We proudly label Vegetarian-Friendly trips with a special tag to make them even more visible. Responsible consumption is important to sustainable tourism.

Vegetarian-Friendly Trips | Yugen Earthside

The "Vegetarian-friendly" tag represents tours that specifically cater to vegetarians who can enjoy meals aligned with their preference with no detrimental impact on their experience.

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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

This small-group, ethical & carbon-offset climb takes you up Mount Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho Route. Carbon removals included!

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route | Yugen Earthside

This small group (max 12) ethical and carbon-offset climb takes you up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho Route. 

The Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for your climb as it balances low traffic with beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Most of our clients use this route and love it. The 8-day Lemosho Route is particularly well-suited for mature travelers due to its pacing.

The total trip length is 10 days: arrival day, 8-day climb, departure day.

There are many routes by which you can conquer Kili! If you're looking for a specific length or difficulty of climb, contact us about the best route options. 

6-7 day climb routes: Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe, and Marangu.

8-10 day climb routes: Lemosho, Northern Circuit.

Safaris can range from 2-6 days. Depending on the length, you can visit Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks. Contact us to customize your Climb & Safari package.

Summit the tallest mountain in Africa via a less-trafficked path

Enjoy healthy, fresh-cooked meals designed for climbers

The Lemosho Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. About halfway through, the route joins the Machame route for the second half of the climb. 

As you climb, you'll be nourished by three full meals daily. We provide plentiful, fresh food on the mountain and it’s well prepared by skilled professional chefs who join us on the trek. We also consider the choice of food that you would prefer (vegetarian and non-vegetarian). The menu is specially designed for climbers.

The best time for this ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climb is June through October and December through March. The best time for big game viewing on a safari is June through October, January, and February.

June through October will have less rain than December to March. Temperatures are relatively consistent year-round (around 75-80°F / 24-27°C), being on the warmer end from December to March. Please note that this route is very popular, which means it can be crowded at times - this can cause it to lose some of its splendor. Unfortunately, traveling during the shoulder season during April, May, and November is not advisable due to bad weather that can cause safety hazards.

Please ask us about less-trafficked routes (like this one!), which help promote tourism dispersal, for a different and more off-the-beaten-path climbing experience.

Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Drinks and beverages at the safari lodge.

Airport taxes (amount depends on where you’re flying from).

Visa fees, to be paid upon arrival (ranges from $50 to $100 USD).

Personal hiking/trekking gear – you can rent some gear in Tanzania.

Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets.

2-way transfer to/from Kilimanjaro Airport.

2-way transfer to and from the route gate(s).

3-4 liters of mineral water (per climber) provided daily during the climb.

Hot drinks and hot water for washing are provided daily during the climb.

Guides, cooks, & mountain support crew for your trek.

Pulse Ox meter for blood-oxygen level readings, carried by the chief guide.

Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).

Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).

Emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter (see Health & Safety section).

Kilimanjaro National Park rescue team fees.

Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.

Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.

Sleeping bag rental (Mountain Hardware Lamina, synthetic -30F): $50 per person.

Telescopic trekking poles rental: $20 per trip.

Extra porter (personal porter) for excess gear: $30 per day.

Extra night at the hotel: $90 for double occupancy, $70 for single occupancy

Climbing Assistant Guide - $10 to $15 per day.

Climbing Porters - $6 to $10 per day per porter.

We pride ourselves on taking good care of our mountain crew, who make our climbs possible, and also giving back to our local community in Moshi.

We focus on organizing responsible and ethical tours that make places better for people to both live in and visit. Our dream is to combine community development with cultural tourism and conservation. We believe that the tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world's natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities.

We are a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania and for every climbing trip done with us, we offset the carbon impact and travelers will receive their carbon offset certificate. We provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate some of our profits to planting trees in Moshi.

We do not indulge in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during the wildlife experiences. We stay at hotels that use or are trying to use renewable energy and eco-friendly cleaning products. We also stay in tents during the climb.

