IMPROV AND YOGA RETREAT: ERICEIRA, PORTUGAL (MAY 24-29, 2025)
About the Retreat:
Picture a group of improvisers practicing morning yoga in a lush, bohemian property in the Portuguese countryside. This unique retreat pairs rustic charm with gourmet cuisine, leisure with laughter, and friendship with adventure.
Co-hosted by Elana Fishbein and Emily Shapiro, this retreat includes daily improv classes with Elana, yoga with Emily, fresh breakfast, snacks, 3-4 lunches, and 4 group dinners. We’ll be staying at Casa Paço D'Ilhas, on the outskirts of Ericeira, Portugal (50 mins NW of Lisbon). With gorgeous gardens and terraces, a dedicated yoga/improv space, communal dining room, swimming pools, and firepit, retreat-goers will have plenty of opportunities to bond, reflect, eat, and play. Check out their instagram!
Ericeira, just a short ride down the road, is a world-class surf spot with gorgeous beaches, cliffside paths, cafes, and delicious seafood. The water in Portugal will be cold this time of year, so you’ll need to wear a wetsuit if you intend to surf. (We can coordinate a surf lesson if folks are interested!) Additional activities may include some hiking and/or mountain biking along seaside trails. Read more about Ericeira, Portugal.
Spots are limited to 12-16 participants (will depend on room bookings). All levels of improv and yoga experience are welcome (none is fine too)!
Cost and Accommodations:
Early Bird Prices range from $1600-$2700 (Available before Dec 1st)
Regular Prices range from $1700-$2800 (Available from Dec 1st)
This bespoke property is made up of a cluster of creative and rustic, hobbit-esk houses. In fact, no two rooms look alike. Our aim is to help match you with a room that fits your comfort needs and budget. The range of accommodations include: private/shared bedrooms, private/shared bathrooms, twin/full-sized beds, and bunk beds. When you decide to book, let us know what type of room you’d like and we’ll try to accommodate you based on availability. Private rooms are limited.
Our hosts at Casa Paço D'Ilhas describe themselves as "food fanatics," serving delicious, locally sourced, organic meals and desserts attentive to dietary needs. Wine is available for purchase.
Not included in these rates: Flights, taxis to/from airport, 1-2 lunches and 1 dinner out, and any additional activities.
Potential Itinerary:
Saturday, May 24 - Guests Arrive, Evening Group Dinner and Bonding
Sunday, May 25 - Morning Yoga, Breakfast, Afternoon Improv, Evening Dinner
Monday, May 26 - Morning Yoga, Breakfast, Afternoon Hike/Excursion, Evening Dinner and Improv Mixer
Tuesday, May 27- Morning Yoga, Breakfast, Afternoon Improv, Evening Dinner and Game Night
Wednesday, May 28 - Morning Yoga, Breakfast, Morning Activity/Excursion, Afternoon Improv, Evening Dinner
Thursday, May 29 - Breakfast, Guests Depart
About Your Hosts:
Elana Fishbein is a performer and instructor at the Magnet Theater in New York City. She has designed curricula and facilitated improv workshops for corporations, non-profits, and educational institutions around the world. This will be her seventh time co-hosting the Improv and Yoga retreat! For more info visit: www.elanafishbein.com
Emily Shapiro is a Costa Rica and NYC based yoga teacher (New Love City/Tangerine Hot Power Yoga) and former improviser (Magnet Theater). She’s hosted over 70 retreats in Nosara and dozens more around the world. For more info visit: www.emilyshapiroyoga.com/
Payment Information
Payments can be made to Emily Shapiro through Venmo (friends and family option) or Zelle. If you’d like to book your spot, please email us to discuss accommodations and pricing before sending a non-refundable deposit of $500. Full payments are due by January 15th.
Venmo: @Emily-Shapiro-4
Zelle: emily.m.shapiro@gmail.com
Interested in booking or have any questions? Contact us at emily.m.shapiro@gmail.com or elana.fishbein@gmail.com