The land of Satvana, locally known as Vale del Rei, has long carried the quiet wisdom of sincere spiritual practice.
Once a thriving farm that resisted monoculture, it has been gently transformed into an off-grid sanctuary surrounded by fruit trees, forest trails, gardens, a pool, and open sky.
Satvana means ‘Forest of Truth’ in Sanskrit — a place where simplicity, presence, and authenticity become the new luxury. Rather than offering extensive programs to fill the time, we create space for life to unfold naturally.
The Heart of Satvana
Our retreat and co-living center is thoughtfully designed to support authenticity, peace and joy, allowing space for both individual needs and shared living. We offer a respectful and welcoming setting, where hosts and guests can meet in an open, natural way that allows for genuine human connection.
Surrounded by nature without neighbours, Satvana gently invites us to embrace all that we are and rediscover the freedom and joy of simply being alive.
Meet our team
Christian
Founder
I grew up in Germany with a deep longing for truth and freedom. My path led me to study psychology, somatic psychotherapy, and family therapy in Berlin. Still, something in me was searching for a deeper layer of understanding.
After travelling in India, I spent ten years living close to the spiritual teacher Mooji and managing the ashram guesthouse. Satvana was born from this trajectory as a space where spiritual depth, trauma healing and being human meet. Besides Satvana, I work as a trauma and couples therapist in Germany and Portugal.
Gerhard
Director
I studied music and spent years immersed in the world of music events, competitions and artistic projects. It was rich and demanding work, but over time I felt a growing longing for something simpler and more essential. So I decided it was time for a real change and moved to Portugal.
For the past three years I have been fully immersed in the daily life of a luxury retreat centre — managing operations, welcoming guests, coordinating teams and learning, through direct experience, what it really means to hold space for people who come seeking rest and reconnection.
Satvana feels like the next beautiful step on this path. Here, alongside Christian and the team, I help care for this gently restored off-grid sanctuary hidden in a wild valley. For me it is a place where presence, nature and community quietly come together. I’m grateful to be part of this project and look forward to welcoming you soon.
Michelle
Guest experience manager
I’m originally from the Netherlands, but for the past four years I’ve been traveling and working full-time around the world. During this (inner and outer) journey, I’ve stayed in many different co-living spaces — first as a guest, and later from the other side, being the host. Through these experiences, I discovered the true power of intentional communities: living together with people who share similar values, supporting each other, and creating meaningful connections.
Alongside community living, personal growth has always been close to my heart. Hosting retreats allows me to create spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, gain new perspectives, and grow within a supportive environment.
For me, Satvana is the place where all my passions come together — intentional living, connection to yourself, nature and others. I’m beyond excited to be part of the team, and I hope to welcome you soon at our beautiful place!
Surina
Local community support
I am a Brazilian published writer and visual artist. Both in writing and painting, my main interest is to explore ways in which art meets contemplative disciplines and reflects back to us the magic of life in its various shades, from pink to dark gray, from joyful to scary.
Portugal is a quiet and unpretentious place, like a blank canvas that allows me to explore the path that I laid to myself. That is what has kept me on this side of the planet for the last 8 years, and I am truly happy to know I can be part of your experience in connecting to this area and discovering its gifts.
Satvana, for me, is a sanctuary that invites relaxation and connection. A little spot of joy and calm where creativity engenders new possibilities beyond imagination. And you? What is it that makes your heart beat alive?
Balou
My name is Balou, and I’m the newest (and possibly cutest) member of the Satvana family.
My human found me as a puppy at the local market where I was patiently waiting for my new home. It was meant to be — and I couldn’t be happier to have found my home at Satvana!
I spend my days running around the big garden, exploring every corner, and receiving lots of love and attention from the community. Here they often call me a little bundle of joy.
I’m curious, love to play, and I’m always ready for cuddles. But most importantly, I’m here to remind everyone of something simple: life doesn’t have to be taken too seriously. Play, have fun, and live in the moment.
Life is pretty wonderful here at Satvana. Can’t wait to show you around!