Frequently Asked Questions

Satvana is a conscious co-living and retreat centre in Vale del Rei, Alentejo, Portugal. We offer a slower, more purposeful setting for remote workers, digital nomads, creatives, people on a short self-retreat, and facilitators whose work aligns with our values.

• Digital nomads and remote professionals
• Creatives and entrepreneurs
• Guests seeking a mindful self-retreat
• Retreat facilitators

Satvana sits in a peaceful natural valley in Alentejo, southern Portugal, about seven minutes by dirt road from the village of São Martinho das Amoreiras.
The nearest international airports are Faro (about 100 minutes by car) and Lisbon (about 130 minutes). From either airport you can reach us by rental car, train, bus or taxi. Pre-arranged taxi transfer from the train or bus station is available — please get in touch.

Rental car is the easiest option. You can also come by train or bus and take a taxi for the last stretch.
Funcheira is the nearest train station, with daily connections from Lisbon and Faro (book via CP Comboios de Portugal). For the final leg we recommend Pedro, a trusted local taxi driver — about €25; please book a few days ahead on +351 964 220 621.
The last stretch of road is unpaved and bumpy, so a vehicle suited to uneven terrain works best. Free private parking is available on site.

We highly recommend arriving with your own transport so you can explore the area and eat out easily. There is little public transport nearby; taxis are the main alternative.
The closest full supermarket and pharmacy are in Ourique, about 26 km away. Atlantic beaches and the thermal spas of Monchique are less than an hour’s drive.

• São Martinho das Amoreiras (~3 km): two small mini-markets for basics
• Colos (~15 km): petrol station and small shops
• Ourique (~26 km): ALDI, Pingo Doce, pharmacy and petrol stations

Satvana offers:

• Private clay apartments (for 2–4 guests)
• Independent studios with a private bathroom and kitchenette (1–2 people)
• Independent studios with a private bathroom, without kitchenette (1–2 people)
• Shared rooms with a shared bathroom
• Campervan stays (on request)

All options are designed for comfort, privacy and a peaceful atmosphere — suitable for both mindful practice and focused work.

All accommodation units have underfloor heating. Heating usually runs from mid-autumn to the end of winter and is turned off from spring onwards.
We do not have air conditioning. On very hot summer days the valley and our clay-and-stone (taipa) buildings help keep interiors cooler. Keep windows and shutters closed during the hottest hours; fans are available when needed.

Check-in: 15:00–20:00
Check-out: by 10:00
One of us will welcome you in person when you arrive. If you need to arrive outside these hours, we can send self check-in instructions and meet you the following day.

Yes. Bath towels and bed linen are provided.

Satvana runs on its own solar and water systems. Please bring and use natural or organic personal care products, and be mindful with water and electricity — especially in winter, when solar production is lower.

Yes. Our borehole water is safe to drink. For everyday drinking and bottle refills, please use the filtered taps in the communal kitchen and dining area, which add an extra layer of filtration, rather than the taps in your accommodation.

Yes. A washing machine and biodegradable detergent are available for guests. Where you can, wait for a full load or share a wash to save water and energy.

Shared spaces include a communal kitchen and dining area, co-working areas, a 90 m² group room, a Zen room, gardens and forest trails, an outdoor yoga deck, and a swimming pool (open in season; use at your own risk).
Around the pool: no running, no diving, and no glass.

A first aid kit is at the main entrance of the main building. Fire extinguishers and fire blankets are in the accommodation units and shared areas.
In an emergency, call 112 and tell the Satvana team straight away.
Closest health centres: Ourique (usual opening hours), Odemira (24/7) or Castro Verde (24/7). Nearest hospital: Hospital José Joaquim Fernandes in Beja.

Please keep quiet hours from 22:00–09:00 on weekdays and 23:00–09:00 at weekends, so everyone can rest.

Open fires are not allowed outside designated areas, and only with special permission. Wildfire risk is high in the dry months.
Smoking is only allowed in the designated smoking area near the parking area — not in rooms or elsewhere on the property. Never leave candles or other heat sources unattended.

Both.

