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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to sustainable trips around the world. Carbon removals included with each booking!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Discover small group tours with fixed departure dates and enjoy sustainable adventures with like-minded travelers at affordable price points.

Small Group Tours | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Liveaboard a Turkish gulet & cruise the island paradise of the Maldives to experience the ultimate in island hopping, marine conservation, & snorkeling adventures.

[8 Days] Snorkeling Conservation Cruise | Yugen Earthside

Liveaboard a Turkish gulet and cruise the island paradise of the Maldives to experience the ultimate in island hopping, marine conservation, and snorkeling adventures.

Snorkel with majestic whale sharks and learn about these gentle giants from the Maldivian Whale Shark Research Program Coordinator, who will travel with us. As you discover life under the sea at the South Male and South Ari Atolls, you can assist in data collection, identify individuals, and maybe even take measurements underwater!

If you are passionate about ocean life, this trip through the Maldives is a perfect fit!

This experience can only accommodate 12 guests and has 3 departure dates per year, so secure your spot early. Carbon removals are included with your booking!

Experience the magic of snorkeling with whale sharks and assist in data collection

Spot turtles, colorful fish, sharks, and dolphins through ~10 vivid underwater encounters

Snorkel the coral nursery maintained by Save the Beach and watch coral propagation firsthand

Learn about the Maldivian ecosystem, seagrass, conservation challenges, & protective measures

Savour exquisite local cuisine by sampling "hedika," sweet and savory small bites

Experience local traditions such "Boduberu," a tribal dance to drum music

Intrepidly roam through an uninhabited island and help clean up its beaches

This unique, hand-curated cruise itinerary is for couples, solo travelers, and families with a passion for the ocean and responsible travel. Discover the charm and natural beauty of the local islands of Dhangethi, Dhigurah, and Gulhi, both above and below the surface.

In addition to snorkeling alongside the whale shark research team, meet with a local NGO (Save the Beach), visit a coral nursery, and learn about the local efforts to regenerate coral reefs and how you can assist the process. Your expert tour leader will teach you about the importance of the humble seagrass in sea turtle conservation efforts. Embark on a tropical forest walk, visit deserted sandbank islands, complete beach cleans, watch mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, and of course, kick back and relax as you sail your worries away, onboard the lovely MV Felicity gulet. 

Your tour leader will also familiarize you with all things Maldivian. From tours of the local islands and villages, to sampling afternoon tea snacks known as "hedika," to enjoying a Maldivian theme night featuring a traditional "Boduberu" musical drumming and dance performance, you'll see a special and unique side to these wonderful islands!

With a tropical climate, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures around 86°F (30°C) throughout the year, there is never a bad time to visit the Maldives. The Maldives has two distinct seasons:

January - March: This is the dry season as the northeast monsoons are more common.

Mid-May - November: This is the wet season, as southwest monsoons are more common. Wet, however, doesn't mean rain all the time, it just means we see more rain during this period than during the dry season. This may be a daily heavy shower, but it's very rare to have days and days of rain in succession or even a full 24 hours of rain. There is usually more wind during this period, but this helps keep the temperature at a nice level and you can still expect plenty of blue skies and sunshine.

The rare thunderstorm in the Maldives (especially around the southwest monsoon months) can be a welcome respite from the sun. Cloudy skies, slate grey seas, and crashing thunder make for lovely reading weather. The warm temperatures will allow you to go for a walk in the rain, a thoroughly enjoyable experience. For extra exhilaration, take a swim in the rain - the sea will be extra warm.

There can be heavy rain showers pretty much any time of year, but they tend to be short and cannot be accurately predicted seasonally (in other words – don’t worry too much about them – you will quite possibly experience some rain showers, but the majority of the weather should be great, and you will be unlucky to get several consecutive days of heavy rain). Like many places in the world today, the climate and weather pattern is changing, and historical data is less reliable as an indication of what to expect in the here and now.

