Azores: Elevated Wellness

with Sati Chmelar & Christina Prieto

July 27 - August 1, 2027

Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal

Xhale Azores Resort

The Hawaii of Europe

Reconnect with nature on Terceira Island in the archipelago of the Azores, where volcanic landscapes, Atlantic coastlines, and immersive wellness experiences create the ultimate reset. This 6-day retreat centers on daily yoga and meditation, blending intentional movement with unforgettable adventures—from forest bathing and lava cave exploration to whale watching, coastal hiking, sound healing, and private island discovery.

With exclusive access to the Xhale Azores Resort, our group will have a private sanctuary for deep restoration and mindful connection. After the exhilaration of our island adventures, the resort serves as the ultimate grounding space.

What’s Included

  • 5 nights and 6 days of exclusive access to the Xhale Azores resort and spa overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Our group will be the only guests at the resort.

    • Locally prepared picnic lunch in nature

    • Serreta Forest Recreation Reserve

    • Algar do Carvāo volcano

    • Furnas do Enxofre geothermal site

    • Piscinas Naturais de Biscoitos natural lava pools

    • Private whale & dolphin watching experience (weather permitting)

    • Guided coastal hike in Fortes de São Sebastião OR Porto Fernando

    • 5 Breakfasts + 1 Farewell Brunch

    • 4 Lunches

    • 5 Dinners

  • Daily yoga and meditation sessions led by Christina Prieto and Sati Chmelar. Classes are held at the indoor and outdoor yoga shalas. Classes will fostering mindfulness, nurture the body, and deepen inner awareness

  • Your retreat includes 1 Jet Lag Relief Massage (30 minutes per guest) in the resort spa.

  • Exclusive poolside sound bath (weather permitting), creating space for deep relaxation and integration

  • Unlimited access to the pool, gym, sauna, Turkish bath, lounges, and aromatherapy showers.

    • One round-trip group airport transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle

    • Transportation throughout the program in an air-conditioned vehicle

  • Transfers and tours with an highly trained, locally based, English-speaking guide

  • Entrance fees, road tolls, VAT for the 6 days

    • Hotel early check-in and late check-out

    • International flights, airport taxes and extra baggage

    • Meals not mentioned in the program

    • Additional spa treatments

    • Entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities

    • Personal expenses

    • Travel visa (please confirm visa requirements prior to travel)

    • Travel insurance (not required, but recommended as this trip is not eligible for refunds)

    • Tips for porters, guides, and drivers (gratuities at guest discretion)

ITINERARY

Day 1: Welcome to Terceira

Arrive in Terceira and begin your Azorean escape with a private group transfer to your exclusive retreat home, Xhale. With the entire property reserved for your group, you’ll immediately settle into a relaxed, intimate atmosphere designed for connection and restoration.

After check-in, enjoy a welcome brunch at the hotel and time to unpack, explore the grounds, or unwind by the pool. Throughout today and tomorrow, guests will receive their Fit4Travel Jet Lag Relief Massage — a 30-minute personalized session scheduled in a relaxed staggered flow to support recovery from travel.

In the evening, gather for a beautiful welcome dinner featuring authentic Azorean cuisine and local flavors, the perfect way to connect with fellow travelers and set intentions for the week ahead.

Meals: Brunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Xhale Azores

Day 2: Island Exploration

Begin the day with a guided yoga followed by breakfast at the hotel. Today’s highlight is a bespoke private island exploration for your group. Adventure at your own pace, you might forest bathe in moss-covered woods, descend into volcanic lava caves, breathe mineral-rich air near sulfur fumaroles, or simply soak in the island’s grounding energy.

Later, visit natural lava pools to swim, meditate on sun-warmed stones, or take in the Atlantic views. Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared picnic lunch in nature before returning to the hotel for gentle afternoon yoga or meditation. In the evening, relax over a Paella Night dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Xhale Azores

Day 3: Ocean Adventure & Local Dining

Start the morning with yoga and breakfast before transferring to the marina for a private whale and dolphin watching experience (weather permitting). Sail the Atlantic coastline alongside expert guides and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat — a powerful reminder of the ocean’s scale and beauty. Depending on sailing times, a boxed breakfast or picnic lunch will be provided.

