A retreat for mothers
A space to be cared for
with ESTHER JONES
23 - 27 June 2027 - Loural Ecovillage in Portugal
Motherhood asks to hold so much — caring, organising, anticipating, listening and responding, often with little space for ourselves.
For four days, we invite you to experience a gentle reversal of that familiar direction of care.
A space where you are the one being cared for.
Where meals are prepared for you, and time is yours to inhabit, free from the usual demands of everyday life. Time to rest, to move, to wander through nature, to enjoy the company of other mothers or the quiet pleasure of being alone.
Through mindful exploration, gentle movement and shared conversations, we create space to listen to ourselves, to notice what is often overlooked, and simply to be.
For this retreat, we are thrilled to collaborate with Esther Jones, mother of three, Mindfulness teacher, Podcast host and author.
During the Retreat
Our days will unfold through a gentle rhythm of shared practices, mindful exploration, movement and time for ourselves, with enough spaciousness to follow our own needs and inclinations.
Throughout our four days together, we will make space for:
Mindful exploration: recognising the patterns, expectations and triggers that arise in motherhood, and exploring how greater awareness can open up new possibilities in the way we respond to ourselves and others.
Mindfulness and self-regulation practices: simple, accessible tools to cultivate steadiness, self-compassion and greater freedom of choice, which can be carried into the rhythms and challenges of everyday life.
Gentle movement and somatic practices: inviting curiosity, bodily awareness and a renewed sense of connection with ourselves through movement and attentive listening.
Honest conversations and shared reflection: a space to exchange experiences, recognise ourselves in one another and encounter different perspectives without judgement.
Time in nature and unstructured moments: opportunities to wander, swim, read, rest or simply enjoy the quiet, allowing space for the experiences of the day to settle.
Participation is always an invitation, never an obligation. We hope that these days will offer not only rest and nourishment, but also insights and practices that continue to accompany you long after the retreat has ended.
Life at Loural
Nestled among the mountains of central Portugal, Loural Ecovillage offers a beautiful setting for our days together. Surrounded by forests, gardens and the quiet rhythms of nature, life here invites us to slow down. Nourishing meals are lovingly prepared and shared around the table, while the swimming pool, sauna and surrounding trails offer opportunities for rest and exploration. There is space for gathering, for solitude, and for the simple pleasure of having nowhere else to be.
Meet the facilitators
This retreat brings together two complementary approaches, woven through a shared understanding of the importance of presence, attentive listening and the space to simply be.
Esther Jones brings her experience of accompanying mothers through mindful inquiry, reflection and honest conversation, creating space to explore the complexities of motherhood with curiosity and compassion.
Maria Chiara Mezzadri draws on her background in dance, somatic movement and Structural Integration, inviting a more embodied exploration through gentle movement, awareness and attention to the felt experience of being in our bodies.
Together, they offer different ways of listening: to ourselves, to one another and to what emerges when we allow ourselves time and space.
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Mother of three, Mindfulness teacher and author
Esther works with parents to explore the patterns, fears and expectations that can shape family life, using mindfulness, reflection and self-compassion to support more connected relationships between parents and children.
Her own journey through parenting, unschooling and mindfulness led her to explore how deeply our inherited ideas about childhood, learning and being a “good parent” can influence the way we respond to our children.
Today she supports parents in recognising reactive patterns, becoming curious about their triggers and developing the capacity to meet difficult moments with greater awareness and choice.
Esther is the author of The Parent's Handbook to Unschooling Yourself: A Mindful Guide to Embracing a New Way of Living and Learning With Your Child and host of The Unschool Space podcast, where she explores parenting, self-care, neurodiversity, mindfulness and family relationships.
At this retreat, Esther will guide practices that support self-regulation and self-compassion, creating space for mothers to reconnect with themselves and their own inner resources.
You can read more about her here:
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Mother of two, former dancer, Structural Integration practitioner
Chiara brings more than twenty years of experience with the body and movement, shaped by an international career as a professional dancer and her current practice as a Structural Integration practitioner.
Her work brings together a deep understanding of movement with a hands-on approach to the body.
During the retreat, Chiara will offer gentle movement and body-awareness practices, creating time to reconnect with the body through curiosity rather than effort.
For those wishing to receive more individual support, one-to-one Bodywork sessions will also be available.
Accommodation & Retreat Fees
We invite you to choose the accommodation that feels most comfortable for you, whether you prefer the simplicity of sleeping close to nature, the company of a shared room, or the privacy of a space entirely your own.
All accommodation options include the same four-day retreat experience, all group activities, four nights at Loural Ecovillage, three freshly prepared vegetarian meals each day, and access to the gardens, swimming pool, sauna and surrounding nature.
The only difference is where you choose to rest.
Early Bird — until 31 January 2027
For those ready to join us early, we offer a special Early Bird rate. Simply complete your registration and pay your deposit by 31 January 2027 to secure the discounted price.
