A One-of-a-Kind Luxury Rowing Retreat in Portugal
Five days of movement, stillness, connection & calm
This is no ordinary getaway.
Your experience unfolds at a boutique hotel nestled seamlessly into the hillside on the banks of the Maranhão reservoir in Avis, Portugal - a location chosen for its peace & natural beauty.
Here, the calm water reflects the sky, birds glide across the landscape & your mind finds room to breathe.
Expect mornings bathed in soft sunlight, evenings filled with flavour & firelight, & days that flow gently between movement, stillness & connection
Why This Experience is Truly Unique
Escape the rush of daily life and embrace a slower, more intentional rhythm.
Nestled in the serene beauty of Avis, Portugal, this rejuvenating retreat offers:
Inspiring, guided rowing sessions on mirror-like waters with double Olympic gold medalist Alex Gregory.
Embrace daily yoga, mobility & breathwork to restore balance, reduce stress & enhance recovery.
Enjoy thoughtfully prepared local cuisine, fine wines & wellness opportunities.
Relish the ample space to reconnect with yourself or a loved one, however you choose.
Located at the European venue chosen by the world’s top rowing teams, you will immerse yourself in the environment of world & Olympic rowing champions.
No previous rowing experience is required - whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned rower, this experience meets you where you are.
Every session on land or water is designed to be inclusive, enjoyable & deeply restorative.
Whether you’ve never held an oar or simply long for time away with purpose, this is your invitation to reset in a truly special setting.
"It was transformational. The rowing, the stillness, the laughter - life-changing."
Meet Alex Gregory
Founder of Mind Body Row
Alex is a double Olympic gold medallist, five-time world champion & someone who understands the power of stillness as deeply as he understands physical strength.
His ability to lead with calm, create community & hold space for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced athletes - is what makes this experience truly extraordinary.
Alex’s personal connection to Portugal & passion for shared experiences ensure that you’ll feel welcome, understood & supported throughout your stay.
Meet the Team
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Kara Wirt
Founder of Yoga for Rowers
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Jacob Dawson
Olympic Gold Medalist
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Emily Airey
Co-Founder of Mind Body Row
Bring a Partner, Family Member or Come Solo
This retreat is designed for new experiences, exercise, learning, rest & recovery. You can also bring someone special to enjoy the space, the scenery & the slower pace - whether they row or not:
Push away from land - A rowing experience for all levels.
Relaxing days for non-rowers: Time for yourself, slow walks & unwind by the pool.
Shared evenings with gourmet meals, local wine & meaningful conversation.
It’s your retreat - together or alone, at your own pace.
For Non-Rowers
You don’t have to row to feel renewed.
Non-rowing guests are invited to enjoy every element of the retreat at their own pace:
Daily yoga & meditation sessions.
Quiet reading corners & lakeside views.
Walks & cultural experiences.
Vineyard visit & wine tasting.
Shared meals & evening connection around the fire.
Whether you’re here to pause, explore, learn or simply soak up the peace, this is a space for you.
Your Five Days in Portugal:
A Sample Itinerary
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Arrive in Lisbon and enjoy a group transfer to Avis (approx. 1hr 45)
Check in, welcome lunch, & exploration of the surroundings
Post-travel yoga to ground & stretch
Welcome drinks & dinner
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Breakfast followed by a rowing machine masterclass & on-water coaching
Free time to relax, enjoy the pool or surrounding area
Lunch
Afternoon yoga session
Dinner & fireside talks
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Early morning row followed by breakfast
Late morning free time or optional activities
Lunch
Strength & rowing masterclass for deeper engagement
Evening row, drinks & a nourishing dinner
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Sunrise yoga & breathwork to start the day
Guided morning row & relaxing lunch
Afternoon wine tasting with a local expert
Dinner & fireside talks
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Final day on the water
Gentle yoga & meditation to close the journey
Celebration dinner & ive Fado music performance — a unique cultural immersion
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Early breakfast & transfer to Lisbon Airport
“Being out on the water, surrounded by nature, and guided by Alex’s calm expertise - it was exactly the reset I didn’t know I needed. I returned home grounded, energised and full of purpose.”
Investment
Twin / Double - Rower
£3499 per person
Single Occupancy
£3999 per person
Non- Rower Sharing
£2499 per person
Upcoming Experiences
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May 2025
16th - 21st
Fully Booked
2026 Dates Coming Soon
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September 2025
7th - 12th
Secure Your Spot
Limited Spaces Available
Escape, Reset & Reconnect
This experience is for everyone - whether you've never held an oar before or you've spent years on the water.
You’ll find a balance of performance, relaxation & personal growth in a welcoming environment.
Terms & Conditions
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We understand that plans can change, and we aim to be as fair and transparent as possible. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
60 days or more before the experience start date
Receive a full refund, minus a 20% non-refundable deposit to cover planning and preparation costs.30 to 59 days before the experience start date
Receive a 50% refund of your total booking amount.Less than 30 days before the experience start date
Due to the proximity of the event and commitments already made, we’re unable to offer a refund at this stage.
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If you’re unable to attend, you may transfer your booking to another person at no additional cost, provided you notify us at least 7 days before the experience start date.
Contact Us
Interested in attending a Mind Body Row Experience or planning a bespoke corporate retreat?
Any questions you have, we would love to hear from you.
Just fill out the contact form and we will be in touch shortly.