Medication
We wish for all our guests to feel safe during their stay with us, especially those in recovery.
Due to the therapeutic nature of our community we expect some of our guests will be bringing psychotropic and pain medication with them. Since we do not have medical staff onsite to manage and dispense these medications, we ask you to do the following:
Drugs and Alcohol
We realise you are coming to a geographical area rich in good wines; however, in efforts to keep our community safe for all those choosing to be with us, and our confidence in the value of our thoughtful programming to help you reset your life, we ask the following:
Minimum stay
Resilience Path: The minimum commitment to the Resilience Path is 28 nights. We see the best results with clients who stay 3 months.
Wellness Path: The minimum commitment to the Wellness Path is 14 nights.
Rest and Rejuvenate Path: The minimum commitment to the Rest and Rejuvenate Path is 7 nights.
Extensions: Extensions are possible after your arrival. For the Resilience or Wellness Path, a conversation is required with your counsellor or coach. For the Rest & Rejuvenate Path, simply inquire at the front-office for availability.
General requirements:
Please note, due to the structure of our program we are not able to support certain mental health conditions .
Clients who have a history with substance abuse are required to be substance-free and alcohol-free for at least 15 but preferably 90 days prior to beginning their program with us, and for the entire duration of their stay. This includes benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium or Xanax) and/or other opiate-type medications or sleeping pills. If in doubt, please check with us.
The minimum prior sobriety period will be decided on a case-by-case basis during the application process.
Disclosure policy:
We require full disclosure on the application form. In the event of nondisclosure of any relevant information, we reserve the right to ask you to leave without a refund
Food and meals
At New Life Portugal we serve three buffet-style meals per day. The dishes feature plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. The food is mostly vegan or lacto-ovo vegetarian. Meals may also include light meat or fish options from time to time. Dishes will be marked clearly to show if they are vegan, vegetarian, or contain meat or fish. We serve minimal processed foods. We try our best to cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences. However, due to the large range of ingredients used in our kitchen, we are not able to guarantee that all our dishes are allergen-free. If you have special requirements, please feel free to get in touch to see how we can best meet your needs.
Accommodation
All the accommodation at New Life Portugal consists of ensuite rooms. Sheets, pillowcases, towels, and duvets are provided. There are reading lamps, a refrigerator, sink, floor heating, and private bathrooms with warm showers in every room. Soap, shower gel, facial tissues, and a refillable water pitcher are also available for your convenience. Hair dryers are provided upon request. Rooms are professionally cleaned and sheets and towels changed once per week.
Things to Bring
1. Casual clothes suitable for outdoor activities, meditation, and yoga
→ May to September: light summer clothing with some layers in case of cooler evenings
→ Autumn and winter: warm, waterproof clothes and shoes suitable for rain or snow
2. A rain jacket, umbrella, and waterproof shoes
3. A light, comfortable outfit you don’t mind getting dirty for working meditation in the garden/farm/outdoors
4. A swimsuit and flip flops for the pool and sauna. Indoor tennis shoes for the gym
5. Sturdy shoes for outdoor activities, sports, and working meditation
6. A reusable bag for shopping
7. A refillable water bottle
8. Personal medications you might require, especially if you have a difficult-to-fill prescription (please make sure to check regulations about bringing prescription medications to Portugal)
9. Torch or flashlight
10. An alarm for the morning
11. Sunscreen
12. Insect repellent
13. Enough cash for transport and basic necessities (there is no ATM onsite)
Visas
Members of certain non-EU countries are able to receive a 90-day visa exemption stamp in their passport upon entry to the EU. Citizens of some countries are also able to apply for a 90-day Schengen visa.
We strongly recommend that you contact the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country to check the entry requirements and find out what visa you may need, as policies and requirements are subject to differ.
