Recognized as one of the world’s top 10 detox retreats by The Times in 2016, Moinhos Velhos Detox Yoga has been transforming lives for over 30 years. As one of Europe’s first detox programs, its expertise is woven into every aspect of the retreat, guided by a skilled and compassionate team.
Blending science with spirit, the experience is both deeply therapeutic and uplifting, fostering a sense of community while supporting personal transformation.
Highlights
- Daily yoga classes
- 3 fresh juices and 1 broth per day
- 4 daily supplements to aid cleansing
- Evening meditation and workshop sessions
- Personal use of colonic cleansing equipment if indicated
- Day trip to the beach or Lagos each week
- Nutrition and Holistic wellness workshops
- 7 nights accommodation
Duration (nights)
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Program
The juice detox program at Moinhos Velhos is inspired by the pioneering work of Bernard Jensen, Swami Sivananda, and Dr. Gerson, whose studies in cleansing and detoxification reshaped modern approaches to natural healing. Building on those foundations — and blending them with the rejuvenating power of yoga, meditation, and fasting — Moinhos Velhos created one of Europe’s first comprehensive detox yoga retreats back in 1992.
Over the years, the program has continued to evolve, guided by decades of experience supporting people from around the world in restoring balance and vitality. It’s designed as a holistic journey for body, mind, and spirit, combining natural detoxification with mindfulness and movement to reset your entire system.
Whether you come seeking physical renewal, emotional clarity, or a deeper connection to your health, each element of the program contributes to a full-spectrum detox — gently supporting your body’s own ability to cleanse and heal. It’s equally valuable for those who simply wish to deepen their understanding of natural wellness practices and carry that awareness into everyday life.
Reasons to Join
People come to Moinhos Velhos for many reasons — to detox, heal, reflect, and start anew.
Some of the most common motivations include:
- Releasing toxins and improving digestion
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Reassessing life direction or purpose
- Supporting weight loss naturally
- Quitting smoking or other addictions
- Strengthening long-term health and energy
Benefits of Juice Fasting
The juice fast is at the heart of the Moinhos Velhos detox process. During fasting, the body naturally burns through and eliminates accumulated waste, and when supported by nutrient-rich, alkaline juices, the cleansing becomes deeper and more efficient.
Participants often experience:
- Higher energy levels and vitality
- Stronger immune function
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Balanced blood pressure and cholesterol
- Sharper memory and focus
- Better appetite and weight regulation
All juices are freshly prepared using seasonal produce, ensuring a balance of vitamins and minerals that nourish your body while cleansing the nervous system. For those who wish to enhance the detox process, a self-administered gravity colonic system (Clysmatic) is available to help cleanse the lower intestine gently and naturally.
Yoga and Detox
Yoga is central to the Moinhos Velhos program. Each session is accessible to all levels — from beginners to experienced practitioners — and guided by skilled teachers who understand the body’s changing needs during a detox.
Gentle movement, stretching, and deep breathing help the body process and eliminate toxins, stimulating the lymphatic and circulatory systems and promoting natural energy flow. As your body releases what no longer serves it, the mind follows.
Yoga also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting you into a state of rest, repair, and rejuvenation — where true healing can occur. The deeper you detox, the more profound your yoga practice becomes, creating a powerful cycle of renewal.
Meditation, Movement, and Relaxation
Evenings are dedicated to relaxation and inward exploration. Workshops may include sound baths, mindfulness sessions, movement practices, or a traditional Sivananda-inspired fire ceremony — each designed to clear energetic and emotional blockages.
These sessions complement the physical detox by helping you release stored tension and find mental clarity.
During the day, there’s plenty of time to rest, swim, enjoy therapies, or take quiet walks through the surrounding nature. Once a week, the group visits one of the beautiful local Algarve beaches for sea air and sunlight.
Guests can also enjoy films, wellness talks, and sauna sessions in the early evening — or simply embrace the silence and stillness that the retreat offers.
Therapies
A wide range of holistic treatments is available to support detoxification and balance. Each therapy assists in releasing toxins, calming the nervous system, and restoring inner equilibrium.
Options include:
- Various styles of massage
- Acupuncture
- Thai massage
- Craniosacral therapy
- Lymphatic drainage
The on-site sauna further supports cleansing by stimulating circulation and promoting detox through the skin.
Included Excursions
Once a week, the retreat includes an outing — either to the charming coastal town of Lagos or to one of the Algarve’s stunning beaches, depending on weather conditions. It’s a refreshing change of scenery that perfectly complements your inner renewal.