YOQI® Instructor Training Immersion 2027

MONTE VEHLO, PORTUGAL | JUNE 30–AUGUST 8, 2027

Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 10:00 AM

Join us for a 9-day transformational immersion at Monte Velho Retreat Centre, set along the breathtaking coastline of Portugal’s Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Surrounded by ocean views, wild landscapes, and expansive skies, this is a powerful setting for resetting your energy, deepening your practice, and reconnecting with nature.

This immersive training is part of the YOQI® Module 1 Certified Instructor Program—an in-depth journey into Qigong, Daoist breathwork, meditation, and Traditional Chinese Medicine through the YOQI method. Whether you are working toward certification or refining your personal practice, this experience is designed to help you feel, move, and understand Qi more deeply.

Our days follow a focused yet balanced rhythm. Mornings are dedicated to movement and theory, afternoons offer space for integration or nature, and evenings bring meditation and connection. Supported by nourishing vegetarian cuisine, peaceful accommodations, and inspiring ocean-view practice spaces, every element is designed to support your transformation.

This is more than a retreat—it’s a powerful container for building mastery, aligning with the flow of nature, and stepping fully into your path.

Note for Certification: Completion of the Module 1 Online Introduction Series and 50 hours of practice is required prior to attending.

 What to Expect

This is a true immersion—a balance of intensive Qigong practice, embodied theory, inner cultivation, and rest.

You’ll experience:

• Daily morning Qigong with Marisa under the wide-open Colorado skies or our dedicated indoor shala.

• The complete YOQI Immersion curriculum, including the Six Phases of Qi Flow, Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, internal organ alchemy, and meridian-based movement

• Nei Dan (internal alchemy) sessions: dive into the energetics of the Dantian, Five Spirits, and the Central Channel

• Afternoon breaks for rest, hiking, journaling, or adventure in the wilderness

• Evening meditations, Q&A, and community circles

• Opportunities to complete your YOQI Certification hours and qualify for the Ambassador Program

• Extra activities such as ocean swims, sauna, ecstatic dance, and sharing circles

• Community and deep connection! Experience the connection and love created through the practice with fellow YOQI instructors and become a part of the YOQI family.

About the Location: monte vehlo Retreat

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Set within the untouched beauty of Portugal’s Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Monte Velho Retreat Centre is a sanctuary where nature, energy, and transformation meet. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, expansive ocean views, and wide-open skies, this is a place to reconnect with the elemental forces of Earth and Sea

During our midsummer retreat, we gather in a peaceful, focused environment designed for deep practice and meaningful connection. The remote setting allows you to step away from daily distractions and fully immerse yourself in your experience.

The property features:

• Beautiful private and shared accommodations

• Ocean-view shalas and inspiring practice spaces

• A saltwater swimming pool and sauna for deep relaxation

• Nourishing vegetarian cuisine

• Access to holistic therapies and bodywork

• Scenic walking trails, with the beach just 10 minutes’ drive away

Every element of Monte Velho is designed to support rest, clarity, and inner expansion—creating the perfect environment to deepen your connection to Qi and the natural flow of life.

For information about travel to Montevideo, visit our FAQ page here.

Retreat Schedule

Arrival: Friday, July 30, 2027 – Check-in begins at 3:00 PM
Departure: Sunday, August 8, 2027 – Room check out by 10 am, complete check-out by 12:00 Noon.

• Morning practice (movement + meditation)

• Late morning lectures and theory

• Afternoon free time for rest or nature exploration

• Evening integration sessions (discussion, stillness, or inner alchemy)

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

07:00 – 08:30: Morning Qigong Practice & Meditation
08:30 – 10:30:  Breakfast
10:30 – 12:30:  Lecture Series
12:30 – 15:30:  Lunch/Rest/ Beach
15:30 – 18:30: Teachers Workshop & Neidan Meditation/Breath Training
18:30: Dinner & Rest (optional evening events)

Special Morning excursion event mid-week with an afternoon day off! Iron Shirt Training in an exclusive location.

