Nico's Feedback

Spending a week at Steve’s retreat in the Portuguese mountains with my son was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The setting itself is breathtaking: rustic, quiet, and surrounded by forests and mountains - the perfect environment for stillness and reflection.

The retreat runs off-grid, which was an experience in itself. Learning to appreciate every drop of spring water, every watt of solar energy and the shared effort of preparing meals together reminded us of the simple joys and real connections that modern life often overlooks. There were no distractions, no rushing, just presence.

Steve’s teaching of Qigong, meditation and mindfulness was structured, gentle and deeply insightful. Even now I sometimes imagine myself back in the dojo, moving with the group guided by his calm presence. He has a rare gift for making these practices both accessible and transformative.

Sharing meals, stories and laughter with Steve and the group created a true sense of community. For me personally, it was also a chance to connect more deeply with my son. We supported each other, shared perspectives and bonded in ways that will stay with us forever.

On a personal level this retreat was life-changing. I arrived stressed and weighed down by the pressures of modern life but left lighter with a shift in spirit and outlook. Steve’s guidance helped me let go of anger and frustration over that which I thought I could not control, allowing me to find belief in myself and my ability to change for the better.

Steve himself is the heart of the retreat. His hospitality, wisdom and generosity of spirit are truly rare. He made us feel not just welcome but cared for in every possible way. His passion for sharing the gifts of Qigong and mindfulness is evident in every word and every moment.

If you’re looking for a place to rest, reflect and reconnect with yourself, with others and with nature, this retreat is a treasure. It’s more than a getaway, it’s a journey back to what really matters.