7 nights' accommodation in a standard cabin

7 Breakfasts, Lunches, Snacks, High Tea, & Dinners

Unlimited drinking water – bring a reusable water bottle

Dingy or Dhoni transfer to snorkeling points and islands

Special BBQ Dinner on the beach (weather permitting)

All local taxes (10% Service Charge, 16% GST, & $6 Green Tax pp/night)

Additional services on board, including alcohol, can be requested and are to be paid in cash. 

Price is the same even for solo travelers.

Sustainable and Responsible tourism has been an integral part of our business model since 2012. We are mindful of ensuring we promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through the education of our team, guests, and locals, we aim to protect the environment and limit wherever possible any negative impact on local life.

As a team, we aim to inspire, inform and demonstrate to our partners, guests, and the tourism industry as a whole, that we are committed to ensuring we offer only responsible and positive travel experiences. We believe that people, communication, and education are the foundation of Sustainable Tourism. This is the reason that we have built our business on four communities:– Our Guests– Our Team– Local Islanders– NGOs and charity organizations.

We understand that success requires focus, adaptation, and long-term thinking. Change does not often happen overnight but is a gradual process. Surely in a destination such as the Maldives, it is our responsibility to make that difference.

Environmental Initiatives
Through learning experiences with our guides, we provide guests with awareness of corals, marine life, seagrass, mangroves, waste management, and plastic pollution. We brief all guests participating in snorkeling activities on the Green Fins Code of Conduct, this improves their knowledge of what they can do to help protect the ocean and coral reefs. We follow the Codes of Conduct produced by international marine organizations when encountering manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles while snorkeling and diving.

We collaborate with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program, a charity founded to learn more about the life cycle, population dynamics, and habitat usage of the Maldives whale shark population. This enables us to educate our team, provide guests with marine education and spread the importance of whale sharks.

Plastic waste reduction is also paramount for us. Stemming from this belief, we do not provide any single-use plastic bottles to travelers, so we advise that you bring your own reusable bottle. 

Sociocultural Initiatives
We ensure that our tours include opportunities to engage with locals and learn about the local way of life. By facilitating interactions between travelers and the local community, we aim to provide enriching and authentic experiences. These not only benefit the travelers by offering a deeper and more meaningful connection with the destination, but they also have a positive impact on the local community. By actively participating in cultural interactions, travelers contribute to the preservation of local traditions, ensuring their endurance over time. Additionally, these interactions have a positive economic impact on the community economy, as they provide opportunities for income generation and sustainable development. 

Economic Initiatives
We choose locally owned and operated infrastructure as well as services developed and managed by locals to contribute to the local community's economic development. By doing this, we provide job opportunities for locals making the wheels of the economy spin. In this same line, we opt not to have our own fleet of vehicles but rather use public means of transportation or private locally owned ones. This decision not only supports the sustainability of the local transportation sector but also ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed among the community, promoting more inclusive and balanced growth.

Be sure you have traveler´s insurance.
You can travel safely in the knowledge that you are in capable hands, all our guide team are certified in the care and safety of guests holding First Emergency Response and Lifeguard certifications.

Hike through villages, discover monasteries, learn local crafts, and soothe your mind amid Romania’s bucolic regions of Bucovina and Maramures.

[9 days] Villages of Bucovina & Maramures | Yugen Earthside

This 9-day trip offers the possibility to catch a glimpse of one of Europe’s most unique gems. Awe-inspiring views, World Heritage Sites, and peasant culture await you! 

Connect with the country’s well-preserved environment by admiring the fir-tree forests, beautiful landscapes punctuated with sheep herds, wildflowers, and more. Start the trip with a steam train along the Moldovita River and sit back and soak in the stunning panoramic views until you arrive at a small picturesque village. Later on, enjoy leisurely hikes that will lead you along a stream, across fully bloomed fields, past the glacier lake of Stiol, and to Horse’s Waterfall – Romania’s tallest waterfall.

