The Roots of Innocence - Liberating the Shadows & Embracing our Inner Priestess: 6-Day Transformation in Portugal with Monica Pelayo
Your TourHero
Monica Pelayo
Monica Pelayo is a certified life coach, experienced shadow work expert, and mother of two boys. At the age of 4, she became aware that she was unconsciously connected to an intelligent source, and constantly receiving messages and images through this power greater than herself. She has been able to see and communicate energies from this young age.
Monica has been a student of A Course In Miracles (ACIM) for over two decades and was personally trained in the work of the Shadow by Debbie Ford. Monica has found that our biggest gifts have been darkened by our rejection of our own shadows, and believes that our purpose in this life is to become whole again.
Her mission is to guide individuals to embrace their whole self by finding the gold behind the Shadow – the part of us we’ve been disowning, hating or hiding – so we can bring this into the light and shine brighter.
She is the founder of The Jewels of the Golden Shadow International retreats, host of Un ratito Con Monica (A moment with Monica), and is well known in the personal and business development industry for her signature VIP 1 on 1, Program, Finding the Gold Behind the Shadow, for coaches and thought leaders.
Catarina Andrade
Catarina Andrade supports coaches, healers, and wisdom keepers to embrace their fullest expression, lead as love and leave a legacy. Blending practical magic and 15+ years of experience working with visionary women leaders, she assists them to amplify their radiance, voice and intuitive gifts so they can increase their impact and step into evolutionary leadership in joyful co-creation with the Great Mother.
During this retreat, Catarina will be supporting Monica as a Frequency Keeper, holding energetic and ceremonial space for participants to calibrate to the Miracle Frequency through kundalini yoga, sound, movement and light coded activations.
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Sep 3 - 8, 2023
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
10 - 15
Transportation
Group airport & activity transfers
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Women only, shadow work, personal growth, healing, nature
Fellow Travelers
Belinda
Catarina 
Monica L
Kathy
AraceliYour Local Guide
A division of Europe Incoming, a DMC with more than four decades of experience under their belt, Ertha is a company that centers itself around trips that help travelers attain a true feeling of wellness. If your goal is to relax and recharge in a gorgeous setting, they are here to help! Yoga retreats, spa trips, quiet vacations in iconic locations – no matter what you’re looking for, Ertha can help design a customized trip that matches your exact needs.
It´s time to reveal more of you who you are. You´ve been holding yourself back without even realising it. We all have. Hiding parts of ourselves, wearing different masks, and shape-shifting to be accepted. To be received. To be loved.
Yes, we’ve been doing the work of freeing ourselves - we’ve been on the path of de-conditioning and re-membering. But it’s time for a next level of blossoming into our wholeness and for that we need to dig deeper into our roots.
Into the shadows that live within us, and into the fertile soil of the ancestry that holds us. It is time to let go of shame, guilt and resentment. It’s time to let go of fears and our own judgements. It’s time to return to the Roots of Innocence. Pure of heart, we embrace our inner priestess and step more boldly into honoring and accepting our unique mission. We came here for this. It’s time. We’re here.
You’re invited to the Roots of Innocence retreat with international shadow expert and coach Monica Pelayo and guest master teacher Catarina Andrade.
As you travel through this journey into your innermost self with love and compassion surrounded by beauty in Monchique, Portugal, you’ll discover a deep well of wisdom and gifts waiting to be seen and remembered. When your darkest shadows are brought to light, they’ll support you in stepping into your brilliance, building an extra-ordinary relationship with yourself, and moving forward with profound confidence in embodying the powerful, unique medicine that you hold to share with the world. All within a beautiful, sacred space hidden in the middle of nature, where you’ll be held and taken care of, so that you can have the time and space to surrender into your whole self.
We’ll gather in ceremony, fully immersed in sisterhood to be seen and honored in all of our magnificence. It is 6 days and 5 nights of pure soul nourishment, inside and out. It’s a perfect balance of self development, play and of course space for miracles to come. We’re diving deep to conquer our fear of drowning and rising up to be the women we dare to be.
Cancellation policy
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until June 28, 2023. If the departure is cancelled out of your control, you will be alerted by June 28, 2023 and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip up until June 28, 2023 for a refund, excluding the deposit. After this date, no refunds will be given.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
Your TourHero
Monica Pelayo
Monica Pelayo is a certified life coach, experienced shadow work expert, and mother of two boys. At the age of 4, she became aware that she was unconsciously connected to an intelligent source, and constantly receiving messages and images through this power greater than herself. She has been able to see and communicate energies from this young age.