Further information about the Schengen visa for non-EU citizens can be found at the following link: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/portugal-visa/
Travel Information
Please visit our Guide to Travelling to New Life for information on how to get to New Life Portugal.
| Rest and Rejuvenate | Wellness Path | Resilience Path | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Enjoy peace and tranquility | Physical wellbeing & Mindfulness | Emotional support |
| Counseling sessions |
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2 per week |
| 1:1 with life coach | Optional extra | 1 per week | Optional extra |
| 1:1 with meditation teacher | Optional extra | 1 session of choice per week | Optional extra |
| 1:1 with somatic trainer | Optional extra | Optional extra | |
| Psycho-educational / experiential workshops | 3 per week | 3 per week | 3 per week |
| Body-mind immersion workshop | 1 per week | 1 per week | 1 per week |
| Exclusive offer for this path |
60 minute massage (1 p/w)
Weekly mindfulness group
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Wellbeing Path excursion (1 p/w) | ‘Deepening’ the theme of the week workshop; Transitions group. |
| Group yoga / meditation classes per week | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Weekly community nature activity (weather permitting) |
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| Peaceful, private ensuite room |
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| 3 nutritious, balanced meals per day |
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| Research-driven nature-based and community activities |
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| Access to our luxurious facilities, including heated pool, sauna, gym and meditation hall with 360° views of the mountains |
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| Morning sharing and guided meditation sessions (Mon-Sat) |
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| Evening activities such as body scans, relational awareness groups, life story groups, movie nights, games nights, and women's and men's groups |
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| Weekend activities such as half-day workshops or retreats, cultural excursions, tours, and nature excursions |
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| Unlimited coffee, tea, and refreshments |
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| Length of stay | minimum 7 nights | minimum 14 nights | minimum 28 nights |
| Pricing normal room | €357 per night | €298 per night | €256 per night |
| Pricing premium room (terrace with a view) | €379 per night | €320 per night | €278 per night |
| Minimum Cost (Standard Room) | €2499 per 7 nights | €4172 per 14 nights | €7168 per 28 nights |
* All fees include VAT and apply per person, per night
** Group excursions organised with external partners may incur additional fees
Optional Extras
Feel like indulging in a massage? Want to make the most of your time with us by adding extra sessions? The custom options on our Wellness Menu are ideal if there are any special areas you’d like to focus on, or if you’d like to fit more activities into your wellness retreat with us. Please enquire about cost and availability.
Sharing Rooms
Traveling with a partner? Relationships are vital to wellbeing, as is compassionate care for oneself, from which our energy to care for others springs forth.
We invite you to take a moment to consider how you can most benefit from your time with us, and if, perhaps, that includes gifting each other with separate rooms and time truly alone with yourself. Our relationships support us but can also distract us. Sometimes the most profound gift we can give ourselves is to stay with ourselves for a given time, undistracted.
For this reason we suggest the following:
Resilience Path: We strongly recommend separate rooms to give you the space to process, day and night, all that might be coming up for you during your stay.
Wellness and Contemplative Living Paths: Separate rooms recommended.
Rest and Rejuvenate Path: Separate rooms optional.
Double Occupancy Fees
Resilience Path: €424.96 per night including VAT for a Standard Room & €461.48 per night including VAT for a Premium Room (terraced with a view)
Wellness Path: €494.68 per night including VAT for a Standard Room & €531.20 per night including VAT for a Premium Room (terraced with a view)
Rest and Rejuvenate Path: €592.62 per night including VAT for a Standard Room & €629.14 per night including VAT for a Premium Room (terraced with a view)
The maximum occupancy is two persons per room. If you would like to enroll in a different program than your room partner, please enquire about the cost.
What’s not included:
Optional excursions or trips to town, custom sessions and activities, special workshops or retreats, visa expenses, travel/transportation costs.
About our fees:
New Life Portugal was established with the help of generous sponsors and loans from the Tourism Authority of Portugal and the EC-funded Portugal 2020 program. These supporters saw the benefits our centre would bring to the Serra Da Estrela region and the local community. As a social enterprise, 100% of your fees go directly towards operational expenses, repayment of loans, program improvements, and other projects to improve human and environmental wellbeing.
Read more about our Social Initiatives.
See our FAQ: Fees and Payments
Payment and Payment Conditions
Booking confirmation
If you are arriving within 30 days of your booking, In order to confirm your place in the program, we require full payment within 3 working days or your booking will be automatically cancelled
If you are arriving after 30 days of your booking, a non-refundable 25% down payment is accepted and full payment of your reservation must be completed within 30 days of your arrival or your booking will be automatically cancelled.
