield, Ram Dass, and Buddhist dharma. She truly believes that yoga, meditation, and connecting with nature is the simplest path to a joyful life — not always the easiest, but definitely the simplest. Jen also owns the mission-based marketing firm, Eden Design, helping small businesses and non-profits share their services and messages with the world.