Join us for a 8 day, 7 night immersion connecting with the beautiful Arrábida Mountains, just 30 minutes south of Lisbon. Hosted at Biovilla, dedicated to integral regeneration of the ecological, social and economic landscape with a living, indigenous and edible forest, a strong and resilient local learning community and a thriving, real and sustainable economy that serves as a model for the creation and sharing of social value worldwide.

This immersive educational retreat is for those looking to learn from Herbalists and Alchemists, through the wisdom and spirit of the medicine plants. Along with Sarah Wu, the faculty are Portuguese medicine people dedicated to the path of ancestral wisdom, deep ecology and human health.

We remember that our relationship with plants is ancient and that humans are unique creatures with the ability to change everything we touch. So when we work with plants in intentional ways that strive to support the health of the soil and the health of the soul, we realize the line between species is thin, fluid and necessary.

In this immersion, we practice the Alchemical proverb:

As Above, So Below.
As Within, So Without.
As the Universe, so the Soul.

To come back to the knowledge rooted deep within that transcends culture, borders and religions that place us above all other creatures. We are in practice with the plants to be in service to all life, to learn skills and nurture relationships. Through magic and science, ritual and community, we work to mend the pains of the world. Learn from medicine people who have dedicated their lives to being bridges between humans and the green world, as they share their knowledge and experience.

A fully immersive experience and a moment for slow and simple living. We do not believe in exclusive, fancy experiences that are not close to the reality that many of us are living. We want to demonstrate what it is to be with land, to create relationships with plants and humans. Biovilla is a humble and beautiful location dedicated to regenerative ways of living. 

With a beautiful learning environment, gardens, fresh foods and fresh ocean breezes, being surrounded by the wondrous landscape of coastal central Portugal, participants feel grounded, invited, connected and nourished.

Who is this for?

Students of Herbalists & Alchemists are those who love plants, want to take time to learn with them and for those of all levels who want to perfect their skills, learn magical, mystical and ancient preparations, and those who want to live, pray and commune with the land, guided by the wisdom of the plants.

The Program

Students are welcome to arrive before lunch on October 5, and that afternoon we will have an opening circle followed by an evening fire to set our intentions for the week.

The second day, we will cover the principles of Herbal Energetics as corresponded to the elements, ecosystem and human dynamics. That afternoon we will dive into Astro Herbalism and the relationship between the planetary bodies, astrological signs and plants. In the evening under the light of the Full Moon, we will enjoy some cacao.

Day three we welcome local Portuguese Herbalist, Author and Ethnobotanist Fernanda Botelho to guide us around the Biovilla property sharing the wisdom of the land and local medicinal plants. That afternoon, from the plants we harvest that morning, we will infuse an herbal anointing oil, to bring the sacred into our regular self care practices.

On the fourth day, we welcome Terese Feijó a Portuguese alchemist, holistic herbalist and plant woman. We spend the day with her making flora infused Florida Water, an energetic, auric medicine.

Day five opens with making herbal smoke wands and barridas. To cleanse spaces and our bodies with the energy of smoke and water. In the afternoon we enter the womb of the mother with a deeply cleansing Temezcal.

Day six welcomes Argentinian herbalist and alchemist Luciano Stella to guide us through a day of spygeric tincture making.

Day seven we make a collective Earth Altar to honor the land and pray for the earth. Followed by an afternoon of herbal elixirs and an evening fire to celebrate and close our time together.

Your Facilitators

Sarah Wu is a passionate educational curator, facilitator and mentor dedicated to adult learners of all backgrounds. A representative for Mother Nature as a writer and teacher of Deep Ecology, Therapeutic Spiritual Ecology and Whole Systems Design shared through the lens of Herbalism and Permaculture. Sarah Wu has 24 years studying and practicing the science, art and craft of Regenerative Herbal Medicine. Her foundation is in eclectic energetic and Western Wise Woman Traditions, actively practicing clinical herbalism in the Neo-Tropics for 15 years. With 30 and counting, 75+hour Permaculture Design Courses (PDC) in her portfolio, which encompasses earth sciences, regenerative strategies for human settlement design, community development and alternative social structuring. She can teach all aspects of herbal medicine from Materia Medica, ethnobotany, medicine making, formulation and anatomy/physiology. Sarah teaches workshops to young women, 10 – 16 years old about their physical and spiritual bodies in correspondence with lunar and planetary rhythms. Sarah attended the Tyler School of Art, where she immersed herself in the Fine Arts and Art History, Mythology, Symbolism and Philosophy. She is well versed, teaching archetypal symbolism and storytelling for personal reflection via Tarot and Modern Astrology.

A producer at heart, Sarah loves curating courses, workshops and events tailored to community, deep ecology, regenerative design and holistic health that highlight diverse and dynamic facilitators. Sarah is the friendly Village Witch, co-founder and producer of Envision Festival, a 10,000 person arts and culture event in Costa Rica (2011-present), where she curates the educational offerings spanning six stages and 300 hours.

