Wellness Stay
Flexible Stays at Moinhos Velhos
(Shorter Stays Welcome)
For over 30 years we have facilitated transformational juice detox retreats for body, mind and spirit here at Moinhos Velhos Retreat in the Algarve, Portugal.
Now, during selected weeks of the year, we open our doors for a different kind of experience.
Our Wellness Stays offer a flexible, lightly structured stay in the peaceful setting of our retreat centre — ideal as a standalone escape, a gentle reset before daily life resumes, or as an extension before or after one of our juice detox programmes.
This is not a structured retreat.
It is space, nourishment, nature and optional practice — with as much or as little engagement as you choose.
Upcoming Wellness Stay Dates
Shorter stays welcome (2-night minimum)
- June 28 - 2 July
- July 19 - 23
- August 2 - 6
Please note: guests not participating in the following detox retreat depart on Thursday, allowing us a day to prepare for the incoming programme. Guests continuing directly into the retreat may remain onsite.
A Retreat Setting Without the Retreat Structure
Nestled in a secluded valley beside the Barragem da Bravura, just 15 minutes from Lagos, Moinhos Velhos sits within 16 hectares of protected natural beauty.
Here we go to bed with the silence of the stars and wake to birdsong.
Our land is rich with quartz crystal embedded in the surrounding hills, and over decades hundreds of guests have stepped through our doors seeking renewal. The atmosphere is calm, grounded and deeply restorative.
During Wellness Stay weeks, you experience the same environment our retreat guests enjoy — but with complete freedom.
Relax by the saltwater pool.
Walk to the reservoir.
Use the yoga temple for personal practice.
Explore the Algarve’s dramatic coastline and beaches.
Or simply sit with a book beneath the grapevine-shaded terrace.
Who This Is For
Wellness Stays are perfect for:
- Guests wanting a peaceful Algarve base with a wellness atmosphere
- Those arriving early for a juice detox retreat
- Guests extending their stay after a detox programme
- Couples or friends seeking nature, rest and optional yoga
- Solo travellers who prefer a calm environment over a hotel
It combines the ease of a guesthouse with the energy of a retreat centre.
What’s Included
- Private ensuite room or cabin
- Daily breakfast
- Access to pool, sauna and gardens
- Use of the yoga temple when not in session
- Guest kitchen and dining room access
- Walking trails to the reservoir (5 minutes from the gate)
All rooms and cabins have private bathrooms and are thoughtfully simple, comfortable and peaceful.
Optional Wellness Elements
To keep this experience flexible, classes are optional.
Morning Yoga – €10 per class
(Sign-up by 9pm the evening before. Classes run with at least one booking.)
Yoga takes place in our dedicated temple space overlooking the valley.
Therapies
Independent therapists offer massage and holistic treatments, subject to availability. Guests book directly with therapists.
Food
Breakfast is included daily.
Guests are also free to explore local cafés - there is one near our entrance - and restaurants in nearby villages and Lagos.
Accommodation & Stay Length
Stays are flexible:
- 2 - 7 nights
- 1 night stays available when book-ending a juice detox retreat
Guests extending or preceding a detox programme may enquire about shared room options. Otherwise, rooms are offered on a private basis.
How It Differs from a Juice Detox Retreat
Our detox retreats are fully structured programmes with juice fasting, daily classes and therapeutic support.
Wellness Stays are intentionally lighter.
You receive the setting, breakfast and optional classes — but your time is your own.
This allows us to welcome guests who want:
- More independence
- A gentler pace
- A wellness atmosphere without full immersion
A Note on Atmosphere
Moinhos Velhos is adorned with Buddha statues, gardens, birds and butterflies. It has evolved organically over decades into a peaceful sanctuary. While we maintain a tranquil environment, guests are free to come and go, explore the Algarve, dine locally and create their own rhythm.
Booking
Wellness Stays run during selected weeks throughout the year.
To see current dates and seasonal rates, please visit our programme calendar or contact us directly.
Lagos and The Area Surrounding Moinhos Velhos
Surrounding Moinhos Velhos is an area of outstanding natural beauty which affords many opportunities for hiking, particularly around the Barragem da Bravura. Lagos is a historic seafaring city which has transformed itself into a popular tourist destination, lying alongside a stunning coastline with its vast beaches, dramatic cliff formations and powerful Atlantic waves.
Not only is it visually stunning area - and home to the famous Ponte De Piedade - it makes a great stop off point for your guests before or after the retreat and the surrounding area also is perfect for a day trip. As it's such a well appointed tourist destination you will find an abundance of amenties and attractions such as:
- Kayaking
- Boat Cruises
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- Horse Riding
- Off Road Mountain Biking
- World class beaches such as Dona Ana and Caminho
Accessibility
- 5 minutes (walking) from the magnificent Barragem da Bravura
- 15 minutes from Lagos
- 20 minutes from world class beaches
- 1 hour from Faro airport
Prices and Further Information
Upcoming Stay Windows
28 June – 2 July
19 – 23 July
2 – 6 August
Guests not joining the following detox retreat depart on Thursdays to allow preparation for the incoming programme.
Base Room Rates
(per room per night including breakfast)
June — €70
July — €75
August — €80
Specifc rates vary depending on room type - please contact us.
Minimum stay: 2 nights
(1 night possible when staying directly before or after a retreat)
Included in Your Stay
• Peaceful accommodation at Moinhos Velhos Retreat
• Daily vegetarian breakfast
• Use of swimming pool, sauna and gardens
• Space to rest, unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings
Optional Wellness & Dining
Morning yoga — €10
Holistic treatments are also available with our therapists - booked directly with them.
Yoga sessions require prior sign-up.
Booking
To check availability or reserve your preferred room, please contact us directly.