Hike in the famous fir-tree forests of Bucovina

Visit the uniquely painted monastery in Moldoviţa

Meet the local Hutsules people and discover their art of painting eggs

Walk past a glacier lake to Romania’s tallest waterfall

Stop at the “Communism Victim’s Memorial”

Visit a wooden church in Maramureş that dates back to the 14th century

End in Cluj Napoca, a cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage

You will also be able to admire the beautiful Bucovina monasteries, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit in the area. Gain an understanding of the history behind these constructions and the stunning wooden churches of Maramures. Our visit to the “Communism Victim’s Memorial” will be a trip back in time to one of the most important landmarks of history. You will also get to admire the traditional wooden installations of Sarbi and learn about local distillery techniques.

With this guided tour through Bucovina and Maramures, delve into the heart of Romania and meet local farmers and artisans to learn about their daily lives and customs. An encounter with the Hutsules, a group of people with an idiosyncratic heritage and history, will bring you closer to their art of egg painting. A weaving demonstration will also provide you with the opportunity to mingle with the locals as well as learn about ancient art techniques. This immersion in a peasant culture will enchant you, as you will discover a rural world that is no longer present in Western countries.

The rich history, beautiful nature, and unique cultural heritage of the country are much enjoyed if traveling in spring (March-May) or summer (June-August). Mild temperatures allow for pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking landscapes. Outdoor activities such as visits to famous monasteries are also preferable during these seasons.
Springtime presents mild weather, but there may still be snow in higher elevations and trails may be muddy due to snowmelt and rain. Traditional cheese tasting is available through mid-September.
Trails are generally dry and the weather is favorable for hiking during summer. Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F).

Transport to the meeting point and from the point of dispersion

English-speaking guide throughout the trip

8 breakfasts, 6 picnics, 6 dinners (3 course menus)

Private transfer Bucharest OTP Airport - Bucharest North Train Station (for 1-3 people, one way): 30€

Private transfer Cluj city center or Cluj Train Station - Cluj CLJ Airport (for 1-3 people, one way): 30€

Train ticket for overnight service Cluj – Bucharest North, 1st class, 2 beds/cabin. Per person. : 70€

Train ticket for overnight service Cluj – Bucharest North, 6 beds/cabin. Per person: 38€

Extra-night In Cluj-Napoca, Hotel 3-star in the center of the town, price / DBL BB. : 70€

Small group supplement: departure in case of a 5-person group, supplement to be paid / per person: 100€

Small group supplement: departure in case of a 4-person group, supplement to be paid / per person: 250€

Small group supplement: departure in case of a 3-person group, supplement to be paid / per person: 500€

Small group supplement: departure in case of a 2-person group, supplement to be paid / per person. : 750€

Supplement for night train cabin used as SGL for the Bucharest - Bukovina train on Day 1: 60€

We are a certified partner of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania. Our philosophy has always been to encourage traveling as much as possible by non-motorized means and mostly off the beaten path, to try and avoid the mainstream and bring out the authenticity. 

Environmental Initiatives
This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take trains from Bucharest to arrive at the starting point for the walk. We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular.


Economic Initiatives
All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.


Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
 You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive. You'll also spend 1 night at a cozy 3-star hotel.

Spend 8 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure!

[8 days] Citizen Science Scuba Diving in the Galapagos | Yugen Earthside

Spend 8 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! 

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most beautiful locations on earth, and your dive trip here supports the Galapagos Whale Shark Project (which was featured in the BBC Blue Planet II series).

Marine biologists and divemasters will be on board to provide a life-changing experience, assistance, and educational guidance on endangered marine wildlife conservation as you explore these renowned scuba diving spots.

You will do 2-4 dives a day on this trip, for a total of 19-20 dives. There’s also the opportunity for a night dive. 

For every diver, the organization donates to the research of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. This team is studying the unique population of adult whale sharks in the Galapagos. Each scientist will provide you with extensive knowledge about whale sharks and will teach you at the same time how you as a diver can support the conservation of marine wildlife such as whale sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles, other shark species, rays, molas, whales and other endangered animals – in the Galapagos and worldwide. You can also expect to learn about underwater photography while onboard (please note: you need to bring your own camera) and be taught about photography using what you have.