Our company has created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals (porters, guides, chefs), which helps with Tanzania's unemployment problem. We do not believe in "cheap climbs." Our prices reflect fair and ethical wages for all. We do not exploit any of our Mountain Crew (porters, guides, and chefs), without whom our climbs would not be possible. To ensure this, we are a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) which requires that our Mountain Crew are paid fair wages, receive proper equipment and sleeping conditions, and are fed well. KPAP audits our climbs raises public awareness of fair treatment of porters. 

We also collaborate with KPAP to provide financial education to our Mountain Crew about saving, spending, and investing their money. We profit share with our community to ensure they benefit from the tourism revenue as well (for example, we support disabled children and help fund the building of schools.)

For every client, we ensure one child in Moshi gets health insurance for 1 year.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level! Insurance partners like World Nomads can provide this. Proof is required prior to arrival. This is needed in case an emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter is required.

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route

A classic surf and yoga retreat with a sustainable twist! Hosted at an eco-retreat center, it includes a massage and an organic winery visit.

[7 days] Sustainable Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat | Yugen Earthside

A classic surf and yoga retreat, but with a sustainable twist! This experience is for people that want to do a little bit of yoga, a little bit of surfing, and then relax with a little bit of wine. 

Enjoy daily surf lessons and yoga classes accessible to all levels. Then, indulge yourself with delicious healthy food, local wine from a different small producer each night with dinner, and a deep healing massage on the welcomed rest day!

Come join us on this active nature escape and have fun! You'll unwind in a beautiful natural setting and learn about the local culture, all while getting to know new, fun people throughout your stay.

These laidback 7 days will fly by at this magical eco-retreat in southern Portugal's Alentejo region!

Daily yoga sessions in an open-air Shala in the woods

An hourlong massage with our Goddess Masseuse, Jana

Healthy brunches and dinners; vegetarians happily accommodated

Plenty of optional activities (for an additional cost)

This sustainable surf and yoga retreat is nestled in a historical rural village off the beaten path, yet located only a 15-minute drive away from the beach. You will stay at a beautiful property surrounded by nature where the hosts will welcome you like old friends. They will tell you about the history, traditions, and local culture of the area while taking you through the beautiful landscapes of the countryside and coast.

Get out of the city and feed your adventurous side by learning to surf (or improving your surfing skills!), and then find your sense of calm with daily yoga sessions. You will be delighted at how well yoga and surfing go together to strengthen and relax your muscles, improve your balance and focus, and, most importantly, make you feel great!

Yoga: The five, 75-minute yoga sessions take place in an open-air Shala in the woods. You'll be taught by Nina, a certified instructor who will tailor the classes to each person’s ability. There will be modifications suitable for beginners as well as those looking to challenge and advance their yoga practice.

Surfing: First-timers, beginners, and pros are all welcome. During your four surf classes on the beach, the group will be divided into beginners and those who already have some surfing experience, so you'll be in good company no matter what!

Rest Day: Near the end of the retreat, you'll have a rest day where you can completely relax with an hour-long outdoor massage by our Goddess Masseuse, Jana. In addition to giving your muscles some TLC, you can lounge by the pool, rest in a hammock, meander around the serene garden, or visit the secluded meditation platform.

Great food: You will enjoy healthy meals onsite, freshly prepared using exclusively fresh, local, organic, and seasonal products (most meals are vegetarian, too!). Menus change with each retreat, but here’s a sneak peek of what you might be served. Feel free to also drool over the French Toast brunch or the vegetarian frittata. At each meal, you'll learn about the origins of the food and its correlation with the local environment and culture. You may also visit the onsite garden if you wish.

Wine: The visit to a local winery is a real treat! You will learn about the producer's sustainable and artisanal wine-making practices before savoring wine and tapas during a paired tasting. See what the winery tour is like. Plus, with each dinner, you'll sip a different natural, regional wine sourced by local, small producers.

So come! Stay amongst the pine and oak trees, enjoy the delicious food and wine (again, it’s a big part of this trip!), and relax at this laidback retreat.

What is it Really Like?

Check out our blog post on Sustainable Retreats in Portugal for an even deeper look into what to expect. Or, watch these three 20-second video clips to get a sense of a typical day at this beautiful eco-retreat center.

Yoga, brunch, visiting a small coastal town

Brunch, coastal hike, market visit, early evening yoga

Free time, afternoon yoga, family-owned winery visit

Group Privatization:
If you want to bring your own group for a birthday, bachelor(ette) party, wedding, special celebration, or corporate retreat, it's possible! We recommend avoiding the crowded high season and coming in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The beaches are deserted, and the days are mostly sunny and warm (you’ll need a cardigan for the evenings though).


The surf and yoga retreats are organized throughout the year, mostly around the fall (September to November) and in the spring (April and May). These retreats are based on when the waves will be best and the temperatures will be comfortable for learning to surf.

As the best months for the surf and yoga retreat are outside of Portugal's high season (July & August), participating in this retreat will foster tourism dispersal (the antidote to "overtourism") and contribute to the local economy of the region anytime you join. If you're looking to explore Portugal further either before or after the retreat, you will avoid overcrowding.

Spring/early summer (March to June) and late summer/early fall (September to October) are really lovely times to visit Portugal. The weather is pleasant yet mild, making the outdoor yoga sessions, pool time, and short nature hikes very comfortable.

Airport transfer to the retreat center (but we can coordinate this)

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) (~35 € pp, excluding rental material & transportation)

Kayaking (~25 € for 1 person / ~35 € for 2 people)

Horseback riding (~60 € for 1 person / ~100 € for 2 people; 1h30 guided ride)

Photography session (~50 € pp or per couple)

Many 'excluded' activities (not included in the trip price) can be optionally added to your experience. Guests can decide on most optional activities once at the retreat center, and payment can be made on-site.

SUP and kayaking are dependent on weather, tides, and currents.

Our View on Sustainability
Sustainability is a way of life here. Our family has a deep respect and love for the region of Alentejo and we are passionately committed to protecting and preserving her to the best of our ability. Gratefully, we are able to plant our roots here and carry a strong sense of social responsibility to our community.

Our experiences are all based on the amazing nature of this place and our incredible community and we put a lot of effort to protect both. We love to share it with our guests and try to involve them as much as possible. This includes making them aware of our challenges and how can they further help. This is a truly authentic experience composed of small local and sustainable entrepreneurs only.

We make a big effort to maintain and increase the amazing biodiversity among us through the diverse activities explained during the trip. Our eco-retreat center uses solar panels, LED lamps, and local, organic soaps and ecological detersives. We work a lot to reduce waste, reuse as much as we can, and recycle the rest. We have clear waste sorting systems in place for guests, serve mostly vegetarian meals, compost leftover food, and implement organic farming and regenerative forestry practices. The whole trip happens in a short circuit of 20 kilometers, and we are lucky to have nature, beaches, and historic towns all nearby to reduce this trip's footprint. We don't sell or use single-use plastic items. You will see our animals wandering free and happy along our property and the surrounding area.

Accommodation
Being the trip organizers, and the host of the accommodations ourselves, sustainability is part of our lives and business. Guests are welcome to explore every corner of the property and question any concerns they may have. As a small family business, we work very hard to improve every day and create a more positive impact on our environment and in our community.

Sustainable Economic Initiatives
We are a small start-up that works very closely with the local community that depends mostly on tourism and agriculture. The timing of our programs year-round, and especially out of high season, helps the community to guarantee their income all year round. By working directly with local farmers and small food/wine producers, we help them to maintain their projects of family-owned, completely organic productions.

Being part of the local community ourselves, it's in our own interest to protect it and ensure it develops in a sustainable way. One of the high points of the trip is the visit to the sustainable farm where the grapes are grown before the winery and wine tasting. The tour is guided by the owner himself, a true expert that carries the work of five generations. The whole experience is very much community-oriented and we are very much actively involved in projects that protect it. Our other activities visiting local artisans, teaching guests about our cultural heritage, prioritizing small, local, and sustainable suppliers, and inclusive practices also support our efforts to be socially sustainable. We also discuss with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination and make donations to local organizations.