• Short stays / self-retreat: 2–13 days — book a room and unwind; you are welcome to join the daily co-living programme (meditation, gentle stretching and yoga, subject to schedule).
• Co-living: from two weeks to two months.

Yes. We have reliable Starlink Wi-Fi (about 50–100 Mbps) and mobile coverage via NOS. The setting supports focused and creative work alongside community life.

Your stay includes:

• Accommodation
• A fully stocked vegetarian fridge and pantry (organic where possible, including dairy and gluten-free options) so you can prepare your own breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Access to shared spaces (including the pool and meditation spaces, subject to season/schedule)
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Daily mindful group activities such as meditation, yoga and gentle stretching (subject to schedule)
• Utilities

This is not a catering service. You cook independently; shared cooking and spontaneous dinners often happen naturally. Sweets and alcohol are not included, but you can add them to the weekly shopping list at your own expense.

We do not run a restaurant or catering service. The fridge and pantry are stocked with vegetarian ingredients so you can cook for yourself or with others. Shared dinners often arise naturally as part of community life.

In São Martinho das Amoreiras:

• Casa Nirvana — international cuisine
• Café Bonanza — Portuguese cuisine
• Sazanami — Japanese

Further afield:

• O Peixeiro (Amoreiras Gare) — fish
• Adega do Barreirinho (Relíquias) — Alentejo cuisine
• Adega do Monte Velho (Ourique) — Alentejo pork
• Nong’s Café (Garvão) — Thai

Opening hours change seasonally — check ahead or ask us.

Yes. Alongside the daily programme you can book optional extras, including mindfulness and meditation, yoga and gentle stretching, creative workshops, private coaching or therapy, massage and other facilitated sessions, and e-bike rental. Horse riding can be arranged on request.
Contact our Guest Experience Manager, Michelle, and we will tailor options to your stay.

Around Satvana you can hike forest trails from the door (take a phone with GPS), rent e-mountain bikes, arrange horse riding, and in summer swim at natural lakes (about 30 minutes by e-bike), including spots near Ponte de Salvador and Praia Fluvial de Santa Clara.
Local highlights include the São Martinho market (first Saturday of the month), Brunheiras market near Vila Nova de Milfontes (second and fourth Saturdays), Colos Wellness Centre, and olive-farm visits in Colos.
Atlantic beaches are about 50–62 km away (for example Vila Nova de Milfontes, Porto Covo, Zambujeira do Mar and Odeceixe). Monchique is about 55 km; Aljezur about 77 km.

Pets are welcome with prior approval and a €50 pet cleaning fee. You remain fully responsible for your animal during the stay.
If your pet tends to bark a lot, disturb others or behave aggressively, Satvana may not be the right fit. We also have three resident cats and a dog, Balou.

To help keep a calm co-living atmosphere, we welcome guests aged 14 and above.

Smoking is only allowed in the designated smoking area near the parking area.
Alcohol is left to guests’ discretion. Please approach it with awareness and respect — never at the expense of anyone else’s comfort or safety. Satvana is a conscious space; we ask everyone to be responsible.

Please bring biodegradable, eco-friendly shampoo, soap and toothpaste.
In summer: mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Hiking shoes are useful year-round. Even in summer, evenings can be cool — pack a warm layer.
Some cash is useful for taxis, local shops and optional services.

Yes. We welcome facilitators whose work aligns with personal growth and community.
Our 2027 retreat calendar is open. Please get in touch with your preferred dates, group size and retreat concept.

• More than 30 days before arrival: full refund of the 50% deposit (minus any transaction fees).
• Less than 30 days before arrival, or no-show: the 50% deposit is forfeited and non-transferable.
• After check-in: no refunds for early departure, shortened stays or unused nights — the full agreed amount remains due.

No refunds are issued for deposits, second payments or remaining balance payments. All payments are non-transferable.

Bookings and general enquiries: bookings@satvana.org · +351 937 748 980
Gerhard (General Manager): +351 914 167 388
Michelle (Guest Experience Manager): +31 6 47 92 10 59
Emergency: 112