Changing your arrival or departure date
Once you have paid, your booking is secure. If you decide to change your arrival or departure date after this, our cancellation policy will apply.
Failing to meet requirements at check in or during your stay, or providing incomplete or inaccurate information on your application form.
You will be asked to leave New Life Portugal. No refunds will be issued under these circumstances.
Extensions
Extension requests are not considered firm bookings. Payment should be made within 48 hours of the request in order to secure your room or the extension will be automatically cancelled.
Ongoing payment
If you are staying more than one month, the first month’s fees are required to complete your booking. The balance for each subsequent month’s stay is due at least two weeks before the end of each month.
Time away during your stay
If you temporarily decide to leave New Life Portugal for any reason during your booked stay (e.g. weekend away, vacation, visa application, etc.) you will be charged the full rates during your time away. In this instance, the cancellation policy does not apply and no refunds are possible.
Changing program paths
Program changes are subject to room and staff availability. Program changes must be approved by our administrative team. Participants in the Resilience Path wishing to change programs should also first seek confirmation from the counselling team prior to submitting their request to the office. Balances will be carried over between programs.
Non-attendance
No refunds are possible for missing or not attending therapy sessions, workshops, mealtimes, or any other activities.
Late or non-payment
Please make all payments on time. In the case of late or non-payment, we reserve the right to release your room for new bookings.
Please make sure to settle your balance (if any) before you leave. Late or non-payment will impact future extension requests and/or program applications.
Cancellation policy
Transaction fees apply. The cancellation and refund policy is not applicable to time away.
Time until arrival Refund amount:
30 nights or more 100% (minus transaction fee and non-refundable payments)
0 – 29 nights 50% (minus transaction fee and non-refundable payments)
Changing arrival date
If you need to change your arrival date for any reason, we ask you to contact us as soon as possible so that we can accommodate your request.
If you change your arrival date for any reason 14 nights or more before arrival, no charge will be incurred.
If you change your arrival date less than 14 nights before arrival, we reserve the right to charge a fee corresponding to our cancellation policy depending on the reason for the change, at the discretion of our administration staff.
All arrival date changes are subject to room availability.
Our address is: Caminho das Regadas 1
Folgosinho, Gouveia 6290-081
Portugal
DRIVING:
Porto: Approximately 2 hours
Lisbon: Approximately 3.5 hours
Madrid: Approximately 4.5 hours
If you have any questions about how to reach us, our team will gladly assist you with your enquiries.
CAR TRANSFER:
|
NEW LIFE GROUP SHUTTLE |
PRIVATE CAR TRANSFER FROM PORTO |
PRIVATE CAR TRANSFER FROM LISBON |
|
|
Description |
Travel directly to our centre in our comfortable new van with a trusted driver. |
Book a transfer with one of our reputable partners. |
Book a transfer with one of our reputable partners. |
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To – From |
Porto Airport – New Life Portugal |
Porto Airport or downtown Porto – New Life Portugal |
Lisbon Airport or downtown Lisbon – New Life Portugal |
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Cost |
€70 for a one-way trip |
Go Travel Anywhere: €250 one-way (car) €300 one-way (van)
Local Taxi: €160 one-way (max. 4 persons) €210 one-way (max. 8 persons) |
Go Travel Anywhere: €480 one-way (car) €530 one-way (van)
Local Taxi: €275 one-way (max. 4 persons) €315 one-way (max. 8 persons) |
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Duration |
Approximately 2 hours |
Approximately 2 hours |
Approximately 4 hours |
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Schedule |
Sundays and Wednesdays |
Flexible |
Flexible |
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Additional information |
Arriving guests: Our shuttle will depart Porto airport at 2.30 PM. Our team will coordinate with you about this shortly before your arrival date. Departing guests: The shuttle departs from New Life Portugal at 9:30 AM and arrives at Porto Airport approximately 2 hours later. Please remember that you will need to be at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight. Spaces are limited so we kindly ask you to book well in advance. |
Please let us know if you’d like us to organise your transfer. |
Please let us know if you’d like us to organise your transfer. |
BUS + TAXI:
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BUS FROM PORTO + TAXI |
BUS FROM LISBON + TAXI |
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Description |
