Dark Retreat Portugal
Embracing the darkness
to discover the Light of our own Being.
Quarto da Luz · Karuna Retreat Center · Serra de Monchique, Portugal
A profound way to recognise the Light of our own Being
My name is Ricardo, and I am fascinated by retreats in the dark. I find them one of the most profound, direct and transformative ways to reconnect with ourselves. The darkness is like the womb of the mother embracing us: it allows us to rest deeply, invites us to see the peace that is already here, and reveals the Light.
I have spent around 200 days in complete darkness and solitude, in different retreats, including retreats of 49 days and 35 days, among others.
For the last years I have devoted my life to sharing group silent meditation retreats, and I have already shared around 50 of these residential retreats, most of them with Cave of the Heart in Portugal. Now I would love to share the dark room too.
I am so enchanted by this beautiful practice and this beautiful way of retreat that I would love to make it available to whoever feels ready for it. This website is born from this intention: that this practice can reach more people, and that it is always held with care, compassion and Love.
Ricardo
The vision
One day we wish to create a dark retreat centre in Portugal: a quiet place in nature with a few dark rooms, held by people who know this practice from their own experience, where both short and long retreats can be lovingly supported.
Where you can practise now
Our friends from Karuna Retreat Center, in the Serra de Monchique, Portugal, have built a beautiful new dark room. Its walls are made of earth, polished by hand in a round shape, and its name is Quarto da Luz, the Room of Light.
While our own dark room project is still a dream, this is where we warmly invite you to retreat.
Guidance
If you feel called to a dark retreat in Quarto da Luz and would like to be accompanied by me, I offer guidance: a conversation to prepare before you enter, and support when you come back into the world.
If you already have experience with dark retreats, you are welcome to go on your own: reach out to Karuna and book your retreat directly with them. If you do not have experience yet, or you would like our support, please reach out to us.
I have experience
Book your retreat in Quarto da Luz directly with Karuna Retreat Center.
Reach out to KarunaI would like guidance
Prepare with us before you enter, and receive support when you come back into the world.
Reach out to us
Group silent meditation retreats
At Cave of the Heart, we guide Hridaya silent meditation retreats, most of them at Karuna Retreat Center. Three, five or ten days of meditation, Hatha Yoga and Silence, in a group lovingly held.
A group retreat can also be a beautiful doorway into the dark. When the mind is already quiet, entering Quarto da Luz right after a retreat allows that Silence to continue and deepen.