Mama Baby Retreats

This is a warm invitation for you to join us on this postpartum retreat, be lovingly taken care of yourself and have the time to indulge yourself in relaxation and recovery and connect with other moms. Soak up the good vibes in our beautiful quinta with a big garden, enjoy the most delicious food that will nourish you deeply and enjoy some time for you! You can come solo with your baby, or bring your partner, a close friend or family member along to support you on your retreat.

Receive – Share – Restore

Highlights of the postpartum retreat include:

• Daily Postnatal yoga classes
• Pelvic/Postpartum strengthening workout
• Birth story sharing circle
• Parent sharing circle
• ‘Closing the bones’ (postpartum period) ceremony
• Postnatal Pelvic check/massage or Relaxing Postnatal full body massage
• Delicious nourishing meals 3 times a day made with love by our amazing chef
• Romantic stay in a beautiful unique quinta
• Babysitters present during the day to assist during meals, classes, massages & activities.
• Online recorded postnatal yoga classes leading up to the retreat & a reunion class after the retreat

and dreamy extra’s to add to your retreat, like:

• Option for extra 1 on 1 babysitting
• Cranio-sacral ostheopatic therapy for babies
• Acupuncture
• Photoshoot
• Deep tissue massage
• Personal one-on-one Postnatal Nutrition session
• Activities to book extra like a surf class, ice bath/sauna experience, mountain biking, etc.
• Any transfers (also to/from the airport) with baby seat

Sign up through the link below and be the first to know about new dates, have your exclusive first pick of rooms and receive special discounts when they are there.

• You will be treated to Postnatal yoga or postpartum workouts to combine both strength & softness. Together we focus on bringing back presence and love into the womb, recovering & strengthening your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, relieving and opening shoulders and chest, learning tools to calm & reset your nervous system and creating a sacred space for you and your baby (you can join classes with and without baby).

• Our expert doula Sara is present to support you at any time, and will also facilitate a birth story sharing circle, and parent sharing circle where we touch aim to support you in the shadow sides and all the ‘no-one-told-me’s’ of parenthood. She will nourish us with a hands-on ritual that is called ‘closing the bones‘, where we bind, rock and close the bones of the pelvis after birth, massage the belly and giving lots of blessings to the Mama’s.

• You receive a massage treatment as a gift, and can choose for either a Pelvic physio massage from our specialist Marta or a relaxing full body Postnatal massage from our doula Mayra. The pelvic physio massage focusses on checking the state of your pelvic floor and diastasis and relieving possible pain from the pelvic area and muscles after birth. If you would like to experience more treatments, you can add a treatment to your retreat off course.

• We have a specialist, Gabriela, in Osteopathy and cranio-sacral therapy for babies. A gentle but extremely effective approach to treat various conditions, leaving your little one soothed, relaxed and happy. She can treat for example any stresses or strains that may have happened during birth, that can make them unhappy or unsettled.

• All the necessities for your baby like baby beds, bed barriers, baths and high chairs are available. You can make use of one of our loving and experienced babysitter, for if you would like some time here and there for you. They are there as extra hands, but you can also book them one-one-one for your baby.

Testimonials

“I can’t thank you enough for facilitating the retreat and bringing together a group of witches/wizards. It has given me so much healing and peace from within. The closing bones ceremony was completely life changing for me. I truly believe that it was the right time, with the right people. I loved all the extra details that you had thought out. I really loved and appreciated the baby-sitters. They were the main attraction for the retreat, allowing myself and Joe some time. I loved the daily exercise classes, whether it was yoga or post-natal pilates. I felt the special attention to pelvic floor exercise was excellent! I loved the extra timings for additional activities like photographs, massages, facial lifts, etc. It was flexible yet very organized. I liked that you can pay the baby-sitters for specific sessions but also that they are available throughout the day/mealtime as extra hands. Love to you, Luca, Mila and Lou. From Hester, Joe & Phoenix”

“A big thank you from the bottom of my heart Lisanne. You created a wonderful atmosphere. You know what a mother needs, that’s what we all needed this week. For a mother, the feeling of being held, cared and nurtured for, that what every mom gives but not often receives. You gave it to us, giving us space to lay down, relax and feel ourselves. All this you made possible, it’s so unique. I had expectations, but what really happened was much more, much deeper, more healing than what I expected. The place is so wonderful, the garden, there is so much spirit, the vibe so good, the food so so amazing. I felt so much peace with everyone, it felt like we were one big family, together with the babysitters, your family, your mom and the rest of the team. And this really was because of you, you created this. I felt so much love from you during the whole retreat, you were so relaxed but present all the time. Everything was so perfect, the concept was perfect from beginning to end. You brought the best people together to take care of us. I feel so powerful and nurtured now. Lisanne and all the mama’s, you created a wonderful energy, thank you so much for all the love. Severina & Levi”