Highlands with giant tortoises (land excursion)

On this trip, you’ll spend very little time on land. The majority of the experience is on the yacht and underwater. You’ll visit islands that not all boats visit, including sites that primarily attract divers.

The yacht for your Galapagos eco dive liveaboard provides a unique and unforgettable experience, with the best service and diving that you could hope for. The boat has nine cabins with private bathrooms, air conditioning, electricity, and all that you may need to make your stay comfortable. Three meals a day are included, as well as ‘pre-breakfast’ and snacks between dives.

Please note: The famous Darwin's Arch rock formation collapsed on 17 May 2021 due to erosion; it now resembles two pillars instead of an arch and is being referred to as the “Pillars of Evolution.”

What is it Really Like?
Check out our blog post on Sustainable Scuba Diving in the Galapagos Islands for an even deeper look into what to expect.

Every year, only a few shark conservation dive departures are offered. These align with the best shark diving season and the best months to dive in the islands of the Galapagos (July – October). These conservation scuba dive trips frequently sell out; contact us today to secure your spot!

Galapagos National Park tax ($100 pp, cash only) - payable upon arrival at Galapagos Airport 

Transit Control Card ($20 pp, cash only) - payable in cash at Quito or Guayaquil Airport of departure for the Galapagos 

Personal equipment: Wetsuit, BCD (Buoyancy control device/jacket), regulator, booties, fins, mask, dive computer, gloves, hoods, dive light 

Liveaboard yacht accommodation for 7 nights/8 days 

Pre-breakfast, breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals

Transfers to/from the airport within the Galapagos Islands 

Accompaniment by the research project team

Photography instruction & practical advice 

Technical equipment: tanks, weights, weight belt.

A variety of lectures about the Galapagos Islands and the Galapagos Whale Shark Project 

Translation in Spanish, German, and French  

Prices of add-ons subject to change; confirm with our team before booking.

We not only care about our travelers, but we also care about the local communities and the environment. When you book a tour with us, you become an active collaborator of the local and international foundations we work with in order to do our part. Whether it is educating children on the coast of Ecuador, or helping out with conservation projects in the Galapagos, we care.


Environmental Initiatives
This trip takes travelers off the beaten path and avoids tourist "hot spots". The boats in this trip use water flow reducers. 
Clients travel with scientists to collect data that furthers our understanding of whale sharks and other marine wildlife. This helps us promote conservation through education and awareness. We specifically discuss with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination, and why that's important.

Economic Initiatives
The crew of the boat is all local people who are paid fair wages.
We support other local and international projects that provide jobs and assistance to local communities.


Sociocultural Initiatives
Travelers and locals will exchange knowledge with locals, have an opportunity to learn from one another, and gain a new perspective on their own environment.
We focus on serving locally-grown foods and locally-bought meat.

Citizen Science Scuba Diving in the Galapagos

Spend 15 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! 

[15 days] Citizen Science Scuba Diving in the Galapagos | Yugen Earthside

This unique and adventurous getaway gets you closer to science and animal life. It grants you the opportunity to enjoy the adventure of the Galapagos’ special underwater world. Come to America to explore Darwin’s Arch, Fernandina, and Isabela Islands, and other breathtaking places featuring endemic biodiversity. Enjoy whale watching, see dolphins playing, do night dives, and take hikes through volcanic landscapes.

Part of your trip fee supports the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, which was featured in the BBC Blue Planet II series.

