A retreat for mothers

A space to be cared for

with ESTHER JONES

23 - 27 June 2027 - Loural Ecovillage in Portugal

Reserve your place

Motherhood asks us to hold so much — caring, organising, anticipating, listening and responding, often putting our own needs aside without even noticing.

During our time together, we invite you to experience a gentle reversal of that familiar direction of care.

A space where you are the one being cared for.

Imagine four days when you don't have to be the one thinking of everything. When meals are prepared for you, and time is yours to inhabit, free from the usual demands of everyday life. Time to rest, to move, to wander through nature, to enjoy the company of other mothers or the quiet pleasure of being alone.

Through mindful exploration, gentle movement and shared conversations, we create space to listen to ourselves, to notice what is often overlooked, and simply to be.

For this retreat, we are thrilled to collaborate with Esther Jones, mother of three, Mindfulness teacher, Podcast host and author.

During the Retreat

Our days will unfold in a gentle rhythm of meaningful exploration, with opportunities to look more closely at our experience of motherhood, balanced by time to rest, enjoy nature and simply be, with nothing asked of us.

Together we will explore:

  • Understanding our patterns and reactions: Have you ever wondered why certain situations bring out reactions you didn't intend, or why it can be so difficult to put your own needs first? Through mindful inquiry, we'll explore the expectations, habits and triggers that shape our experience of motherhood, without judgement or pressure to change.

  • Finding more choice in everyday life: Through simple mindfulness and self-regulation practices, we'll discover ways to pause, recognise what we're feeling and respond with greater awareness and compassion — tools to return to when everyday life becomes demanding.

  • Caring for our bodies: Through gentle movement, somatic exploration and self-massage, we'll take time to listen to our bodies as they are today, discovering ways of moving and caring for ourselves with curiosity, kindness and pleasure.

  • Sharing experiences with other mothers: Honest conversations, different perspectives and the simple reassurance of recognising something of ourselves in another woman's experience.

Alongside our shared explorations, there will be plenty of time to follow your own rhythm — to wander through the forest, swim, read, rest or simply do nothing at all, enjoying the freedom of having time entirely to yourself.

Participation is always an invitation, never an obligation. We hope that these days will offer not only rest and nourishment, but also insights and practices that continue to accompany you long after the retreat has ended.

Reserve your place

Life at Loural

Nestled among the mountains of central Portugal, Loural Ecovillage offers a beautiful setting for our days together. Surrounded by forests, gardens and the quiet rhythms of nature, life here invites us to slow down. Nourishing meals are lovingly prepared and shared around the table, while the swimming pool, sauna and surrounding trails offer opportunities for rest and exploration. There is space for gathering, for solitude, and for the simple pleasure of having nowhere else to be.

Whether you long for a few days of being cared for, feel curious to explore your experience of motherhood more deeply, or simply wish to give yourself some time without expectations, you are welcome here.

Discover Loural

Meet the facilitators

This retreat brings together two complementary approaches, woven through a shared understanding of the importance of presence, attentive listening and the space to simply be.

Esther Jones brings her experience of accompanying mothers through mindful inquiry, reflection and honest conversation, creating space to explore the complexities of motherhood with curiosity and compassion.

Maria Chiara Mezzadri draws on her background in dance, somatic movement and Structural Integration, offering an embodied exploration through gentle movement, self-massage and attention to the felt experience of being in our bodies.

Together, they offer different ways of listening: to ourselves, to one another and to what emerges when we allow ourselves time.

  • Mother of three, Mindfulness teacher and author

    Esther works with parents to explore the patterns, fears and expectations that can shape family life, using mindfulness, reflection and self-compassion to support more connected relationships between parents and children.

    Her own journey through parenting, unschooling and mindfulness led her to explore how deeply our inherited ideas about childhood, learning and being a “good parent” can influence the way we respond to our children.

    Today she supports parents in recognising reactive patterns, becoming curious about their triggers and developing the capacity to meet difficult moments with greater awareness and choice.

    Esther is the author of The Parent's Handbook to Unschooling Yourself: A Mindful Guide to Embracing a New Way of Living and Learning With Your Child and host of The Unschool Space podcast, where she explores parenting, self-care, neurodiversity, mindfulness and family relationships.

    At this retreat, Esther will guide practices that support self-regulation and self-compassion, creating space for mothers to reconnect with themselves and their own inner resources.

    You can read more about her here:

    https://www.esther-jones.com/

  • Mother of two, former dancer, Structural Integration practitioner

    Chiara brings more than twenty years of experience with the body and movement, shaped by an international career as a professional dancer and her current practice as a Structural Integration practitioner.

    Her work brings together a deep understanding of movement with a hands-on approach to the body.

    During the retreat, Chiara will offer gentle movement and body-awareness practices, creating time to reconnect with the body through curiosity rather than effort.

    For those wishing to receive more individual support, one-to-one Bodywork sessions will also be available.

Accommodation & Retreat Fees

We invite you to choose the accommodation that feels most comfortable for you, whether you prefer the simplicity of sleeping close to nature, the company of a shared room, or the privacy of a space entirely your own.

All accommodation options include the same retreat experience, all group activities, four nights at Loural Ecovillage, three freshly prepared vegetarian meals each day, and access to the gardens, swimming pool, sauna and surrounding nature.

The only difference is where you choose to rest.

Early Bird — until 31 January 2027

For those ready to join us early, we offer a special Early Bird rate. Simply complete your registration and pay your deposit by 31 January 2027 to secure the discounted price.

