Macrobiotic & Permaculture Course
for Seasonal Living
A week of cooking, harvesting and living in rhythm with the land, blending seasonal Macrobiotics and regenerative permaculture in everyday practice.
Join us for a one-week immersive experience in the natural beauty of Sintra, where Macrobiotics and Permaculture come together in harmony
Terra Alta | 1st edition
May 17 to 23, 2026
Course available in English
Limited group (min. 10 participants)
In this course, you will:
Learn to cook according to the seasons
Discover how the health of the soil influences the food on your plate and your own vitality
Experience food from forest garden to shared table
Build practical tools you can apply at home immediately
This is more than a course.
It’s a living practice.
For one week, you will slow down, cook, harvest, learn and experience a way of living rooted in seasonal awareness, conscious food and regenerative systems.
This experience may be especially meaningful if you feel disconnected from seasonal rhythm, if you want to deepen your Macrobiotic practice beyond theory, if you are curious about regenerative food systems, and if you value embodied learning over purely academic study.
What you will learn
Macrobiotics (with Sónia Jordão)
Introduction to Macrobiotics & Yin–Yang
Understanding balance, extremes and stability through food
The Five Transformations and their relationship with seasons, organs and emotions
Cooking with the seasons & organ–emotion relationships
Strengthening immunity, vitality and kidney energy
Holistic self-assessment and integration into daily life
Permaculture (with Terra Alta team)
Introduction to Permaculture principles
Site tour and observation of the land
Basics of food production and forest gardening
Understanding the connection between soil, food and health
Why this course is different
Learning here does not happen in isolation. It happens in the garden, in the kitchen, and around the table.
You will harvest, cook and eat what you help cultivate, experiencing food as a complete cycle
rather than separate disciplines.
Daily rhythm
Morning
Theoretical classes and hands-on learning in Macrobiotics and permaculture.Late morning (11:00 – 13:00)
Practical activities with the Terra Alta team, including food production, garden work and applied permaculture.Afternoon (15:00 – 17:00)
Integration time: rest, journaling, nature walks, crafts, cliff walks and hammocks.Late afternoon & evening (17:00 – 19:00)
Alternating Macrobiotics activities and hands-on cooking, preparing and sharing meals together.
What’s included
All theoretical and hands-on classes in Macrobiotics and permaculture
Daily hands-on cooking sessions
Permaculture site tour and practical activities
Shared meals prepared together with seasonal, local ingredients
Guided integration practices (journaling, nature connection, rest)
Use of Terra Alta facilities and learning spaces
Not included
• Travel to and from the retreat
• Personal expenses
• Meals outside scheduled group meals
Accommodation & pricing
Accommodation options (on-site)
Huts: 590 € total (200 € deposit + 390 € on arrival)
A-frame: 550 € total (200 € deposit + 350 € on arrival)
Bell tent: 490 € total (200 € deposit + 290 € on arrival)
Quechua tent: 430 € total (200 € deposit + 230 € on arrival)
(Prices per person, including course participation)
*If you don’t need accommodation, please get in touch with us.
Registration process:
Select your preferred accommodation option before completing your booking.
Secure your place by paying the 200 € deposit through the website.
The remaining balance, according to your selected option, is paid directly at Terra Alta upon arrival.
The wooden hut is a comfortable accommodation option. 3 available / 590 € with all beddings
The wooden A-frame is nestled in our cork oak forest. 4 available / 550 € course fee including the wooden A-frame rental. It comes with all beddings.
Bell tent - for a comfortable camping experience. 6 available / 490 € course fee including the tent rental. It comes with all beddings.
The camping tent nestled in the lush cork oak forest. 6 available / 430 € course fee including the camping tent, and accommodation in the tent with an insulating mat and a self-inflating camping mat. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
Practical details & common questions
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This retreat is designed for people curious about macrobiotics, seasonal living, and permaculture, whether you are a beginner or already familiar with these topics. No technical background is required, only openness to learn, participate, and slow down.
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Yes. Many participants join on their own. The group setting is intentionally welcoming and supportive, making it easy to connect without pressure.
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No. All practices and concepts are introduced step by step, with space for questions, reflection, and integration.
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Days include a balance of theory, hands-on practice, shared meal preparation, time in nature, and rest. The pace is intentionally slow and grounded — supportive rather than intensive or demanding.
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Yes. While there is a shared daily structure, there is also time to rest, walk, reflect, or simply be on your own.
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No. Activities are gentle and adaptable. You are always encouraged to respect your own rhythm and limits.
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May 17–23, 2026 (7 days / 6 nights).
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At Terra Alta, in Sintra, Portugal, a rural, off-grid permaculture education and research centre surrounded by nature, about 40 minutes from Lisbon.
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It is not a hotel or resort, but a land-based learning community focused on regenerative agriculture, ecological living, and shared rhythms. Daily life, meals, and learning happen in close connection with the land.
Expect simplicity, shared spaces, and a rhythm guided more by sunrise and sunset than by schedules. -
Yes. Accommodation is available on-site and integrated with the retreat experience. Different options are available, with prices listed below.
Accommodation options (on-site)
Huts (shared) – 590 €
A-frame – 550 €
Bell tent – 490 €
Quechua tent – 430 €
(Prices per person, including course participation.)
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Yes. Meals are fully included and are an essential part of the learning process. They are vegetarian/vegan, largely based on fresh produce from the gardens, and prepared together as part of the communal experience (including preparation and cleaning).
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Please inform us of any food allergies during checkout or in your confirmation email reply. We provide a vegetarian and vegan diet but do not cater to specific diets or severe intolerances, as meals are prepared in one communal kitchen using fresh produce.
If you follow a gluten-free diet, we recommend bringing your own bread and pasta (you will receive specific guidance by email). We are confident there will be plenty of food available even if you need to exclude certain items. -
Minimum of 10 participants. The group size is intentionally limited to ensure depth, connection, and personal guidance.
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English.
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Registration is completed directly through the website via the online shop. Payment can be made by credit card or PayPal. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with practical information and next steps.
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Upon completing your booking through the website, you will pay a 200 € registration deposit to secure your place. This amount is part of the total course fee.
The remaining balance is paid upon arrival, depending on your selected accommodation type. -
Yes. The €200 registration fee is deducted from the total course fee. You only pay the remaining balance when you arrive.
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Details about cancellations and refunds are provided during the registration process. We strongly recommend reading them carefully before completing your booking.
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A detailed packing list and practical arrival information will be sent by email after registration.
You will leave with
A seasonal cooking framework you can apply year-round
A deeper understanding of food–soil–body connections
Recipes and practices rooted in seasonal balance
A renewed relationship with seasonal rhythm, food and everyday nourishment
Facilitators
Sónia Jordão
Macrobiotic practitioner, educator and integrative nutrition coach. Responsible for the theoretical Macrobiotics classes and daily hands-on cooking practices.
Pedro Valdjiu & Terra Alta team
Permaculture practitioners and hosts at Terra Alta, responsible for permaculture teachings, site tours and practical land-based activities.
What you begin here continues beyond these seven days.
The real work begins when you return home.
If you have any questions, please send an email to formacao.soniajordao@gmail.com