Night dive opportunity in Punte Vicente Roca

Wolf Island: swim through cave entrances and walls

Fernandina Island (home to the world’s largest marine iguana colony)

Cape Douglas: cormorant and penguin watching

This experience will blow your mind away. Observing sharks and marine megafauna, and, perhaps, having a dolphin pass by overhead is something you do not get to experience every day. Huge schools of fish and other species that inhabit the coral-covered platform are to be sighted in the blue waters of this natural paradise. With a 15-day liveaboard dive experience, you will double your chance to see the big wildlife you are coming for!
The highlands of the Galapagos are as magnificent as their sea life. We will travel back in time to the formation of lava tubes, spatter cones, and the remains of two types of hardened lava. Prepare yourself to observe unique animals such as iguanas, birds, and the famous giant tortoises.
Photography instruction and practical advice about photography on land and underwater will take place directly onboard.

This scuba diving trip living amongst distinct animal species is an adventure that will be stamped in your heart forever!

What is it Really Like?
Check out our blog post on Sustainable Scuba Diving in the Galapagos Islands for an even deeper look into what to expect.

Please note that this itinerary is subject to approval by the National Park, which takes place in March of each year. The purpose of obtaining approval is to ensure that there is a limited number of guests present in the park on any given day. Therefore, the travel route can be subject to minor changes to comply with the park's regulations. 

Every year, only a few shark conservation dive departures are offered – sometimes, there is only one dive organized per year. The schedule is always designed to align with the best shark diving season and the best months to dive in the islands of the Galapagos in general (July – October). These trips frequently sell out so we encourage you to book early to reserve your spot. For the 15-day itinerary, there is only one departure planned for 2024, so contact us today if you’re interested in learning more!

Liveaboard yacht accommodation for 14 nights/15 days 

Fuel Surcharge, $150 per person is currently waived (other vessels still charge this amount)

We are a company specializing in diving trips and marine conservation. For every diver, the organization donates to the research of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. This team is studying the unique population of adult whale sharks in the Galapagos.

Environmental Initiatives
Clients travel with scientists to collect data that furthers our understanding of whale sharks and other marine wildlife. This helps us promote conservation through education and awareness. We specifically discuss with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination, and why that's important. Our team of scientists will teach you how as a diver you can support marine life conservation.

On our Eco Dive Tour, we will pay attention to how to travel economically responsibly and behave respectfully toward wildlife. The boat uses water flow reducers.

Socioeconomic Initiatives
The crew of the boat is all local people who are paid fair wages. Besides, we focus on serving locally-grown foods and locally-bought meat.


A classic surf and yoga retreat with a sustainable twist! Hosted at an eco-retreat center, it includes a massage and an organic winery visit.

[7 days] Sustainable Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat | Yugen Earthside

A classic surf and yoga retreat, but with a sustainable twist! This experience is for people that want to do a little bit of yoga, a little bit of surfing, and then relax with a little bit of wine. 

Enjoy daily surf lessons and yoga classes accessible to all levels. Then, indulge yourself with delicious healthy food, local wine from a different small producer each night with dinner, and a deep healing massage on the welcomed rest day!

Come join us on this active nature escape and have fun! You'll unwind in a beautiful natural setting and learn about the local culture, all while getting to know new, fun people throughout your stay.

These laidback 7 days will fly by at this magical eco-retreat in southern Portugal's Alentejo region!

Daily yoga sessions in an open-air Shala in the woods

An hourlong massage with our Goddess Masseuse, Jana

Healthy brunches and dinners; vegetarians happily accommodated

Plenty of optional activities (for an additional cost)

This sustainable surf and yoga retreat is nestled in a historical rural village off the beaten path, yet located only a 15-minute drive away from the beach. You will stay at a beautiful property surrounded by nature where the hosts will welcome you like old friends. They will tell you about the history, traditions, and local culture of the area while taking you through the beautiful landscapes of the countryside and coast.

Get out of the city and feed your adventurous side by learning to surf (or improving your surfing skills!), and then find your sense of calm with daily yoga sessions. You will be delighted at how well yoga and surfing go together to strengthen and relax your muscles, improve your balance and focus, and, most importantly, make you feel great!

Yoga: The five, 75-minute yoga sessions take place in an open-air Shala in the woods. You'll be taught by Nina, a certified instructor who will tailor the classes to each person’s ability. There will be modifications suitable for beginners as well as those looking to challenge and advance their yoga practice.

