One of the most transformative weeks of your life.
The goal of our programme is to give you the knowledge, tools and practice to transform your life strategies, in a fun, action-based week. It is the truly unique fusion of the power of surfing, positive psychology and bonding in an intimate group that translate our aim into reality.
This exclusive program is dedicated to understanding and learning the science of human flourishing. It has been carefully structured to maximise resilience and flow whilst acknowledging that we need a variety of interventions and approaches to successfully instigate positive change. Our research shows significant decreases in depression and anxiety, as well as significant increases in change in outlook following attendance on a retreat.
The Resurface programme is primarily based on three evidence based modalities recommended by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) as safe and effective trauma treatment: EMDR, CBT and Mindfulness.
A detailed assessment and follow-up after-care suggestions are made before and after attending a retreat.
This is the core element that underlines and supports everything we do. There is a growing body of research and work that links the practice of surfing to a host of beneficial mental improvements, and it is our love of surfing that has provided the initial impetus to create Resurface.
The purpose of these daily interactive workshops and lectures is to explain and frame the basics for each day’s topic. Research shows that education alone has a therapeutic effect and is particularly empowering when part of a holistic program.
The deep potential impact of these sessions cannot be understated. We see again and again from past testimonies, powerful realisations and revelations unexpectedly happen to most of our clients during those sessions, enabling the ignition of major behavioural changes.While each session will have a volunteer main protagonist enact a scene from their past, enrolling the help of their ‘fellows’ to do so, it is often those witnessing these that will gain the most from the process.
So much written material is easily available about the practical benefits of integrating a mindfulness practice into our lives that we do not need to repeat it here. However, we do love the fact that neuroscience and technological advances in tomography are laying the scientific grounding and understanding that prove the benefits of this ancient practice. This is perfectly in line with our goal to integrate scientifically proven factsto our interventions. If you have never before been able to meditate and feel it is not for you, these group sessions will give you practical and realistic tools and experience to do so if you wish to bring this marvellous practice into your life.
Josh is the founder of Resurface and a Positive Psychologist, an accredited EMDR Consultant, an accredited drugs and alcohol professional and a licenced Heartmath coach. He is the clinical director of the Resurface programme.
He has been working in private practice and as a consultant for Start2Stop since 2012 and has a special interest in treating trauma and promoting positive psychology. He is an experienced group facilitator, lecturer and public speaker.
Josh has recently finished training with The Flow Research Collective and continues to be active in research around flow states, trauma and recovery.
For more information please visit his LinkedIn Page.
Kristine is the co-founder of Resurface. She is a medical doctor with experience as both a GP, emergency medicine and Obstetrics/Gyneacology, working in both the UK and Norway.
Kristine is also a RYT-500 yoga teacher. She completed her 200 hours yoga teaching in Kerala, India, in January 2019 and is certified by Yoga Alliance USA. In June 2020 she completed her Power Yoga training with the London Power Yoga Company. She recently completed her 300 hours TCTSY (trauma sensitive yoga) facilitation training with the Trauma Centre, Brookline, Massachusetts.
Kristine is a keen photographer and her photos can be seen on the Resurface Instagram page.
A rustic and secluded haven.
Nestled amongst the quaint villages and farmland, our beautiful quinta (Portuguese for farmhouse) is surrounded by idyllic countryside, but is close enough to the restaurants and bars of Lagos should you need them.
The house is clean and simple, from exposed beamed ceilings and log burners to traditional Portuguese finishes. You’ll be able to chill by the pool, enjoy yoga in the purpose-built shala in the orange grove, and enjoy some alfresco dining on the main terrace (or on the table inside with the log burner on if you get chilly.)
Oh, and there’s a BBQ and pizza oven in case you fancied some homemade wood-fired fare. Let’s not forget the orchard and beautiful gardens you can explore too.
The Resurface programme includes full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) sharing in a twin room or single room at the villa.
We encourage participants to share rooms as part of the healing process. We hope that you will generate new connections, a sense of community and an opportunity to process the day's events with someone on a more private level.
7.15 -8am - Optional yoga in the shala
8-9am - Breakfast
9.15-10.15am - Lecture/workshop 'Positive Emotions'
10.30 - 3pm Surf school
3.30pm - 5.30pm - Experiential Group Therapy session
6-7pm - Coherence training, Mindfulness, Meditation
7.30pm - Dinner
7.15 -8am - Optional yoga in the shala
8-9am - Breakfast
9.15-10.15am - Lecture/workshop 'Engagement and Flow'
10.30 - 3pm Surf school
3.30pm - 5.30pm - Experiential Group Therapy session
6-7pm - Coherence training, Mindfulness, Meditation
7.30pm - Dinner
7.15 -8am - Optional yoga in the shala
8-9am - Breakfast
9.15-10.15am - Lecture/workshop 'Positive Relationships'
10.30 - 3pm Surf school
3.30pm - 5.30pm - Experiential Group Therapy session
6-7pm - Coherence training, Mindfulness, Meditation
7.30pm - Dinner
7.15-8am - Optional yoga in the shala
8-9am - Breakfast
9.15-10.15am - Lecture/workshop 'Meaning and Purpose'
10.30 - 3pm Surf school
3.30pm - 5.30pm - Experiential Group Therapy session
6-7pm - Coherence training, Mindfulness, Meditation
7.30pm - Dinner
7.15-8am - Optional yoga in the shala
8-9am - Breakfast
9.15-10.15am - Lecture/workshop 'Accomplishment and Grit'
10.30 - 3pm Surf school
3.30pm - 5.30pm - Experiential Group Therapy session
6-7pm - Coherence training, Mindfulness, Meditation
7.30pm - Dinner
8am - breakfast
9.30 - Leaving exercise
11am - check-out
Quinta da Mesquita, Estr. do Paúl, 8600-325 Lagos, Portugal
Soul and surf Portugal is located about 6km from the centre of Lagos outside the village of Odiáxere. Using the toll road we are an easy hours' drive from Faro airport, which is the closest one.
Check in on the day of arrival is 4pm on Saturday 26th and check-out is 10am on the day of departure, Friday 2nd December.
Unfortunately we do not organise transfers. You can recommend the following for guests:
If you are looking to book a transfer from the airport to reach us, we recommend using YellowFish Transfer. They are friendly, reliable and easy to organise. The transfer is approximately €75 but can differ depending on the number of passengers and luggage and the current petrol prices.
You can also get in touch with Vitor, a local business owner at VATravel at +351 963 326 578 or at [email protected] who also organises transfers.
If you are happy to drive, renting a car is cheaper than getting a return taxi on your own to and from the airport during lower season months. It is an easy drive from the airport. We often use Luz Car, but Yor Car and Drive On have also been recommended to us.
