Bodhi Bhavan — Apartado 136 EC, Portugal
A mountain retreat centre on Picota, above Monchique in the Portuguese Algarve
The way to Bodhi Bhavan leaves Monchique at a sign that reads Picota, then climbs the mountain until a fence and a large entrance gate appear on the left. The land is more than six hectares on the slopes of Picota, the second highest peak in the Algarve. Natural spring water comes out of the mountain in several places. Some of it is held in open tanks, where guests can cool off on hot days. Walking trails run around the property, and the views look over the northwest side of Monchique.
The centre was founded by Sita and Michael, who have both been on a spiritual quest since their teens. Sita became a yoga teacher, and Michael went into coaching and project management. They met in India, where their search had led them to the lineage of Ramana Maharshi and H.W.L. Poonjaji, known as Papaji. They spent time in Tiruvannamalai, and they organised silence retreats there and on Ibiza. After a long search for the right spot, they say, the place found them, "even though it's far beyond ownership."
Today the house offers a residence, a studio, a swimming pool and gardens. It welcomes yoga and coaching groups, martial arts teachers and companies looking for room to think. The 2022 calendar ran a retreat almost every week from May to September: Anusara, Ashtanga and meditation, Yin/Yang, yoga with Ayurveda, a movement retreat and two Vipassana retreats. Sita also led a yoga retreat of her own.
The hosts are also planting a food forest, in the hope that future visitors will eat from the ground they are practising on. Faro airport is about 65 minutes away by car, and Portimão is about 25 minutes from the house.
Traditions: Ramana Maharshi lineage, H.W.L. Poonjaji (Papaji) lineage, Anusara Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Vipassana, Ayurveda
Programs: Coming Home Yoga Retreat, Anusara Yoga Retreat, Yin/Yang Yoga Retreat, Ashtanga & Meditation Yoga Retreat, Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat, Movement Retreat, Vipassana Retreat Portugal, Sita's Yoga Retreat