From 1 February 2027, standard rates apply. The remaining balance is due by 10 May 2027.
Your accommodation options
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Earth connection
For those who love being close to nature, Loural's glamping tents offer a simple and beautiful way to stay. Wake up surrounded by greenery and enjoy the quiet rhythms of the natural world.
SHARED TENT
EARLY BIRD: Total €1055
STANDARD RATE: Total €1,160
Deposit of €360 is required to reserve your place
PRIVATE TENTEARLY BIRD: Total €1,175
STANDARD TUITION: €1,280
Deposit of €480 is required to reserve your place
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Shared journey
For those who enjoy a sense of community, Loural's traditional stone houses offer welcoming shared spaces. Enjoy the comfort of sleeping indoors while embracing the communal spirit of village life.
SHARED ROOM (2 people):
EARLY BIRD: Total €1,175
STANDARD TUITION: Total €1280
Deposit of €480 is required to reserve your place
SINGLE ROOM with SHARED BATHROOMEARLY BIRD: Total €1,335
STANDARD TUITION: Total €1440
Deposit of €640 is required to reserve your place
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Your own space in Loural
For those who value privacy and a little more comfort, choose a private room with your own ensuite bathroom or one of Loural’s Tiny Houses — a peaceful space to retreat to at the end of the day.
SINGLE ROOM with ENSUITE BATHROOM
EARLY BIRD: Total €1,415
STANDARD TUITION: Total €1520
Deposit of €720 is required to reserve your place
PRIVATE TINY HOUSEEARLY BIRD: Total €1455
STANDARD TUITION: Total €1560
Deposit of €760 is required to reserve your place
Reserving your placeTo begin your registration, click Reserve Your Place and complete the form with your contact details, accommodation preference and dietary requirements.
Once we receive your form, we'll send you our Terms and Conditions, Cancellation Policy, Participation Agreement and deposit payment instructions.
Your place is confirmed once we have received your completed agreement and proof of deposit payment.
We look forward to welcoming you to Loural.
Location
Loural Ecovillage,
Aldeia Velha, Colmeal
3330-072 Góis, Portugal
Mobile: (+351) 926 866 605
Planning Your Arrival
To help us prepare for your stay, please let us know your travel plans. Will you be arriving at Loural Ecovillage on your own, or would you like us to arrange a shuttle for you? The shuttle service is available for an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This retreat is for mothers who feel the need to pause, step away from their everyday responsibilities and enjoy some time that belongs entirely to them.
Whether your children are young, teenagers or already grown, you are welcome. There is no particular experience or stage of motherhood you need to be in.
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Not this time, this retreat is for you. The retreat has been created as a space for mothers to step away from their everyday responsibilities for a few days and turn some of the attention and care they so often give to others back towards themselves.
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Not at all. All practices are accessible to beginners and experienced participants alike. We invite you to approach them with curiosity, without any expectation of doing things in a particular way.
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No. Everything we offer is an invitation, never an obligation. You are welcome to join the practices and conversations, but equally free to rest, spend time alone or simply enjoy the surroundings. We want you to feel comfortable following your own rhythm.
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Absolutely. We have intentionally created a spacious programme, with time between facilitated sessions to rest, walk, swim, read or do nothing at all. Unstructured time is an essential part of this retreat, not something to squeeze in between activities.
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Our chef will prepare three nourishing vegetarian meals each day, using fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible.
If you have food allergies or specific dietary requirements, please let us know when registering so we can discuss what can be accommodated.
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Yes. Individual Structural Integration sessions with Maria Chiara will be available during the retreat for an additional €100.
These sessions offer an opportunity for attentive, hands-on exploration of the body, supporting bodily awareness, ease of movement and a greater sense of comfort.
Sessions are optional and availability is limited.
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Simply click Reserve Your Place and complete the initial registration form, indicating your preferred accommodation and any dietary requirements.
We will then send you our Terms and Conditions, Cancellation Policy, Participation Agreement and instructions for paying your deposit.
Your booking will be confirmed once we have received your completed agreement and proof of deposit payment.
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We understand that plans can change, particularly when family responsibilities are involved.
Our cancellation policy is designed to offer some flexibility while allowing us to make the necessary commitments to our facilitators and venue. If you cancel:
Until 23 April 2027: Full refund of all payments made.
24 April–23 May 2027: Your booking deposit is non-refundable. Any additional payments will be refunded.
From 24 May 2027: Payments are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your place to another eligible participant, subject to prior agreement with us.
If the retreat is cancelled by BlueDot Retreats, all payments made to us will be refunded in full.
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The remaining balance must be paid no later than 10 May 2027. Unless, previously agreed on, if payment is not completed by the deadline, your reservation may be released to another participant.
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We are available to ask all your questions both through the contact form, but also via mail: info@bluedotretreats.com. If you prefer to schedule a call, write us a mail and we will set that up!