Balance Breathe Believe

21/11/2025

Well it was -3 this morning and dark when I crept outside to start heating up the yoga studio for today's classes.....I really out not complain - I only commute about 50 metres or so into the garden - but boy was it cold, and crispy underfoot!

in my body I know we have entered the darkest two months of the year - it's the 21st tomorrow - 1 month until the shortest day - then I know that by 21st Jan we'll already be noticing the days getting longer - and the darkest days will be over.

I can't help but think about warmer sunnier days, planning trips for next year - personal as well as work related - they all merge into one sometimes!

If you fancy turning your face to the sun, warming your body on a yoga deck and getting out about in Portugal, brushing off your walkers, shaking and a moving with like minded people - the why not join me in Porto - 24-28th April 2026.

Three-quarters of the places have already gone for the Rustic Ramblings Yoga and Walking Retreat - we'll be doing some great walks in the hills outside Porto - cooking up a storm in a cooking class and exploring what the wonderful city of Porto has to offer us too - think amazing tiled buildings, the river, the bustling social market and great shops, bars and restaurants. I can't wait to go back.

If you want to explore with us here's the deal:-
Quinta do Rapozinho:
- 4 nights in a stunning oasis with beautiful, serene ensuite accommodations
- Daily outdoor/ indoor yoga sessions
- Nourishing meals catering to all dietary requirements
- Onsite masseuse to ease your tired body
- Optional tour of Porto
- Guided hike and ramble
- Cooking workshop
Please DM me with any questions you may have, to request the full information and sign up for the spring getaway! 🙏
Email lucyyoga86@gmail.com

18/11/2025

'Women Get Less Exercise Than Men. It’s a Problem.'
Experts say the fitness gender gap is because women have less time to work out, and that their health is paying the price.

This was a recent headline I read - pretty sad huh!

In most households where both parents work - women have a lot less time to work out - we all know it's because a lot of women still bear the majority share of household chores, childcare, household shopping and caring for the extended family members.

I can't fix the day to day but I sure can help you escape for maximum fun me time for a few days - in Porto no less! 24-28th April 2026.

Hello I'm Lucy - a yoga teacher - lover of nature walks, hanging out with other women, talking about wellbeing and generally a big supporter of 'me time' - for sanity, good health and a good old fashioned big boost of oxytocin!

So if you and /or a girlfriend feels they need the perfect excuse to say 'GONE FISHING" for a few days then look no further:-

Rustic ramblings is a slower retreat for next spring - to take time out in city and country - to blow any remaining winter cobwebs away - walking in nature and getting a city hit in an amazing cultural hub, all in the same break!

Join me at Quinta do Rapozinho: In the countryside surround by woodland, I am seeing a heart-warming sunrise across the groves to start our yoga sessions with. I am picturing a dip in the pool, maybe for the brave, followed by a massage with our own masseuse. I am feeling the late spring Portuguese sunshine on my face, hearing
the birds and chilling and chatting through sunset with former and new found friends.....

- 4 nights in a stunning oasis with beautiful, serene ensuite accommodations
- Daily outdoor/ indoor yoga sessions
- Nourishing meals catering to all dietary requirements
- Onsite masseuse to ease your tired body
- Optional tour of Porto
- Guided hike and ramble
- Cooking workshop
Please DM me with any questions you may have, to request the full information and sign up for the spring getaway! 🙏
Email lucyyoga86@gmail.com

07/11/2025

So someone asked me - what's the yoga like at my retreats?.....Good question which got me thinking.....

So tuning into what I like..I think my sessions are really all about enabling you to get into your body. I usually pick a theme for each retreat - nothing woo woo - just something thought provoking, to distract those parts of the brain that don't get a work out when tied up in your day to day life. I'm talking about the brain that kicks in when you are travel, when you are on holiday and you have some brain spaces to let the mind wander - to think about you and your wants and needs! That you - remember?

When this brain takes over you gain better access to the body, listening to what your body needs, what it wants, what you may have been neglecting, or what you want to push, to challenge your body with.