“I loved the yoga, breathing, sharing, the birth story circle was super important me, a lot came back that I had been holding and had no time to process yet. I loved the chance to try so many different treatments. Thank you so much for creating this beautiful space for us dear Lisanne. I loved it so much. You are a star in heaven. It was SO nourishing & divine. I go back so rooted, grounded & strong with so much inspiration of this beautiful village. All my love to you and your beautiful family, Janina with Jonah.”

“I felt so good during and after this retreat. I think that what you are doing is a gift for all the mamas that take part in it. You are giving so many different things at the same time: a sense of community, feminine connections, precious moments with our babies. All of this is priceless and you do it so effortlessly that it looks like a real vacation. We need more of this in this world, so that every mother and child may not feel alone but embraced and welcomed. You have a natural talent Lisanne. Beatrice & Agata.“

“I absolutely loved the overall atmosphere and how safe and cared for I felt throughout the retreat. The activities were perfect, and everything from the accommodation to the food was amazing! The whole experience was so thoughtfully organized. There was a great mix of activities and downtime, even with a baby, so I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. I felt like I got so much value for what I paid, from the accommodation to the activities and the overall experience. Everything was thoughtfully planned and well worth it. I loved every single bit of it! It was such an amazing experience, and I’m grateful for all your effort in making it so special. Thanks again for everything! Sarah & Elijas”

“Well, Lisanne, you did it again! I’m not sure how, but you manage to attract beautiful blends of personalities from all corners of the globe into one picturesque village on the Portuguese coast. With the Babymoon Retreat, I thought it was a lovely coincidence how well everyone bonded in such a short period of time. Now, with the Mama Baby Retreat, I understand this is no coincidence. The energy you attract in mothers (and mothers-to-be), as well as coaches, facilitators, babysitters & staff, all has a similar vibe. But I believe the one point that hit hardest with me was the men in attendance with their partners and babies. We were not only welcomed into the Mama Baby classes but also given time on our own to share perspectives from various cultures as to what it means to step into our roles. I already had my own views of what it means to be a good father and husband; and none of that was negated. What I did hear from the other fathers, however, was nuanced shifts in perspective as they explained very similar ideas through various cultural lenses. These new insights, I hold dear. Lisanne and Team, thank you. Adam, Silvia & Kai Noah. And please keep us posted for the Mama Toddler Retreat.“

If you would like to bring your partner, a family member of friend

While our retreats are designed with mothers and babies at heart and many mama’s come solo, it’s so beautiful when dads come along to support, share, and experience these precious moments together as a family. Whether it’s a partner lovingly holding their baby while the mama enjoys a yoga session or a massage, or simply being present to embrace the journey of parenthood alongside each other, these moments are priceless.

The fathers bring such a calming, grounding energy, and their presence often deepens the bond not just with their baby, but also with their partner during this transformative and hectic time. Besides that we love the dynamic it brings to the group and to hear their side of the story.

But one of the most important aspects is the space it creates for the dads to share their thoughts and experiences about fatherhood, reflect on their role and exchange stories. Often, after the mama’s and babies were asleep, the fathers returned to the dining room to casually chat with eachother for awhile longer, just among them.

If you’re considering joining us, know that we welcome fathers with open arms, both in our babymoon as on our mama baby retreats. They can be fully present at the retreat joining all activities or working remotely from the retreat centre. It can also be another support person, like your own mother, a close friend, auntie, etc.

Because you will be able to share a room, we offer the second person in your booking a reduced price of €725,-.

Location

The Mamy Baby retreat is hosted at the most magical place in Ericeira, Portugal, with lots of space to enjoy yourselves in a big romantic garden, cozy houses and close to the village, ocean and beaches of Ericeira. And yet just a 40 minute drive away from Lisbon airport.

Our home away from home, Casa Paço d’Ilhas, an intimate, unique and charming retreat location. The cozy 8 accommodations feature comfortable beds, with mosquito nets, heating and an inviting touch to every detail. All nestled in the garden of this beautiful quinta.

You have the peace and tranquility of being in the countryside on a hilltop, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, yet you are only a 5-10 min drive away from the beaches and the picturesque fishermen’s village Ericeira in Portugal. Ericeira will steal your heart with all its romantic little streets, cobblestones and houses.

Food

Just like we given our care and love to every little detail of the retreat, the food we serve you is one of the most important. Each day of the postpartum retreat, our chef Mama Elizabeth pours her love into a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner, served buffet-style in the charismatic main house, complete with a bar and fireplace. There will be a box of organic produce of fruits and veggies, and a place to steam and prepare food for your baby.

Prices

We have different accommodation options, from whole houses to private ensuite room and private rooms with a shared bathroom.

From €1575,- for your own private room with your baby

Add your partner, family member, support person to your private room for a reduced price of €725,- extra. You pay for a 50% deposit to book, and pay for the remaining balance at a later stage.

We offer €100,- extra discount to all returning Mama’s that have already been to a Babymoon Retreat. Contact me for the special code.

Sign up through the link below and be the first to know about new dates, have your exclusive first pick of rooms and receive special discounts when they are there.

Booking & cancellation policy

• To secure your spot, a 50% advance payment is required upon booking.
• The remaining 50% is due 6 weeks (45 days) before the retreat start date, you will receive a notification by mail.
• For cancellations 90+ days prior to start of the retreat, a 100% refund will be given.
• For cancellations 30+ days prior to start of the retreat, a 50% refund of the total amount will be given.
• For cancellations less than 30 days prior to the start of the retreat, there is no refund. If the retreat is fully booked and the cancelled accommodation could be occupied by someone else, you will receive a 50% refund less a reasonable administration fee.
• Flights, travel costs, trip cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the price.

I hope you are as excited as I am. Any questions don’t hesitate to contact me through email or text.

Sample day schedule

The airport of Lisbon is only 40 minutes away of Ericeira. We can reserve a transfer for you from the airport with babyseat (or bring your own seat on the stroller), this is €70,- one way. It’s also possible to take an Uber. If you want to be more flexible, you can rent a car from the airport.

If you would like to come a day/some days earlier, or leave later, let me know and I can send you the possibilities based on the availability they have or help you find an accommodation around the area.

About me

My name is Lisanne, 37 years, and I am living since 7 years in Ericeira, Portugal, but born in the Netherlands. After teaching yoga for a few years, I had the desire to go much deeper into my ‘home base’, the root, our sacred pelvis. I had the feeling that I always felt a constant holding or bracing in my root and pelvic area. Dedicated to feel more relaxed in my root, I deepened my training in Pelvic yoga, as fascinated as I was later also Pre- and Postnatal yoga.

Guiding moms and expecting moms in the last years through yoga classes and bringing them together in an intimate group, has been the most profound feeling. There is a magical energy that is shared and felt.

In the beginning of 2022 I was lucky enough to be pregnant of my first. Somewhere in this journey of pregnancy, I dreamed of a retreat where I could go to while being pregnant. After one year of motherhood and the moms of the pregnancy retreats asking for a Mama Baby retreat, this is our creation.

Read more about my journey here.

Meet the rest of our loving team

Sara

Our doula Sara, a loved and respected doula who has made a significant impact on the realm of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care in Portugal. She loves how Motherhood can be sacred and transforming. The paths it makes us take, the adventures we encounter along the way, and the unexpected twists and turns. She recognises how the journey of motherhood acts as a vehicle for self-discovery and a powerful means of forging connections with others.

She is passionate about breathwork, and bodywork connected to pregnancy, birth and postpartum. She trained as a Doula in the UK with Nurturing Birth, and has the honour of witnessing babies being born in varied contexts, choices and situations. Her experiences have also sensitised her to the disparities in birth options available to women in different countries, prompting her to take action in Portugal. This led her to found the Portuguese Birthrights Association where she puts her energy into every day so that human rights in pregnancy and birth become reality in Portugal. More about her work here.

During the retreat, Sara’s presence will be invaluable in supporting you on your Motherhood journey. Her support will shine through as she facilitates a birth story sharing circle and will empower you to trust yourself and your baby. Together with her we celebrate you in a Closing the bones ceremony, which supports you in the physical and emotional journey of motherhood through ritual, bodywork and nourishment, like a massages of the belly and rocking, binding and closing the pelvis with fabric.

Marta

Meet Marta, our warm and experienced pelvic physiotherapist who brings a deep passion for women’s health to her practice. With over a decade of specialised expertise in this field, Marta has been dedicated to helping women and couples during one of the most transformative phases of their lives – pregnancy and postpartum.