Monica has been a student of A Course In Miracles (ACIM) for over two decades and was personally trained in the work of the Shadow by Debbie Ford. Monica has found that our biggest gifts have been darkened by our rejection of our own shadows, and believes that our purpose in this life is to become whole again.
Her mission is to guide individuals to embrace their whole self by finding the gold behind the Shadow – the part of us we’ve been disowning, hating or hiding – so we can bring this into the light and shine brighter.
She is the founder of The Jewels of the Golden Shadow International retreats, host of Un ratito Con Monica (A moment with Monica), and is well known in the personal and business development industry for her signature VIP 1 on 1, Program, Finding the Gold Behind the Shadow, for coaches and thought leaders.
Catarina Andrade
Catarina Andrade supports coaches, healers, and wisdom keepers to embrace their fullest expression, lead as love and leave a legacy. Blending practical magic and 15+ years of experience working with visionary women leaders, she assists them to amplify their radiance, voice and intuitive gifts so they can increase their impact and step into evolutionary leadership in joyful co-creation with the Great Mother.
During this retreat, Catarina will be supporting Monica as a Frequency Keeper, holding energetic and ceremonial space for participants to calibrate to the Miracle Frequency through kundalini yoga, sound, movement and light coded activations.
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Sep 3 - 8, 2023
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
10 - 15
Transportation
Group airport & activity transfers
It´s time to reveal more of you who you are. You´ve been holding yourself back without even realising it. We all have. Hiding parts of ourselves, wearing different masks, and shape-shifting to be accepted. To be received. To be loved.
Yes, we’ve been doing the work of freeing ourselves - we’ve been on the path of de-conditioning and re-membering. But it’s time for a next level of blossoming into our wholeness and for that we need to dig deeper into our roots.
Into the shadows that live within us, and into the fertile soil of the ancestry that holds us. It is time to let go of shame, guilt and resentment. It’s time to let go of fears and our own judgements. It’s time to return to the Roots of Innocence. Pure of heart, we embrace our inner priestess and step more boldly into honoring and accepting our unique mission. We came here for this. It’s time. We’re here.
You’re invited to the Roots of Innocence retreat with international shadow expert and coach Monica Pelayo and guest master teacher Catarina Andrade.
As you travel through this journey into your innermost self with love and compassion surrounded by beauty in Monchique, Portugal, you’ll discover a deep well of wisdom and gifts waiting to be seen and remembered. When your darkest shadows are brought to light, they’ll support you in stepping into your brilliance, building an extra-ordinary relationship with yourself, and moving forward with profound confidence in embodying the powerful, unique medicine that you hold to share with the world. All within a beautiful, sacred space hidden in the middle of nature, where you’ll be held and taken care of, so that you can have the time and space to surrender into your whole self.
We’ll gather in ceremony, fully immersed in sisterhood to be seen and honored in all of our magnificence. It is 6 days and 5 nights of pure soul nourishment, inside and out. It’s a perfect balance of self development, play and of course space for miracles to come. We’re diving deep to conquer our fear of drowning and rising up to be the women we dare to be.
Timeline
- Day 1 · The Roots of Innocence Retreat
- Arrive at Faro Airport
- Group transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Vila Foia
- Free time
- Sharing circle and introduction to shadow work
- Welcome dinner
- Day 2 · The Sacred Space
- Morning connection time
- Breakfast
- Drive to the location for the activities
- Forest bathing excursion
- Drive back to Vila Foia
- Lunch
- Circle
- Sacred garden
- Shadow work session
- Evening circle
- Dinner
- Day 3 · Meeting the Shadow Keeper
- Morning connection time
- Breakfast
- Drive to the location for the activities
- Hot spring hike
- Lunch
- Circle
- Shadow work session
- Closing circle
- Dinner
- Day 4 · Revelation Process
- Morning connection time
- Circle
- Breakfast
- Shadow work session
- Lunch
- Shadow work session
- Constellation movement
- Closing circle
- Dinner
- Day 5 · The Blessed Gift
- Morning connection time
- Breakfast
- Circle
- Shadow work session
- Lunch
- Shadow work session
- Dinner
- Circle time
- Day 6 · True Journey
- Morning reflection
- Closing retreat circle
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Group transfer to Faro Airport
- Journey begins
Details
Day 1
Welcome to The Roots of Innocence Retreat
Welcome to The Roots of Innocence Retreat in Monchique, Portugal, nestled in the stunning Algarve region. Famed for its breathtaking mountains and rejuvenating hot springs, Monchique is the ideal destination for wellness enthusiasts and those yearning for a serene space to refresh and revitalize. Upon arrival at Faro Airport, board your group transfer to the luxurious villa and take advantage of some leisure time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings.