Return to the hotel for a restorative afternoon yoga session.

In the evening, head into town for a three-course dinner at a charming local restaurant, complete with relaxed island hospitality. Transfers are included.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Xhale Azores

Day 4: Coastal Hiking Adventure

After morning yoga and breakfast, depart for a guided coastal hike. Explore dramatic cliffs, sweeping Atlantic views, and untouched natural landscapes.

Pause for a scenic picnic lunch along the coast before returning to the hotel in the afternoon for rest and personal time.

This evening, enjoy a relaxed BBQ dinner at the hotel — a casual, communal way to unwind after a day of movement and exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Xhale Azores

Day 5: Leisure, Sound Healing & Closing Celebration

Ease into the morning with our morning class and breakfast before enjoying a full day at leisure. Redeem spa vouchers for massage treatments, relax in the spa circuit, or explore the UNESCO-listed town of Angra do Heroísmo with its colorful streets, cafés, and boutique shops. Lunch is at leisure.

Later in the afternoon, gather for an exclusive poolside sound bath (weather permitting), creating space for deep relaxation and integration.

As evening arrives, come together for a meaningful closing ceremony, including reflection, journaling, and grounding rituals by the fire when conditions allow. Celebrate the journey with an unforgettable farewell dinner featuring artisanal wood-fired pizzas made with garden-foraged toppings, local cheeses, and shared storytelling.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Xhale Azores

Day 6: Departure

Enjoy one final morning wellness session followed by a celebratory brunch.

After check-out, transfer as a group to Terceira Airport for onward journeys home, refreshed, grounded, and deeply connected.

Meals: Brunch

Xhale by the sea

Welcome To Xhale Azores Resort on Terceira Island

Discover Xhale, the perfect retreat on Terceira Island in the Azores. With stunning ocean views, serene surroundings, and easy access to the ocean, it's an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. The eco-conscious, luxurious facilities are designed to nurture your mind, body, and spirit, offering an extraordinary experience beyond a traditional vacation. Immerse yourself in tranquility and embrace the magic of Xhale for a transformative journey of inner peace.

Powered by volcanic soil and Atlantic mist

Modern and Serene Design

Find your favorite corner in this eco-modern hideaway, for quiet conversations, reading, and relaxation

Nourishing Food

Enjoy a variety of locally sourced, plant-based dishes in Xhale’s Grata Cafe overlooking the ocean

Yoga Spaces

Take your yoga and meditation classes in the beautiful indoor shala or outdoor practice pavilion

Pool Time

Chase horizons, drift endlessly in the infinity pool with panoramic views of the vast, shimmering Atlantic

Stories by the Fire

Make lifelong friends sitting by the fire pit sharing stories, laughter, and insights

Spa Lounge + Gym

Sip fruit-infused waters on cozy loungers, the perfect bookend to a gym session or a restorative massage

Hot and Cold Treatments

Experience the restorative aromatherapy showers, a stunning sauna, and the deep heat of a Turkish bath

Outdoor Dining and Relaxation

Discover sun-drenched terraces and an outdoor kitchen, all secluded by lush greenery and volcanic basalt stone

Your Hideaway

Single Bedrooms

At Xhale Azores, every room is a smoke-free sanctuary where modern tech meets island stillness. Settle into air-conditioned comfort with seamless WiFi, dedicated seating areas, and a full suite of essentials—from cable TV and a secure deposit box to a private bath stocked with plush robes and premium linens.

Luxury Bathrooms

Double Bedrooms

Meet The Retreat Leaders

Christina Prieto

Years ago I was struck with a fierce case of wanderlust and began traveling far and wide. I have meditated with Buddhist monks in Nepalese Monasteries, hiked the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes, climbed the Great Wall of China, and visited the splendid Taj Mahal in India. Other travels have led me to Bali, Norway, Denmark, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, and a portion of the US. Yet, the more I travel, the more I realize there’s so much more to encounter.