In our retreat, Marta offers a unique one-on-one treatment that includes a check of your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. She will teach you how to strengthen your pelvic floor and core again. Includes a soothing massage of key areas such as the belly, hips, gluteus, buttocks, and lower back.

“Marta’s pelvic floor massage is special and I would recommend any pregnant woman to do at least one such pelvic floor massage during her pregnancy. In a short time, I learned so much about my pelvic floor and how to support it for smoother and easier labor. Also, the massage itself was effective and relaxing. Truly recommend her!“

Marta will also lead the postpartum strengthening work outs at the retreat.

Mayra

Meet Mayra, our doula, Shantala baby massage specialist, prenatal & postnatal massage therapist. Mayra is a compassionate and dedicated doula who is committed to providing unwavering support to women and families throughout their transformative journey from pregnancy to postpartum. Her mission is deeply rooted in her belief in the power of connection, care, and the profound impact of touch during this remarkable time in a woman’s life.

Her approach to touch goes beyond mere relaxation; it delves into the realm of connection, creating a bridge between a woman and her own body. Mayra understands that touch is not only a physical act but a means of fostering a deeper bond between a woman and her changing body, allowing her to fully embrace the experience of pregnancy & postpartum.

For our retreat, Mayra will offer her Postnatal full body massages, based on Ayurvedic Yoga massage, the treatment she offers is not only restorative but also promotes essential elements of well-being, including enhanced blood circulation, relaxation, and the flow of prana (life force energy).

“Mayra’s Ayurvedic massage was out of this world. I felt so much relaxation deep in my tissue and muscles and a great feeling of comfort during her treatment in a way that I entered a meditational state whilst being very clear and in my body. She has a magic touch and works with energy very consciously. I totally recommend any pregnant woman to treat herself with one of Mayra’s massages to connect deeper to her body and baby.“

Gabriella

Meet Gabriela, our cranio sacral therapist for your baby. She is a mother of two daughters and grandma of a little boy. Within Ericeira and surroundings she is called the Baby Magician, we are so happy to offer her services at the retreat for the health of your baby.

Her professional career started as being a physiotherapist, afterwards completing her Osteopathy studies. She then specialised in Biodynamic Osteopathy in courses on child treatment. By realizing that her best abilities lay in perceiving subtle energetic currents in the body, she learned to trust the healing power more and more and to accompany and support it in its process in the patient’s body with her attention. With this non-invasive, effective technique it is possible to resolve dysfunctions and traumas that have arisen during pregnancy, birth or through impacts afterwards, to restore harmony.

Her primary love is to treat the little ones, freeing them from restrictions early on in order to enable them to grow and learn in the best possible conditions. Caring for her little grandchild almost every day, she is amazed at the effect that even minor falls when learning to walk etc. have on the head and thus on the entire nervous system. 

Rosa

Meet Rosa, our pediatric physiotherapist with over a decade of experience. She holds a degree in physiotherapy, structural and pediatric osteopathy. Despite treating patients of all ages, her passion lies in helping newborns and supporting families since the first days of life.

She assists with a range of challenges faced by newborns, such as breastfeeding, reflux, and muscle tension discomfort, guiding them through each developmental milestone. Rosa firmly believes that early intervention can significantly reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal issues later in life.

As a Physiotherapist she works in enhancing human movement quality, Rosa prioritizes empowering her patients to comprehend and optimize their own movements in their daily lives. Thus, her main work tools are manual therapy, exercise (clinical pilates) and patient health education.

Bruna

Meet Bruna, our sweet and joyful photographer. She loves to record feelings and people’s stories in a free, true, and simple way.

‘Photographing people is a constant inspiration for me, I learn every day with my sensibility I am able to navigate through different scenarios and capture feelings, expressed in every detail, look, and emotion. The main focus of my work is to use natural light to capture candid moments with elegance and authenticity.’

Being a photographer is much more than capturing moments of people’s life, it’s being connected with them. She creates a safe and easy atmosphere, which makes the experience very pleasant.

In your retreat you have the option to book a photography shoot with Bruna. If you would like to do so, it’s best to let us know beforehand. Contact us to receive more info about prices etc.

More about her work here.

Reviews

Some kind words of some of the women I have had the honour to have had in my groups/retreats over the past years.

