This weekend invites you to slow down through hands-on work with wool and to explore traditional techniques in an intimate, attentive setting. Guided by skilled artisans, participants learn at their own pace, working closely with the material.
This is a weekend for learning without pressure and for deeply restorative slowness. On your return, you will feel renewed and happy to have learned how to do something new with your hands.
More about Wool
Wool is one of the textile fibres with the lowest environmental impact. It is 100% biodegradable, breaking down in months and releasing no microplastics—unlike polyester, which can take up to 200 years to decompose.
Wool garments are also incredibly durable, often lasting decades with proper care, reducing waste and the need for replacement. Naturally renewable and requiring no extra land or water, wool is a by-product of sheep farming yet around 200,000 tonnes go unused each year. Reviving its use means turning a wasted resource into long-lasting everyday objects.
Shearing facilitator
Martin O’Connell
Martin O’Connell, originally from New Zealand, marks 40 years as a professional shearer. What began as reluctant training on his family farm at 18 became a lifelong craft that has taken him across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and the United States.
Working with a wide range of sheep breeds, Marty uses the Bowen technique, a New Zealand shearing method that enhances animal welfare, reduces physical strain, and delivers cleaner, higher-quality fleeces.
Wool facilitator
Maria Luísa Arosa González
Maria Luísa Arosa González (Ourense, Spain, 1978) is a textile artisan and former ecology researcher who left academia to embrace rural life. Trained in Forestry Engineering and holding a PhD in Terrestrial Ecology, she now channels her scientific background into Abenaia, a family-run project based in the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park.
Working closely with local shepherds, Abenaia revives Portuguese wool through fair trade, natural dyeing, and low-impact, traditional processes—bringing forgotten materials, knowledge, and landscapes back into everyday life.
Program
(Indicative schedules may vary slightly depending on the season and retreat)
Friday
Morning
15:00
Arrival & check-in.
Welcome drink.
Evening
Welcome dinner featuring local, seasonal ingredients.
Saturday
Morning
8:30 - 10:00
Breakfast.
Free time: rest, walk the land, swim or discover the region.
Free Lunch.
Afternoon
Shearing
We accompany Martín, a shepherd and shearer, to understand shearing not as a spectacle but as an essential act of animal care and well-being. A moment of observation and learning about the relationship between animal, territory and human gesture.
Woll
Maria Luísa Arosa González, textile artisan, introduces us to Portuguese wool, its characteristics and the urgency of valuing this local resource.
We dedicate this time n to spindle spinning, a repetitive, almost meditative gesture in which the hands learn before the mind. We explore different yarns and needles and begin knitting, learning the basic knit and purl stitches.
Throughout the afternoon, conversations arise around natural dyeing, the circular economy, ethnobotanical knowledge, and practices that respect natural cycles, from the conscious use of water to the wood-burning stove that heats the workspace.
Natural pauses, tea and moments of quiet are part of the process.
Sunday
Morning
8:30 - 10:00
Breakfast.
11:00
Checkout.
What's Included
Two nights' accommodation (breakfast included).
Welcome drink on arrival.
Friday dinner (non-alcoholic drinks included).
A curated Saturday afternoon programme, with all materials included.
Afternoon tea: tea, herbal infusions, and a homemade cake or light refreshment are served in the afternoon.
Time and space to rest, walk, read, and simply be. Full access to all shared spaces: natural swimming pool, sauna, and rooftop.
Freedom to walk peacefully around the farm and the surrounding land.
Sunday is left open, with no scheduled activities, as an invitation to rest, explore the region, or enjoy a gentle departure by 11:00 am.
Not Included
Flight tickets.
Trip Insurance (please see our FAQS here).
Massage treatments (available by appointment).
Horse Riding (available by appointment).
Alcoholic drinks (available to order on-site).
Practical notes
Intimate group.
Materials included.
No previous experience required.
FAQs
How do I get there?
For guests arriving from abroad, we can organise a group transfer from Lisbon (at an additional cost).
If you live in Portugal and plan to drive, we will send you detailed directions in advance.
If you plan to come by bus, please send an email to reservations@asociedaderural.com and we can send all the information.
Private transfers can also be arranged upon request (at an additional cost).
Please note: flights are not included in the program price.
Is the program suitable for beginners?
Yes. Yes. The program is designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Are practices indoors or outdoors?
We have beautiful indoor and outdoor practice spaces. Whenever weather conditions allow, we enjoy practising outdoors, always adapting to the season and conditions.
How many people attend each retreat?
This is an intimate and exclusive experience, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 participants.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Friday Check-in: from 3:00 pm
Sunday Check-out: by 11:00 am
Is there a packing list?
In addition to your usual travel essentials, we recommend bringing:
- Comfortable clothes
- Walking or hiking shoes
- Bathing suit & flip flops
- Sunscreen, hat & sunglasses
- Layers for cooler mornings and evenings
What should I do during free time?
Free time is an invitation to rest and reconnect.
You might choose to:
- Walk or sit quietly in nature
- Writing, drawing, play games
- Enjoy mindful conversations over tea
- Swim or use the sauna
- Book a massage or a local activity (not included)
- Doing nothing is also very welcome.
What is the food like? Is alcohol included?
Expect seasonal, nourishing, local food, prepared with care. Dietary requirements and allergies can be accommodated. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Alcoholic drinks are not included, but are available to order on-site.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing personal travel insurance specilly if you are coming from abroad. In the rare event that the retreat needs to be cancelled or rescheduled due to force majeure, we can only refund the retreat cost itself and cannot cover additional expenses such as flights.
We recommend a policy that includes: "Cancel for any reason" option.
(Some credit cards also offer travel insurance benefits.)
What is your cancellation & transfer policy?
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for full details here.
Tickets may be transferred to another person up to three days before the retreat start date by contacting us via email.
After this period, our standard cancellation policy applies.
Purchasing travel insurance is strongly advised.
Book: