João – Guide & Art co-ordination

Hello! I am Joao, Co- Founder of Friends of the Vine Retreats.

I’m Portuguese, born and raised! I have extensive knowledge of the country: beautiful places to eat, awesome sites to visit, and explore. Though I haven’t traveled abroad much, I’m yet to see my entire country; but I have seen a lot of it and love it dearly. I am always on hand to give advice for the best places to visit.

I’m a graduate Industrial Designer with a passion for working and expressing with ceramics. After studying, I started creating art with cold ceramics while having to support myself with a traditional job in industrial design. As the lead designer at a natural cork production facility, I was in the driving seat of concept through to manufacturing of products. (On your travels in Portugal, look out for all the natural cork products, I may have had a hand in a lot of them). I would imagine, develop and finish a project utilising 3D software & CNC machining. While also the operations floor manager, I was always happy to provide tourists and locals an in depth tour of the factory.

Fatima and I found each other outside the retreat space over a coffee and developed a fond connection. Over time this grew into a mutual respect and romantic feelings for each other. As this went on, I started to spend some time at the retreat with Fatima and naturally liked to help out with some of the work in the background.

Before this, like some of you, I ended up working the regular shift patterns at the cork factory, generally feeling stuck, depressed and exploited. I did not feel a way to express what resided within. During points in my life, I struggled with my relationship to certain substances, either alcohol or cannabis. Something that only distracted me and blinded me to parts of life I needed to face. This didn’t really become too apparent to me until spending time seeing people like yourselves going through your own process.

The time spent around guests was fulfilling and I was always happy to see their progress over a short time (just a weekend). During this was an opportunity to start growing as a person myself. Later on in the year, I joined the team formally as a volunteer. I felt the call to be part of something bigger than myself. I consider myself a relaxed person most of the time, but always hard working and take what we do here seriously. I am a very creative person (always was) and try to express myself through the things I imagine or stuff I see during my journeys using ceramics. I hope that one day I can help you create your art, your expression, either with ceramics or paintings.

Since volunteering, I feel I have truly found a place I can be fully present and express what resides within. Now myself, Fatima & Stefan are continuing the beautiful work we have done to co-found Friends of the Vine Retreats. From the time at our previous retreat centre and my own work within the ceremonies, I have really connected deeply with my creative expression and incorporated this with our collective desire to support you in your growth. Now, I lead the artistic components of our 8 day Harmony & Life (expression in action) retreat.

I am here to support you through your journey, providing for your physical needs and helping to connect to your inner expression.

Upcoming Programs by João – Guide & Art co-ordination

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

July 17 - 21, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat Copy

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

July 17 - 21, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

3 day Welcome Break (through) Weekend

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

July 17 - 19, 2025

It’s just a weekend!! Is there enough time? Is one weekend enough? Why should I invest in myself? This retreat is primarily focusing on a safe & comfortable introduction to working with the master plants. Do you to want to start an exploration or only have a short amount of time available to work on […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

July 24 - 28, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

5 Day Huachuma/San Pedro Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

July 31 - August 4, 2025

Soothe, Release, Renew Whether this is your first experience with master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support you in your process. Who Is this for? This 5 day retreat is for everyone who wants to improve a connection to themselves and open a deeper channel to their emotional body guided in […]

3 day Welcome Break (through) Weekend

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

August 1 - 3, 2025

It’s just a weekend!! Is there enough time? Is one weekend enough? Why should I invest in myself? This retreat is primarily focusing on a safe & comfortable introduction to working with the master plants. Do you to want to start an exploration or only have a short amount of time available to work on […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

August 7 - 11, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

3 day Welcome Break (through) Weekend

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

August 7 - 9, 2025

It’s just a weekend!! Is there enough time? Is one weekend enough? Why should I invest in myself? This retreat is primarily focusing on a safe & comfortable introduction to working with the master plants. Do you to want to start an exploration or only have a short amount of time available to work on […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

August 28 - September 1, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

3 day Welcome Break (through) Weekend

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

August 28 - 30, 2025

It’s just a weekend!! Is there enough time? Is one weekend enough? Why should I invest in myself? This retreat is primarily focusing on a safe & comfortable introduction to working with the master plants. Do you to want to start an exploration or only have a short amount of time available to work on […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

September 4 - 8, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

September 11 - 15, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

3 day Welcome Break (through) Weekend

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

September 11 - 13, 2025

It’s just a weekend!! Is there enough time? Is one weekend enough? Why should I invest in myself? This retreat is primarily focusing on a safe & comfortable introduction to working with the master plants. Do you to want to start an exploration or only have a short amount of time available to work on […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

October 2 - 6, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

3 day Welcome Break (through) Weekend

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

October 2 - 4, 2025

It’s just a weekend!! Is there enough time? Is one weekend enough? Why should I invest in myself? This retreat is primarily focusing on a safe & comfortable introduction to working with the master plants. Do you to want to start an exploration or only have a short amount of time available to work on […]

5 Day Huachuma/San Pedro Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

October 2 - 6, 2025

Soothe, Release, Renew Whether this is your first experience with master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support you in your process. Who Is this for? This 5 day retreat is for everyone who wants to improve a connection to themselves and open a deeper channel to their emotional body guided in […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

October 9 - 13, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

3 day Welcome Break (through) Weekend

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

October 9 - 11, 2025

It’s just a weekend!! Is there enough time? Is one weekend enough? Why should I invest in myself? This retreat is primarily focusing on a safe & comfortable introduction to working with the master plants. Do you to want to start an exploration or only have a short amount of time available to work on […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

October 23 - 27, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

3 day Welcome Break (through) Weekend

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

October 23 - 25, 2025

It’s just a weekend!! Is there enough time? Is one weekend enough? Why should I invest in myself? This retreat is primarily focusing on a safe & comfortable introduction to working with the master plants. Do you to want to start an exploration or only have a short amount of time available to work on […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

October 30 - November 3, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

3 day Welcome Break (through) Weekend

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

October 30 - November 1, 2025

It’s just a weekend!! Is there enough time? Is one weekend enough? Why should I invest in myself? This retreat is primarily focusing on a safe & comfortable introduction to working with the master plants. Do you to want to start an exploration or only have a short amount of time available to work on […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

November 20 - 24, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

5 Day Immersion Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

November 27 - December 1, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

3 day Welcome Break (through) Weekend

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

November 27 - 29, 2025

It’s just a weekend!! Is there enough time? Is one weekend enough? Why should I invest in myself? This retreat is primarily focusing on a safe & comfortable introduction to working with the master plants. Do you to want to start an exploration or only have a short amount of time available to work on […]

3 day Welcome Break (through) Weekend

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

December 5 - 7, 2025

It’s just a weekend!! Is there enough time? Is one weekend enough? Why should I invest in myself? This retreat is primarily focusing on a safe & comfortable introduction to working with the master plants. Do you to want to start an exploration or only have a short amount of time available to work on […]

5 Day Christmas Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

December 22 - 26, 2025

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]

5 Day New Years Retreat

Also With Fatima - Facilitator and Stefan - Facilitator

December 29, 2025 - January 2, 2026

5 Day - Immersion Whether this is your first experience with the master plants or reconnecting with the profound insights, we will support your process. Who Is this for? Everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and dive into a supportive and immersive process over a long weekend! This retreat is suited […]