About Us
About Us
Founded in 2017 and open to receive guests since 2018, 4elements retreat’s mission is to provide an escape from reality. We understand how life can be hectic and stressful, so we created a peaceful, inviting, and nurturing environment that allows our guests to disconnect from their everyday lives, surrounded by nature and oceanside breezes. Consider our retreat your home away from home; a place to reconnect with yourself, find inner peace, and return rejuvenated and peaceful after an unforgettable experience. You will leave feeling inspired, relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for whatever is to come.
Our concept is based on the 4 elements consisting of body, mind, emotion and spirit, so during your stay we will address each of these areas. All of this in close contact to nature with its 4 elements water, fire, air and earth.
Our yoga & meditation retreat offers daily yoga classes, meditation guidance, relaxation activities, nourishing, vegetarian food and comfortable accommodation amid breathtaking surroundings of the Portuguese countryside. Find out more about the program here.
Our surf & yoga retreat combines exploring new skills and elements with daily yoga classes and nourishing, vegetarian food mainly produced in our garden. Relax from your adventures and stretches in our comfortable beds and wash off the salt water in your private bathroom. Find out more about the program here.
In addition to our regular retreats, we also offer yoga teacher trainings and special retreats, e.g. our New Year’s retreat. See what is coming up here.
Our Team
We are a family-run business. Meet the members:
Pedro
is a true local here in Póvoa. He not only knows the area like the back of his hand but is also a graduate in exercise and health as well as a certified yoga teacher. He has various post graduations in the area of fitness and wellbeing like cardiac rehabilitation and life coaching. In 2022 he completed his Masters at the university of Rio Maior on the benefits of a yoga retreat on sleep, anxiety, glycemia and blood pressure. He quit his job as a fitness director to fulfil his dream of his own business in the area of health & wellbeing together with his business and life partner Ali.
Ali
is originally from the south-west of Germany and left everything behind to open 4elements retreat with Pedro. Originally a trained book seller and book scientist, she didn’t only change her office job for opening her own business, she also quickly learnt how to cook delicious vegetarian meals for bigger groups. Two trainings in India later, she is now also a certified 500h yoga teacher and took further trainings in Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra. During the pandemic she also trained hypnotherapy with Marisa Peer and is now a certified RTT© Practitioner, as well as a certified life coach (Alignment Coaching©) working under her own brand.
The Fluffies
Freddy and Shanti, our cats, are an important part of the 4elements family. Our garden is home to 7 chickens that are busy eating our leftovers and laying eggs for us. The little dog of Pedro’s parents and a favourite of many guests is Nina, who is a daily visitor at the retreat and always ready to receive belly rubs.
Matteo
Jungest staff member and born in November 2020, Matteo is the entertainer here at the retreat. He enjoys everything with wheels, balls and exercising. If you’re up to it, you can make him happy singing “The wheels of the bus” and “Baby shark”.
António
Pedro’s father António is responsible for the garden. Working as a farmer all his life he prefers the outdoors. Always in a good mood he would love to talk to you all, if he could speak English 
António is a passionate fisherman and a great companion for Matteo.
São
Pedro’s mother São is the good soul of the house. She is responsible for cleaning the rooms and common area and you won’t see her rest until everything is spotless. She also lovingly takes care of her grandson and is an invaluable help.
Where we are
Rua António Franco Nº 1, Póvoa de Penafirme, 2560-046 A-dos-Cunhados, Portugal