Who Is immersion This For?

This immersion is for:

• YOQI students, instructors, and trainees on the certification path

• Practitioners ready for a deep reset or energetic expansion

• Anyone called to live in harmony with the Dao and the flow of Qi

• Those seeking an intensive, structured, supportive, and spiritually nourishing training in a breathtaking natural setting

• Whether you're returning for renewal or stepping into your next level as a teacher, this retreat is for you.

What’s Included

• 9 nights of accommodation at Monte Vehlol Retreat (exclusive property use)

• 3 organic, chef-prepared vegetarian meals

• Full YOQI Immersion training and workbook

• Morning Qigong, theory lectures, and guided Nei Dan practices

• Evening meditations and community connection

• Afternoon free time for rest or nature adventures

• Certification hours toward YOQI Level 1 Instructor 

What’s Not Included

• Travel to/from Monte Vehlo

• Personal travel insurance

• Optional spa or healing sessions

Space is Limited

To preserve the integrity of the teaching and the container, this training is limited to a small group. Early registration is strongly encouraged.

Questions about the YOQI Module 1 Qigong Fundamentals training program? Visit our FAQ page here

We’re happy to help you decide if this retreat is right for you—whether you’re seeking certification, reconnection, or a fully embodied Qi experience.

IMAGE GALLERY OF MONTE VEHLO’S AMAZING ENERGY AND SACRED SPACE

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVEL TO MONTE VEHLO Visit ouR FAQ page here.

Learn more about the YOQI Module 1 Training Program, Online program, and discount price packages here.
Thank you for reading our FAQ page before contacting us with any further questions.

Certification Details

The YOQI Live Immersion counts as 50 training hours toward certification in the full 200-hour program. To become a 100-Hour YOQI Qigong Associate Instructor, you must:

• Complete this full 9-day live immersion

• Submit the YOQI Introduction Series Assignment Questions

• Submit 50 practice hours (includes course and VOD videos)

• Upon completing both the immersion and the assignments, you will receive a YOQI Qigong Associate Instructor Certificate, which qualifies you to:

• Teach the YOQI Qigong Fundamentals Curriculum

• Be listed on the YOQI International Instructor Directory

• Continue your training to become a Certified YOQI Qigong Flow Instructor

If you are unable to complete the assignments before the immersion, you’ll have one month after the training to submit them. Once completed, your Associate Instructor Certificate will be sent via email as a digital PDF, or by mail upon request.

To become a Certified YOQI Qigong Flow Instructor (200-hour), the following is required:

• Completion of the YOQI Live Immersion (50 hours)

• Completion of the 200-hour Online Training Course

• Submission of one home video presentation

Read more about the certification program here

INSTRUCTORS

MADALINE OLSON

Madaline’s journey with Qigong began eight years ago when she was introduced to the practice by her partner, sparking a profound transformation in her life. Since then, she has empowered herself through energy work, becoming a Certified YOQI® Instructor, Reiki Practitioner (Level 2), Crystal Energy Guide, and Oracle Card Master Reader. Deeply connected to nature and a member of the ecstatic dance community, Madaline is passionate about fostering compassion, joy, and connection in all she does. Her uplifting spirit infuses every practice with warmth, laughter, and light, leaving a positive impact on everyone she meets.

REFUNDS AND CANCELLATION POLICY

The price less 15% bank charges and booking fee ($100) is refundable until July 1, 2026. In case of cancellation, you may transfer your deposit or your reservation to another person as long as you notify us with 30+ days’ notice. In case of cancellation due to natural disaster, COVID lockdowns or unforeseen circumstances on behalf of organizers you will receive a full refund of all funds. Due to arrangements made with our vacation hosts, there can be no exceptions to this policy. We strongly recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip and/or flights.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend that you purchase travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip and/or flights. Please note that travel insurance may need to be purchased within a limited window of reserving your trip or purchasing airline tickets. Please check with your travel agent for details as terms and conditions vary between countries and agencies.