Surfing: First-timers, beginners, and pros are all welcome. During your four surf classes on the beach, the group will be divided into beginners and those who already have some surfing experience, so you'll be in good company no matter what!

Rest Day: Near the end of the retreat, you'll have a rest day where you can completely relax with an hour-long outdoor massage by our Goddess Masseuse, Jana. In addition to giving your muscles some TLC, you can lounge by the pool, rest in a hammock, meander around the serene garden, or visit the secluded meditation platform.

Great food: You will enjoy healthy meals onsite, freshly prepared using exclusively fresh, local, organic, and seasonal products (most meals are vegetarian, too!). Menus change with each retreat, but here’s a sneak peek of what you might be served. Feel free to also drool over the French Toast brunch or the vegetarian frittata. At each meal, you'll learn about the origins of the food and its correlation with the local environment and culture. You may also visit the onsite garden if you wish.

Wine: The visit to a local winery is a real treat! You will learn about the producer's sustainable and artisanal wine-making practices before savoring wine and tapas during a paired tasting. See what the winery tour is like. Plus, with each dinner, you'll sip a different natural, regional wine sourced by local, small producers.

So come! Stay amongst the pine and oak trees, enjoy the delicious food and wine (again, it’s a big part of this trip!), and relax at this laidback retreat.

What is it Really Like?

Check out our blog post on Sustainable Retreats in Portugal for an even deeper look into what to expect. Or, watch these three 20-second video clips to get a sense of a typical day at this beautiful eco-retreat center.

Yoga, brunch, visiting a small coastal town

Brunch, coastal hike, market visit, early evening yoga

Free time, afternoon yoga, family-owned winery visit

Group Privatization:
If you want to bring your own group for a birthday, bachelor(ette) party, wedding, special celebration, or corporate retreat, it's possible! We recommend avoiding the crowded high season and coming in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The beaches are deserted, and the days are mostly sunny and warm (you’ll need a cardigan for the evenings though).


The surf and yoga retreats are organized throughout the year, mostly around the fall (September to November) and in the spring (April and May). These retreats are based on when the waves will be best and the temperatures will be comfortable for learning to surf.

As the best months for the surf and yoga retreat are outside of Portugal's high season (July & August), participating in this retreat will foster tourism dispersal (the antidote to "overtourism") and contribute to the local economy of the region anytime you join. If you're looking to explore Portugal further either before or after the retreat, you will avoid overcrowding.

Spring/early summer (March to June) and late summer/early fall (September to October) are really lovely times to visit Portugal. The weather is pleasant yet mild, making the outdoor yoga sessions, pool time, and short nature hikes very comfortable.

Airport transfer to the retreat center (but we can coordinate this)

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) (~35 € pp, excluding rental material & transportation)

Kayaking (~25 € for 1 person / ~35 € for 2 people)

Horseback riding (~60 € for 1 person / ~100 € for 2 people; 1h30 guided ride)

Photography session (~50 € pp or per couple)

Many 'excluded' activities (not included in the trip price) can be optionally added to your experience. Guests can decide on most optional activities once at the retreat center, and payment can be made on-site.

SUP and kayaking are dependent on weather, tides, and currents.

Our View on Sustainability
Sustainability is a way of life here. Our family has a deep respect and love for the region of Alentejo and we are passionately committed to protecting and preserving her to the best of our ability. Gratefully, we are able to plant our roots here and carry a strong sense of social responsibility to our community.

Our experiences are all based on the amazing nature of this place and our incredible community and we put a lot of effort to protect both. We love to share it with our guests and try to involve them as much as possible. This includes making them aware of our challenges and how can they further help. This is a truly authentic experience composed of small local and sustainable entrepreneurs only.

