Travel Retreat Photo Gallery
Algarve, Portugal ~ January 2025
The Algarve is breathtakingly beautiful
“The entire trip was meticulously planned, and both Devora and Kara were always available to accommodate our needs. The Algarve is breathtakingly beautiful, the accommodations and facilities were lovely and the excursions were fantastic.
The twice daily yoga classes and meditation classes were superb! The food was plentiful and carefully prepared, even gluten- and dairy-free. Our days were as action-packed or as relaxed as we wanted them to be, and the group was made up of warm, like-minded women from all over. I felt completely comfortable with everyone, and Devora and Kara, are both so kind and accommodating. I hope to stay in touch with my Portugal sisters and hopefully see them again soon.
I am incredibly grateful for this experience and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful escape to reflect, grow, connect, and—of course—have fun!
Devorah L. ~ Jerusalem
Our only job was to sit back and enjoy.
Devora and Kara,
I want to thank you for the most phenomenal, restful, restorative wellness retreat, in Algarve Portugal. I had been on several Nahsholim retreats with you, so I knew that every detail would be attended to at the highest level and I would be able to just come relax, and enjoy the beautiful surrounding and the wonderful company.
The retreat went above and beyond my wildest expectations. Every detail was taken care of-- The villa was beautiful and clean with a wonderful view. The pool, jacuzzi and sauna on site were perfect for relaxing movement and recreation. I loved the meditation and yoga classes and thoroughly enjoyed the hikes, the sea kayaking, the motor boat coastline tour. The women on the retreat were so special-- everyone was so friendly and open to connection. The food was delicious, beautifully presented, fresh and clean.
I felt treated like a queen by the wide array of delicacies every day. For me, the best part was that I didn’t have to worry about, or do anything!! You extended every effort to make sure all our needs and wants were met every day. Our only job was to sit back and enjoy. The ease and comfort was restorative to my body and soul and I came back home so much more centered and grounded, with tools and ideas to help me take these practices home with me. This was a priceless gift to me and my family.
I am so grateful that you created such a wonderful opportunity and that I had the privilege of joining you. Iy"h I hope to join you on many future wellness retreats. With tremendous gratitude,
Aliza, Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel
I found immense value in the opportunity to simply be
"I craved a period of quiet reflection and rejuvenation. My friend graciously brought me to this retreat, and it exceeded my expectations. I found immense value in the opportunity to simply be, without the usual distractions. The meditation sessions were truly transformative; they were my favorite aspect of the retreat, and I continue to integrate these practices into my daily life. Your insightful comments and guidance were incredibly helpful.
Kara's yoga instruction was exceptional, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions. The accommodations were comfortable and spacious, and I appreciated the inviting common areas for meals and group activities. The workshops were engaging, particularly the Portuguese Tile Painting and Laughter Yoga.
The Algarve region is breathtakingly beautiful, and the food was both delicious and plentiful. Overall, the entire retreat was a truly wonderful experience. I am deeply grateful and hope to return for the November 2025 retreat."
Chana Rachel S., California, USA
...in a cocoon of care and tranquility
"In November 2022, I embarked on the Lefkada, Greece Wellness Retreat with Devora and Kara. As a solo traveler, I was initially apprehensive about joining a group of strangers. However, I formed incredibly deep and lasting friendships with several of the women on that trip. The week was a profound experience of learning to regulate and calm my nervous system. It felt like being enveloped in a cocoon of care and tranquility, leaving me wondering if such an experience could ever be replicated.
Fast forward to today, a week after returning from Devora and Kara's Wellness Retreat in Portugal. And indeed, that extraordinary level of care and attention to detail was duplicated! Devora went above and beyond to accommodate my knee limitations, ensuring accessible accommodations and even researching accessible beaches. I often hear Devora emphasize "off the mat and into life" and I've adapted this to "out of the retreat and back to life."
The tools I acquired during the retreat – meditation, breathing exercises, essential oil use, and the profound connections forged with both old and new friends – have already proven invaluable in navigating the challenges I've encountered since returning. Beyond the invaluable skills and the incredible camaraderie of like-minded women, I find myself still raving about the food! For those who know me, I'm not typically a "foodie" I rarely gush about meals after an event. However, this retreat was an exception. The food was gluten-free, sugar-free, and bursting with flavor without a hint of spice. Every meal had everyone eagerly seeking the recipe! To the surprise of my family and friends, I continue to extol the culinary delights of the retreat. The Kashrut observance was of the highest standard, ensuring a truly pampering experience for both body and soul throughout the journey."
Freda H., Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel
...in a cocoon of care and tranquility
"In November 2022, I embarked on the Lefkada, Greece Wellness Retreat with Devora and Kara. As a solo traveler, I was initially apprehensive about joining a group of strangers. However, I formed incredibly deep and lasting friendships with several of the women on that trip. The week was a profound experience of learning to regulate and calm my nervous system. It felt like being enveloped in a cocoon of care and tranquility, leaving me wondering if such an experience could ever be replicated.
Fast forward to today, a week after returning from Devora and Kara's Wellness Retreat in Portugal. And indeed, that extraordinary level of care and attention to detail was duplicated! Devora went above and beyond to accommodate my knee limitations, ensuring accessible accommodations and even researching accessible beaches. I often hear Devora emphasize "off the mat and into life" and I've adapted this to "out of the retreat and back to life."
The tools I acquired during the retreat – meditation, breathing exercises, essential oil use, and the profound connections forged with both old and new friends – have already proven invaluable in navigating the challenges I've encountered since returning. Beyond the invaluable skills and the incredible camaraderie of like-minded women, I find myself still raving about the food! For those who know me, I'm not typically a "foodie" I rarely gush about meals after an event. However, this retreat was an exception. The food was gluten-free, sugar-free, and bursting with flavor without a hint of spice. Every meal had everyone eagerly seeking the recipe! To the surprise of my family and friends, I continue to extol the culinary delights of the retreat. The Kashrut observance was of the highest standard, ensuring a truly pampering experience for both body and soul throughout the journey."
Freda H., Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel
I made good connections and laughed a lot.
The retreat was 5*, It was beyond my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised how many details were considered prior to our arrival so the transition days would be as smooth as possible (such as having our meals delivered to the hotel in Lisbon).
The yoga classes were great, the evening sessions and facilitators all great, food and catering brilliant, bedroom accommodation comfortable, excellent and spacious Community of women and group energy was very good, I made good connections and laughed a lot.
Thank you for the amazing experience . I think you (Devora) and Kara are phenomenal !!!! I wish many more women can get to have this experience in the future .
Helen G., Raanana
It was 10 times better than I ever expected!
"I heard about the Portugal Retreat from a friend. I thought a getaway, kosher, and a new place to see sounded appealing. Was I surprised! It was 10 times better than I ever expected!
I encountered amazing people, enjoyed a spacious villa, and greatly appreciated the introductions to yoga and meditation. The outings were fantastic, and the wellness classes were enriching. The food was abundant and delicious. I absolutely want to go back!"
Susan Drew, Long Beach, California, USA