Rede Expressos bus company + local taxi |
Rede Expressos bus company + local taxi |
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To – From |
Campo 24 de Agosto bus station – Gouveia bus station – New Life Portugal |
Sete Rios bus station – Gouveia bus station – New Life Portugal |
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Cost |
Approximately €16 for a one-way bus ticket + around €20 for a taxi from Gouveia bus station to New Life Portugal |
Approximately €20 for a one-way bus ticket + around €20 for a taxi from Gouveia bus station to New Life Portugal |
|
Duration |
3 to 4 hour bus ride depending on stops + 30 minute taxi ride |
4.5 to 5.5 hour bus ride depending on stops + 30 minute taxi ride |
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Schedule |
Please see the Rede Express website. |
Please see the Rede Express website. |
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Additional information |
Campo 24 de Agosto bus station is a 30 minute drive or a 45 minute subway ride from Porto airport. The journey may involve multiple transfers. After arriving at Gouveia bus station you will need to take a taxi to New Life Portugal (30 minute drive). |
Sete Rios bus station is a 15 minute drive or a 45 minute subway ride from Lisbon airport. The journey may involve multiple transfers. After arriving at Gouveia bus station you will need to take a taxi to New Life Portugal (30 minute drive). |
TRAIN + TAXI:
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TRAIN FROM LISBON + TAXI |
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Description |
Comboios de Portugal + local taxi |
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To – From |
Lisbon Apolónia station – Gouveia train station – New Life Portugal |
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Cost |
Approximately €25 to €40 for a one-way bus ticket + around €20 for a taxi from Gouveia train station to New Life Portugal |
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Duration |
4.5 to 6 hour train ride + 35 minute taxi ride |
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Schedule |
Please see the Comboios de Portugal website. |
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Additional information |
Lisbon Apolónia train station is a 15 minute drive or a 40 minute train/bus ride from Lisbon airport. The journey may involve multiple transfers. After arriving at Gouveia train station you will need to take a taxi to New Life Portugal (35 minute drive). |
LOCAL TAXI SERVICES:
|
Name |
Contact details |
Additional information |
|
João Vieira |
+351 966 104 380 |
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|
Francisco Gabriel |
+351 967 509 237 |
Speaks English |
Please note that travel costs and durations are approximations and subject to change.
Our community is a unique hybrid of guests, staff and visitors from all over the world who collectively create a space where incredibly powerful transformation occurs.
The unique nature of our model presents both challenges and opportunities we must mindfully navigate as a community. To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all, we have outlined the below guidelines that we expect all staff, guests, and visitors to abide by.
Terms and Conditions
All guests must agree to abide by the New Life Portugal Payment Conditions
Liability
Guests will inform staff immediately if damage occurs or threatens to occur in rooms or in communal areas. New Life Portugal guests are liable for any damage caused directly or indirectly by them personally except when the damage is the result of normal wear and tear.
For every damage caused by the guest which gives rise to extra cleaning- or washing services an additional compensation will be charged. Guests are responsible for any reparation or replacement of damaged furniture curtains, decorations etc. or damage to the room or dorm itself.
Guests are not allowed to make changes or deface their room(s) or communal areas in any way.
New Life Portugal does not take responsibility for any damages or theft in our car park.
New Life Portugal is not responsible for the loss of guest’s belongings and objects.
New Life Portugal’s liability is limited to the value of the agreement or compensation which will be paid to New Life Portugal by a third party or the insurance company as compensation for any damage or loss incurred.
New Life Portugal cannot be blamed for any contractual shortcoming if it was the result of force majeure situations for which New Life Portugal is not liable, such as (non-exhaustive) strikes, fire, public-sector actions, terrorist threat, etc.
New Life Portugal is not liable for any damages that may happen that affect the guest or their belongings, resulting from activities in which the guest participates including (but not exhaustive) hiking, cycling, kayaking, sauna, steam, spa and swimming pool, etc.
Lost property
We request that you do not leave any valuable items unsupervised in communal areas.
