Wool – The Experience
From fleece to thread, from raw wool to knit: an encounter with the essential knowledge of Portuguese rural culture
- 07-09 May 2027
- max. 14
- English
Wool - The Experience
This weekend invites you to slow down through manual work with wool and explore traditional techniques in an intimate and attentive environment. Guided by experienced artisans, participants learn at their own pace, working closely with the raw material and the time it requires.
From understanding the origin of the wool and the care in shearing, to discovering native Portuguese fibers and learning basic knitting techniques, the focus is on the process, presence, and attention. Working with wool becomes a simple and grounding practice, where the hands are occupied and the mind finds rest.
Limited to a small group, this is a weekend to learn without haste and enjoy a profoundly restorative break.
More about wool
From understanding the origin of the wool and the care in shearing, to discovering native Portuguese fibers and learning basic knitting techniques, the focus is on the process, presence, and attention. Working with wool becomes a simple and grounding practice, where the hands are occupied and the mind finds rest.
Limited to a small group, this is a weekend to learn without haste and enjoy a profoundly restorative break.
Shearing facilitator
MARTIN O’CONNELL
Martin O'Connell, a native of New Zealand, marks 40 years as a professional shearer. What began as a reluctant apprenticeship on the family farm at age 18 has become a lifelong craft, leading him to work in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and the United States.
Working with a wide variety of sheep breeds, Marty uses the Bowen technique, a shearing method developed in New Zealand that promotes animal welfare, reduces the shearer's physical strain, and results in cleaner, higher quality fleeces.
Wool facilitator
MARIA LUISA AROSA GONZÁLEZ
Maria Luísa Arosa González (Ourense, Spain, 1978) is a textile artisan and former ecology researcher who left academia to embrace rural life. With a degree in Forestry Engineering and a doctorate in Terrestrial Ecology, she now channels her scientific background into Abenaia, a family project based in the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park.
In close collaboration with local shepherds, Abenaia recovers Portuguese wool through fair trade, natural dyeing, and traditional low-impact processes, bringing forgotten raw materials, knowledge, and landscapes back to everyday life.
Program
(Indicative schedules may vary slightly depending on the season and retreat)
Friday
- 15:00
Arrival and check-in.
Welcome drink
- 20:00
Welcome dinner with local and seasonal ingredients.
Saturday
- 8:30 - 10:00
Breakfast.
- Morning
Free time: rest, walk the land, swim, or discover the region.
Lunch in the region (not provided)
- 14:30
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 the animal, the territory, and the human gesture.Wool
Maria Luísa Arosa González, a textile artisan, introduces us to Portuguese wool, its characteristics, and the urgency of valuing this local resource.We dedicate this time 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 breaks, tea, and moments of silence are part of the process.
Sunday
- 8:00 - 10:00
Breakfast
- 11:00
Checkout
What's Included
Three days | Two nights accommodation (breakfast included).
Welcome drink upon arrival.
Dinner Friday and Saturday (non-alcoholic drinks included).
Saturday afternoon program with all materials included.
Afternoon tea: tea, herbal infusions and a homemade cake or light snack served during the afternoon.
Time and space to rest, walk, read and simply be. Full access to all common areas: natural pool, sauna and rooftop.
Freedom to stroll quietly through the farm and surrounding grounds.
Sunday is left open, without scheduled activities, as an invitation to rest, explore the region or a peaceful departure until 11:00 am.
Not Included
Plane tickets.
Travel insurance (see our FAQs).
Massages (available by appointment).
Horseback riding (available by appointment).
Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase on site).
Practical notes
Small group.
Materials included.
No prior experience necessary.
FAQs
How do I get there?
For guests arriving from abroad, we can organise a group transfer from Lisbon, which is included in the prior private transportation. Closer to the date, we will share the meeting point and timing. If you live in Portugal and drive, we will send you detailed directions in advance; if you 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.
Are the program suitable for beginners?
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.
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 time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in: from 3:00 pm
Check-out: by 11:00 am
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. 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, especially 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 3 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.
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