Brazil: A remote beach wellness retreat with Matthew Shaw X Yoga Roots
Slow Days on Bahia's Wild Coast
20-27 February 2027
7 nights
Prices from £1995
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Long, unhurried days shaped by yoga, nature and the sea
Stay in an eco-boutique hideaway in lush gardens by the beach
For those craving stillness, space & something truly remote
Join us on this yoga retreat in Brazil set along Bahia’s wild coastline, where untouched beaches meet simple, rustic charm – creating a setting where yoga, nature, and slow coastal living come together.
Practice with Matthew Shaw, Creative Director of Yoga Roots, whose daily yoga sessions are designed to build real strength and mobility, leaving you stronger, more open and clearer than when you arrived.
Spend your days soaking up the sun, exploring the coastline, swimming in warm waters, or swaying in a hammock to the sound of the waves. Evenings are quiet, best enjoyed under a sky full of stars.
This retreat is a collaboration between Reclaim Yourself Retreats and Yoga Roots Studio, bringing both communities together in a relaxed and welcoming setting. If you’re drawn to off-the-beaten-path escapes with a natural, unpolished beauty, this Bahia retreat is for you.
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Retreat details
Trip dates: 20-27 February 2027
Trip costs: £1,995.00–£3,695.00Price range: £1,995.00 through £3,695.00
Our destination is the Maraú Peninsula in Bahia, known for its tropical coastline and unspoilt beaches. This is not your typical beach resort. It is off the usual path, a little offbeat, and full of character. Picture quiet strolls along endless golden sands, watching marmosets swing through the treetops, and soaking up the easygoing, no-fuss atmosphere. This is the perfect escape if you love barefoot beach life, free from the usual frills, with just the right amount of unexpected charm.
Yoga by the sea
This is an immersive retreat where yoga and beach life naturally weave into each day. Our tranquil setting is ideal for settling into a steady rhythm of yoga, rest, and time outdoors. You will enjoy twice-daily yoga sessions on a peaceful, sheltered deck close to the ocean, where the gentle sea breeze and rhythmic waves deepen the experience.
On some days, there will also be the option to join additional yoga workshops, offering the chance to spend more time exploring specific aspects of the practice in a relaxed and supportive setting. There will also be moments of quiet reflection, including a silent sunrise walk and an evening of stargazing paired with deeply restorative yoga nidra.
Beach lovers paradise
This place is a beach lover’s paradise. Begin your day with a peaceful walk along the quiet shoreline, soaking in the calm before your morning practice. After a leisurely breakfast beneath the palm trees, your days are free to unfold at their own pace. Spend time swimming, exploring the coastline, or simply resting and enjoying the warmth of the sun.
You can book massages, borrow a bicycle to ride along the beach at low tide, or curl up with a book by the pool. The area offers excellent surfing for both beginners and experienced surfers. Depending on the tides, there may also be the option to snorkel or dive in the clear waters of Taipu de Fora beach. You may wish to join a boat trip to Tanque Island, where we will visit a quiet village and hike to a viewpoint overlooking the archipelago.
Island hopping
Midway through the week, we will venture out to explore Camamu Bay, scattered with tiny tropical islands. We will hop between five islands by boat, some serene and untouched, others home to small, charming communities. Lunch will be enjoyed at a relaxed café beside the Tremembé waterfall, where the Rio Maraú flows directly into the sea.
On our final evening, we will experience a live Capoeira performance by artists and children from the local area. This traditional Brazilian art form blends powerful, acrobatic movement with rhythm and music. By hosting this experience, we are proud to support a local Capoeira community that is widely respected for offering young people a strong sense of belonging and opportunity.
Peaceful days
If you are seeking a quiet corner of the world where you can step back and breathe deeply this retreat offers space to do just that. Between daily yoga, unspoilt beaches, and the easy rhythm of life on the peninsula, you will return home feeling rested, grounded, and ready for whatever comes next.
This is one of our more restorative retreats, designed for those who want to properly slow down, practise great yoga, and spend long, unhurried days by the sea or pool, with the option to explore the coastline and nearby islands.
While the pace is relaxed, this retreat sits within our Venture Traveller category due to its remote, off-the-beaten-path location. This is a more natural, authentic part of Bahia, far from the usual beach destinations, where life moves at its own pace.