We are a pet-friendly site, prefer cruelty-free products, source meat and fish from trusted local suppliers, and support local pro-animal projects.

With a capacity of only 12 guests, plus its remote location, this eco-retreat is a safe way to enjoy Portugal. We follow special cleaning protocols adhering to European regulations.

This 12-day tour of North India combines responsible wildlife experiences with a mix of luxury, city, and village tours. Carbon removals included!

[12 days] North India Wildlife Tour | Yugen Earthside

This 12-day tour of North India combines responsible wildlife experiences with a mix of luxury, city, and village tours.

Visit Delhi, Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), Sawai Madhopur, and Ghanerao over the course of your stay. Witness incredible wildlife like Indian elephants, tigers, and bears, and stay in luxury wildlife lodges and charming homestays that directly impact wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, and local community development projects.

For example, the wildlife lodge in Sawai Madhopur and the homestay in Ghanerao are working with tribal women and pastoralists to create alternative incomes by selling camel milk products, and wool products, in addition to supporting a local school.

You'll also see significant cultural sites such as the Taj Mahal, the India Gate, and numerous other temples, forts, and monuments.

Visit a rescue and rehabilitation center for distressed wildlife

Stay in a luxury wildlife lodge for a guided safari in Ranthambore National Park

See Indian bears, elephants, tigers, leopards, camels, antelopes, and more

Spend time with pastoralists witnessing their nomadic life and camel conservation efforts

Hear lesser-known, unique facts about the famous Taj Mahal on our storytelling tours

Explore Delhi, including the President’s Palace and the India Gate

Discover craft, spice, textile, and jewel markets

Enjoy cultural tours at temples, forts, and prominent monuments

Optional: Walking tours for food tasting, visiting families working in artisanal products, and much more!

The combination of wildlife safaris, conservation projects, and cultural experiences makes this tour equally great for families, couples, kids, and solo travelers.

The best time to visit India is between September and mid-April. During this period, the weather is pleasant and comfortable. It is usually sunny and dry, with cooler temperatures in the north and more moderate temperatures in the south. Besides, India's important festivals, such as Diwali, Holi, and Dussehra, also take place during these months. Diwali is in November, and Holi is in March; exact dates vary every year.

Summers (May to August) can be scorching hot in Rajasthan. However, this season is great for the Himalayas and the North East.

This private tour happens on a date of your choice.

Cost of opting for a higher grade of hotels

Entry fees to any monuments wherever applicable. The government-set rates are INR 500 (per person per monument) and INR 1300 (per person for Taj Mahal).

Any changes in the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control or an act of God

All accommodations on twin-sharing basis  at eco-friendly homestays, heritage homes, and farm stays

Breakfasts and special meals mentioned in the itinerary

Entry fee for all wildlife experiences and safaris

Price range is given for 2 to 10 travelers. Contact us with your group size for a quote.

Please contact us for solo traveler pricing.

Prices may vary during peak seasons such as during Diwali, Christmas, and New Year's.

We cap the number of travelers we host per year per destination to 500 to combat the risk of over-tourism. We stay free of touts (persistent salespeople) and do not do shopping for commission. Our trips support 8 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (#1, 5, 8, 10, 12-15). We promote tourism dispersal by spending only limited time at bigger cities and main monuments, with the majority of the tour in less-busy areas.

Environmental Initiatives
Our many environmental actions include strict care of nature, using energy-saving electrical appliances in our homestays, and efforts to manage waste responsibly. We minimize plastic on this tour and provide safe and healthy alternatives to plastic plates, packaged items, and bottles. We leave behind zero waste. We locally source raw materials for meals. 
All accommodations are personally reviewed by our team. Our homestays and accommodations focus on local & organic food (vegetarian options available!), recycling waste properly, and striving to use energy-saving lights and appliances as well as solar thermal panels.

Sociocultural Initiatives
We pride ourselves on propagating and reviving local folk tales through storytelling. We support local artisans by involving them in tourism. This tour focuses on ethical animal and wildlife tourism. We do not indulge in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during the wildlife experiences. We visit rescue centers and speak with those caring for the animals.