Everyone comes to the retreat with a different body so all I ask of people is to give it your focus, your attention and let the body take over - dismantling mind barriers and blockages we put in place in everyday life just to get through the day. The body is amazing - I want you to leave the retreat accepting and thanking your body for all it is.

If you need some body / not brain time then look no further - come an join us in Porto in April and befriend yourself again!

What’s the deal for Porto - 24th to 28th April 2026?
- 4 nights in a stunning oasis with beautiful, serene ensuite accommodations
- Daily outdoor/ indoor yoga sessions
- Nourishing meals catering to all dietary requirements
- Onsite masseuse to ease your tired body
- Optional tour of Porto
- Guided hike and ramble
- Cooking workshop
Please DM me with any questions you may have, to request the full information and sign up for the spring getaway! 🙏
Email lucyyoga86@gmail.com

05/11/2025

Hi - This is a rare photo of me and my daughter from a trip last summer - we are a pretty private family and don't post a lot of personal pics....god even getting a good shot of me and anyone is pretty rare in itself!

But here we are in Porto - doing the rounds and seeing the sights in advance of my retreat next Spring: Rustic Ramblings - Yoga and hiking in the hills outside of Porto.

I am super excited to go back - we had a blast sampling Portugal's 2nd city! I could go on and on and I'm sure I will, but I figured you aren't just buying into the destination and what you can see, but me and what I bring to my retreats?

I've thought about this and I guess what you get from my retreats is a fully rounded real-experience. There's no pretence, I'm not putting on a show, I've done retreats for years now and see that people just want a safe, secure, fun, grounding experience - a kind of elevated home from home trip where they can relax, be real with the other attendees, not feel like they have to be something or someone they are not - just connect.

In order to deliver that relaxed vibe, I have to be relaxed, comfortable and keeping it real - so I have to be grounded, present, ethical, kind, inspiring, and human. I think that's best sums it all up!

Guests come seeking not just movement - a chance to connect with their bodies, but space to transform, restore, and reconnect — supported by someone who truly holds the journey with care. I guess that's me!

What’s the deal for Porto - 24th to 28th April 2026?
- 4 nights in a stunning oasis with beautiful, serene ensuite accommodations
- Daily outdoor/ indoor yoga sessions
- Nourishing meals catering to all dietary requirements
- Onsite masseuse to ease your tired body
- Optional tour of Porto
- Guided hike and ramble
- Cooking workshop
Please DM me with any questions you may have, to request the full information and sign up for the spring getaway! 🙏
Email lucyyoga86@gmail.com

03/11/2025

Why Visit Porto?
Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal that's famous for its wines, historic architecture, and scenic riverside charm. It's Portugal’s second-largest city but has a very different vibe than Lisbon—more intimate, a bit moodier, and rich in character. It’s smaller therefore so much more accessible and walkable!

When I visited last summer - I loved the art, architecture & azulejos: Porto is full of history and art......
- São Bento Train Station: 20,000+ hand-painted blue and white azulejos (tiles)
- Clérigos Tower: A baroque bell tower with amazing city views
- Livraria Lello: One of the world’s most beautiful bookstores (and a Harry Potter inspiration)

Just wandering the streets is a treat in itself - and if you stop at the incredibly social market for a gourmet snack and a glass of fine wine for €3 - what's not to love!

Then imagine your other days filled with yoga, and hiking in the hills - well you don't need to imagine - it's for real - make it real and join me in late April 2026 on my next Spring Reset Yoga Retreat: Rustic Ramblings.

What’s the deal?
- 4 nights in a stunning oasis with beautiful, serene ensuite accommodations
- Daily outdoor/ indoor yoga sessions
- Nourishing meals catering to all dietary requirements
- Onsite masseuse to ease your tired body
- Optional tour of Porto
- Guided hike and ramble
- Cooking workshop
Please DM me with any questions you may have, to request the full information and sign up for the spring getaway! 🙏
Email lucyyoga86@gmail.com

31/10/2025

Did you know it's fabulous hiking territory up in the hills outside of Porto - the destination of my Spring Reset Retreat 24-28th April 2026: Rustic Ramblings....I just love a good ramble, a natter, some fresh air and being in nature, clearing our minds of the day to day nonsense it stores and blowing some cobwebs away......

