February 2026
Dear All,
At the end of May, we will host our second Phoenix Rising retreat in Alvisquer, Portugal, with places for eight women. The retreat begins Thursday afternoon, the 28th of May and concludes on Monday the 1st of June.
The theme for our retreat this year is ‘Life’s Design’ and we will support our participants to plan and prepare towards a new chapter in their lives. I am a strong believer in creating and designing our own reality, and this retreat will create space for you to create meaningful change in your life, however big or small.
We all live in a modern reality which places many demands on us, leaving little time to identify what it is that we truly desire. Zoe and I will support you to focus on what you need most to flourish and thrive. During our Masterclasses on ‘Life’s Design’ we will consider key areas of growth and transformation, including those relating to career, family, romance, well-being, and creative expression.
Circle of the Seven Senses was founded to highlight the crucial role our senses play in cultivating inner peace and wisdom. The sensations channelled through sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell bring us firmly into the present moment. Our senses serve as a conduit for our emotions, and they enable us to express ourselves authentically.
Phoenix Rising Retreat will immerse you in your senses. We are offering four-star, luxury accommodation in Cabanas de Tavira on the Algarve coast, Masterclasses in ‘Life’s Design’ at a beautiful retreat space ‘Villa Azul’, and sense-activating activities including a visit to the picturesque Roman town of Tavira and the Salinas Mud and Salt Spa to bring you peace and restoration.
Each day, we encourage you to consciously breathe in the beauty of the Algarve – the wonderful food, the warmth of the sand under your toes, the fresh sea air, and the sights and sounds of charming Cabanas de Tavira. By focusing on our six senses, we will activate our seventh sense of hope, our inner Phoenix! You will leave Phoenix Rising Retreat with a plan to help you continue the journey you begin while in Portugal, a journey to engender peace, well-being, and the full expression of your natural essence.
Liesl King & Zoe Birch
Tavira, Phoenix Rising Retreat 1
Here’s a sneak peek at the itinerary, subject to adjustments as needed:
Arrivals Day 1: Thursday 28th of May
- Airport pick up
- Welcome and Introductions
- Masterclass in Life’s Design at Villa Azul
- Dinner in Cabanas de Tavira
Villa Azul, Alvisquer, Portugal – Phoenix Rising Retreat ‘base’ for 2026
Day 2: Friday 29th May
- Masterclass in Life’s Design at Villa Azul
- Lunch at Villa Azul
- Excursion by boat to Cabanas Beach
- Beach walk
- Creation of shell mandala
- Free time
- Journal, rest, walk, explore
Aim: To access inner wisdom
Day 3 – Saturday 30th May
Roman town of Tavira
- Masterclass in Life’s Design at Villa Azul
- Excursion to Tavira, Roman town
- Street Wisdom activity
- Lunch
- Sightseeing/shopping
- Treatment/massage from Elle Day Spa (optional)
- Free time: Journal, rest, walk, explore
Aim: To become attuned to messages from the external world
Day 4: Sunday 31st of May
Salinas Mud and Salt Spa
- Masterclass in Life’s Design at Villa Azul
- Visit to Salinas Mud and Salt Bath
- Free time: Journal, rest, walk, explore
- Dinner in Cabanas de Tavira
Aim: To set a clear commitment in one direction
Departures Day 5 – Monday 1st of June
- Free time depending on flight times
- Lunch in Cabanas de Tavira depending on flight times
Masterclass Activities:
- Spiral and Awaken
- Lifeline Review
- Meditation for Manifestation
- Literary Divination
- Oracle Card Reading
- Reflective Journalling
- Planning for Transformation
Oracle Card by Illustrator Hannah Kenyon
| Retreat Investment: £1,440 single room with ensuite and breakfast; 4-star accommodation. A £300.00 non-refundable deposit will secure your place. Please enquire re cost if you and a friend would like to attend and share a double room with ensuite. | Investment Breakdown: Fees can either be paid in full when booking in 2026, or in two monthly instalments at the end of March and the end of April, following the receipt of the £300.00 non-refundable deposit: 31st March 2026: £570.00 30th April 2026: £570.00 Note: Full payment of fees is required by 30th of April 2026. Instalments can be refunded in a case of an unavoidable cancellation, minus cost of accommodation cancellation fees. |
| Includes: | Does not include: |
| Transfers to and from Faro airport | Airfare to and from Faro Airport |
| Masterclasses in Life’s Design at Villa Azul | Evening meals |
| Accommodation in single room with ensuite and breakfast | Treatment/Massage at Elle Day Spa |
| Lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday | Boat ride fare to Cabanas Beach – £3.50 |
| Taxi fares to and from activities listed | Entrance fee to Salinas Mud and Salt Baths – £14.00 |
| Gift bag with meditation stone |
Email: liesl@circleofthesevensenses.co.uk to book. We currently have four places out of eight available – we recommend that you book now to avoid disappointment. Please liaise with us before you book your flight and travel insurance.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Liesl King is the founder of Circle of the Seven Senses. As an academic, writer and retreat leader she aims to facilitate consciously embodied, sense-centred experiences to engender personal and collective transformation.
Zoe Birch is a People & Organisation Development Professional and executive coach, who co-founded York Coaching Circle in 2011. Zoe aims to provide an oasis in a busy world, by creating a sense-centred space where people can slow down, reconnect with their sense of self and listen to their inner wisdom.
Contact information: liesl@circleofthesevensenses.co.uk and zoe.clare.birch@gmail.com See Instagram Circle_of_the_Seven_Senses