Immerse yourself in South African gastronomy as you travel slowly to discover its food and culture on this tasty tour. Carbon removals included!

 [9 days] Sustainable South African Gastronomy Tour | Yugen Earthside

Immerse yourself in South African gastronomy as you discover its food, culture, and how the two are intricately connected on this tasty tour.

This slow travel, sustainable tour invites you to the table for a festival of flavors dipped in the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. We move at a leisurely pace and travel short distances, taking the time to walk and thoroughly enjoy each experience without being rushed.

A melting pot of many different cultures, South Africa's cuisine has stories begging to be heard! Come listen as you learn how to make some of our most popular dishes under the guidance of friendly locals. We will have you rolling your sleeves up, mixing spices, whisking away creams, trying delicious samples, and pairing wine with cheeses, desserts, and chocolates!

The 9-day gastronomy tour is designed for mindful foodies who want to indulge in great food and are curious to understand its history and origins.

Participate in cooking classes while learning unique histories of traditional dishes

Sample great wines and pair them with cheese, chocolates, & "biltong", a local dried meat

Meet welcoming foodies & chefs as you indulge in South Africa’s favorite delicacies

Experience South African culture by sharing stories and homemade meals with locals

Forage indigenous food in the unspoiled spaces of the West Coast

Enjoy the tranquillity of the Winelands and try seasonal produce

We have put the perfect sustainable gastronomy tour together that combines good food, wine, and great stories from the rich cultures of the Rainbow Nation. This culinary journey will take you from the buzzing city to the lazy coastline, ending on a high in the Cape Winelands. Enjoy home-cooked favorites, sit around the fire with food that makes you feel good, and feel satisfied with the harvest of South Africa's award-winning farms.

While you eat, listen to the fascinating stories of where the food originated. We will take you to visit the homes of locals, authentic markets, traditional restaurants, and typical farms in different locations in and around Cape Town.

You will be spoiled for choice, and you might just be adding to your waistline...Sorry in advance!

The small group, guided tour starts on a Friday and is available several times throughout the year - generally once per season so you can experience the in-season cuisine.

Should you request this itinerary as a Self-Guided version and start on a day other than a Friday, the sequence of the tour will be altered.

South Africa enjoys mild winters and long summers, making it a popular year-round destination. Remember: in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are flipped!

December to March: Summer is the best time for all those seeking the sun and beach days. Harvest time in the wine industry is between February - March. The weather is typically warm and dry. Temperatures average from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C). It's the peak tourist season, with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall, so popular attractions and wineries can get crowded. 

April to September: This is considered the best time to visit with cooler weather. From March to May, autumn extends, with mild weather and temperatures ranging from 61°F to 77°F (16°C to 25°C). From June to August, when winter sets in, the weather becomes cool and wet, so the country is less crowded with tourists. 

Regardless of when you visit, our food will be created from in-season produce.

Cooking class, olive tasting, food & wine tasting, indigenous food experience

Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do. Our focus is on local culture, the people, the environment and making a positive impact. We believe a collective consciousness is necessary for the traveler, locals, and environment to grow.

Therefore, we intentionally collaborate with those who want to be part of rebuilding an inclusive, more sustainable model that benefits all stakeholders in the tourism industry. All our tours/trips are a combination of celebrating all cultures, connecting travelers to local community experiences and bringing awareness about conservation. Travelers will enjoy the heart of the country through colorful and collaborative journeys that positively impact and empower.

Conscious of our impact on people and planet, we provide travelers with a Pre-Trip Guide to familiarize themselves with the culture, customs, traditions and how to minimize their carbon footprint on the destination.

Environmental Initiatives
South Africa has a conservation culture and from the start, we encourage our guests to join us in our efforts to ensure the preservation of water, save energy, and respect our natural environment. We share tips in our PreTrip Guide which we send guests before departure. Together with our partners, we are committed to running responsible tourism businesses. We carefully select our suppliers to provide locally sourced products. Our accommodation partners on this tour and all our tours are conscious of our impact on the environment. We have incorporated walking tours to minimize our carbon footprint. Sustainability initiatives include solar power and reduced water usage. At our wine estate, we use glass water bottles, compostable cardboard takeaway containers, and biodegradable straws. On-site, there's a recycling sorting plant for glass, cardboard, and paper, and we create compost for the gardens.