We make a big effort to maintain and increase the amazing biodiversity among us through the diverse activities explained during the trip. Our eco-retreat center uses solar panels, LED lamps, and local, organic soaps and ecological detersives. We work a lot to reduce waste, reuse as much as we can, and recycle the rest. We have clear waste sorting systems in place for guests, serve mostly vegetarian meals, compost leftover food, and implement organic farming and regenerative forestry practices. The whole trip happens in a short circuit of 20 kilometers, and we are lucky to have nature, beaches, and historic towns all nearby to reduce this trip's footprint. We don't sell or use single-use plastic items. You will see our animals wandering free and happy along our property and the surrounding area.

Accommodation
Being the trip organizers, and the host of the accommodations ourselves, sustainability is part of our lives and business. Guests are welcome to explore every corner of the property and question any concerns they may have. As a small family business, we work very hard to improve every day and create a more positive impact on our environment and in our community.

Sustainable Economic Initiatives
We are a small start-up that works very closely with the local community that depends mostly on tourism and agriculture. The timing of our programs year-round, and especially out of high season, helps the community to guarantee their income all year round. By working directly with local farmers and small food/wine producers, we help them to maintain their projects of family-owned, completely organic productions.

Being part of the local community ourselves, it's in our own interest to protect it and ensure it develops in a sustainable way. One of the high points of the trip is the visit to the sustainable farm where the grapes are grown before the winery and wine tasting. The tour is guided by the owner himself, a true expert that carries the work of five generations. The whole experience is very much community-oriented and we are very much actively involved in projects that protect it. Our other activities visiting local artisans, teaching guests about our cultural heritage, prioritizing small, local, and sustainable suppliers, and inclusive practices also support our efforts to be socially sustainable. We also discuss with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination and make donations to local organizations.

We are a pet-friendly site, prefer cruelty-free products, source meat and fish from trusted local suppliers, and support local pro-animal projects.

With a capacity of only 12 guests, plus its remote location, this eco-retreat is a safe way to enjoy Portugal. We follow special cleaning protocols adhering to European regulations.

Hone your camera skills and energize your mind and body on this unique retreat that combines photography workshops with daily yoga sessions.

[7 days] Unique Photography & Yoga Retreat | Yugen Earthside

Hone your camera skills on this unique photography retreat by practicing in natural settings under the guidance of a pro! When not behind your camera, energize your mind and body through daily yoga sessions. 

Learn expert tips from a pro to take your photos to the next level. Feel rejuvenated with daily yoga classes. Sustain your creative energy by delighting in leisurely home-cooked meals made of fresh, seasonal ingredients. End each day by sipping a complimentary glass of locally-produced, regional wine. Come and enjoy the good vibes!

Relax and disconnect from your busy day-to-day life as you unleash your creativity. The beauty and tranquility of rural Portugal will surely nourish your mind, body, and soul.

What will the photography program be like?

The photography workshop will be very practical and hands-on. Subjects will include landscapes, animals, and people. Previous experience in photography is not necessary; the program will be adapted to the skills and flow of the group. The workshops are accessible to all levels and will include both group and individual sessions. You will also have plenty of time to explore your creativity on your own. 

You must bring your own camera (a real one, not your phone).

Understanding your camera and shooting modes

Cam was born and raised in LA but lived most of his life in NYC, where he worked 20 years as a professional photographer and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the photography world. He worked for many international magazines, and worldwide advertising campaigns but his passion is portraits. Indeed he photographed many worldwide celebrities.  His shoots are always fun and full of good vibes!

Yoga: Find your sense of calm with daily yoga sessions in the open-air Shala in the woods. The 75-minute yoga sessions are led by Nina, a certified instructor who will tailor the classes to each person’s ability - so everybody is welcome, from beginners to pros! Classes will mix different yoga styles.

Food and wine play an important role in this unique photography and yoga retreat!

Wine: With each dinner, you'll sip a different natural, regional wine sourced by local, small producers.
What is it Really Like?

Check out our blog post on Sustainable Retreats in Portugal for an even deeper look into what to expect. Or, watch these three (20-second video) clips to get a sense of a typical day at this beautiful eco-retreat center. Note that your photography workshops will replace some of the activities in these clips.