Getting here is part of the experience. The final stretch is a two-hour transfer along a bumpy road, travelled together in 4×4 vehicles. It’s what keeps this stretch of coastline feeling so untouched.
If you’re happy to trade a little convenience for space, simplicity, and a deeper sense of escape, this tends to be where the experience really opens up.
Yoga on our retreats is open to everyone, whether it’s your first class or something you’ve practised for years. Our groups are always a mix, and there’s no pressure to keep up or perform. You’re encouraged to move in a way that feels right for you. Sessions are thoughtfully designed to be grounded and accessible, often becoming a natural way to stretch, slow down, and reconnect after a day outdoors. We work with experienced teachers who know how to support beginners while also helping more regular practitioners deepen their practice, creating a space where people often surprise themselves in the best way. If you are new to yoga read this.
Who is teaching yoga?
Your yoga teacher is Matthew Shaw, who has been teaching with us for the past two years and is known for his grounded, friendly approach. Matthew recently became Creative Director at Yoga Roots, a community-based studio in Cleveland, and this retreat marks the beginning of a new partnership between Yoga Roots and Reclaim Yourself. It’s a coming together of two like-minded communities, creating a space where guests can connect, practise, and share the experience of retreat in a natural and welcoming way.
Morning sessions are designed to gently awaken the body and set the tone for the day ahead. Expect dynamic, flowing vinyasa practices rooted in functional strength, alongside breathwork and moments of stillness to help you feel energised, grounded, and open.
On some days, there will also be optional workshops, offering the chance to spend more time exploring different aspects of the practice in a relaxed and supportive setting.
In the evenings, the pace softens. You’ll be guided through slower, more calming sessions that combine gentle movement, restorative yoga, breathwork, and yoga nidra. These practices are designed to help the body unwind, settle the nervous system, and ease you into a restful night.
Find out more about Matthew, try a free class or to join one of his livestreams here.
Mornings
Mornings begin quietly, with tea, coffee or fresh juice as the day slowly unfolds. You might take a short walk along the beach or sit in the garden listening to birds and monkeys before the day begins.
Yoga takes place from around 8:00–9:30am, with an energising practice to wake the body. Afterwards, a nourishing breakfast is served in the garden, with fresh tropical fruit, açaí, yoghurt, eggs, and plenty of coffee, tea and coconut water.
On some days, there is also the option to begin with a guided silent walk along the beach before yoga.
Daytime
The rest of the day is yours to shape as you wish. Spend time on the beach, borrow a bike and ride along the shoreline, relax by the pool, or book a massage. A simple, fresh lunch is served, and the afternoon continues at an easy, unhurried pace.
During the week, there is a full day exploring the coastline by boat, hopping between islands and hidden beaches. On other days, you may choose to add optional experiences such as surfing, snorkelling or diving, or visit the local village and hike to a viewpoint overlooking the coast.
On three afternoons, there will also be optional yoga workshops, offering the chance to spend more time exploring different aspects of the practice in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Evenings
In the early evening, we gather again for yoga from around 5:00–6:30pm. These sessions are slower and more restorative, helping the body unwind after the day.
Dinner is served under the stars, with three courses and a relaxed, social atmosphere. On some evenings, we gather for stargazing and deeply restorative yoga nidra.
Each day follows a gentle rhythm, with around three hours of yoga balanced by time to rest, explore and enjoy the surroundings.
Included in Your Retreat
7 nights accommodation
Return transfers from Ilhéus Airport at set times
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, water, tea and coffee
Twice-daily yoga and meditation classes
A sunrise mindfulness walk
A stargazing and yoga nidra session
A day of island hopping
A Capoeira performance
Unlimited use of bicycles
A simple yoga mat provided for use during the retreat
Not Included
Return flights to Ilhéus
Massages (R$550 per hour)
Surf lessons (R$150 per hour)
Scuba diving (R$550 per person)
Snorkelling (R$250 per person)
Tanque Island trip (R$500 per person)
We’ll be staying at an eco-boutique inn set on the beach and nestled in beautiful, lush gardens. We have ten charming bungalows scattered throughout gardens, three rooms in a large house and five adjoining garden rooms. They feature thatched grass roofs and are thoughtfully built using treated Colombian bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled materials. The interiors have a warm, bohemian feel, blending comfort with rustic charm. Every room comes with an ensuite bathroom and air conditioning.