Sarah has been featured on numerous podcasts, online interviews and print publications. She has studied with numerous leaders in the Western Herbalism renaissance, such as David Winston, Rosemary Gladstar, Paul Bergner, Sajah Popham and 7Song and has worked in disaster relief efforts in Guatemala and at Natural Doctor’s International on the island of Omatepe, Nicaragua. An international facilitator, Sarah has brought her teachings to the United States, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Italy, Portugal, France, Germany, and Greece.

Sarah lives with her husband, animals, plants and community off-the-grid half the year at their 2500 square meter homestead of the broader Tacotal Colectivo in the low mountains of Costa Rica, and the other half of the year in the coastal mountains of the La Marche region of Italy on a 1 hectare permaculture farm, in both locations they tend the land, teach, make medicine and host events.

Rémy Verganista was born in southern Portugal and raised in the mountains of São Brás de Alportel, Rémy’s connection with plants sprouted in childhood. Her early interest with the natural world inspired e deep interest for the environment and its delicate interconnections with all living beings. 

She pursued formal studies in Biology at the University of Lisbon, where she delved deeply in the universal building block innate to all living beings—the cell, and explored the relationships between ecosystems, plants, human health… She found that formal studies often emphasised detail over the interconnectedness of the living systems. Seeking broader views, she went on to complete different courses, from permaculture and programs in herbalism, deepening her awareness and appreciation. Her love for nourishment and alchemy also comes together in the kitchen, whether it’s preparing wholesome meals for retreat groups or blending herbs into healing remedies, this is where her creativity flourishes, and the place you’re most likely to find her.

Rémy has channeled her passion into creating her own natural products brand & has also been sharing her learnt knowledge with others through workshops and hands-on classes. She believes that reconnecting with the earth’s gifts nurtures both personal health and global stewardship.

Born in rural Portugal in 1959, Fernanda Botelho spent 17 years living in London, where she deepened her passion for herbal medicine. She studied with herbalist Christopher Hedley and attended the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine in the UK. While in London, she also worked at Neal’s Yard Remedies. At the University of Lisbon, she completed courses in essential oils, aromatherapy, and botanical garden guiding. 

Although Fernanda identifies as a herbalist, she does not practice clinically. Instead, she focuses on sharing her love and knowledge of plants with diverse communities. Since returning to rural village life in Portugal in 1998, she has been devoted to storytelling and education, bringing the wisdom of plants to children and the elderly. She helps create herb gardens in schools and retirement homes, reviving traditional plant knowledge and reconnecting people with nature.

Fernanda is an author, her works include Plants and Health, A Handful of Healing Plants, My Medicinal Plant Herbarium, and a series on edible plants: Edible Weeds, Edible Flowers, and Edible Trees. In addition to her published books, she has kept a personal herb journal for over 12 years and has written three herb-focused books for children.

Her voice has reached broader audiences through a radio program on medicinal plants, and frequently appears on radio and television to share her work. Fernanda spends her days immersed in the world of plants—wandering, observing, tasting, smelling, and photographing the flora that surrounds her.

Teresa Feijó is a Portuguese alchemist, holistic herbalist, plant woman. Founder of MAMITAY & SONQO TARIY – Peru, for the last 10 years she has been actively working with Master plants, Distillation, holistic herbalism, spiritual ecology, healing botanical perfumes & ancestral cultures in the area of nature-based human development, eco-therapy and active hope. Teresa believes in the uses and power of nature as portals of healing, expansion and harmony for a more loving process of human evolution in connection with the rhythms of nature. She cultivates the relationship between the plant kingdom and the human being.

Born in Mendoza, Argentina, at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Luciano Stella promotes *Sumaj Kausay* or Good Living from the Andean worldview. In 2016, he founded Alquimia Andina, a laboratory-school of vegetal spagyrics with locations in Mendoza, Argentina, and Sintra, Portugal, where techniques for the sustainable and effective use of plants are explored and developed. Currently, he is deepening his studies in oriental and occidental diagnosis and phytotherapy at ESCMTC in Lisbon. His journey has taken him through Argentina, Brazil, Europe, Siberia, and Mongolia, exploring ancestral healing practices and sharing the transformative power of herbal preparations.

Accommodations & Visitor Experience at Biovilla

Nestled in the heart of the Arrábida Natural Park, Biovilla offers a unique nature tourism experience in Palmela, inviting guests to reconnect with nature while enjoying sustainable living. With 55 hectares of preserved landscape, the retreat is surrounded by the fresh mountain air and the nearby Arrábida sea, creating a peaceful and rejuvenating environment.

Whether visitors seek shared experiences with loved ones or a solitary retreat away from urban life, Biovilla provides the perfect setting. Guests can explore diverse natural ecosystems, participate in land stewardship activities, or simply relax and socialize in a harmonious and eco-conscious atmosphere.

