Ancestral Escapes
A curated collection of escapes, retreats and events selected for people who want to feel aligned with the way they live.
WhatsAppPortugal Escape September 2026
A hosted week in Portugal for people who love sea air, sunshine, real food, movement, and time away that still feels aligned with the way they live.
An ancestral escape in beautiful Portugal
This September escape is being planned for a beautiful coastal setting in Portugal, with the final villa or venue still to be confirmed.
The idea is simple. A small group, a beautiful place near the sea, animal based food, sunshine, nature, movement, and time to properly switch off from the usual noise.
Why this is different
This escape is for people who want time away to still feel aligned with the way they live at home.
For some, that means simple animal-based meals, prepared without seed oils. For others, it is about morning movement, sea air, slower days, and space to properly switch off. It is a chance to step away without stepping away from the things that matter.
Your Ancestral Escapes Host
Maxine Pye – Ancestral Health, Nutrition and Functional Medicine Coach
I created this for people who already live in an ancestral way and want to continue doing so when they step away from home.
For some, that means simple animal based food prepared in traditional fats such as butter or tallow. For others, it is about morning light, time outdoors, movement, grounding, and environments that feel calm rather than overstimulating. Often, it includes being close to the sea. It always means staying connected to the foundations that matter.
Ancestral Escapes brings together places and experiences that support those priorities, so time away feels aligned rather than disconnected.
~ Maxine Pye,
Ancestral Escapes founder
Helen Tegenfeldt – Fascia, Diet and Nutrition Specialist
My work brings together fascia, movement, foot function, posture, and nutrition. I’m interested in helping people better understand how their body moves, where tension and restriction may be showing up, and how simple changes can support more balance, ease, and natural movement.
A lot of this work starts with paying attention to the body as a whole. For some, that may mean learning more about foot function, posture, and the way movement patterns affect how the body feels day to day. For others, it may be about exploring where tension is building up and how small practical changes can help things feel more supported and less restricted.
During the retreat, I’ll be sharing this through a fascia and movement talk during the week. There may also be the opportunity for guests to connect with me further during the retreat.
Loren Hatch – Health and Detox Specialist
I combine Kundalini and Vinyasa yoga with meditation, breathwork, and Brazilian lymphatic massage.
My work is centred around helping people slow down, reconnect with their body, and create more space through movement and breath. Some of it is about gentle, grounding practices that help you feel more present and at ease. Some of it is more hands on, through bodywork that supports the body in a calmer and more restorative way.
During the retreat, I’ll be sharing this through morning sessions, with massage treatments also available to book separately during the week, subject to availability.
Claire Grant – Women’s Health Specialist, Pilates teacher, Soft Tissue Therapist, and Metabolic Health Coach.
My work brings together movement, mobility, strength, and metabolic health in a way that feels practical, supportive, and easy to apply in real life. I’m interested in helping people feel more confident in their bodies, move more well, and build strength and resilience over time.
Much of my work focuses on supporting women in midlife, but my approach is relevant to anyone who wants to improve mobility, strength, movement, and overall wellbeing.
During the retreat, I’ll be guiding movement sessions designed to complement the week as a whole, with a focus on strength, mobility, posture, and feeling more at ease in your body, whatever your starting point.
What to expect
A beautiful coastal setting
Small group atmosphere
Ancestral meals
What your week looks like
Arrival
Arrive in Portugal, settle into your room, and take some time to unwind before we come together for a welcome dinner.
The week
The plan is for an ancestral escape that feels like a real break from the modern world. Time to rest, switch off, enjoy the sunshine, be outdoors, experience grounding, and spend time around people who already live this way or want more of it.
This is about stepping away from noise, pressure, overstimulation, and food that leaves you feeling worse rather than better. It is a chance to be somewhere beautiful, close to the sea, living more simply and more in tune with the things that actually matter.
There will be space to relax, connect, enjoy nature, and share the experience with like-minded people who get it.
The food
Food will stay central to the escape. The aim is simple, satisfying animal based meals prepared without seed oils. Depending on the final setup, this may mean bringing in a chef or keeping it more informal and cooking together as a group. Either way, the focus stays the same: real food, prepared in a way that feels aligned with the whole experience.
Optional local activities
These activities are available nearby and can be booked separately during your stay.
Hiking
Cycling
Surfing/Paddleboarding
Boat trips
Pricing to be confirmed
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Message on WhatsAppOther Retreats, Festivals and Stays
Aligned gatherings and educational events are worth travelling for.
Gatherings built around real food prepared in traditional fats, natural light, outdoor movement, and environments that restore rather than overstimulate.
Carnivore Retreat
Spain
Carnivore Retreat at the gorgeous Finca Monasterio in Montenegral Alto, near Cádiz. This serene, historic setting offers the perfect atmosphere for relaxation, inspiration, and connection.The Great British Meat up
Sourdown Farm
A one day event bringing together leading voices in carnivore, keto, and metabolic health. Expect keynote talks, audience Q and A, and plenty of time to connect. Hosted at Sourdown Farm near Glastonbury. Ticket includes entry, food is available to buy from selected vendorsMeatstock 2026 Gatlinburg,
Tennessee, USA
A weekend for people who care about real food, real conversation, and real community. Set in the Smoky Mountains, Meatstock brings together familiar voices in the carnivore and keto space, plus a crowd that actually gets it. Expect talks, panels, Q and A, meetups, and plenty of time to connect.Ancestral Health Festival
Rainford Junction
Low Carb, Keto/Carnivore Talks and Q&As Camping, Organic Grass-Fed Food, Cold Water Therapy, Fire Pits, Open BBQ, Live Music, Firewalking, Sweat Lodge, Breathwork, Massage, Natural Movement and more. Submit a venueGet new escapes first
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