Cara Creek Eco Lodge
Coimbra, Portugal
About Cara Creek Eco Lodge
👥: 12- 27 guests
Cara Creek Eco Lodge is nestled in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela in Central Portugal, where the Seia River meets the Mondego River. This peaceful off-grid retreat center is powered by solar energy and supplied with water from the land. The lodge has been thoughtfully built and renovated using sustainable architecture and natural building materials. Designed to support transformative retreats, Cara Creek Eco Lodge offers a variety of facilities and spaces to help you host your ideal gathering. The kitchen prepares nourishing meals using fresh ingredients from the garden and locally sourced organic produce whenever possible.
Accommodation
Sleep in close proximity with nature from the comfort of a cozy bed in your own Eco Pod designed with inspiration from sacred geometry. In addition, there are two cozy rooms with private entrances which are part of the main house. There are 7 additional Bell Tents available during High Season.
Getting there
Closest airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto
Second closest airport: Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon
Shuttle services can be arranged.
Facilities & services
Natural infinity pool
Wood fired Sauna
Fire pit
Private river beach
On-site chef
Indoor Shala (fits 14 for yoga)
Outdoor Shala (fits 27 for yoga)
Outdoor cinema
Ice Bath
Hot Tub
Extras
Individual treatments & therapies
Pottery workshop
Local hikes & private tours
Cake making workshop
Floral essence workshop
Sweatlodge (Temazcal)
At Cara Creek, the Eco Pods are the lodge’s signature accommodation, offering guests the unique experience of sleeping close to nature while enjoying the comfort of a cozy bed. Inspired by sacred geometry, these thoughtfully designed pods create a peaceful and grounding space for rest and relaxation.
During the high season (May 15 – October 14), additional Bell Tents are set up right by the river, expanding the lodge’s capacity and allowing Cara Creek to host retreats of up to 27 guests in total.
In addition, two charming rooms with private entrances are located within the original stone house, offering a more traditional indoor stay.
Accommodations feature full-size single or double beds with memory foam mattresses, warm blankets, and hot water bottles for cooler nights. The Eco Pods and Bell Tents are intentionally off-grid and do not include electrical sockets, but each provides a small solar lamp. A charging station for devices is available in the communal building.
Bathrooms are shared across the property. There are five in total: three flushing toilets and two dry compost toilets. Guests also have access to four showers, sustainably heated by solar energy or a wood stove.
Accommodation
Yoga & Wellness
The Indoor Yoga Shala offers natural and calm vibes, and is heated by a wood burning stove. It’s cozy in low season and cool in summer, with panoramic views out over the valley and sky.
The canvas-covered Outdoor Shala has been described as a large piece of art, with stunning views of the pool and soothing sounds of the river. It’s a super peaceful spot to practice or host workshops.
Indoor Shala: up to 14 participants for yoga
Outdoor Shala: up to 27 participants for yoga
Available for use in both shalas: Yoga mats, bolsters, straps, blocks, blankets, tennis balls, and a bluetooth speaker.
Nourishment
Garden to table meals are always included! Hannah, Cara Creek’s intuitive retreat chef & garden designer, prepares garden to table meals for guests, with seasonal and organic ingredients straight from their garden and those of other local growers.
Normally there are 3 meal times:
Brunch,
Afternoon snack
Dinner
Times and details of meals can be discussed.
Tea, coffee, fruit, nuts, and toast are always available. Cara Creek is an alcohol-free venue.
Arrival Day: Afternoon snack or light Lunch & Dinner
Full Days include: Brunch, Afternoon snack, Dinner
Departure Day includes: Brunch
Enrich Your Retreat
Always included in your stay, there are so many ways to enjoy Cara Creek. Lounge by the natural infinity pool; break a sweat in the sauna; sing around the fire pit; rub on locally sourced clay to detoxify your skin before rinsing in the river; read a book by their private river beach; explore the Mondego river by stand up paddle board or a leisurely swim in the creek; practice yoga in the cozy indoor shala or at the panoramic outdoor shala; enjoy a guided tour of our gardens; embark on a guided hike to the nearby waterfall.
Individual Treatments & Therapies
Participants can book the following treatments during their free time at an additional cost:
Massage
Reiki
Reflexology
Indian head massage
Holistic Therapy session using Yoga Therapy & Compassionate Inquiry
Craniosacral Therapy session
Hypnotherapy with recording
Kambo session
Privately or with a group
Group Activities
Activities are complementary activities based on retreat length, but can also be booked separately:
Ice Bath cold immersion
Hot Tub evening
Kirtan session
Guided Breathwork session
Raw Cacao Cake Making workshop
Pottery Workshop (hand-sculpting & wheel)
Make your own floral essence (with a local herbalist)
Outdoor Cinema experience
Hiking excursions
Sweatlodge (Temazcal)
Location
Cara Creek Eco Lodge • Estrada Ponte da Atalhada Fiaias da Beira, 3405-077 Coimbra, Portugal
The closest major international airport to Cara Creek Eco Lodge is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, located about 130 km from the lodge. Another option is flying into Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, which is about 200 km away and roughly a 2–2.5 hour drive to the lodge.
Host Your Next Retreat at Cara Creek Eco Lodge
Contact Cara Creek Eco Lodge directly for more information about pricing and availability:
📞 : +351 965 162 534