When silence speaks
Silent Meditation retreat in Portugal
Our bilingual March 2027 retreat, from March 20th to 28th, will take place at the exquisite Monte Velho Retreat Centre in Portugal (you can watch the video below). This year is an invitation to a retreat with a fundamental difference. Monte Velho was chosen specifically for its deep roots in nature, its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and the profound stillness it offers, which is essential to our work.
Silence is not the mere absence of sound but rather a vibrant state of high-frequency consciousness. We gather together to increase the internal voltage of our being, stripping away the layers of ignorance to reveal our deeper essence beneath. You are invited to move beyond the role of spectator, not to simply watch a film, but to become a part of it.
07:00 – 07:45
Prana & Surya: Conscious breathing and Sun Salutations
08:00 – 08:30
Silent Breakfast: Mindful nourishment in the soft morning light.
09:00 – 12:00
Deep Practice (Block I): A journey through the three centers of vitality: The Third Eye, The Heart, and The Hara.
12:30 – 13:15
Silent Lunch: Being grateful for earth’s richness.
13:15 – 15:45
Afternoon Mindful Walk to the Ocean: A meditative procession to the beach.
Contemplation by the cliffs.
- Cleansing immersion in the Atlantic Ocean.
- The ‘Mindful Heart and Hara’ walk.
16:00 – 19:00
Deep Practice (Block II): A journey through the three centers of vitality: The Third Eye, The Heart, and The Hara.
19:30 – 20:15
Silent Dinner: Integrating the day’s stillness through slow, intentional eating.
21:00 – 21:30
Trataka (Candle Gazing): Becoming the flame and emerging into the night.
Nightfall | Celestial Communion: Star gazing under the dark Portuguese sky. An expansion into the cosmos, accompanied by subtle music or absolute silence.
I am Alex Kroll, your meditation guide. It is a deep joy to meet you in person and accompany you on this inward journey, a space where silence emerges with wisdom and profound knowing. This path is more than a retreat; it is a step-by-step return to the source, to a deeper part of yourself.
My mission is to help you open to a new depth of understanding within your inner psyche, where new worlds and dimensions may come forward in the most surprising ways. Together we work to strip away the layers of ignorance, reconnecting you to a higher comprehension of who you truly are.
With over 20 years of academic and over 20.000 hours of meditative practice, witnessing your evolution as a human being is one of the greatest gifts life offers me. My path is rooted in the exploration into energy and consciousness—a journey documented in my two books, published in both Spanish and English:
- Within: Memoir of an Inner Alchemist
Dancer Between Worlds
The Celestial Canopy
Tree House (for 2 persons)
€2,200 / per person
Elevated living within a refined two-person dwelling nestled directly in nature.
The Monastic Sanctuary
Individual Room
1.980 €
Absolute solitude provided in a private vessel for your nine-day silence.
The Shared Resonance
Double Room
€1,500 / per person
Connection through silence while sharing space with a fellow traveler.
Additional Private Integration: The Individual Circuit
For those seeking total solitude, we have designed a private physical journey to complement your internal work. This bundle allows you to experience the facilities in absolute privacy, ensuring your silence remains undisturbed.
The Deep Alchemy Individual Package - €150, This package includes:
One Private Therapeutic Massage (60 min):
A one-on-one session to release physical tension from seated meditation.
One Private Sauna Session (60 min):
The entire sauna is reserved for your exclusive use to detoxify the body.
One Private Steam Bath Session (60 min):
Total solitude in the hot steam for a deep, steam cleanse.
To ensure the integrity, safety, and depth of our collective journey, all participants are requested to honor the following conditions:
Prior Alignment
Therapeutic Foundation: Participants should have previously engaged in, or be currently undergoing, individual therapeutic sessions with Alex. This ensures a stable emotional foundation for the depth of this retreat.
Health & Vitality
- Pure Environment: This is a non-smoking and no-alcohol retreat.
- Chemical Clarity: Participation is not permitted for those currently on active medication or pharmaceutical treatments.
- Psychological Stability: Participants must not have experienced psychotic, epileptic, or bipolar episodes within the last 5 years.
- Substance History: A minimum of 2 years of sobriety from recreational drugs is required to participate.
Presence & Immersion
- Unified Practice: To maintain the energetic "voltage" of the group, no external meditation techniques are permitted other than those provided in the program.
- Digital Detox: To favor deep immersion into the psyche, the use of phones, computers, or tablets is strongly discouraged.
- Emergency Contact: For your peace of mind, an emergency phone number will be provided for contact purposes.
Payment & Cancellation Terms
To secure your presence in this unique documentary retreat with Alex Kroll, the following terms apply:
You may secure your place via two paths:
- Option 1: Full payment (100%) at the time of booking.
- Option 2: A 50% initial deposit at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due on the 1st of February 2027, prior to the retreat start date.
General Principle: Your commitment to this path is held with the utmost respect. If you must cancel your participation due to force majeure—such as illness, bereavement, accident, or extreme weather—your payment is non-refundable but will be fully converted into a private therapeutic program.
The total amount paid will be credited toward 1-on-1 online sessions via Zoom with Alex Kroll, valued at €150 per session. This ensures that your financial investment is transformed into a consistent, fortnightly mentorship throughout 2027. By converting the retreat cost into a structured series of private sessions, your journey of personal growth remains professionally supported and uninterrupted, even if you may be unable to be with us in Portugal.
