A Journey of Self-Discovery
From the first moment you reach out to us, our intention is to create a space where you feel safe, welcomed, and genuinely supported. We understand that choosing this kind of inner work can feel a significant step, and we aim to walk alongside you from the very beginning.
The process starts with a conversation. A chance for you to share a little about yourself, what has brought you here, and what you hope for from the retreat. We take time to get to know you as a person, not simply as a participant.
Before arriving in Portugal, you’ll have opportunities to meet with us and connect with others joining the retreat. Together, we’ll explore your intentions, your hopes, and anything that feels important for you at this point in your life. These meetings will guide you in preparing physically, mentally, and spiritually for what lies ahead. They help ease the anxieties of the unknown, settle uncertainty, and begin to create a genuine sense of connection and trust within the group.
By the time we gather in person, you won’t be arriving to a room full of new faces. There will already be a sense of familiarity and support around you, allowing you to settle more fully into the experience and the deeper work ahead.
The Full Syntara Process
Our retreat is part of a wider three-month transformative programme, thoughtfully designed to support you before, during and after the retreat itself. The process includes preparation, immersion and integration, offering a structured yet spacious journey for personal exploration, emotional safety and lasting change.
1. Preparation
Preparation helps create safety, clarity and emotional readiness before arrival.
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Health and Risk Assessment
All participants complete our Intake Form, which allows us to carefully assess suitability and any medical or psychological considerations. Further consultation may be required where necessary.
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Consultation with the Team
Each participant is invited to a full one-hour online meeting with our lead facilitators. This is a space to explore your hopes, fears, current situation, personal intentions and whether the retreat is the right fit for you. It also supports you in beginning your deeper preparation at home.
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Pre-Retreat Guidance
You will receive a practical preparation handbook with guidance on mindset, self-care, nourishment, reflection and ways to support your body and nervous system before arrival.
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Reflection Questions
We offer carefully chosen reflection questions to help you begin connecting with your intentions, inner landscape and the themes you may wish to explore during the retreat.
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Two Group Introduction Meetings
In the weeks before the retreat, we hold two online group meetings with facilitators and participants. These gatherings help build orientation, trust and a sense of community before we meet in person.
2. The Retreat
The retreat takes place in a beautiful, secluded setting in Portugal, chosen for its tranquillity, natural beauty and connection to nature. Each day is designed to offer a balance of support, reflection, embodiment, rest and connection.
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Mindfulness and Embodiment Practices
Breathwork, movement, meditation, grounding practices and sharing circles support presence, emotional regulation and connection with the body.
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Guided Plant Medicine Sessions
Carefully facilitated experiences are held in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment, with experienced facilitators present throughout.
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Integration Circles
Group reflection and creative practices help participants begin to process insights, emotions, images and experiences as they emerge.
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Healthy, Nourishing Meals
A fully vegan diet supports physical and mental wellbeing throughout the retreat, alongside time for rest, nature, swimming and quiet reflection.
3. Integration
Integration is the process of allowing the retreat experience to settle, unfold and become part of everyday life. It helps transform insight into meaningful and sustainable change.
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Two Group Integration Sessions
After the retreat, we hold two online group integration sessions with participants and lead facilitators. These usually take place a few days after returning home and again the following week.
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Integration Handbook
You will receive practical guidance on individual integration practices, nervous system support, journalling, lifestyle choices and ways to remain connected to your experience.
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Optional One-to-One Integration Sessions
Individual integration sessions are available for those who would like deeper personal support after the retreat. These are offered for an additional fee.
Why the Full Process Matters
The retreat may open the door, but preparation helps you enter consciously and integration helps you bring the experience into life.
Syntara is not simply a retreat. It is a carefully held therapeutic programme supporting transformation before, during and after the psychedelic experience.
The Place
Nestled on the slopes of Picota Mountain in Monchique, our retreat venue is a sanctuary of peace, offering breathtaking views, tranquil landscapes, and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. Located in the heart of the Algarve’s natural beauty, the retreat is surrounded by scenic walking trails, inviting you to reconnect with nature and yourself.
Spanning over 6 hectares, the property provides ample space for solitude, where everyone can find their own quiet corner to relax. Natural spring water flows from the mountain, gathering in pools—an invigorating oasis to cool off on warm days.
Our ceremony space is designed with large windows that open up to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Below, the land is home to food forests, vegetable gardens, and wild untouched nature, while the upper part features a 15-meter swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing swim or sunbathing in a deckchair.
The Accommodation
Our accommodation blends rustic charm with modern comforts. The fully renovated retreat house features eight beautifully designed double rooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. The interiors are minimalist yet elegant, with natural materials and warm tones, creating a calming and restorative space.
There are two room categories, with slight variations in size, view, or private terrace, ensuring each guest has a space tailored to their comfort.
Beyond the private rooms, the retreat house offers a cozy living room for relaxation and an outdoor patio with a communal dining area, where we gather to share meals and moments of connection.
The Food
Nourishment is an essential part of the retreat experience. Each day, we provide two delicious, plant-based meals—brunch and dinner—made with fresh, local ingredients. Meals are vegan, designed to support your well-being while being full of flavor.
Between meals, fruit, nuts, tea and water are available throughout the day.
We do accommodate dietary preferences and allergies—please let us know your requirements when booking.
A retreat is not just about the mind—it’s about caring for the body, too. Our meals are crafted to sustain, energize, and nourish you through this profound journey.
Location and Travel
Address
Poio de Medronhal8550-233 MonchiquePortugal
By Plane
The nearest Airport is Faro (FAO) which is about a 65 minutes’ drive by car. The other but further option would be Lisbon (LIS). (2,5 h drive) From Lisbon there is a good connection by train or bus to Portimao. From there it’s about 25 Minutes to the house. We organise transfer for participants from Faro airport.
Car Rental
There are several good offers to rent a car from Faro airport. Next to the classical ones like Europcar, Hertz, SIXT and Avis, there also good local providers. Most of the international car rental suppliers operating at Faro airport have their own counters inside the terminal and car pick-up / return parks outside.
FAQs
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is designed for individuals seeking personal growth, emotional healing, or deeper self-awareness. We work with participants who approach psychedelics with intention and respect.
How do I prepare?
Before the retreat, we provide a comprehensive preparation guide, including dietary recommendations, mindset practices, and journaling prompts.
Is prior experience with psychedelics necessary?
No. Whether this is your first experience or you have prior journeys, our facilitators will tailor support to your needs.
How do I know if this retreat is right for me?
We invite participants who feel called to deep inner exploration and personal transformation. Before joining, we have an initial screening process to ensure the retreat aligns with your needs. If you have any concerns, we’re happy to discuss them in a private call.
Is this legal?
The use of psychedelics is decriminalised in Portugal. The retreat is conducted in compliance with the legal framework, ensuring a safe and ethical setting for psychedelic exploration.
What safety measures are in place, and how do you handle difficult experiences?
Safety is our top priority. We conduct thorough screening before the retreat and provide a structured, supportive environment throughout. Our team is trained to assist with challenging experiences, offering guidance and care to help you navigate them in a meaningful way.