Here are a few specific things / spots we can include on a hike:
- Waterfalls & watermills — exploring the streams and little waterfalls in the region is very rewarding.
- Serra da Cabreira — since the Quinta is at its foothills, higher walks with mountain views are accessible.
- “Secret river spa”: According to guest descriptions, there is a river close by with little cascades /pools (“our natural spa”), accessible by a 10‑minute walk from the Quinta. Great spot for a walk + dip!

What’s the deal?
- 4 nights in a stunning oasis with beautiful, serene ensuite accommodations
- Daily outdoor/ indoor yoga sessions
- Nourishing meals catering to all dietary requirements
- Onsite masseuse to ease your tired body
- Optional tour of Porto
- Guided hike and ramble
- Cooking workshop
Please DM me with any questions you may have, to request the full information and sign up for the spring getaway! 🙏
Email lucyyoga86@gmail.com

28/10/2025

Well I've only been back a month or so from the last wonderful escape in Tuscany - and I'm already planning the next adventure....so where is my wanderlust taking me next time?
Well the late spring chill-out 2026 is in Porto!!
'Rustic Ramblings' is a slower retreat for next spring - to take time out in city and country - to blow any remaining winter cobwebs away - walking in nature and getting a city hit in an amazing cultural hub, all in the same break!
Quinta do Rapozinho: In the countryside surround by woodland, I am seeing a heart-warming sunrise across the groves to start our yoga sessions with. I am picturing a dip in the pool, maybe for the brave, followed by a massage with our own masseuse. I am feeling the late spring Portuguese sunshine on my face, hearing
the birds and chilling and chatting through sunset with former and new found friends.....I am getting excited about going to this absolute haven of a retreat centre already!

You can do as much or as little as you like - based around 60 mins up and away in the hills outside of Porto - away from the hustle and bustle of city life - in a verdant valley.... we’ll be ideally placed in the peace and quiet for our yoga sessions. Yet within easy reach to the stunning river city with its unique heritage, hills and culture.
What’s the deal?
- 4 nights in a stunning oasis with beautiful, serene accommodations
- Daily outdoor/ indoor yoga sessions
- Nourishing meals catering to all dietary requirements
- Onsite masseuse to ease your tired body
- Optional tour of Porto
- Guided hike and ramble
- Cooking workshop
Please DM me with any questions you may have, to request the full information and sign up for the spring getaway! 🙏
Email lucyyoga86@gmail.com

02/10/2025

Gosh where to start with letting the Women's yoga and Wellness Retreat - settle and land - having gotten home not even a week ago!

I was lucky enough to have taken a week for this trip to Tuscany - packing in the action and sights due to the direct flight schedule and the cancellation of the strike!
Three nights in Florence to prepare, wander the old streets, soak up the style and atmosphere - historical buildings wherever you look - the scale of the cathedral is particularly impressive. Top tip - ensure you are always looking where you are going so you don't collide with a scooter like I did!

We were lucky to have great weather for the most part - lots of delicious food - inc the best cheesecake ever in Michaelangelo square over looking the whole of Florence.

And what a great gang of retreaters this time - super chilled (even after being pick pocketed on the tram into Florence - super zen! ). We yoga'd, we pondered, we spa'd - in a spectacular thunderstorm, we mud wrapped, we ate, we drank a little, and ooh'd and ah'd a lot at the amazing Tuscan landscape - the rolling vines and hills, the mists and the sound of wolves howling in the distance - very atmospheric.

So many pictures, so many great chats and conversations, everyone was such great company and fun - I cannot thank you all enough for being on it, with it, present and for going with the Italian flow. Thanks for making such a great retreat to remember and cherish.

If you fancy joining me on a future retreat - we're off to the hills outside of Porto in April 2026 (24th to 28th) for some easy hiking in the hills, yoga, cooking and sampling the fabulous city of Porto, Portugal. Places selling already to drop me a message for the details. Hopefully we'll be retreating together soon.
Lucy x

10/09/2025