Please note: For a complimentary group airport transfer, please arrive at the airport between 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. If you arrive earlier or later than that time frame, you can book an add-on for individual transportation. (See add-on section for pricing and more information.)
In the evening, we’ll come together and meet the group at a sharing circle and learn about what shadow work is and is not. From here, we’ll enjoy a delectable welcome dinner and set our intentions for the week ahead. Together, we'll toast to a transformative experience in this peaceful country landscape.
Day 2
The Sacred Space
Experience the power of forest bathing in between meditation, shadow work, and communal connections
Rise with the sun on your first full day in Monchique, and spend this time connecting with your fellow retreaters. Together, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast and then transfer to the forest so that you can immerse yourself in the rejuvenating Algarve landscape on a guided forest bathing experience, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku. Stroll leisurely through the enchanting woodland, engaging your senses and deepening your connection to nature, while our passionate guide shares insights about the forest and mountains. This mindful practice, with its slow and meditative pace, has been shown to boost immune systems, reduce blood pressure, improve sleep, and alleviate anxiety and depression. Breathe in the healing power of phytoncides from cork oak, eucalyptus, and pine trees abundant in the Serra De Monchique region. This two- to three-hour experience also includes a tea ceremony and transportation.
What to bring: Water 1.5 lt, proper shoes (water proof), and sandals.
Once we return to the villa, we’ll have lunch and then participate in our first circle and sacred garden experience. Monica will take you on a deep journey into your sacred garden where you’ll discover:
- How you can best attend to your wounded inner child and create a safe space to engage with its Shadow Keepers
- Why creating this safe container is essential to moving into the next level of evolution in your relationships, work and life
- A process you can use daily to form an extra-ordinary relationship with your divine and human self
We will then take a deep dive into shadow work during our first workshop with Monica. She will teach us how to attend to your wounded inner child and create a safe space to engage with its Shadow Keepers. Creating this safe inner space is essential to moving into the next level of evolution in your relationships, work, and life.
We’ll close out the day with a sharing circle and community meal before we rest, allowing our minds to process and incorporate all that we’ve seen, learned, and experienced today.
Day 3
Meeting the Shadow Keeper
Dig deeper into shadow work with Monica and relax with a leisurely hike to an ancient hot spring
Our morning rituals will start our day, offering us time and space to wake up the mind, connect with our new friends, and nourish the body. Today, Monica will take you back in time where one of the biggest decisions of your life was made so you can recreate a new reality. You will:
- Have clarity of what shadow work is and is NOT
- Learn what Shadow Keepers are and what this has to do with your child self
- Uncover the origins of the decisions your child self is currently driving in your life
- Meet and release your Shadow Keeper from the burden they have been carrying
This will be a powerful morning for sure, one that will be rewarded with a uniquely relaxing nature excursion. We’ll discover a hidden gem in the remote hills of Monchique on a serene hot spring hike. This sacred 3 km hike, taken at a leisurely pace, winds through picturesque landscapes, crossing rivers and surrounded by lush trees, ultimately leading to ancient hot spring baths. Immerse yourself in the 27-degree celsius water, which has long been believed to possess healing powers. Dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, the springs attracted Portuguese royalty and countless visitors seeking the restorative properties of the waters. The Monchique Council has preserved this unique space, allowing guests to experience its rich history and rejuvenating qualities in a tranquil setting.
When we return from our adventure, we’ll close out the day with lunch, circles, and a communal dinner.
Day 4
Revelation Process
Discover the gold behind shadow work at a variety of sessions and free your body at a constellation movement experience
Rise and shine to a beautiful day at the villa, where your only responsibility is taking care of yourself. We’ll start our morning with intention and community, then nourish the body with a delectable breakfast.
In today’s shadow work sessions, Monica will help us uncover the gold behind the shadow. You will:
- Have clarity on your true fear, and learn how to shine a light on it by listening to its wisdom
- Use the power of the written word to integrate an aspect of yourself causing resistance in your life
- Find the light behind the darkness you are currently experiencing
- Learn a powerful tool you can use to do this process whenever you experience discomfort, resistance and emotions that lower your vibration
In the evening, Monica will host a constellation movement session to shake up our energy and bring joy into our hearts. We’ll close out this magnificent day with dinner, laughter, and cheer.
