It wasn’t that we didn’t face challenges, we did.
It wasn’t that there weren’t moments of tension, there were.
It wasn’t that life paused, some were moving through the hardest chapters of their lives.
But what made this retreat extraordinary was this:
Everyone arrived with a willingness to see things differently.
No one reacted from old patterns.
No one projected their pain onto others.
Instead, we observed. Softened. Opened to curiosity, to presence, to what binds us together rather than what separates us.
We each said yes to a new way of being.
Every year I say, “this was the best retreat yet” and every year, it’s true.
Because each group, each time, takes us deeper… into presence, essence and the sacred.
We practiced natural alignment shaping our bodies in harmony with sacred geometry within monastery walls steeped in stillness, layered with symbols that whisper to the soul.
We met the sunrise in silence, breathing with spirit.
We honoured the miracle of being alive through conscious movement.
We walked the cloisters in quiet contemplation, the sound of running water stirring memory within our cells.
We were held by ancient stones on sacred land surrounded by the ocean, nourished by jungle, birdsong and deep stillness.
We unplugged from the noise.
We bathed in sound that transported us on a profound inner journey.
We were nourished by food that was alive and loving.
And we remembered the sacred connection between body, mind and spirit.
What happened was harmony.
A deeper harmony within.
A palpable harmony among us.
What happened was healing.
Postures softened and opened.
Minds reconnected with forgotten parts of the body.
Aches and pains eased, some disappeared.
Bodies moved in ways they never had before.
Smiles grew wider. Roots deepened. Hearts opened.
We left feeling lighter, brighter and more connected to ourselves, to each other, to life.
What happened was a portal opened.
A frequency of harmony, happiness and health was activated.
And we’re still buzzing from it.
Here are a few testimonials from the recent Azores Bliss Retreat:
“This retreat was magical, phenomenal, mind-blowing. The accommodation, the history of the monastery, the fantastic sessions guided by Saskia, the delicious food and the amazing group all combined into an unforgettable 6 days of pure joy. I highly recommend Saskia’s teaching and this retreat, it is one of the best I have ever attended!”
“I came to this retreat after a challenging few weeks of stress and anxiety, my body reflecting the turmoil in my head. I left calm, relaxed, full of joy and excitement that I now have the tools to take better control of my life. My body feels clean and invigorated and my mind clear and focused. Thank you Saskia.”
“I have never been on a retreat like it. Saskia created a warm, friendly environment where we were all at ease and easy friendships were formed immediately. The convent was an extraordinary place to be and the retreat was far more spiritually profound than I was expecting. The yoga felt intuitive and restorative, the food was plentiful and delicious, but by far and away the sense of connection to myself and others was incredible. I felt like a new pin afterwards.”
“The Azores Bliss is a fully immersive Yoga retreat. The teaching, meditations, venue and food all made it a multi-sensory experience. Saskia provides a lot of support and guidance. I’ll be back!”
“Azores Bliss was a totally wonderful and rounded experience. Saskia worked out the itinerary to perfection planing a range of excursions around a variety of different natural alignment and meditation practices.. sound baths, massages and more. The setting of the convent was extremely impactful and became more so over time, the feeling of the stone underfoot, the history … it felt like a refuge and we were safe. The food was healthy and delicious, we couldn’t wait for every meal. I have know Saskia for nearly 15 years and it was such a joy to be in a retreat with her again with a wonderful practice which I believe is going to put me back in control of my body and get rid of all the aches and pains which are troubling me over the last years, really looking forward to the next retreat and in the meantime will be following Saskia with my new practice on line.”
“A large part of this retreat was the intention to reconnect with my closest girlfriends. One doesn’t really know what to expect from a quite big group of strangers. It has been a wonderful surprise to find that the special magic created by all these amazing women has surpassed even our wildest dreams. Nothing was forced, nothing was pried out of us, no uncomfortable silences nor feelings of being left out. Saskia has guided us together, all you needed was an open mind and an open heart. Forever grateful and can’t wait until the next chapter.”
“Saskia is an exceptional person and teacher. She is very generous , has extensive physical and spiritual knowledgeable and is deeply committed to her students. The retreat was a deep opening up for me, to the natural alignment practice and to myself and looking more inward. I am so grateful to have Saskia as my guide to a new way of being.”
“I consider this week of study and contemplation, the practice of the postures and the healthy food and diet to be transformative. I’ve continued with my daily practice for 90 minutes each morning. All an affirmation of the ability to grow and adapt.”
We’ll meet again next year on sacred land in the middle of the ocean.
The monastery awaits.
28 May – 2 June 2026
Full details here: https://saskiagriffiths.com/azores-bliss-26/
Let me know if you feel the call!
