May 1 – 9, 2026, with Monica Voss, in association with Merit Travel
Portugal is a very attractive and accessible European destination – it’s a friendly society with a love of beauty, and a wide range of geography, historical sites, art, music and cultural festivities. The weather in May is usually warm and sunny and the food is simple and fresh.
Our retreat will take place in Olhao (pronounced Olneow), a lively fishing town in the eastern Algarve. With its white, white walls against the pure blue sky, Convento is a little bit of Casablanca. It’s magical, a Moorish-style house with airy bedrooms fitted out in local marble set around a courtyard. There are shady indoor terraces, a library, a small pool and two miradouros (lookouts) on the roof.
Ferries, water taxis and a little train are available to take us to the glorious long empty island beaches of Culatra, Armona and Ilha Deserta. We’ll swim in the Atlantic, stroll the seafront, poke around the little streets and thriving markets and visit the historic towns of Faro to the west and Tavira to the east.
Visit www.conventoolhao.com for more information and photos.
* The retreat begins on Friday, May 1, at 5:00pm.
FACULTY
MONICA VOSS has been a student and teacher of yoga for over 45 years. In addition to co-owning and teaching at Esther Myers Yoga Studio in Toronto, Canada, Monica conducts workshops, retreats and teacher training internationally.
REGISTRATION
Your payment is separated into two parts: yoga fees and accommodation/meal package. The fee for twice daily yoga instruction of $750 is made directly to Esther Myers Yoga Studio. EMYS accepts cash, e-transfers to info@estheryoga.com, cheques, debit, MasterCard, and Visa. For more information, please contact Monica Voss, monica@estheryoga.com.
Please register with the Studio, then contact Wendy Reis at Merit Travel (WReis@merittravel.com, 416 345-9726 x5320, 5343 Dundas St. W., 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M9B 6K5, 1-866-341-1777, https://merittravel.com, TICO-registered #T781396) to make your accommodation and meal payment.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
Convento offers possibly the most beautiful breakfast in Portugal! Three suppers are included and will be arranged in neighbouring restaurants.
The following prices (TBA) include 8 nights accommodation, 8 breakfasts, and 3 suppers. There are 12 rooms at Convento. Large rooms and suites can be single or double.
- Medium rooms (2)…$TBA
- Large rooms or Rooftop rooms (7)…$TBA
- Suites (3)…$TBA
All prices listed are in Canadian Dollars and include taxes and agent’s fees.
*Please note: rooms are ground floor, 1st floor and 2nd floor. The upper floors can only be reached via narrow staircases. Ground floor rooms include 1 medium, 1 large and 1 Suite. Do you require a ground floor room (recommended if you have ambulatory restriction)? Please let Monica know your 1st and 2nd choice of room.
NB – Neither Merit Travel nor Esther Myers Yoga Studio guarantee roommates for those without. If you request shared accommodation, you must be prepared to upgrade to single at the higher rate.
NOT INCLUDED
All transportation, some meals, snacks, drinks, excursions, laundry, gratuities
FLIGHTS AND TRANSPORTATION
Flights to Lisbon and/or Faro can be booked with Wendy Reis at Merit Travel, through your own travel agent or on the web. Olhao is a 15 minute cab ride from Faro International Airport, or Faro bus or train station.
EMYS CANCELLATION POLICY
50% refund, fewer than 120 days but more than 60 days prior to the beginning of the retreat
No refund, 60 days prior to the beginning of the retreat
Cancellation policies for transportation, accommodation and meals are at the discretion of Merit Travel and the retreat venue. The Studio is not responsible for any refunds for transportation, accommodation or meals.
Trip cancellation and/or medical insurance is available from Merit Travel.