Day 5
The Blessed Gift
Forgive, release, and find freedom during our last day in Portugal
It’s our last full day at the villa, and Monica wants to ensure you leave here feeling like a new person, one that has been begging to break free and help you live the life of your dreams. Our morning rituals will set the tone, and our final shadow work sessions will solidify our hard work this week. As Monica guides you on the path of surrender in a way you have never experienced before, you will:
- Cut the cord of resentment that has been keeping you from experiencing true freedom
- Have the opportunity to allow the gift of forgiveness to emerge from a powerful place in your heart
- Come face to face with the person who has been holding wisdom that you haven’t yet been able to receive
Our final day will end with a farewell dinner and closing circle. This is the time to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished this week, toasting to a new perspective and new chapter in our lives once we return home. Soak it all in and let yourself smile all night long.
Day 6
True Journey
Close out the retreat with a morning reflection and offer gratitude for this life-changing experience
It’s been an incredibly transformative five days here at the villa, where we faced our shadows, comforted our inner child, and broke free from the shackles in our minds. Our final session will include a morning reflection and closing circle to showcase and solidify all that we’ve accomplished. From here, we’ll enjoy breakfast and take our group transfer to the airport to catch our flights. We hope you return home feeling like a new person, ready to conquer your fears, goals, and dreams. The true journey begins now…
Accommodation
Villa Foia
Villa Foia is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of the Monchique Mountains, in the Algarve region of Portugal. The hotel is situated in a stunning natural setting, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking mountain views. The property features 12 spacious and elegantly decorated guest rooms, each with its own private balcony or terrace overlooking the mountains. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Facilities at Villa Foia include an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, a fitness center, a sauna, and a hot tub. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine made with fresh ingredients from the region. Guests can relax in the hotel's beautiful gardens, take a walk in the surrounding mountains, or enjoy a massage or spa treatment at the on-site spa. The hotel also offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: Twin Beds.
Included
5 nights at Vila Foia
Double occupancy in accommodation
All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Snacks & tea served all day long
Group transfers to/from Faro airport
1 group airport arrival transfer to villa
1 group airport departure transfer from villa
Daily workshops & activities with Monica
Forest bathing & hot springs excursion (transportation included)
Not included
Flights
All food not mentioned in inclusions
Personal expenses not stipulated
Optional add-ons
Gratuities
FAQ
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Please check the on this itinerary page for specific details.
Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?
Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.
If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.
Do I need a passport for this trip?
A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.
What's included in the price?
Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.
Available add-on
Single room upgrade
Looking for more privacy? Upgrade to a single room for the duration of the retreat.
Price: EUR 540
Sold out
Private airport arrival transfer
If you are arriving earlier than 3:00 pm or after 5:00 pm on Day 1, book an individual airport transfer from the airport to the villa.
Price: EUR 144
8 spots left
Private airport departure transfer
Book an individual airport transfer from the villa to the airport to leave at the time of your choosing.
Price: EUR 144
8 spots left
Private session with Monica
Book a private session with Monica and dig deeper into your shadow work.
Price: EUR 183
Sold out
Private session with Catarina
Book a private Akashic Abundance Activation session with Catarina to amplify your radiance and receive energetic integration support.
Price: EUR 333
8 spots left
Private "post-retreat" session with Monica
Book a private 90-minute "post-retreat" session with Monica Pelayo.
Price: EUR 333
8 spots left
Pre-trip extension (Sep 2 - 3)
Extend your trip with an extra night at Vila Foia. This add-on includes a night in a double occupancy room with twin beds and breakfast.
Price: EUR 155
Sold out
Cancellation policy
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until June 28, 2023. If the departure is cancelled out of your control, you will be alerted by June 28, 2023 and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip up until June 28, 2023 for a refund, excluding the deposit. After this date, no refunds will be given.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
- Tonight, come together for our first meal as we enjoy an inviting welcome dinner. - Juliette F
- Vila Foia - Vila Foia
- Vila Foia - Vila Foia
- Vila Foia - Vila Foia
- Welcome to Monchique, Portugal - a charming mountain town that's filled with nature, peace, and harmony. - Wikimedia Commons
- Add-on: Private room upgrade - Vila Foia
- Vila Foia - Facebook: Vila Foia
- Vila Foia - Vila Foia
- Immerse yourself in nature and hike to an ancient hot spring. - Unsplash: Jake Melara
- Come together for a farewell dinner, a time to celebrate all that we've accomplished here in Portugal. - Unsplash: Maddi Bazzocco
- Add-on: One-way private airport transfer - Unsplash: Jessica Furtney jessicamaephotographyga
- Add-on: Pre-trip extension (Sep 2 - 3) - Vila Foia