Sustainable Accommodations, Biovilla offers 8 comfortable rooms, available as triples. Each stay includes:

•100% natural hygiene products in the bathrooms

•Daily cleaning services for rooms, bathrooms, and common areas

•Breakfast included, featuring a nourishing selection of muesli, homemade bread and jam, fresh fruit, vegetable drinks, tea, and coffee

Eco-Conscious Living Spaces, Guests can enjoy various shared spaces designed for comfort, connection, and accessibility, including:

•A deck, living room, and reception area

•A library for relaxation and inspiration

•Bathrooms equipped for people with reduced mobility

In alignment with Biovilla’s commitment to sustainability, the retreat features:

•Buildings made of recycled wood

•Solar panels for heating water, the body, and the mind

•A rainwater reuse system for household use and vegetable garden irrigation

Biovilla is more than just a place to stay—it is an invitation to experience harmonious living with nature, where every moment reflects a commitment to sustainability, community, and well-being.

Getting to Biovilla

The Biovilla is located in the heart of the Arrábida Natural Park. We have paths and trails throughout the beautiful Arrábida Mountains. We walk to the 2nd highest point of the Arrábida Mountains with indescribable panoramic views at the top and the path to the Roman road. We have nearby the beaches of Arrábida (8 km), Palmela (6 km), Golf (8 km), Palmela Station (8 km), Setúbal Port (8 km), Setúbal City (8 km) and Azeitão (7 km). We are just 8 km from the A2 motorway and 50 km from Portela Airport – Lisbon.

Tuition
€1795

What is Included?

Accommodations in shared rooms.
All course materials, activities and classes.
Three delicious, fresh made, organic, omnivorous or vegetarian meals daily

We try to make it as easy for people to attend as possible.

We ask for a €500 Regular Tuition non-refundable deposit to hold your space.

Space is limited to 22 people in shared accommodations.

Camping is not available, but you can come in your camper or van.

We work really hard to make sure the tuition is fair and that all teachers are honored for their life of service to the plants and earth.

Payment Program:

1. €500 deposit to hold your space, paid electronically through Sarah Wu ($595 USD)

2. €530 paid directly to Biovilla for your accommodations and meal plan, paid by June 1.

3. Balance paid in cash euros upon arrival

In the spirit of financial transparency:

40% of your tuition goes to the facilitators and assistants

40% of your tuition goes toward food and accommodations

20% of your tuition pays course materials and bank fees

We also have special prices for those with economic limitations and ask that you reach out directly to enquire. Please be mindful that as herbalists, farmers and teachers our income is also very limited, as most of us work below the median income standards for the country we live in and very much below the standards of the Global North. We work independently and out of capitalistic systems that cause extractive harm.

We also have a special tuition for Portuguese nationals who need discounts to attend.

Cancellation Policy: All Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE. Any Further deposits or payments are refundable minus transaction fees of 10% up to 16 weeks prior to course commencement. Any cancellations after the 16 week period are non-refundable and non-transferable. Thank you for understanding.

What to Expect & Bring

Visiting Biovilla in October offers a beautiful experience of mild autumn weather in southern Lisbon, with pleasant temperatures and a mix of sunshine and occasional rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range between 18°C and 24°C (64°F – 75°F), while nights can be cooler, dropping to around 12°C – 16°C (54°F – 61°F).

October is known for its comfortable climate, but as the season transitions from summer to autumn, you can expect:

•Sunny days with blue skies, perfect for exploring the farm and natural surroundings

•Cooler evenings, requiring layers for warmth

•Occasional rain showers, so having a waterproof jacket is advisable

•Mild coastal breezes, especially in the Arrábida Natural Park

Packing List for a Permaculture & Herbalism Retreat at Biovilla

To make the most of your stay while learning about herbalism and sustainable living, here’s a recommended packing list:

Clothing & Footwear

•Light, breathable clothing for warm afternoons (cotton or linen)

•Long-sleeve shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection

•Warm layers (sweaters, fleece, or a light jacket) for cooler mornings and evenings

•Waterproof or windproof jacket for unexpected rain showers

•Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for exploring the farm and surrounding nature trails

•Rubber boots or old sneakers for working in the garden and soil

•Hat or cap for sun protection

•Gloves for handling plants and gardening

Personal Essentials

•100% biodegradable toiletries (Biovilla promotes eco-friendly products)

•Towel and washcloth

•Sunscreen and insect repellent

•Reusable water bottle (hydration is key!)

•Notebook and pen for herbalism lessons and observations

•Small backpack for carrying essentials during walks or workshops

For Herbalism & Nature-Based Learning

•Foraging basket or cloth bag for collecting herbs

•Small scissors or pruning shears for harvesting plants

•Glass jars or paper bags for storing dried herbs

•Field guide or herbalism book (optional, if you want to deepen your learning)

Extras for Comfort & Enjoyment

•Yoga mat or cushion for meditation or relaxation in nature

•Camera or phone for capturing the beauty of the retreat

•Headlamp or flashlight for nighttime walks