Objects found in the rooms or communal areas will be kept by New Life Portugal for three months after check-out. If you left or lost something you can contact the front office with a description of the item lost during your stay up to three months afterwards. If the item was found, New Life Portugal will try to return it to you safely. After the period of three months New Life Portugal becomes the owner of these objects.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited on site apart from in designated smoking areas, this includes all communal areas, accommodation rooms, balconies and terraces. New Life Portugal is authorised to charge the guest to pay for cleaning, laundry and deodorisation costs due to non-compliance with this rule.
Check-out and non-authorised guest policy
Check-out time is 12:00 pm. In the event of non-compliance with the check-out time, New Life Portugal reserves the right to request compensation from the guest, corresponding to the daily rate of the room in question.
Guests cannot invite non-guests onsite or to accommodation rooms without prior authorisation.
Access to rooms
In the context of regular cleaning as well as in case of an emergency, New Life Portugal will have access to the rooms and communal areas at all times, as well as for safety reasons or in case of a well-founded suspicion that a guest is performing illegal practices or actions infringing the Community Guidelines, Terms and Conditions.
Pets
New Life Portugal does not accept pets.
Facilities
New Life Portugal facilities are for guest use only. Guests are advised to use the facilities, including use of sauna, steam and pool facilities during opening times only. Sauna, steam and pool facilities are unsupervised, therefore guests use these at their own risk.
Guests are asked not to adjust or alter any setting of pool/spa equipment without instruction by staff. Any damages caused by guests manipulation of pool/spa equipment will be at the guest’s expense.
New Life Portugal is not responsible for any damage caused by the incorrect use of its facilities by the guest.
Guests must inform staff of any incident or situation that affects the safety, health or integrity of the guest or others.
Staff service areas
Guests cannot go to staff service areas, or restricted interior or exterior areas of the site that are marked as such, that are sealed or that are indicated as staff service areas.
Protection of personal details
New Life Portugal guarantees protection of guest’s personal details in accordance with the applicable directives and legislation.
Use of the Wi-Fi network
During your stay you can use the New Life Portugal Wi-Fi network. Since the Wi-Fi network is accessible for all guests and visitors, we recommend you to install an antivirus programme and firewall on all your devices.
It is strictly forbidden to visit pornographic or illegal websites, to infringe on intellectual property rights, or to disseminate confidential or sensitive information.
To guarantee the quality of the Wi-Fi network it is not permitted to use or install private networks or routers.
New Life Portugal does everything required to guarantee the operation of and access to the Wi-Fi network at all times. However, (temporary) unavailability, due to technical or other disruptions, cannot be excluded. Use of the New Life Portugal Wi-Fi network occurs on your own responsibility. New Life Portugal is not liable for damage, loss or costs resulting from any unavailability of the Wi-Fi network.
Safety and Security
The guest must follow all security instructions provided by New Life Portugal.
Pathways on the property are clearly marked, guests use non marked routes at their own risk.
Fire routes and emergency exits
The required fire routes, fire exits and fire escapes are provided on site.
Please do not leave any items behind near fire routes, fire exits and fire escapes. These emergency exits must be free and fully accessible at all times. Moreover, using emergency exits without there being an emergency is strictly forbidden.
If explicitly stated, fire and emergency doors have to remain closed at all times.
Force Majeure
In case of force majeure New Life Portugal has the right to suspend execution of the agreement without the guest being able to demand any compensation from New Life Portugal.
Among other things, force majeure includes: strikes, fire, public-sector actions, terrorist threat, storm, flooding or water damage and general electricity, water, gas or internet disruption.
Insurances
New Life Portugal insures the premises for its full establishment value. This is with an approved insurance company and for the entire duration of the agreement for at least the following risks: fire, flooding, storm, earthquake, water damage, explosions, electrical risks, etc.
The guest is responsible for the insurance of their own personal belongings.
Applicable law and disputes
Portuguese law is applicable to any dispute between parties relating to the interpretation or execution of the Community Guidelines, Terms and Conditions.
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*Pending availability and only for stays that start before 31 March. Not applicable to extensions or weekend retreats.