Economic Initiatives
We have co-designed this food tour to tell the stories of the local people, many of whom have been marginalized. This tour brings dignity and respect to ordinary people, including the indigenous community who have been overlooked. We have created a platform for wonderful food and life stories to be told in an authentic way. We focus on food entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Cape Town area which will give an economic boost to their communities. We have partnered with a wine farm foundation that offers learning experiences to disadvantaged and abused women, who have no source of income. These women receive training to produce and maintain their own vegetable crops. The vegetable gardens not only provide a sustainable primary source of nourishment for themselves and their dependents but also form a meeting point where women with similar and different life experiences can connect and share with one another and learn entrepreneurial skills to help them live self-sufficient lives. 

Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting the cultural stories with the good food of the region. We use in-season products from local suppliers. From the finest food to homemade dishes, participants will get an all-round taste of South African cuisine. We are staying primarily at guest houses that help us in our sustainability journey as they are committed to changing the lives of their local communities. 

All health and safety guidance will be given to guests on guided tours. The Pre-Trip Guide also gives tips on how to travel safely. Travelers do not need to be vaccinated for South Africa.

South Africa is considered a meat-consuming country, but it has a variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants and most eateries cater to all. Participants need to share their dietary requirements prior to arrival. Meals are provided from in-season produce, and alternative meals will only be replaced when notified ahead of time.

This sustainable yoga retreat includes daily sessions in a gorgeous open-air Shala, mouthwatering organic meals, & local wine! Carbon removals included.

[5-7 days] Sustainable Yoga & Wine Retreat | Yugen Earthside

Not your average yoga retreat! This is a sustainable retreat for people that want to do some yoga, and don’t want to take it too seriously. Here, you will have a good time while immersing yourself in nature and culture, exploring the Alentejo region, and enjoying local food and wine.

When was the last time you felt at one with your inner self? Or nurtured your body and mind?

Wait. Is that too zen for you? Let’s try again.

When was the last time you had some good glasses of wine with a cool group of people just after doing the tree pose? Sound better? We’ve got just the thing for you…

These laidback 5 or 7 days will fly by at this magical eco-retreat in southern Portugal's Alentejo region!

This sustainable yoga retreat is nestled in a historical rural village off the beaten path, yet located only a 15-minute drive away from the beach. You will stay at a beautiful property surrounded by nature where the hosts will welcome you like old friends. They will tell you about the history, traditions, and local culture of the area while taking you through the beautiful landscapes of the countryside and coast.

Get out of the city, explore a new setting, and unwind with yoga, wine, nature, and friends. This “kinda” retreat is for people who practice and love yoga, and those who are simply curious about yoga and -- cliché alert -- all the amazing benefits it brings to your body and mind. But it’s true! And also fun.

Yoga: Find your sense of calm with daily yoga sessions in the open-air Shala in the woods. The 75-minute yoga sessions are led by Nina, a certified instructor who will tailor the classes to each person’s ability - so everybody is welcome, from beginners to pros! Classes will mix different yoga styles.

When not practicing yoga or partaking in a glass of wine, you'll be taken to visit a local artisan to see their creativity in progress, and/or a market bustling with great food and local products. Wild beaches and nearby trails for hiking or biking also await. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even try a surf class or horseback riding (for an additional cost). Or, lean into the pampering vibe and schedule an onsite massage (for an additional cost).

Group Privatization:
If you want to bring your own group for a birthday, bachelor(ette) party, wedding, special celebration, or corporate retreat, it's possible! We recommend avoiding the crowded high season and coming in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The beaches are deserted, and the days are mostly sunny and warm (you’ll need a cardigan for the evenings though).

The yoga retreats are organized year-round. Due to the nature of the eco-retreat center being located in a rural area, this trip will foster tourism dispersal (the antidote to "overtourism") and contribute to the local economy of the region anytime you join. However, if you're looking to explore Portugal further either before or after the retreat, avoiding the high season months (July & August) will help avoid overcrowding.

