Fitter Food Portugal Retreat 2025 Hub
Saturday 27 September - Thursday 02 October 2025
The countdown is on and we’re beyond excited to welcome you to our very first Fitter Food retreat in Portugal!
This page is your go-to spot for everything you need to feel fully prepared, relaxed, and ready to get the most out of your time with us. You’ll find:
✅ A full agenda of what we’ve got planned
✅ A handy packing list (so nothing gets forgotten)
✅ Practical details about travel, transfers, and what to expect
We’ll keep this page updated if anything changes, so you can check back anytime before the retreat.
Think of it as your retreat handbook – all in one handy place.
Now grab a cuppa, have a read through, and start getting excited… because an epic week of movement, mindset, sunshine, and good company is just around the corner.
Retreat Agenda
We can’t wait to share the magic of the Monchique Mountains with you. To give you a feel for what’s in store, here’s the agenda for your retreat.
Saturday 27 Sept: Arrival & Welcome
- Airport transfers as arranged
- 6:00pm – Welcome & settle in
- 6:30pm – Dinner together
7:30pm – Introductions & intention setting
Sunday 28 Sept: Strong Start
7:00am – Coffee
- 7.30–8.30am – Kettlebell & bodyweight workout
9:00am – Breakfast
9:45–10:45am – Goal setting with Matt
10:45 – 11:00am – Coffee break
11:00–11:45am – Mobility & yoga with Keris
12:00–1:30pm – 90 minute nature hike
1:30pm – Lunch
2:30–5:00pm – Free time (pool, hot tub, or relax)
5:00pm – Terrace drinks and chat with Keris: Mindset Insights
6:00pm – Dinner
7:00–7:30pm – Takeaways & reflections
Monday 29 Sept: Mindset & Movement
7:00am – Coffee
7:30–8:30am – Strength and conditioning workout
9:00am – Breakfast
9:45–10:45am – Understanding your mind, mood and emotions with Keris
11:00am – 11:15am – Coffee break
11:30–13.30pm – 2 hour nature hike
1:30pm – Lunch
2:30–4:00pm – Free time (pool, hot tub, relax)
- 4.00pm – Guided relaxation session
- 5:00pm – Terrace drinks and chat with Matt: Breaking through limitations
- 6:00pm – Dinner
- 7.00–7.15pm – Takeaways and reflections
Tuesday 30 Sept: Strong Mind & Body
7:00am – Coffee
- 7:30–8:30am – Full body build workout
- 9:00am – Breakfast
- 9:45–10:45am – Muscle building 101 with Matt
- 10.45–11:00am – Coffee break
- 11:00am–1:30pm – 2.5 hour nature hike
- 1:30pm – Lunch
- 2:30–4:00pm – Free time (pool, hot tub, relax)
- 4:00pm – Guided relaxation session
- 5:00pm – Terrace drinks and chat with Keris: The Key To A Healthy Mind
- 6:00pm – Dinner
- 7:00pm–7:15pm – Takeaways and reflections
Wednesday 01 October: Walking to Wellness
- 7:00am – Breakfast
- 8:00am–1:00pm – 5 hour nature hike
- 1:00pm – Lunch
- 2:00–4:00pm – Free time (pool, hot tub, relax)
- 4:00pm – Guided stretch and relaxation session
- 5:00pm – Terrace chat and drinks & Q&A
- 6:00pm – Dinner
- 7.00–7:15pm – Takeaways and reflections
Thursday 02 October: Farewell Morning
- 7:00am – Coffee
- 7:30-8:30am – Optional final workout
- 8:30am – Breakfast
- 9:00 –10:00am – Closing chat
- Airport transfers as arranged 😔
What to Pack for the Retreat
You may be wondering what to bring with you, especially with the mix of sunshine, walks, workouts, and downtime we’ve got planned. Here’s a handy list to make sure you’re well-prepared (and comfy!) throughout the retreat.
Sunscreen – Weather permitting, we’ll be outside a lot.
Light waterproof jacket – Just in case the skies change.
Walking boots/trainers – Well worn-in and comfortable.
Walking socks – Bring a couple of extra pairs.
Clothes for long walks – Think breathable and easy to move in.
Day backpack – Handy for hikes.
Plasters – Always useful to have on hand.
Comfortable gym kit – You’ll be moving daily (kettlebells, yoga, mobility), so pack plenty. Some days you may need a second set.
Anti-chafing sticks – Trust us, they come in handy!
Large water bottle – To stay topped up.
Electrolytes – It’ll still be pretty warm.
Snacks for longer walks – We’ll provide some, but always good to have extras you like.
Euros (cash) – Still king in many local spots.
Swimming gear – There’s a pool, so bring your favourite cozzy.
Travel & health insurance – An absolute must.
Any medications you take regularly – Don’t forget these!
👉 Evenings will be super casual, so no need to dress up. Honestly, wear whatever you’re comfortable in.
Airport Transfers
We’ve arranged two group transfers each way between the airport and the retreat venue. We’ll share your allocated time slots soon, which we have chosen to keep waiting to a minimum across different flight times.
If you’d prefer to arrange your own transfer that’s no problem please just let us know in advance.
Closer to the date, we’ll confirm the final timings and any pickup details so everything’s smooth on arrival and departure.
📧 Drop us an email at [email protected] or pop your question in the WhatsApp group so others can see the answer too. No question is too small, the chances are if you’re wondering about it, someone else is too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Faro is the nearest airport to the retreat. We will arrange a morning and afternoon transfer so you are able to travel to the retreat venue.
Yes, our retreat venue benefits from Wifi. Wifi is also available in all bedrooms.
Generally sunny and warm, but it can get cloudy and occasionally rain. Plan for the best, pack for the worst!
No, we’ll provide everything you need. Just bring your usual workout clothes.
All meals, activities, and group sessions are included. You’ll just need spending money – ideally in Euros – for any extras (like additional drinks or local shopping).
Most afternoons include a few hours of free time to relax, swim, use the hot tub, or explore the area.
About Your Retreat Hosts...
Keris Marsden (NT Dip CNM, mBANT)
Keris runs a private nutritional therapy clinic and lectures in nutrition. She is also a personal trainer, yoga teacher and co-founded a healthy lifestyle company called Fitter Food with her partner Matt. Together they have co-authored two successful, published books and now coach online programmes.
Matt Whitmore
Matt Whitmore is a qualified Strength Coach, Personal Trainer, Nutritionist and Health Coach. He has over 20 years experience in the fitness industry and co-founded Fitter Food, a healthy lifestyle company, with his partner Keris Marsden. Together they co-authored two best selling, published recipe books and have run multiple health transformation programmes.