Moinhos Velhos
My Break from Food
by Paul Congdon
“Nestled in a secluded valley with an abundance of quartz crystal naturally embedded in the Earth, Moinhos Velhos is, in equal parts, beautiful, energising, and regenerative.”
As I searched the internet for a retreat with a difference, the above sentence caught my eye. I wanted a healthy vibe but not super strict or spartan—essentially some fasting and yoga to cleanse my body and digestion. Fasting and its benefits have become almost mainstream, with most people trying at least the intermittent method, and many becoming familiar with terms such as autophagy and ketosis.
? Autophagy: a process in which the body removes and recycles damaged or dysfunctional cells and components, especially during times of stress or fasting, to support overall health and regeneration.
? Ketosis: A metabolic state where the body shifts to burning fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, which typically occurs when carbohydrate intake is low or during fasting periods.
After a bit more research, I finally settled on Moinhos Velhos, located in the Algarve, about an hour from Faro airport by car. It is a 7- or 10-day juice cleanse, with 3 juices a day and a clear broth in the evening—so a supercharged, vitamin-rich liquid diet. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon, and straight away, the peaceful vibe soothed our energy fields. After checking into our couples’ cabin, complete with a nice deck and 2 bathrooms (very handy when detoxing), we headed up for the evening broth, which felt tasty and nourishing, and started to get acquainted with the other participants—a very easy-going and pleasant bunch, like-minded souls on a common vibe.
There was a mixture of excitement and fear as people wondered how they would be without solid food for the next 7 days, but also that feeling of, at last, I’m taking a break from all the input we receive, both food and information-wise. So, peace, quiet, and healing beckoned. A typical day at the retreat begins with a yoga class at 8 am for 2 hours. Don’t panic, it’s gentle and filled with plenty of meditation and calming breathwork, so it’s open to all levels. Then, at 10 am, it’s juice time, with fresh orange juice mixed with psyllium husk to soothe and heal your digestive tract and help with the hunger pangs. Plus, your main juice—I usually went for a green one to start the day. It feels so good to nourish yourself and also allow your body to take a much-needed break at the same time.
Next juice is at 12 noon, then 4 pm, with the broth at 7 pm. In between, time can be taken up with treatments and massages. I tried the reiki with Simone and an amazing massage with Randy—Chi Nei Tsang, an abdominal massage from the Taoist tradition. There are also plenty of opportunities to rest and read by the fire, or the outdoor pool, and the sauna (which I’m a big fan of) is so good when you’re detoxing. In the evening, there are workshops. A life-purpose one with Richard stood out for me, and some Yoga Nidra on our first night (which I am also a big fan of).
This place is really special, and the main team—Richard, Karen, and Chris—feel like family and look after everyone so well. Some of the nutritional and sustainable talks were pretty cool too, and my inspiration to cook more healthy meals when I got back was really fired up and hasn’t left me since. We felt great at the end, and food tastes so delicious when you return to eating—almost orgasmic.
I would recommend it big time. If you feel like retreating from the world and giving your body a super boost, then this is the place. I will definitely be back for more, and Celia, my lady, had a life-changing experience.
Don’t wait, book it now.
