YOGA · SANTA MARIA, CABO VERDE
WHAT
Ancient Yoga Journey Into Transformation
16th Dec – 22nd Dec 2026
7 days · 6 nights
All levels
This retreat takes you on a journey into your human form with breath, sound, vibration, asanas, meditation and the five elements. It will give you a tool belt of practices to navigate your mind and your inner being, so that you can learn to respond to your life, rather than react to it. You are the creator of your reality.
This retreat journey will raise your awareness of how to be the narrator of your own life, using the most ancient cosmic science known to humans: yoga. All on a magical and mystical island in the middle of nowhere.
Each day starts with a sunrise practice where I connect you to the element that is dominant in you that day, as well as in the cosmic universe. This is done with breath and a physical yoga practice that balances you. Each day will end with a sunset yoga practice to activate your inner healing system and balance one of your chakras, each connected to an element. In these classes, sound bowls, shamanic bells and tuning forks will be used.
In between the two pillars that will ground your being, there will be walks into the Earth, Water and Air, while Fire (the sun) accompanies us. As well as time to observe yourself and know yourself better. Between each class there will be a trek into the magic of Santa Antao, or the use of Art to give you insight into your internal narrative, or down time.
We have intentionally been vague as to the specifics of the activities between Yoga journeys. We want to welcome the unknown and allow for flexibility depending on the weather, the dynamic of the group, etc.
Periods of down time are there for you to become comfortable with internal and external stillness. To reset your nervous system, especially your parasympathetic healing and immune system. When you spend too long in your stress system, your nervous system becomes dysregulated.
It can be used to journal, to connect with other participants, to swim, read, or just inhale all the ions of the five elements in which each location is immersed in. Each ion increasing your well being. During one of those down times, we will hold a Satsang. A Satsang is the place, where I will answer any questions you have about the journey of transformation, the universe, the five elements, why are we here etc.
WHERE
Santo Antão
An island where towering green peaks and fertile craters meet cliff-hanging towns, a new adventure at every twist and turn
Santo Antão is a hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It bathes in the beauty of lush green mountains and majestic waterfalls. Fruit trees gather everywhere, and the people have been called the friendliest people on the planet. All this is wrapped in the energy of peace and calmness.
Here, the five elements conspire to raise your vibration and rejuvenate your entire being. The first night of the retreat takes place in a valley hidden among dense forest trees and plants. From there, we move to an eco village on a cliff at the magnificent ocean's edge. All the food is taken directly from the earth, and the accommodation has sweeping views of the ocean and mountains. The yoga Shala sits at the edge of the cliff.
Between classes, you will explore the island, or if it is stillness you seek, you can sit in the pool and stare at the wonder of creation. There is a mystical energy to the whole place, so how you arrive is not how you leave.
There is no other place like this on earth. It will not remain a hidden gem for long, as Cabo Verde begins to open its doors to the world.
WHO
Your Guides
Lovingly organised and looking forward to guiding you on this beautiful journey
Your Teacher
SHEENA PATEL
Born in Zambia, Sheena is a dedicated teacher with over two decades of deep personal practice and study in the ancient traditions of yoga.
Now on the guru-taught path of Naad yoga, Sheena has trained in all limbs of yoga with over 3000hrs of teacher training.
Whether you are advanced or can barely touch your shins, Sheena promises zero judgement, full acceptance of where you are at, and the support to expand beyond your limitations.
Your Organiser
ALCMENA RAMOS PIRES
Cape Verdean born and raised in Luxembourg. For the past 17 years Alcmena has worked in the field of social care. Alongside her professional journey, Alcmena practices Hatha and Ashtanga asanas, and also aerial suspension.
In 2024 Alcmena travelled to Rishikesh, India to complete her teacher training followed by a meditation class.
Alcmena is happy to invite you on this beautiful journey which she has lovingly organised.
YOUR INVESTMENT
Pricing
This exclusive 6 day retreat is limited to 12 places
EARLY BIRD
€1,706
Before 31st Oct 2026
REGULAR RATE
€1,896
Standard price per person
Price includes:
-
Shared double room accommodation, six nights (single available on request at additional cost)
-
Nutritious brunch and dinner daily
-
Two yoga sessions a day & a Satsang with Sheena
-
Guided excursions and nature walks
-
Ferry transport from Sao Vicente to Santo Antão & return
-
Internal private island transportation throughout the retreat
-
Joy and Peace
TIMETABLE
Yoga
Each day will represent one or two of the five elements
Dec 16th: Day One
Sunset Yoga: We will begin our journey with restorative yoga and sound bowls played on each of you. In each asana I will guide you to open each of the elements and the energy centres they are connected to. This first class will ensure that you are breathing properly and efficiently. As well as how to breathe through your practice. How to use your mala beads. Lastly you will begin to find your voice and raise your vibration with AUM.
Dec 17th: Day Two
Sunrise Yoga: Class will begin 15 min before sunrise. We will align with the element that is dominant in the cosmic universe on that day. The class will include:
-
Breath meditation: So Hum with mala beads
-
Pranayama: use of breath to move energy and release what does not serve you well
-
Sun salutations with mantras for all the elements
-
Asanas for the dominant element with aware breathing
-
Shavasana with sound bowls played on you
Sunset Yoga: Yin yoga (connective tissue) with tuning fork on your pressure points, to raise your vibration. Dominant element meditation either guided or with the elements breath count. So that you can experience and taste each of the elements that are you.
Dec 18th: Day Three
Sunrise Yoga: Class will begin 15 min before sunrise. We will align with the element that is dominant in the cosmic universe on that day. The class will include:
-
Breath meditation: Hum So with mala beads
-
Pranayama 7 x 3 count of each Vayu (passed on from guru to teacher)
-
Sun salutations with mantras for all the elements
-
Asanas for the dominant element
-
Shavasana with sound bowls played on you
Sunset Yoga: Yoga expansion of the physical body (muscle)with Shamanic Bells. Aum meditation to open the throat and root chakra as well as beginning to find your voice. Element meditation either guided or with the element’s breath count.
Dec 19th: Day Four
Sunrise Yoga: Class will begin 15 min before sunrise. We will align with the element that is dominant in the cosmic universe on that day. The class will include:
-
Breath meditation: So Hum
-
Pranayama 7 x 3 for whole body, Pranayama for each Vayu etc
-
Sun salutations
-
Asanas for the dominant element
-
Shavasana with sound bowls
Sunset Yoga: Sivananda Yoga to open each element and their chakras. Element meditation either guided or with the element’s breath count.
Dec 20th: Day Five
Sunrise Yoga: Class will begin 15 min before sunrise. We will align with the element that is dominant in the cosmic universe on that day. The class will include:
-
Breath meditation: Hum So
-
Pranayama for each of the five vayus
-
Sun salutations
-
Asanas for the dominant element
-
Shavasana with sound bowls played on you
Sunset Yoga: Restorative Yoga and element meditation either guided or with the element’s breath count
Dec 21st: Day Six
Sunrise Yoga: Class will begin 15 min before sunrise. We will align with the element that is dominant in the cosmic universe on that day. The class will include:
-
Breath meditation: Hum So
-
Pranayama for the prana energetic body
-
Kundalini Yoga and element meditation
-
Shavasana with shamanic bells
Sunset Yoga: Restorative Yoga and meditation to silence the mind. Shavasana with Sound Bowls
Dec 22nd: Last Day
Sunrise Yoga: Class 15min before sunrise. Pranayama and Longer meditation with breath.