If you want to bring your own group, we recommend avoiding the crowded high season and coming in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The beaches are deserted, and the days are mostly sunny and warm (you’ll need a cardigan for the evenings though).

This unique photography and yoga retreat is typically organized in the late fall and early winter part of the season (November & December). Coming in these low-season months fosters tourism dispersal (the antidote to "overtourism") and helps to bolster the local economy of the region year-round. 

The weather can vary, but generally, you'll get a mixture of sunny and partly-sunny days, and temperatures will be mild to cool.

November: In November, the average daytime temperature in the Alentejo region ranges from 13°C to 18°C (55°F to 64°F). Nights can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 7°C to 12°C (45°F to 54°F). It's a transition period, so you may experience some rainfall.

December: December tends to be slightly cooler than November. Daytime temperatures average between 11°C and 16°C (52°F to 61°F), while nights can be colder, ranging from 5°C to 9°C (41°F to 48°F). Rainfall may increase during this month.

Surf lessons (~40 € pp, excluding rental material & transportation)

Surfing, SUP, and kayaking are dependent on weather, tides, and currents.

For the massage, it is better to book in advance to ensure we get the best masseuses, so please notify us when your booking is confirmed if you would like to schedule a massage.

The Shared Room must be booked for two people together, so it costs 1,450 € pp.

Travel back in time to see movie-like castles, quaint villages, & stunning views on this small-group walking tour through the Carpathian Mountains. 

[8 days] Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles | Yugen Earthside

Travel back in time to appreciate movie-like castles, quaint villages, and stunning views on this small-group walking tour through the Carpathian Mountains. 

Local meals, cozy nights at guesthouses, and walks through traditional villages, all to fully immerse yourself in ancient customs that are still vibrantly alive. See fortresses erected in the 14th century and wander through the secret passages of the “Dracula Castle” to discover hidden mysteries! 

In this bucolic country, locals still rely on craftsmanship and have a strong link with nature, so your days here will allow you to learn about their pastoral life. Well-preserved landscapes such as the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains provide ideal settings for hikes overlooking sheepfolds, green pastures, and woods. Our climb following woodland trails, rich in birdsong, will lull all your senses.

Take a train ride through the Carpathian Mountains

Climb through picturesque woodlands at Piatra Craiului National Park

Visit a remote cheese house (available through mid-September)

Walk ridge to ridge walk along the Bucegi mountains

Locally produced lunches, such as soups and apple pies, and home-cooked dinners at our guesthouse will allow you to taste traditional Romanian meals while taking in the natural, idyllic views. To engross yourself even more in Romania’s traditions, visit the Vulcan Fortified Church, an ancient building that witnessed the Saxon Empire’s colonization of Transylvania.

This trip also includes some unique experiences. For example, you can explore the alluring Bran Castle, the same castle that inspired the story of Dracula. We’ll also visit a nearby bear sanctuary, home to formerly captive bears.

Bucharest, the capital of the country, is as enchanting as Romania’s natural landscapes. Bucharest welcomingly invites you to wander and discover its eclectic style. In your free time, seize the opportunity to see this vibrant city whose architecture has French as well as Ottoman and Communist influence.

The country's rich history and stunning landscapes are much enjoyed if traveling in spring (March-May) or summer (June-August). Mild temperatures allow pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking settings.  
Springtime presents mild weather, but there may still be snow in higher elevations and trails may be muddy due to snowmelt and rain. Traditional cheese tasting is available through mid-September.
Trails are generally dry and the weather is favorable for hiking during summer. Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F).

English-speaking Romanian guide from Day 1 to Day 7

Small Group

Snorkeling Conservation Cruise

Villages of Bucovina & Maramures

Citizen Science Scuba Diving in the Galapagos

Citizen Science Scuba Diving in the Galapagos

Sustainable Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat

Unique Photography & Yoga Retreat

Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles

Sustainable Yoga & Wine Retreat

Women-Only Ethical Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (& Safari)

Unique Stone Sculpting & Yoga Retreat

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