I felt an inner calling to share my passion for personal growth through travel, and started organizing retreats to share in these profound experiences. I’ve since led 3 cultural immersion yoga retreats to Cuba, and 17 adventure and restorative yoga retreats to Costa Rica. Last year, I brought a group of 28 people to Peru’s Sacred Valley for an epic adventure, and a second group in 2025! My heart is now taking me back to Costa Rica in 2026 for 3 more wellness retreats….and so it goes….I find myself collaborating with my longtime friend, teacher, and retreat partner, Sati for this incredible and elevated retreat to Portugal.

We organize the itineraries with the intention to support the local community and offer an authentic experience to the retreat participants. As travelers, rather than tourists, we will explore the splendid beauty of remote landscapes, as well as hold space for healing and transformation while creating magical memories. I’m beyond thrilled to embark on yet another journey beyond our wildest imagination!

Shannon "Sati" Chmelar

Known as Sati to her students and colleagues, Shannon Chmelar is a seasoned mentor, educator, and facilitator who has spent over two decades weaving together the threads of yoga studies, Buddhist philosophy, and somatic practice. Her work is uniquely informed by nearly 15 years of living abroad, complemented by a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Rochester. While her clinical background as a therapist provides a sophisticated psychological layer to her teaching, her foundation is rooted in the arts and the body, stemming from her early career as a professional dance artist and her work as a bodyworker and yoga instructor.

As the founder of the education organization, Vasudhaiva Institute, Sati’s offerings are rooted in the belief that wisdom can transform human suffering into crystallized strength. When joining Sati for a retreat, participants enter a space refined by the experience of leading 18 retreats across the USA, India, Nepal, and Peru. Her facilitation is grounded in diverse yoga methodologies, inviting a reflective and physically restorative exploration of the self.

Designed for the thoughtful practitioner navigating the complexities of modern life, her retreats bridge the gap between ancient contemplative wisdom and real-world application. Sati creates a learning environment that is as compassionate as it is scholarly, ensuring that every journey—whether domestic or abroad—is intentional, culturally resonant, and deeply transformative for those seeking a path of embodied growth.

Make it Official

Pricing & Availability

  • Double occupancy: $2,699 per person

    *Roommate matching available upon request

  • Single occupancy: $3,499 per person

    *Limited availability

Reserve your spot with a non-refundable $500 per-person deposit due by January 27, 2027.


Final payment is required by April 27, 2027.

Limited to 16 participants — secure your place today.

Register Now

Click on the “Register Now” button, and you will be sent to the retreat registration page, processed by Fit4Travel. Click on the blue “Book Now” button at the top of the page to complete the process. Have your passport information and credit card ready to complete registration.

Registration and Payment Questions?

Contact Fit4Travel at care@iamfit4travel.com or (754) 457-9870

Class and other event questions?

Christina Prieto: christinaprieto@icloud.com

Sati Chmelar: satiyogini@gmail.com

 "Little islands full of prayers and shrines... strung on a thread of water, like the decades in the windings of a Rosary of the Sea."

— Jean Chamblin

The Quiet Circle

Where ancient insight meets modern inquiry

Once a month, I share a direct transmission from my heart to your home, including:

  • The Wisdom Glossary: Deep-dives into the definitions of Yogic, Buddhist, and therapeutic terms

  • Modern Inquiry: Monthly journal prompts to help you bridge ancient philosophy with your lived experience

  • Personal Notes: Reflections from my own practice and updates on upcoming retreats and events

  • Event Updates: Be the first to know about courses, workshops, and retreats

A Quiet Space In Your Inbox In an era of fleeting social media feeds and noisy algorithms, I believe in the slow, intentional connection of a letter. The Quiet Circle is a space designed to bypass the digital noise and return to what is real.