Portugal
7 nights, 8 days
October 4 - 11, 2025
Sintra, Portugal
To the seekers, the dreamers, the overthinkers and the quietly brave…
If you're feeling stuck, yearning for clarity, or longing for deeper connection, this retreat is for you.
Over the course of one week in the stunning hills and coastline of Sintra, you’ll step out of the noise of daily life and into a space designed to help you gain clarity—about yourself, your patterns, what’s been holding you back, and how to move forward in a way that aligns with your values and vision.
Through daily practices that challenge and support you—surfing, yoga, reflection, meaningful conversations—you’ll reconnect with yourself on a deeper level. You'll gain tools and insights that don’t just feel good in the moment, but stay with you long after the retreat is over.
A reset. A return. A ripple effect that begins right here.
Ready to take that first step?
We’re here to walk it with you.
What to Expect
The Ripple Approach: Mind, Body, and Connection
This retreat is designed to help you get clear, feel grounded, and reconnect with what truly matters—through a combination of:
Therapy
We use ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), a powerful, evidence-based method
that helps you deal with thoughts and emotions more effectively. This program will have you
leave with new tools to handle life’s challenges and teach how to move forward with courage,
clarity, and self-compassion.
Surfing
The ocean becomes your playground and your teacher. Whether it’s your first time or your
fiftieth, surfing will challenge you to stay present, let go of control, and trust the process.
Yoga & Mindfulness
Every day includes practices to help you slow down, connect with your body, and anchor
yourself in the present. You’ll learn how to carry this calm into everyday life.
Community
You’ll be surrounded by others who are also here to grow. This retreat attracts people who are open, curious, and ready for change. Many leave with deep friendships and a strong support network that continues long after the retreat ends.
Want to get a better understanding of our method? Check out more about our approach here!
07:30 - 08:30 Yoga
08:30 - 09:30 breakfast
09:30 - 12:30 Surf
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 - 15:30 Grouptherapy
18:30 - 19:00 Mindfulness training
19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
Rest of the evening free for sunset walks, relaxing, reading etc.
A typical day at Ripple:
Our retreat takes place just outside of Sintra, tucked between the hills and the coastline, in a space that feels like a world of its own, about a 45-minute drive from Lisbon airport.
You’ll be staying at a beautiful old Portuguese villa with relaxed charm and a lot of soul. The house sits in solitude and is surrounded by a peaceful garden, with plenty of quiet corners to sit, reflect, or share a conversation. There’s a pool to cool off in, a small spa to help you unwind, and luxury glamping tents tucked into nature if you want a bit more privacy and adventure.
Whether you're in the villa or a tent, you'll have space, comfort, and the chance to disconnect from the noise.
Mornings start with birdsong and gentle movement. Evenings wind down with group dinners, deep conversations, or a moment alone watching the sky turn gold. The sunsets here are something else.
The coastline near Sintra is raw and beautiful—cliffs, forest trails, hidden beaches, and fresh ocean air that instantly helps you slow down. The environment does half the work for us. You’ll feel it as soon as you arrive.
Your home for the week
Our rooms
Dorm room
Single bed in a 4 person dorm
€2.199,-
Twin room
Shared room with 1 other person
€2.699,-
Glamping tent
Double bed in your own tent
Ensuite bathroom
€3.199,-
Private room
Double bed in your own private room
Shared bathroom
€3.199,-
Double bed in your own spacious room
Ensuite bathroom
Premium Private Room
€3.499,-
What’s included?
Pre-retreat 1:1 intake session with one of our therapists (via Zoom)
7 nights accommodation in our peaceful villa in Sintra
All meals—wholesome, nourishing, and freshly prepared
Daily surf sessions with professional instructors (beginner-friendly)
Yoga and mindfulness practices to restore balance and presence
Group therapy & psychoeducation using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Access to the Ripple online community for ongoing support and connection
6-week online aftercare program to help you integrate the experience and maintain momentum
Not included
Flights to and from Portugal
Airport transfer (can be arranged for you at an additional €75)
Optional extras like massages or personal treatments
Extra sessions with psychologist after the retreat
I’m in, how do I join?
We care deeply about the experience of each person who joins. To make sure Ripple is the right fit for you (and that you’re a good fit for the group), we ask everyone to apply through a short call. This helps us create the safest, most supportive space possible for deep work, real connection, and lasting change.
During the call, we’ll talk about where you’re at, what you’re hoping to get out of the retreat, and whether this program is aligned with what you need right now. You’ll also get the chance to ask any questions and feel out if Ripple feels right for you.
If you decide to join, a 20% deposit secures your spot. The full balance is due 30 days before the retreat—and if you need a payment plan or extra flexibility, just ask. We're happy to work with you.
Spaces are limited and the group stays small—once it’s full, it’s full.
Meet your host
Hi, I’m Djai!
I’m a neuropsychologist, therapist, and the founder of Ripple Surf Therapy.
I started Ripple because I wanted to do things differently. I’ve spent years in therapy rooms helping people navigate anxiety, burnout, addiction, trauma and disconnection. All that time, I kept seeing the same thing: people don’t just need more insight. They need space. Movement. Real connection. And maybe most importantly: the chance to put what they learn into action, instead of just talking about it. Understanding is only one part of the puzzle, and it’s certainly not enough to make change happen.
I believe mental health work can be active, embodied, and even joyful.
That’s what Ripple is all about.
It’s a place where therapy meets the real world, where the work we do isn’t just talked about, but lived. Where psychology becomes practical, grounded, and relevant to your daily life. This program will remind you that the strength and clarity you need is already within you, sometimes buried under old patterns, but always there, ready to be uncovered. You’ll leave with with new insights that will stay with you forever.
I don’t do this alone. I work with a small, dedicated team of certified psychologists, each personally vetted and trained in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). They bring the same care, depth, and professionalism that Ripple stands for. Together, we’re here to make sure you receive the highest quality support throughout your journey.
We’ll be there to guide the group therapy sessions, lead the mindfulness work, and walk alongside you throughout the week. Whether that’s in session, over breakfast, or while watching the sunset after a surf.
I don’t say this lightly: this retreat changes lives. I’ve seen it again and again. When people step into this space with openness and courage, things shift. Fast.
If you’re ready for that kind of change, I’d love to see you in Sintra.
– Djai