SERVIVO & RELEASE - EMBODIED ARTS
INVITE YOU TO OUR
NEW YEAR CELEBRATION !
30/Dez'25 to 1/Jan'26
LEAP, AND THE PATH WILL RISE TO MEET YOU.
what is life inviting us into now?
as one year ends and another begins,
let us pause
and meet the quiet pulse of becoming
what have we learned, released and integrated in 2025?
what blessings and visions wish to take flight in 2026?
let us come together
to dance, create and simply be!
Photos taken by Jorge Porugalius (New Year Retreat 2025) and Lieve Tobbak (Arrábida Dance Labs)
The Hosts
This gathering arises from our shared love for life and its many cycles. It has, at its core, a question we sometimes ask each other in the silences of our friendship: what is your current relationship with trust?
In these times, the symbolic celebration of a new year feels like an invitation to recommit to living from connection. To tend to our inner worlds and, at the same time, move beyond the small circle of “me” and “this year” into a deeper belonging: “me” as part of much larger arcs of life.
In this retreat, we would love to share with you wonderful ways of leaning together into the beautiful uncertainty of what is to come.
The Program
Tuesday, Dec 30 - Landing Together
15:00 - 23:00
The first day is about rooting in this little impermanent community that has gathered. We will connect over delicious food, dances and massages, finding rest and nourishment in each other's presence.
Wednesday, Dec 31 - Honoring the Past Year
8:00 - 01:00
After an (optional) morning practice and a colourful breakfast, we integrate the past year with movement, painting, and writing on a guided Life/Art process. In the afternoon we will open to the wisdom of the Earth with a Deep Ecology ritual. We close the year with a collective celebration evening: a co-created mini-festival of music, dance, and spontaneous offerings!
Thursday, Jan 1 - Diving into the New Year
10:00 - 18:00
We start the day with a dive in the ocean, followed by the creation of a collective and individual artwork representing our intentions. A day of renewal, embodied prayer and shared vision.
Special Guests
Natalia Vik
has been developing a very unique approach to movement and will guide our morning Qi-Gong practices (Nati style!)
Rui Antunes
is an amazing multi-faceted artist that will support our creative processes throughout the retreat
The Chef
Marta Diniz - Terra Amor
Inspired by the principles of seasonal cooking, Marta works with local, fresh, and mostly organic ingredients, harvested in their own time; when they offer their fullest nourishment. Each meal is prepared as an act of care. Her cooking is delicious, creative and will be a gentle ground of support for our days together.
Will you join us?
We will be so happy to have you with us!
Below you may find all the practical information to book your place :)
Prices
Early Bird (until 30/Nov) : 270€
Normal Price: 300€
The price includes:
- accommodation in a shared dorm or your own van for 2 nights*
- 6 delicious vegan meals
- diverse activities and community experience
*there is the option of renting a private caravan - see more info in the FAQ below
DISCOUNTS:
-
Members of either Release Association or SerVivo Coop — early bird 250€ / normal price 280€
-
Unemployment situation (upon request) — solidarity spot 220€
-
Neighbors (without accommodation) — early bird 220€ / normal price 250€
Venue
The retreat will happen at SerVivo, a cozy venue in the heart of the Arrábida Natural Park that is also the home for a community of creative and warm hearted humans. Outside we will be surrounded by peaceful nature, silence and the breeze of the sea nearby. Inside we will be kindled by the fireplace and benefit from the beautiful energy of the common spaces. Rooms and (external) bathrooms are simple, clean and harmonious :)
Options to get there:
1. by car (45min from Lisbon) - https://www.servivo.earth/directions/
2. ride sharing - organized among the participants
3. public transports - train until Palmela + uber to Biovilla (approx. 8€)
4. Uber (approx. 35€ from Lisbon airport)
Registrations
Book your spot by filling up this form.
For any queries, write us to releaseembodiedarts@gmail.com
FAQ
1. In what language will this retreat be held? Due to the international nature of the group, all activities and guidance will be held in English. Portuguese translation will be available if needed.
2. Can I come on my own? Absolutely. It is likely that most of our participants come on their own and that many won't know anyone else. The retreat is designed and will be held in a way that fosters deep connections between the participants. We make sure everyone feels included and welcomed at all times.
3. I've never been on retreat like this before. Can I still join? Yes! There is no "wrong" or previous experience required in the spaces we will co-create together. Come as you are. If it is your first time, we will be delighted to witness and share the wonders of your discovery.
4. What is the phone policy? We will ask you to turn your phone off and let go of the outside world for the duration of the retreat. Being technology-free makes a big difference in your experience.
5. Are the facilities heated? Yes, the rooms are equipped with portable electrical heaters. In the common spaces there is a big wood stove which allows us to be on t-shirt inside :)
6. Can I come for only part of the retreat? We ask that everyone commits to be there for the whole duration of the retreat.
7. Can I stay in SerVivo before or after the event? That won't be possible, sorry!
8. Are children welcome? Yes!
9. Are dogs allowed? No, sorry!
10. What is the cancellation policy? In the unlikely case that we have to cancel the retreat, a full refund will be offered. In case of cancellation from your side up to the 14/Dec, you are reimbursed minus a deposit of 100€. After that date no refunds will be offered, without exception.
11. If I can no longer make it, can I transfer my booking to someone? If you find someone to take your booking, there will be a €20 admin charge to transfer your booking to another person. This is possible until the 25/Dec.
12. Is it possible to book a private accommodation? Yes, we have private caravans you can book for an extra fee of 30 € (for both nights) . Talk to us to check if there is still one available!
13. I would like to bring my own van/caravan. What are the conditions? You are welcome to do so! You will park it in the normal car park, which is around 100m from the common toilets and facilities. There isn't electricity connection in the parking. Note that you will pay the same price as everyone else sleeping in the shared dorms ;)