” I can’t thank you enough for facilitating the retreat and bringing together a group of witches/wizards. It has given me so much healing and peace from within. The closing bones ceremony was completely life changing for me. I truly believe that it was the right time, with the right people. I loved all the extra details that you had thought out. I really loved and appreciated the baby-sitters. They were the main attraction for the retreat, allowing myself and Joe some time. I loved the daily exercise classes, whether it was yoga or post-natal pilates. I felt the special attention to pelvic floor exercise was excellent! I loved the extra timings for additional activities like photographs, massages, facial lifts, etc. It was flexible yet very organized. I liked that you can pay the baby-sitters for specific sessions but also that they are available throughout the day as extra hands. Hester, Joe & Phoenix”

“I feel so powerful and nurtured now. Lisanne and all the mama’s, I have no words for this. Thank you so much. My last card was ‘ Connect with other mothers’, that’s what we did and the energy is amazing. Lisanne, you created a wonderful energy, thank you so much for all the love. Severina & Levi”

“I loved the yoga, breathing, sharing, the birth story circle was super important me, a lot came back that I had been holding and had no time to process yet. I loved the chance to try so many different treatments. Thank you so much for creating this beautiful space for us dear Lisanne. I loved it so much. You are a star in heaven. It was SO nourishing & divine. I go back so rooted, grounded & strong with so much inspiration of this beautiful village. All my love to you and your beautiful family, Janina with Jonah.”

“I absolutely loved the overall atmosphere and how safe and cared for I felt throughout the retreat. The activities were perfect, and everything from the accommodation to the food was amazing! The whole experience was so thoughtfully organized. There was a great mix of activities and downtime, even with a baby, so I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. I felt like I got so much value for what I paid, from the accommodation to the activities and the overall experience. Everything was thoughtfully planned and well worth it. I loved every single bit of it! It was such an amazing experience, and I’m grateful for all your effort in making it so special. Thanks again for everything! Sarah & Elijas”

“This retreat was exactly what I needed. Starting each day with yoga and ending it surrounded by beautiful mamas at the dinner table. There’s nothing like it. The flow and connection just felt so right. I am so grateful to have taken part in such a wonderful experience. From the amaaazingly gentle but deeply felt touch during the prenatal massage to spending my afternoons in the sun reading. I was able to truly tap in and just be in my powerful pregnant body. I am filled with gratitude. Thank you to all the lovely women who were apart of this team. thanks Lisanne. xx. Myriada“

“Lisanne’s prenatal yoga classes and her babymoon retreat for pregnant women changed course for my pregnancy in a big way. I am much more connected to my body and physically becoming more flexible through her beautiful, soft, yet charging prenatal yoga classes. She acts with much awareness, connects to the babies in the bellies throughout the class, and radiates light. The retreat gave me so much insight into different aspects of my pregnancy and what’s coming for the labor and post-partum time that I am already eternally grateful for. For me, and for my baby. It also connected me to beautiful mothers and more therapists that I will stay connected throughout my pregnancy. Thank you, Lisanne, for following your passion and sharing your gift!” Eva Maria

“If you are pregnant this is the sign you need to book the most beautiful experience with other expecting moms ❤️ You will learn every single detail of birth/postpartum, you will feel relaxed and taken care of, and you will build a community of motherhood that we all need at this time in our lives. I absolutely recommend it! Thanks, Dani Silva“

“The retreat was simply wonderful.  It was above all expectations. The venue, the organisation, the energy, the activities, the food, wow, all amazing. It gave me lots of strengths for the upcoming months of pregnancy, and I feel that I’m much more prepared!! Thanks Lisanne for this and looking forward to the mommy-baby retreat 🙂 Have a great day!! Regards, Viki“

“I practice prenatal yoga classes with Lisanne and I love it. Each yoga class makes my day special. I feel so relaxed, calm after each class. Lisanne manages to bring some special atmosphere in every class. After each session, I feel so connected with my mind, my body, my baby.. it makes my day different. I absolutely recommend! | from Stasya Pakhomova“

“Lisanne’s attention to movement, the body and spirit is impeccable. Lisanne embodies the teacher we all need to encounter, during all phases of life, but most of all when we need to feel nurtured and loved – especially during and after pregnancy. Thank you. | from Kaylee Boraso“

“I found Lisanne when I was 10 weeks pregnant and in need of some movement and meditation. Her prenatal yoga classes are nothing short of divine ✨ The sessions kept me from feeling stiff throughout my pregnancy and the breathwork prepared me for quite a calm labour. Postpartum, I attended her baby & me yoga classes with my infant son and I found a happy balance between meditation and being with my baby. Lisanne is incredible, I can’t recommend her enough! | from Katie Sideris“

“I’ve been doing pregnancy yoga with Lisanne for the second time around 🙂 She is the most caring person with calming vibes, her classes are always a pleasure to go to✨ | Csilla Bognar“

Read more reviews.