- Included: Boutique accommodation, all teachings and practices, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Not Included: Flights, airport transfers, travel insurance, massages, or other external activities.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel and health insurance that covers cancellations and accidents. This is vital for retreats outside of Spain, where medical coverage varies.
- External Costs: Alex Kroll is not responsible for external expenses (flights, transport, hotels) in the event of retreat cancellation due to force majeure.
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Transparency: Each participant is responsible for disclosing any relevant medical or dietary conditions prior to arrival.
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Personal Safety: Alex Kroll shall not be held liable for accidents, losses, or personal/material damages occurring during the retreat, except in cases of proven negligence.
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Self-Assessment: It is your responsibility to ensure you are physically and emotionally fit for the retreat activities.
- Nature of the Work: These retreats are for well-being and spiritual recreation; they do not replace medical or psychological treatment. Local health services will be used in case of emergencies.
- Health Protocols: All prevailing health and safety regulations at the time of the retreat will be strictly applied.
What to Bring
For your comfort and a deeper experience during the retreat, we recommend bringing:
Hydration:
A personal water bottle to refill in the dining area (filtered water available).
The Elements:
Sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots for walking on mountain paths and dirt trails.
Comfort for seated meditation:
A blanket and a small cushion/pillow for the lying-down phases.
Subtle Scent:
Natural, unscented soaps or creams and neutral deodorant (please avoid perfumes or chemical scents to preserve the group's sensory space).
Meditation Support:
Your own meditation cushion or bench (if you use one regularly).
Clothing:
Comfortable and practical clothing, preferably without large logos or bright, "glamorous" colors. A light coat or warm layers for when it cools down at night.
Reflection:
A journal, two pens and some colored pencils, should you wish to write or draw.
Essentials:
Basic personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.).
Grounding:
Warm socks for cooler moments.
Ocean Immersion:
Swimwear and a light travel towel for our visits to the water.
Nourishment for the Soul: Our Kitchen
At Monte Velho, we believe that food is far more than just sustenance; it is a source of vitality and a sacred connection to the earth's abundance. To support the deep alchemy of your nine-day journey, our kitchen serves a symphony of flavors designed to nourish both body and spirit.
Plant-Based Vitality:
We serve exclusively vegan and vegetarian cuisine, cooked with care, love, and intention. Our menus are designed to be balanced and nutrient-dense, promoting the health and clarity required for deep practice.
From the Earth to the Table:
We work with unprocessed, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients. Many of our herbs and vegetables come directly from Monte Velho’s own organic garden.
Creative Alchemy:
Our chefs challenge themselves to surprise the palate with vibrant colors and creative combinations, ensuring that every meal is an inspiring sensory experience.
Mindful Eating:
As part of our daily rhythm, many of our meals are taken in silence, allowing you to fully experience the textures, flavors, and life-force of the food you consume.
Application Form
In preparation for our nine days together, I invite you to share these details with me personally. Some of these questions touch upon private aspects of your history; please know they are asked only to ensure your physical and psychological safety during the high-voltage practices we will undertake. Your answers allow me to hold the space with the necessary care and to honor the profound stillness we are building together.
All information provided here is strictly confidential and will be read only by Alex Kroll.
FAQ
Travel & Logistics
Which airport should I fly into?
The closest airport is Faro (FAO), which is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away from the retreat centre. You can also fly into Lisboa (LIS), though the transfer time is longer (approximately 3 hours).
How do I get to Monte Velho from the airport?
- Shuttle/Transfer: We can help coordinate shared transfers from Faro (€120–€140 per car, shared between participants).
- Car Rental: Best arranged directly at Faro airport for maximum flexibility.
- Public Transport: You can take a train/bus to Lagos or Vila do Bispo, followed by a short taxi ride to the centre.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
- Check-in: 4:00 PM (16:00) on the arrival day.
- Check-out: 10:00 to 12:00 PM (noon) on the departure day.
The Practice
Is this retreat suitable for beginners?
This is a high-voltage, deep immersion retreat involving 6 hours of daily meditation. While we welcome all who feel called, a stable emotional foundation and a commitment to the practice are required. This is why a prior therapeutic relationship or an intake session with Alex is essential.
What is the "Silence" policy?
We will enter a period of profound silence to allow the inner noise to settle. This includes a digital detox (no phones/tablets) and no verbal communication during designated days. An emergency contact number will be provided.
Can I continue my own meditation or yoga techniques?
To maintain the specific energetic "voltage" of the group and the documentary vision, we ask that you only practice the techniques provided by Alex during these 9 days.
Life in Monte Velho
Is there Wi-Fi available?
Wi-Fi is available in the main reception area. However, to honor the depth of your process, we strongly discourage its use except for absolute emergencies.
What are the meals like?
We provide three plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) meals daily, sourced locally and from Monte Velho’s own organic garden. If you have specific allergies, please indicate them in your application form.
Are laundry and cleaning services provided?
Rooms are cleaned daily. Towels are replaced mid-retreat. A basic laundry service is available for a small fee (€5).
When the mind quiets, the soul speaks.
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