- Retreat -
Journey through Islamic Calligraphy
September 16th to the 21st 2026
- Porto, Portugal -
Embark on a journey of beauty and remembrance through the sacred art of Islamic calligraphy and the rich legacy of Islam in Portugal, nestled within one of the country's most breathtaking settings.
Our Sanctuary
Built in the 18th century, the castle has been the property of a Count, an Aesthete, a Bon vivant, a Scholar, and finally, a family, all of whom have cherished and valued it for what it is: a place of gathering, comfort and incredible beauty. The distinguished, granite silhouette of the castle invites literary comparisons. Located at the end of winding hill roads, its Wuthering Heights-worthy façade—writ in stormy, glittering granite—is an 18th-century baroque beauty. Soft sunlight plays on the dark stone frontage, filtered through the surrounding tree canopy, encroached by untamed gardens, a stay here feels like entering a liminal place.
Seven rooms sit along a curved cloister of the house’s old stable block, which is where we’ll reside, in the beautifully renovated guesthouse on the estate. This separate building offers a collection of stylish suites and studios, thoughtfully designed with comfort and character in mind. Each suite features an en-suite bathroom, high-quality linens, and a calm, refined ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a day outdoors.
The manor house and the saltwater pool gaze across the Lima Valley, while bedrooms peer into the textured shade of the gardens, offering glimpses of a citrus grove…
Be ready to be embraced by a profound sense of peace and serene surroundings.
The Retreat’s essence
At the heart of this retreat lies the sacred art of Islamic calligraphy, an art born from reverence for the Qur'an and nurtured by centuries of devotion. A tradition that has served for centuries as both a vehicle for beauty and a means of drawing closer to the Divine.
Through dedicated practice and attentive instruction, women will be introduced to the techniques, discipline, and spiritual dimensions of this perennial sacred art form. Our days will begin outdoors, gathered beneath the shade of an oak tree overlooking the lake, where Master Calligrapher Pablo Casado will guide us through the sacred art of Islamic calligraphy.
The programme will also include an introduction to tailler son bois-the traditional craft of preparing and carving one's own reed pen (qalam). This essential first step in the calligrapher's journey teaches patience, precision, and a deeper appreciation for the tools of the sacred arts. From shaping the reed to understanding its role in the transmission of knowledge, women will gain insight into a practice that has connected generations of calligraphers across the Islamic world.
Afternoons will be reserved for rest, contemplation, and enjoying the beauty of our surroundings. Some days, we will explore the rich history of Islam in Portugal, uncovering the traces of a remarkable legacy still woven into the landscape. On others, we will gather for a marvelous illustration workshop with our artist-in-residence, Rama Duwaji, celebrating this heritage.
And some afternoons will be left entirely open: long picnics by the lake, quiet moments by the pool, mindful dhikr walks, meaningful conversations, and the simple joy of being in the company of like-minded souls. We believe these unhurried moments are just as much a part of the retreat as the programme itself; a space for suhbah, spiritual reflection, and presence, where hearts can soften, souls can be nourished, and remembrance can arise naturally amidst the beauty of creation.
Offerings & Investment
-
Price Per Person:
Shared Room with En-Suite Bathroom:(two single beds in a bedroom or studio):
€3,700
Private Room with Private Bathroom (single occupancy bedroom):
€4,330
-
Our venue is set in the peaceful countryside of Arcos de Valdevez, the elegant stone turrets of the 18th-century manor house rise gently from the surrounding gardens.
Guests stay the beautifully renovated guesthouse on the estate, behind the manor. This separate building offers a collection of stylish suites and studios, thoughtfully designed with comfort and character in mind. Each suite features an en-suite bathroom, high-quality linens, and a calm, refined ambiance — perfect for unwinding after a day outdoors.
Surrounded by nature, the venue provides a truly restorative environment, featuring an exceptional heated outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, and beautifully landscaped gardens. An absolutely marvelous outdoor deck with views of the valley, will host our daily prayers and mindful movement sessions.
-
All of your daily meals will be thoughtfully and lovingly prepared by our extraordinary chef, using only the freshest produce grown on the island. Each dish will burst with color and flavor, presented on generous al fresco tables that celebrate the island’s abundant bounty.
All meals at the Sanctuary are halal, and alcohol is not permitted on the grounds. We lovingly accommodate every dietary need, ensuring that each guest feels cared for, nourished, and fully embraced throughout their retreat experience.
-
Master Calligrapher Pablo Casado will lead participants through 12 hours of immersive instruction in Islamic calligraphy, offering a comprehensive introduction to the sacred arts. From the preparation of the traditional reed pen (qalam) to the fundamental principles of form, proportion, and discipline, students will gain both a practical foundation and a deeper appreciation for the spiritual and artistic traditions that have shaped Islamic calligraphy for centuries.
The remainder of your retreat, you will be guided by The Women Sanctuary’s team through a series of lectures on Islamic history in Portugal, as well as contemplative and mindful experiences designed to nurture presence & connection to God.
-
Drawing inspiration from the remarkable Islamic history of Portugal, celebrated illustrator and ceramic artist Rama Duwaji will guide participants through a unique creative workshop, exploring the artistic, cultural, and human stories that continue to echo through the landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula.
-
Our Founder and Host lovingly handpicks welcoming gifts for you. Each present carries her care, her inspiration, and a piece of her heart, and she delights in sharing these spiritual treasures with you.
-
Porto Airport - Francisco Sá Carneiro
As the retreat approaches, we will create a WhatsApp group to connect you with the other guests, allowing you to coordinate transportation to join us. Kindly note that transportation is not included in the retreat fee, though we will help coordinate shared rides to the venue.
-
Our retreat extends a heartfelt invitation to those of various faiths or those who choose a non-religious path. Our only request is that participants bring an open heart and a deep respect for the spiritual nature of the retreat. While we celebrate the diversity of beliefs, we ask that everyone honors the spiritual atmosphere we aim to cultivate. What unites us is a shared commitment to respect, courtesy, and savoir-vivre.
Please note that this is an alcohol-free retreat. In honor of the space and its sacred purpose, alcohol is not permitted anywhere on the property.