Getting Ready
for Your Retreat:
everthing you need to know
Getting Ready
for Your Retreat:
everthing you need to know
Transport:
How to Get Here
Located on the famous Algarvian coastline, the retreat center is 2 kilometers from the city center of Lagos. A few minutes away are some of the region’s most beautiful beaches, gorgeous cliffside hiking, and internationally acclaimed surfing spots.
Both the Lisbon airport and Faro airport will require you to go through customs to enter the country, but both airports are easy to navigate and friendly to tourists. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months if you are traveling from outside the EU. Some countries (Kuwait, for example) DO require a tourist visa so double check. US and Canadian passports do NOT require a tourist visa to enter Portugal.
We are happy to help you arrange transport! The closest airport is Faro (50 min drive) and if you arrive in groups we can arrange pick up and drop off for you. From Lisbon the best way to get here is to take a taxi from the airport (about 10 euros, 15 min drive max) to the Oriente bus station. From there, express buses leave almost every hour to Lagos (approx 3 hours 45 min) and cost between 5-20 euros. We can arrange a pick up from the Lagos bus station for you if you send arrival times. I don’t recommend trains from Lisbon as you need to switch trains in Tunis and it can be confusing.
Portugal is a SUPER safe country so you don’t need to worry about crime, especially violent crime. Keep an eye on your belongings as always, but there is absolutely no need to worry and personal safety! You can travel anywhere and feel secure.
UBER and BOLT are both great in Portugal! Car rentals are a good option if you plan to explore on your own. The roads are well maintained and it’s very safe to drive. Generally Portugal is a super safe country with friendly people who are always happy to help if you get lost.
From Lisbon, the price is usually around 250 euros in a private car, one way, with up to 4 passengers. From Faro it’s around 75 euros for up to 4 passengers one way. It does vary between seasons and times, but this gives you a general idea. Trains and buses are closer to 15 euros per person one way (and sometimes round-trip).
From Lisbon
Train
For booking a bus or train from Lisbon or Faro, Omio is the best resource!​
​They also have a mobile app. Trains take about 4 hours but you have to change trains at the Tunis station and it can be slightly tricky. It requires you to pay close attention as the signs aren’t great and the conductors don’t always announce the upcoming stations.
Bus
Buses from Lisbon usually take between 3.5-4 hours. We highly recommend the bus! It’s a straight shot! The rede-express buses are best as they all have bathrooms!
Oriente is the closest bus station to the airport but Rodoviaro is only slightly further so you can choose whatever time suits you best. Give yourself one and a half hours to get to the bus from the Lisbon airport once your flight lands.You will probably need less, especially if you don’t have checked luggage, but that way you’ll be more sure not to miss your connection if your flight is delayed. You can also check at the bus station if you arrive earlier than expected for a bus that leaves sooner.
Car Rentals
Car rentals are relatively easy and the roads are good from Lisbon to Lagos. Most of the way is on a major highway so it’s an easy drive (about 3 hours). If you plan to go off the beaten path and you want to explore solo, car rentals are a great option. Lisbon is typically cheaper than Faro for car rentals.
From Faro Airport
Bus / Uber
There are public shuttles and buses to Lagos a few times a day. Uber also works well and is usually around 75 euros one way straight to the retreat center. If you’re in a group of 2 or more I recommend grabbing an Uber/Bolt. From the center of town in Lagos, it’s about 5 euros to get to the retreat center with Uber or a taxi. We are happy to arrange transport for you if you let us know your arrival information in advance. Buses from Faro are typically around 2 hours and cost between 10-20 euros per person.
To check the bus schedules anywhere in Portugal, you have these two recommended sites:
Car Rentals
Car rentals are also easy from Lisbon and Faro airports and the roads are good. It’s about a 50 minute drive to the retreat center on major highways from Faro and about 3 hours from Lisbon. The standard companies operate close to the airport and have transport buses to and from the airport.
Staying Connected:
Internet & Phone Services
The retreat center has excellent fast wi-fi 24/7 as do all of the surrounding villas. If you’d like to set up an e-sim before you arrive so you can use your phone when you’re not at the retreat center, I highly recommend downloading the app called Airalo. You can pre-order e-sim cards and it’s super inexpensive. If you don’t own your phone, check with your current cell service before you leave to get a pre-paid plan. Vodaphone is the major carrier in Portugal.
What to Bring:
Essentials for an Unforgettable Retreat! Your Packing Checklist
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Passport (be sure to make a copy to carry with you and take a digital image)
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A visa if necessary (not needed from anywhere in the US, Canada, Europe, Israel and most other countries but China, Kuwait and a few others require a tourist visa before you enter Portugal)
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Cash and/or debit card for personal purchases (massages, alcohol and photo shoots etc need to be paid in cash so we recommend getting some at the ATM at the airport. Depending on what you want to do while you’re here, 200 euro should be plenty!)
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comfortable training clothes and at least one long sleeved training shirt in case mornings are chilly
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Non-training clothes for your excursion days and evenings
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One warm jacket or sweater (if can get chilly in the evenings)
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a water bottle you can refill
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Ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper and sharing a room
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a bathing suit and sunglasses
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A camera
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Sunblock and a sun hat
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Bug repellent if you’re sensitive to mosquitoes (the studio is partially open and sometimes at dusk we have a few mosquitoes around)
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Any medications you need from home
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Feminine supplies
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Comfortable walking shoes (especially if you plan to do any hiking or biking!)
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A costume (if your retreat ends in a student showcase or you would like for the photo shoot)
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An adaptor for european outlets
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Feminine supplies
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Please download whats app as that’s how we will set up the groups for communicating while you’re here. Once you’ve got it on your phone, please send Meredith a message at +351-918-888-142 with the name of your retreat or teacher and I will add you to the group.
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No vaccines are required at the House of Honey for training. If you do feel ill, we ask that you let us know immediately and take precautions to protect the others in the group.
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We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your flights and the retreat as we cannot offer refunds once you’ve booked. If it’s more than 3 months away, we can try to rebook you for another retreat but we cannot refund the money unless we find someone to replace you. We will do our best, but we cannot guarantee it.
Things We Supply:
Essentials for Your Comfort
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Sun umbrellas for the beach
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Luxury bed linens and blankets
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Bath and pool towels
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Shampoo, conditioner and soap
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Meals, drinks, & snacks
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Rosin/chalk, aerial equipment, yoga mats ​
If you need Personal Items
You will find bank ATM’s, pharmacies and shops in Lagos. We will be happy to call you a taxi for your personal errands. Taxis to town cost about 10 euros round trip in the daytime and 15 euros round trip at night.
Note: It is best to bring all the items you need (especially for the first few days) so you don’t have to spend your vacation time searching for things in town.
Money Matters:
How to Manage Cash, Costs, and Tips in Portugal
Most everyone will want/need some cash in euros. There are cash exchanges and ATM’s in the airport in Lisbon and Faro. We recommend you to go to the ATM at the airport if you have time. There are cash exchanges in Lagos if you need them but it’s a pain. Many places in Portugal DO NOT take credit cards so it’s good to have some cash while you’re here. If you cannot get money at the airport, there are bank ATM’s in Lagos.
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How much money should I take out of the ATM?
Since most ATM’s charge an international fee, it is better to get all the money you will need in one trip to the ATM (ideally the ATM in the Lisbon or Faro airport). Here is a general list of things you may want to purchase on your trip.
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Massage – 85-150 euros (1-1.5 hours)
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Gifts – 100 euros
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Beer/cocktails – average beer is 5 euros, cocktails are around 10 euros
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Extra excursions (transport costs are usually between 20-50 euros and cost ranges from 50-150 depending on what you choose)
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Extras (taxi rides for personal adventures/errands, etc) – 50 euros
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Tips for our hard working service staff -Suggested Tip is 50 euros for a week long retreat
Get more euros than you think you will need. If you have euros left over at the end of your stay, you can leave them as a tip for the chefs/cleaning staff. Also Portugal is known for its beautiful cork products, high-quality linens and hand-painted pottery so you might want to bring some souvenirs home!
Laundry:
Tips for a Hassle-Free Stay
Please pack enough clothing for at least one week. Since you will probably sweat a lot, you might want to change your clothes during the day too. Washing machines are available but it’s nicer not to have to wash clothes while you’re on vacation.
Food:
Nourishment for Mind and Body
All meals are made with fresh, local produce, grains, nuts, eggs, fish and meat. Our philosophy is that what you put in is what you get out. We believe that the fuel you use to fill our tank has a massive impact on both your mental and physical health. Our goal is to eat simple, healthy and delicious foods. We focus on whole foods as much as possible and work around your training schedule to give you ample time to digest and recover.
We strive to accommodate individual needs.
Please tell us in advance if you have any allergies and/or food restrictions.
Breakfast
We provide everything you need to make a simple (pre-workout) breakfast for yourself. You’ll find fresh bread, yogurt, eggs, oatmeal, granola, seasonal fruits, jam, peanut butter, milk and cereal.
Lunch and Dinner
Lunches and dinners will be catered and served according to your training schedule and excursions. There is also a snack during the day.
Dessert is served most nights (unless your retreat has opted to eat out).
Special Food Needs
We strive to maintain a sustainable and balanced lifestyle. We do our best to incorporate food that supports your well-being, especially when it comes to protein, fiber and gut biome health. We also do our best to consider the health of our planet, which is why we buy local food and goods whenever possible. Our meals consist largely of fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and beans. Animal protein is offered once per day. We also offer vegetarian/vegan protein options of beans/rice, tofu or eggs. If you require more protein, we suggest bringing protein supplements.
Snacks
We serve a snack once a day – usually fruit shakes, wraps, homemade protein bars or something that will give you energy without being too heavy in your gut. The time varies depending on your training schedule but we will let you know ahead of time. If you have specific snacks you like, please feel free to bring them from home.