Spring/early summer (March to June) and late summer/early fall (September to October) are really lovely times to visit Portugal. The weather is pleasant yet mild, making the outdoor yoga sessions, pool time, and short nature hikes very comfortable. Coming in the peak summer months of July and August will be perfect if you love hot weather - and the pool and nearby ocean will help you stay cool!

4 (or 6) night stay at the eco-retreat center

Surf lessons (~40 € pp, excluding rental material & transportation)

Surfing, SUP, and kayaking are dependent on weather, tides, and currents.

For the massage, it is better to book in advance to ensure we get the best masseuses, so please notify us when your booking is confirmed if you would like to schedule a massage.

Choose between the 5 and 7-day packages. Note: There is a special 7-day New Year's retreat.

Contact us for discounted pricing on 2024 trips.

A small-group wine tour with a twist... Discover the lavish Cape Winelands alongside South Africa's vibrant art culture! Carbon removals included.

[5 days] Cape Winelands & South African Art | Yugen Earthside

A small-group wine tour with a twist... Discover the lavish Cape Winelands alongside South Africa's vibrant art culture sweeping across the country! 

We know South Africa for its award-winning wines, but how much do you know about its budding contemporary art scene? In the last decade, there has been a significant development in South Africa’s modern artistic sphere, particularly in the capital city.

This 5-day tour will see us blend wine* with music, poetry, art, cheese, chocolates, and even 'biltong', a popular South African dried meat snack. You will stroll through vineyards while listening to incredible stories of how seeds are planted that grow into vineyards. And, you can attempt the ancient art of 'sabrage', which involves opening champagne bottles with a sword (with the assistance of a wine ambassador)!

From the city to the countryside, Cape Town possesses hidden gems within the vineyards of heritage farms. The wonderful Winelands has stories to share and gardens to show!

This tour combines these two exceptional sectors of art and wine in a way that's enjoyable for everyone, from novices to keen-eyed experts. If you love traveling with a creative mindset, this tour was made with you in mind!

*Non-alcoholic wine and other alcohol-free alternatives are available if you prefer.

Explore the hidden gems & picturesque scenery of the Cape Winelands

Visit vineyards in the finest wine valley, & savor two winetasting sessions

Learn the art of winemaking by one of South Africa's first female winemakers

Experience winemaking's magic by crafting your own 1.5L magnum blend!

Visit a vibrant Cape Town gallery & a wine farm that showcase South African art

Admire Street, Contemporary, Sculpture, and Indigenous art

Discover the Cape Winelands towns of Wellington, Stellenbosch, & Franschhoek

Away from the crowds, and within the beautiful Cape Winelands, sit historic old farms that have evolved into stunning vineyard estates. But it is more than their wines that we want you to taste, blend, and drink. The selected wine farms we visit offer more experiences to curious tourists, combining wine with art, poetry, and music. 

Vegetarian-friendly

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route

Sustainable Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat

North India Wildlife Tour

South African Gastronomy Tour

Sustainable Yoga & Wine Retreat

Cape Winelands & South African Art

Wellness, Wine & Safari in South Africa

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Northern Circuit

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

Golden Triangle Cultural Tour

Women-Only Ethical Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Machame Route) & Safari

Sustainable Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Package - Egypt

Ethical Private Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Lemosho Route) & Safari

Women-Only Sisterhood Journey in South Africa

Ethical Private Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Machame Route) & Safari

Ethical Private Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route

Ethical Private Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

Ethical Private Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Northern Circuit

The Soul of Ecuador's Cloud Forest

Amadablam Base Camp Comfort Trek

Rajasthan Cultural Tour

Unique Photography & Yoga Retreat

E-Bike from the Alps to Provence – Guided Cycling Tour

The Gaucho Way Trek (7 days)

The Gaucho Way Trek (9 days)

Unique Stone Sculpting & Yoga Retreat

Kenyan Coast & 6-day Safari

Mida Creek Village Experience

Kenyan Coast for Ocean Lovers

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