Welcome

Welcome to this majestic valley where two rivers meet. We are humbled to call it home, and have built it for lovely people like you to retreat to nature.
Ashley & Rory

Our indoor yoga shala with inviting natural cork yoga mats, open glass doors, lots of light and a large wood burning stove for winter practice.

A group of Yoga students and teachers on the river beach . Class of 2023

A view over our ecological swimming pool, showing the aquatic plants, our shady relaxation area and one of our bespoke accomodation pods.

A group of guests enjoy dinner outside after a day on retreat.

A large, luxurious canvas tent, pyramid in shape surrounded by nature

A group of students practicing yoga in our Indoor Shala.

Pentagonal Pods with a window and a door that rolls up so you can admire the view from bed, or lounge on the large private deck.

Two guests relaxing next to our private river beach

A fire pit surrounded by trees, perfect for groups in the evening
Immersed
in Nature
Lounge by the natural infinity pool; star gaze from the hot tub; break a sweat in the sauna; sing around the fire pit; experience our guided Sacred Sweat Lodge, rub on locally sourced clay to detoxify your skin before rinsing in the river; read a book on our private beach; explore the Mondego river by stand up paddle board; try the rock jump or a leisurely swim in the creek; practice yoga in the cozy indoor shala or on the panoramic outdoor shala; hike to the nearby waterfall; visit the neolithic dolmen site; treat yourself to a holistic therapy of your choice...
There are so many ways to enjoy Cara Creek Eco Lodge...

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March 25th - April 15th 2026
Central Portugal
WELCOME TO
To be a Yoga teacher, your own practice must take priority. Here, we begin each day with Meditation, Asana and Pranayama; all of which strengthen your foundation as a yoga practitioner and support the development into being a Yoga Teacher.
We teach Traditional Hatha Yoga, drawing inspiration from our teachers at the Atmavikasa Center of Yogic Sciences, who teach “with strict adherence to the tradition of Hatha Yoga, with the intelligence of Iyengar, the passion of Ashtanga, and the mindfulness of Vipassana.” We weave this lineage with additional trainings we’ve done as well as our own lived experience both on and off the mat.
Our approach is unique for its focus on strengthening the nervous system, making it deeply therapeutic. Postures are held for an extended period, inviting observation and steady awareness of the body and mind. Through this consistency we gently enhance the nervous system's health and resilience, and therefore its capacity to meet life’s stresses with grace and stability.
There is no better place to integrate the teachings of Yoga than being completely off grid in nature. The land and river are our greatest supports on this life-changing journey. We rest to the sounds of flowing water and wake to the song of the birds.
Our therapeutic approach to teaching and learning is experiential and embodied. Daily reflections after morning practice are a cornerstone of the training. Using Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry approach, we weave self-awareness and emotional understanding into each day.
Students begin practice teaching early in the training, building confidence step by step. By week three, you’ll be prepared and confident to teach a full 60 minute class - authentically curated by you.
Sharing 22 days of this way of life and practice with a small group of peers creates deep and lasting connections. Our Off Grid Yoga School community is a network of like-minded alumni from around the world who support one another in their practice and teaching journeys.
Continued education opportunities include our book club and online circles that ensure the circle of friendship, growth, and learning extends well beyond the training itself.
Stories from Cara Creek
Welcome to our new Blog!

Coming up at Cara Creek

Spring 2026 Yoga Teacher TrainingWed, Mar 25

The Eco Lodge
It is our pleasure to welcome you to our sustainably built and run retreat center. Ideal for nature lovers and animal lovers alike! This riverfront land has made a lasting impression on us and those who visit since 2017. We have worked to complement the land's beauty by building from solely natural materials and maintaining a low carbon footprint.