Explore Lagos:
Your Gateway to Adventure and Relaxation
The House of Honey retreat center is located about 1.5 kilometers from the charming Old City of Lagos, the oldest working port in Portugal. Nestled just above the scenic Algarvian coastline, the retreat center is a prime base to enjoy local activities such as surfing, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, sailing, kayaking, fishing, wine tasting, horseback riding and much more!
Speak to us before you arrive to plan outside excursions. We can help you get organized so you can maximize your training and touring!
If you’d like to do some shopping, there are numerous grocery stores within a 5 minute drive and Uber is about 7 euros into town. You can also walk into Lagos through the back gate of the studio (25 minute walk).
Excursions:
Discover Unforgettable Day Trips to Complement Your Retreat
Here are some of the day trips we recommend doing during your stay here at the House of Honey Retreat Center. Some excursions may be included while others require payment. We will let you know ahead of time so you can plan appropriately.
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Beaches – There are literally dozens of stunning beaches to explore.
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Ponte de Piedade (beautiful cliff bridge just outside of Lagos)
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Wednesday Night Market –this little farmer’s market in downtown Lagos sells locally made goods as well as locally grown produce. You’ll also find a variety of food trucks (our favorite is the falafel!)
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Sunset Horseback Ride on the Beach
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Kayaking Trip through the grottoes along the coast
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Lagos Old Town for shopping
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Praia de Burgau (charming fishing village and stunning beach)
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Luz Beach (lovely town right on the sand called the ‘beach of light’)
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Parque Aventura Climbing Center with ziplines
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Surfing – Portugal is world renowned for its fantastic, consistent waves
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Dolphin Boat Watching Tour
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Walking Tour of Lagos
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Day Trip to Monchique (or mountain biking for the adventurous!)
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A Day at the Zipline park
Sagres -
Sagres, the southernmost point in Europe and a great place for beach sunsets and surf town vibes as well as an old castle you can explore
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Aljezur and Amoreira Beach (30 min drive away, great for a day trip!)
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Mountain biking (endless trails in this area and plenty of places to rent electric bikes)
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SUP board (you can rent your own or go in a group; usually the boat trips have SUPs on board too)
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Rock Climbing (pre-planning and booking required but beautiful cliffs in the Algarve for intrepid climbers!)
Nightlife:
Explore Lagos After Dark! Live Music, Street Performances & Bars
Although Lagos isn’t famed for its nightlife, you will find a large variety of street performers and musicians in the old town as well as a few bars. There are some nightclubs that have live DJs too and the city is super safe to walk around anytime.
Safety:
Stay Safe! Tap Water, Travel Tips, and Precautions
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The water is safe to drink from the tap
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Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world but do keep an eye on your bags and cell phone in town
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Swim with a buddy in the daytime
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Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are recommended
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Uber and bolt are completely safe anytime, day or night
Drugs, Medicines & Alcohol:
Respectful Enjoyment and Health Safety Guidelines
At House of Honey, we encourage self expression, joyous celebration, and a respectful community. If you enjoy drinking alcohol, you are welcome to do so as long as you respect your peers – especially if other people do not choose to drink. Please also keep in mind that it might affect your training so moderation is advised.
We do not tolerate the abuse of any drugs or medicines (legal or not). If a participant breaks our policy regarding substances, drugs and/or alcohol, they will be required to leave without refund or credit.
All participants are required to inform us if they take any medications, the names of the medications being taken, and whether they are prescribed by a physician or someone else.
Mental & Emotional Health:
Supporting Wellness in Body and Mind
The House of Honey Retreat Center encourages a healthy lifestyle and the creation of a safe and supportive community environment during retreats. We will not tolerate shaming or judgement.
Regular therapy sessions can support mental and emotional health. We recommend the Better Help app to receive online support at home and while traveling.
Donations:
Supporting Local Communities, Your Donation Makes a Difference!
After visiting another aerial retreat center in Mexico (Casa Changa) and meeting the wonderful Kerri Kazenski who runs Sweet Retreats, we were inspired to create more opportunities for local Portuguese children and adults to enjoy the studio. Like Mexico, Portugal is a poor country and most locals cannot afford aerial classes and retreats.
Therefore, we are currently in the process of starting a Social Circus Program for local children to participate in aerial classes and Portuguese citizens to attend aerial retreats. Any donations you make towards this will be given 100% to the scholarship funds. In 2026, we are hoping to raise enough to provide at least 1 full scholarship to a retreat and to sponsor at least 2 local children for classes during the year.
If every student on a retreat this year donates between 10-50 euros based on their ability, we should be able to reach our goals for 2026.
This is a new program and we are still working on the web page but it should be up and running soon. Funds for this can be made in paypal. Please label this #socialcircusfund
Please make sure to send it as “friends and family” Otherwise paypal charges a large fee.
If you would like to bring any clothing or books to donate we will happily distribute them to local charities.
Please feel free to email us with any specific questions.
Learn more about our Social Circus Program on our blog and support our mission!