Xintara Retreats is set in the magical location of Sintra in Portugal, known since ancient times as ‘Mons Lunae’ – the mountain of the moon.
We host and provide quality retreats in a fabulous location in the Sintra mountains. If you are looking for a week of calm reflection or the opportunity to try something new then please have a look at what we have to offer.
We can also help you if you are a retreat leader and are looking for a wonderful location to run your retreat.
Our team
The Xintara team will look after you during your stay. From delivering yoga classes, managing your excursions to cooking your food. Whatever you need, we will provide. Hosting retreats in a Sintra paradise is a tough job but someone has to do it!
Our history
Nestled in the glorious UNESCO protected Sintra mountain range, Xintara is a 16th century manor house and monastic retreat. Sintra itself is steeped in history and each of our rooms is named after those who fell in love with the region.
Our Quinta
Xintara comprises two Quintas which have been owned by the Bryers family since 1981. They have been lovingly restored and provide luxury accommodation for up to 20 guests along with 2 swimming pools, extensive gardens and terraces as well as a private chapel.
Yoga & wellbeing retreats
Our yoga and wellbeing retreats will give you the opportunity to step away from the world and focus on pure relaxation. With twice daily yoga sessions from qualified yoga teachers, yoga nidra and meditation, wellbeing coaching and holistic massage therapy you can’t help but treat yourself and unwind.
Culture & cuisine retreats
Our Culture and Cuisine breaks are designed to give you a privately guided insider view of the amazing cultural highlights of Sintra in combination with a delicious daily menu prepared by our Chef. We invite you to treat your cultural senses and taste buds to a unique and memorable experience.
Arts retreats
Our Arts retreats benefit from the unique backdrop of the natural beauty of Sintra’s coastal mountain range and Xintara’s stunning gardens. Whether it is painting a watercolour of the Quinta from the forest or taking photographs of a dramatic coastal sunrise, this is an ideal opportunity to relaunch your artistic aspirations.
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Watch Michael Portillo at Xintara Retreats on Channel 5 – Saturday 05/04/25
We are so excited to finally reveal that Michael Portillo visited Xintara Retreats as part of his tour of Portugal. Jonathan our co-founder, who’s family own the Quinta, explained the history of the region and the importance of the Quinta to Michael. The Quinta was originally owned by Gaspar de Cisneros, a noble Knight of […]
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Businesses wellbeing retreats launched to restore harmony for stressed out workers and reconnect remote teams
The last year has presented many challenges for businesses as they navigate changes caused by the pandemic. The toughest task has arguably been how to manage a team of remote workers. From maintaining company culture to prioritising employee wellbeing, there are numerous considerations leaders need to focus on when employees are no longer in the […]
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Carpe Diem Regained
If there is one book you should take with you on a retreat, it should be Roman Krznaric’s enlightening Carpe Diem Regained. The term ‘carpe diem’ –or seize the day- has been popularised through the film – Dead Poets Society, with the late Robin Williams playing an inspiring and maverick English teacher called John Keating. […]
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The Mysterious inverted tower of Regaleira- and the Masonic Templars
Quinta da Regaleira is a Quinta located near the historic center of Sintra and a 25 minute walk from Xintara. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO within the “Cultural Landscape of Sintra”. Along with the other palaces in the area such as the Quinta do Relógio, Pena, Monserrate and Seteais palaces, […]
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Hiking the hills of Sintra and ….walking the Path.
Xintara incorporates in its retreats a number of walking and hiking options across the coastal hills of Sintra. The physical act of walking especially in a beautiful landscape has well-recognised health and mental benefits. The dramatic coastline in this area north of Lisbon reflects the meeting point between a wild and turbulent Atlantic sea with […]
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The Inspiration of Poets
Follow Lord Byron to Sintra’s ‘Garden of Eden’ The Romantic poet Byron is regarded as one of the greatest English poets and travelled extensively. His poems are often quoted from differing parts of Europe but Sintra appeared to have a special place in Byron’s heart. George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron FRS (22 January 1788 […]
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The Sacred Spaces of Sintra….and Mons Lunae
Some places have a special, and what some might call, sacred, feel about them. Sintra certainly falls into this category. If you are going to get away for a retreat to somewhere special, then Sintra certainly ticks a lot of boxes. It is often worth understanding and appreciating a bit of the history and culture […]
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The discovery of a Paradise on Earth…and Xintara.
One of the first things people ask us is where does the name Xintara come from. The name –‘Xintara’ (pronounced Zintara) actually comes from the old Moorish name for Sintra, which is the unique and magical place where we hold our retreats. Sintra is located only 30km north of Lisbon, and roughly halfway up the […]
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Tread lightly in the footsteps of monks….
The Xintara retreats are located at Quinta Sao Bento, an original 16th Century Portuguese Quinta in Sintra, Portugal. For many hundreds of years, monks came here to recharge their batteries and now in the modern age you too can have a similar experience although in somewhat more comfort and splendour. We only know about the […]
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