From 1 February 2027, standard rates apply. The remaining balance is due by 10 May 2027.

Prices are per person and include accommodation, meals and the retreat programme.

Your accommodation options

  • Earth connection

    For those who love being close to nature, Loural's glamping tents offer a simple and beautiful way to stay. Wake up surrounded by greenery and enjoy the quiet rhythms of the natural world.

    SHARED TENT

    EARLY BIRD: Total €1055

    STANDARD TOTAL: Total €1,160

    Deposit of €360 is required to reserve your place


    PRIVATE TENT

    EARLY BIRD: Total €1,175

    STANDARD TOTAL: €1,280

    Deposit of €480 is required to reserve your place

  • Shared journey

    For those who enjoy a sense of community, Loural's traditional stone houses offer welcoming shared spaces. Enjoy the comfort of sleeping indoors while embracing the communal spirit of village life.

    SHARED ROOM (2 participants):

    EARLY BIRD: Total €1,175

    STANDARD TOTAL: Total €1280

    Deposit of €480 is required to reserve your place


    SINGLE ROOM with SHARED BATHROOM

    EARLY BIRD: Total €1,335

    STANDARD TOTAL: Total €1440

    Deposit of €640 is required to reserve your place

  • Your own space in Loural

    For those who value privacy and a little more comfort, choose a private room with your own ensuite bathroom or one of Loural’s Tiny Houses — a peaceful space to retreat to at the end of the day.

    SINGLE ROOM with ENSUITE BATHROOM

    EARLY BIRD: Total €1,415

    STANDARD TOTAL: Total €1520

    Deposit of €720 is required to reserve your place


    PRIVATE TINY HOUSE

    EARLY BIRD: Total €1455

    STANDARD TOTAL: Total €1560

    Deposit of €760 is required to reserve your place

Reserve your place 
Reserving your place

To begin your registration, click Reserve Your Place and complete the form with your contact details, accommodation preference and dietary requirements.

Once we receive your form, we'll send you our Terms and Conditions, Cancellation Policy, Participation Agreement and deposit payment instructions.

Your place is confirmed once we have received your completed agreement and proof of deposit payment.

We look forward to welcoming you to Loural.

Location

Loural Ecovillage,

Aldeia Velha, Colmeal

3330-072 Góis, Portugal

Mobile: (+351) 926 866 605

Planning Your Arrival
To help us prepare for your stay, please let us know your travel plans. Will you be arriving at Loural Ecovillage on your own, or would you like us to arrange a shuttle for you? The shuttle service is available for an additional fee.

 
Contact us

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This retreat is for you if:

    • You long for a few days when you can set aside your everyday responsibilities and experience being cared for.

    • You are curious to explore how motherhood has shaped you, and to better understand your patterns, reactions and expectations.

    • You would like to find more space for your own needs, and discover ways of meeting everyday challenges with greater awareness and compassion.

    • You wish to reconnect with your body through movement, curiosity and care, without expectations or pressure.

    • You value honest conversations with other mothers, as well as moments of quiet and solitude.

    You don't need to arrive with a particular question or challenge. Curiosity, and the wish to give yourself this time, are enough.

  • Not this time, this retreat is for you. The retreat has been created as a space for mothers to step away from their everyday responsibilities for a few days and turn some of the attention and care they so often give to others back towards themselves.

  • Not at all. All practices are accessible to beginners and experienced participants alike. We invite you to approach them with curiosity, without any expectation of doing things in a particular way.

  • No. Everything we offer is an invitation, never an obligation. You are welcome to join the practices and conversations, but equally free to rest, spend time alone or simply enjoy the surroundings. We want you to feel comfortable following your own rhythm.

  • Absolutely. We have intentionally created a spacious programme, with time between facilitated sessions to rest, walk, swim, read or do nothing at all. Unstructured time is an essential part of this retreat, not something to squeeze in between activities.

  • Our chef will prepare three nourishing vegetarian meals each day, using fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible.

    If you have food allergies or specific dietary requirements, please let us know when registering so we can discuss what can be accommodated.

  • Yes. Individual Structural Integration sessions with Maria Chiara will be available during the retreat for an additional €100.

    Structural Integration is a hands-on approach that explores the relationship between fascia, posture, movement and bodily awareness. Sessions are adapted to each person's needs and provide an opportunity for individual care during the retreat.

    Sessions are optional and availability is limited.

  • Simply click Reserve Your Place and complete the initial registration form, indicating your preferred accommodation and any dietary requirements.

    We will then send you our Terms and Conditions, Cancellation Policy, Participation Agreement and instructions for paying your deposit.

    Your booking will be confirmed once we have received your completed agreement and proof of deposit payment.

  • We understand that plans can change, particularly when family responsibilities are involved.

    Our cancellation policy is designed to offer some flexibility while allowing us to make the necessary commitments to our facilitators and venue. If you cancel:

    • Until 23 April 2027: Full refund of all payments made.

    • 24 April–23 May 2027: Your booking deposit is non-refundable. Any additional payments will be refunded.

    • From 24 May 2027: Payments are non-refundable.

    If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your place to another eligible participant, subject to prior agreement with us.

    If the retreat is cancelled by BlueDot Retreats, all payments made to us will be refunded in full.

  • The remaining balance must be paid no later than 10 May 2027. Unless, previously agreed on, if payment is not completed by the deadline, your reservation may be released to another participant.

  • We are available to ask all your questions both through the contact form, but also via mail: info@bluedotretreats.com. If you prefer to schedule a call, write us a mail and we will set that up!