Solar Alvura Algarve: Dr Eva Orsmond’s Portuguese retreat offers mindful living with luxury

It’s close to 10pm as I walk through the doors of Dr Eva Orsmond’s Health Hotel. She greets me in the foyer wearing a long, flowy white dress, looking my polar opposite — relaxed and bronzed, like a woman living the dream here in the Algarve.

“Hello, Rachael”, she says confidently, “You must be hungry. Our chef has something ready for you if you want to head out to the terrace”. I don’t have the heart to tell her I consumed something resembling lasagne not so long ago on the flight, so I wander outside and find a seat.

Inside the yoga yurt

My candlelit table, with its crisp white cloth and gleaming glassware, looks out on an orange grove, and there’s a strong scent from the lavender growing nearby. Within moments, a plate of fresh grilled fish and steamed vegetables appear, and as I tuck in, savouring each bite, I think to myself — maybe I’ll be alright here.

My alarm wrenches me into reality the following morning at 6.45am. Sunrise meditation begins in 15 minutes on the roof, and it’s going to take every fibre of my being to get out of this warm, luxurious bed. But I’ve heard meditation is good for you, and it’s not every day you get to do it on a rooftop, so what the heck?

Upstairs, Sylvia Ferguson, our softly spoken yogi and retreat host, is waiting for the early risers. She invites us to sit in silence and breathe, which seems like an easy task. However, as most novice meditators can testify, the head has a tendency to race, and currently, mine is flooded with distractions, to-do lists, memories, and people.

But then I hear Sylvia say calmly, “As sure as the heart beats, the mind will wander. Come back to this moment”. And just like that, something clicks. I focus on my breath as she instructs and begin to meditate, albeit for a moment.

Dr Eva and her team host regular yoga retreats here at Solar Alvura, consisting of daily sunrise meditation, two yoga sessions per day, and guided activities in the local area such as beach days, trips to nearby towns such as Tavira, hikes, visits to a local olive farm and sea kayaking.

There is also plenty of downtime and opportunities to book treatments at the onsite spa or chill by the pool. If you were to ask me to sum it up in a nutshell, I would say that these retreats are perfect for anyone looking to rest, rejuvenate, reset — and possibly even do a little soul-searching.

After my inaugural meditation, I head outside to the gorgeous, purpose-built yoga yurt. A large, beige canvas ceiling drapes above us, and the warm rust-coloured tiles feel soft beneath my bare feet.

The sunny terrace

Surrounding me is a group of women spanning all ages and abilities, and I note that I’m not the only one who has travelled alone. For some, it’s their first time trying yoga and for others, they are very well acquainted with the mat. I fall somewhere in between.

Over the next hour, we stretch and flow our way in and out of poses. Sylvia guides and adapts each motion to suit everyone, and her encouragement goes a long way.

As morning yoga ends, I realise that I feel truly relaxed for the first time in a long time. We gather our belongings, empty coffee cups and newly found zen and head to the terrace. I walk past my table from last night, this time joining the rest of the group or, dare I say, new friends for breakfast.

There’s plenty on the menu, from delicious veggie omelettes to sweet stacks of pancakes. Some of my fellow guests are taking part in the hotel’s bespoke weight loss programme, which includes private daily weigh-ins and a custom meal plan. However, I have chosen to stick with the regular option, which still involves a healthy, wholefoods-based menu.

At Solar Alvura, guests also have the opportunity to partake in Dr Eva’s Diabetes Recovery Programme, which aims to help participants take control of T2 Diabetes. The programme begins with an assessment, followed by an in-house program based on initial weight loss and the reduction of carbohydrates. Then, once guests leave the hotel, a follow-up program is recommended.

Food is a big part of the guest experience, naturally. And throughout my stay, I feel I am being nourished back to life, one perfectly portioned meal at a time.

I try everything, from creamy monkfish stew to juicy beef and courgette burgers. Each meal is expertly prepared using local ingredients and the flavour — oh, the flavour — is nothing short of inspiring.

I can’t help but think about how to take some of these ideas home. And while the wine on offer is beautiful, let me tell you that when you’re up for meditation at 6.45am each day, early nights are a luxury we all appreciate.

Dr Eva

I spend just shy of a week at Solar Alvura, throwing myself into the yoga practices each morning and evening, and joining the others on the daily excursions. I eat and rest, meditate and reflect.

I laugh, I cry, and I share time and stories with a bunch of extraordinary women. Solar Alvura is the tonic I didn’t know I needed.

Fast forward to today; it has been a month since I visited Portugal. And while my alarm clock may not be going off quite so early (I haven’t changed that much!), I’ve made space for the beautiful practices I found at Solar Alvura.

The pool at Solar Alvura

My time in the Algarve with Eva, Sylvia, and the rest of our unique little group has profoundly and unexpectedly impacted my day-to-day life in the way that travel and spiritual pursuits often do.

Meditation has become a daily practice, and each time I find myself distracted, a tiny part of me returns to that rooftop in Portugal, and I hear Sylvia’s words, “As sure as the heart beats, the mind will wander. Come back to this moment.”

TRAVEL FACTFILE

SOLAR ALVURA, PORTUGAL

See solaralvura.com

■ Rachael was a guest of Solar Alvura, just 25 minutes from Faro Airport. A transfer service is available to and from the hotel. ■ A five-night yoga retreat at Solar Alvura starts at €1,062 per person sharing, not including flights. ■ Upcoming dates include November 11-16, 2023, and February 10-15, 2024.

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