The Art of Breath
Four-night Breathwork Retreat
Breathing is such a simple act, yet the way we breathe can influence how we feel, move, rest, and respond to the world around us. This four-night group retreat explores the potential of conscious breathing through a combination of breathwork, contrast therapy, movement, sound, and rest.
Guided by certified Breathwork Guide Michael Clarke, the journey begins with a wellness screening and a fire ceremony with intention-setting. Over the following days, breathwork talks and guided sessions introduce different techniques and levels of practice, from gentle foundational exercises to restorative and more energizing experiences. Morning walks bring together movement, breath awareness, and nature, while guided hot and cold contrast therapy explores the connection between breathing, physical sensation, recovery, and mental focus.
A sound healing journey, spa treatment, sleep tracking, group reflection, and time at leisure provide rest and integration throughout your stay. The retreat concludes with simple and effective breathing techniques for you to carry into everyday life for greater calm, clarity, energy, and resilience.
Dates & Information
November 25 - 29, 2026
Six Senses Douro Valley sits within the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. With 71-guest accommodations, the quinta, or wine estate, dates to the late 19th century when it was known as Quinta Vale de Abraão and its contemporary interiors reflect both this rich heritage and our modern design values.
Need further help?
reservations-dourovalley@sixsenses.com
+351 254 660 600
Calls to the Hotel are to a Portugal national fixed network. International rates may apply for calls made outside Portugal.
Is this retreat right for you?
This retreat is suited to those curious about the connection between breathing, physical wellbeing, emotional awareness, and the way the body responds to stress. It may be particularly relevant for anyone wishing to feel calmer, improve focus, explore greater resilience, or develop practical breathing techniques for everyday life.
No previous experience with breathwork or contrast therapy is required. The retreat includes both introductory and more focused sessions, with guidance provided throughout.
Benefits
- Gain greater awareness of your breathing patterns through arrival and departure wellness screenings
- Explore different breathwork techniques through guided group sessions and talks
- Learn practical breathing exercises that can be integrated into everyday life
- Experience guided hot and cold contrast therapy combined with conscious breathing
- Support calm, focus, and resilience through breath-led practices
- Begin each day with movement and breath awareness during guided morning walks
- Observe sleep patterns through sleep tracking throughout the stay
- Enjoy restorative experiences including sound healing and a spa treatment
- Allow time for rest and reflection within the peaceful surroundings of the Douro Valley
What's included
- Four nights’ accommodation
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Fire ceremony and intention setting on arrival day
- Welcome and retreat overview
- Wellness screening on arrival, 45 minutes
- Follow-up wellness screening on departure, 20 minutes
- Sleep tracking throughout the stay
- Daily morning walks with breathwork
- Group breathwork talks and guided sessions
- Guided hot and cold contrast therapy with breathwork
- Group sound healing journey
- One spa treatment
- Group sustainability activity
- Welcome bag with breath and herbal kit
Schedule
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Day One
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Day Two
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Day Three
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Day Four
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Day Five
Your accommodation
Located in the main manor house, these oversized rooms blend contemporary décor with the natural style of Six Senses Douro Valley, echoing a past era. Some offer a reading and sitting area, and all include a spacious bathroom. Rooms face either the valley or floor-to-ceiling windows over woodland, with easy elevator access. Rooms with terraces have steps down to a cozy outdoor seating area, with views to a pebbled terrace, vineyards, or courtyard.
EUR 4,955 per person in a Quinta Deluxe with half board
EUR 7,070 for two people in a Quinta Deluxe with half board
For more information please contact the resort directly, reservations-dourovalley@sixsenses.com
About the presenter
Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke is a certified Breathwork Guide, trained at the renowned Hale Center in Sweden, and a core member of the Six Senses Wellness Innovation Team. With a background in hotel and spa management, he has shared his expertise in Türkiye, Sweden and New Zealand, as well as with a global online audience. His approach ranges from gentle introductory practices to restorative and advanced sessions, helping participants release tension, improve focus, build resilience and reconnect with themselves.
Are you interested in booking?
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