The following room types are available:
4 single occupancy supreme bungalows with a king bed
3 single occupancy deluxe bungalows with a queen bed
5 single occupancy bungalows with a double bed
3 twin/double bungalows with a king bed and a single bed
1 twin occupancy rooms with 2 single beds
This retreat is limited to 20 guests. Our accommodation for this retreat falls under our ‘Simple’ category. Read about our accommodation categories.
Our Bahian chefs will craft a delicious retreat menu for you. Mornings start with a generous breakfast featuring tropical fruits, açaí, home-baked breads, eggs, yogurt, cheese, tapioca, and traditional cakes, along with fresh juices, tea, coffee, and daily coconut water.
A light lunch will be available during the day, offering simple, fresh options to keep you nourished.
Dinners will be a mix of traditional Bahian dishes and healthy, fresh salads, sometimes with fish options. Expect flavourful Feijão, stews, farofa, and rice, alongside vibrant plant-based dishes. The menu is predominantly vegetarian, with some optional fish dishes for dinner.
If you have any dietary requests or allergies, please check with us before booking as we will need to check with our chefs before confirming that we can cater for you.
This is an alcohol-free retreat.
Our retreat destination is the Maraú Peninsula, on the southern coast of Bahia in Brazil.
International flights to Brazil
We recommend arriving into São Paulo on 19 February and spending one night there before continuing your journey. The following day, you’ll take a short domestic flight (around 2 hours), followed by a 2-hour transfer to the retreat. Travelling this route after a long overnight flight can feel quite tiring, so breaking the journey makes for a much more comfortable start.
For your return, you may be able to take an evening flight on 27 February depending on your airline, or choose to spend another night in São Paulo and fly home on 28 February.
Travel from UK
You can fly direct from London to São Paulo with British Airways and LATAM or with one stop with TAP. These are the best flights:
Airline
Outbound Flight
Return Flight
LATAM
Depart London Heathrow (LHR) 18 February at 20:15, arrive São Paulo (GRU) 19 February at 04:50
Depart São Paulo (GRU) 27 February at 23:50, arrive London Heathrow (LHR) 28 February at 14:05
British Airways
Depart London Heathrow (LHR) 18 February at 21:15, arrive São Paulo (GRU) 19 February at 06:00
Depart São Paulo (GRU) 28 February at 16:25, arrive London Heathrow (LHR) 1 March at 06:45
TAP Air Portugal
Depart London Heathrow (LHR) 18 February at 08:15, arrive São Paulo (GRU) 18 February at 19:55 (via Lisbon)
Depart São Paulo (GRU) 28 February at 16:20, arrive London Heathrow (LHR) 1 March at 11:25 (via Lisbon)
Travel from US
Flights from the US typically depart with LATAM/Delta from Atlanta and New York (JFK), or with United Airlines from Washington. If you are travelling from Cleveland, you can connect to these airports with a short flight of around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Airline
Outbound Flight
Return Flight
LATAM / Delta (New York)
Depart New York (JFK) 18 February at 19:00, arrive São Paulo (GRU) 19 February at 06:45
Depart São Paulo (GRU) 27 February at 22:50, arrive New York (JFK) 28 February at 06:40
United Airlines (Washington Dulles)
Depart Washington Dulles (IAD) 18 February at 22:30, arrive São Paulo (GRU) 19 February at 10:20
Depart São Paulo (GRU) 27 February at 22:25, arrive Washington Dulles (IAD) 28 February at 06:35
LATAM / Delta (Atlanta)
Depart Atlanta (ATL) 18 February at 18:10, arrive São Paulo (GRU) 19 February at 05:40
Depart São Paulo (GRU) 27 February at 21:15, arrive Atlanta (ATL) 28 February at 05:10
Domestic flights:
Please be sure to book the following flights with LATAM:
Saturday 20 February: LATAM depart São Paulo (GRU) 11:30, arrive Ilhéus (IOS) 13:40
Saturday 27 February: LATAM depart Ilhéus (IOS) 14:20, arrive São Paulo (GRU) 16:40
Transfers: Our location is remote, with a two-hour road transfer from Ilhéus Airport to the retreat, which is included in your package. You’ll travel in a fleet of 4×4 vehicles with our trusted drivers, so all you need to do is arrive into Ilhéus at our set times on 20 February and we’ll take care of the rest.
As a certified B Corp, we are committed to reducing emissions in every destination we work in. Providing shared transfers allows us to travel together, keep our footprint lighter, and reduce the number of journeys required.
We strongly recommend booking the suggested domestic flights to Ilhéus so you can join these transfers, as they are the most convenient and cost-effective option. If you choose to travel at different times, you’ll need to arrange your own transport at an additional cost. Thank you for your understanding.
Are flights included?
Flights are not included. We provide suggested options on the travel page, and our team is happy to advise if you’d like support with booking.
What’s the group size and what kind of people are going?
This retreat is slightly larger than some of our others, with up to 20 guests. We take over the entire property, with plenty of space to spread out across villas, gardens, and shared areas, so it never feels crowded.
Our retreats bring together a mix of solo travellers, friends, and couples, typically aged 40–60, though we also welcome those in their 30s and 70s. They are solo-friendly by design and attract open-minded people who value wellbeing, enjoy exploring, and like meeting others along the way.
Some guests come for the yoga, others for the destination, but many end up enjoying both. The atmosphere is friendly, down-to-earth, and easy to be part of.
Yes absolutely. We have many solo travellers on our trips. It’s a great way to make new friends.
Can you cater for my dietary requests?
Our chefs can cater for most dietary requirements, but we do need to know in advance. Please include any requests on your booking form and we will confirm in writing. You are also welcome to check with our team before booking.
Who is hosting this trip?
All of our retreats are hosted by a Reclaim retreat leader, who manages logistics and looks after the group, alongside a Reclaim yoga teacher who leads your yoga sessions. For Brazil your retreat leader will be Jools Sampson, Reclaim’s Founder, and your yoga teacher will be Matthew Shaw, Creative Director of Yoga Roots.
We have exclusive use of our beach resort. Our team works closely with the on-site team to ensure everything runs smoothly throughout your stay.
We believe in good tourism – travel that’s genuinely good for everyone involved: the people who come with us, the communities we visit, and the places we pass through.
In practice, that means measuring our emissions and working to reduce them, choosing locally owned partners, and seeking out destinations that are less visited and more meaningful. It shows up in every decision we make, from where we go to who we work with.
The British founder of our retreat location is a passionate environmentalist so the inn follows strict routines in favour of nature. Her vision is to promote the preservation of the area which includes the Atlantic forest, the beach, the lake nearby and a vast vegetation of bromeliads in the surrounding area. During construction every precaution was taken not to affect the local environment and nothing was harmed in any way. Measures are taken every day to ensure that the area is not polluted. All of the staff are from the local area and are committed to their duty to protect the environment and educate visitors to do the same. Garbage is recycled and the inn’s sewage system is designed to produce an environmentally friendly fertiliser.
Measuring impact
Before we work with any host, we ask them to share honestly where they are on their sustainability journey — not as a test, but as a commitment to doing things better together. Here’s what that looks like for this retreat.
No
The venue is locally owned and operated
Yes
The venue is operated in partnership with a local owner
Yes
The venue employs local staff with good pay and working conditions in compliance with all local laws and regulations
Yes
Staff are offered employee benefits and professional development opportunities
Yes
The venue partners with and supports local suppliers for activities and products
Yes
Your chosen excursion suppliers follow environmental guidelines. And, on any trips involving wildlife, suppliers keep their distance and never disturb the animals.
Some
The venue gives preference to suppliers with ownership from diverse or underrepresented populations
Some
The venue runs on renewable energy
Yes
The venue uses a sustainable water supply
Yes
There is a comprehensive waste management system
Some
There is limited use of single use plastic
Yes
Biodegradable products are used
Yes
Sustainable, local food sources are available
Yes
The venue measures its environmental impact and operates in compliance with all local laws and regulations
Yes
The venue is actively involved in conservation
Some
The location is not over touristed/we are visiting out of high season
Some
The location has slow travel/public transport options
Yes
The venue has its own sustainability strategy/targets
Some
The venue has its own certifications such as ISO 14001, Green Building Certifications, B Corp certification or other demonstrable policies