QIGONG AT THE EDGE OF THE ATLANTIC. Retreat in the Azores
- Dec 8, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 26
February 20-28
WHY FURNAS?
Furnas is more than a destination—it's a living laboratory of nature, where the Earth breathes warmth and its energy can be felt with your whole body.
February in the Azores is a season of transition. Winter is fading, while spring quietly begins to awaken. Nature comes alive—and so can you.
The Azores enjoy a subtropical climate, with winter temperatures ranging from 14–20°C (57–68°F). While February is often rainy, it is also one of the island's most beautiful seasons. At our retreat home, Laughing Orchard, orange trees are heavy with fruit, camellias and azaleas are in bloom, and the island invites long walks followed by relaxing soaks in natural hot springs.
WHY THE AZORES?
I fell in love with these islands at first sight.
Every time I return, I realize they are the perfect place to practice Qigong.
Highlights
Live inside the ancient Furnas volcanic crater
Natural hot springs just a short walk from the retreat center
Morning practices by the Atlantic Ocean
Cloud forests for meditation and Qigong in complete silence
Very few tourists in February—you'll feel as if the islands belong only to us
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Dates: February 20–28, 2026 (9 days / 8 nights)
Group Size: Maximum 12 participants
Accommodation
Comfortable rooms with private amenities at a peaceful retreat center located inside the Furnas volcanic crater, just minutes from the famous hot springs.
Meals
Breakfasts and lunches at the retreat center are included.
On two days we will enjoy lunch at local restaurants.
Flights from the U.S.
February 19–28
JFK → PDL — approximately 5 hours, from $490
BOS → PDL — approximately 5 hours, from $490
Airport Transfer
Airport transportation is not included.
Taxi from the airport: approximately 40 minutes / $50.
Transportation for all retreat excursions around the island is included.
Restaurant meals, park entrance fees, and hot spring admissions are not included.
TUITION & REGISTRATION
Full Retreat Tuition: $2,150
Early Bird: $1,950 when registered before December 1
Registration
Please register by text message or WhatsApp:
+1 (973) 896-9320
Included
Accommodation
Three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
All classes and workshops
Transportation during the retreat program
Not Included
Airfare
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $400
Reservation
A 50% deposit secures your place.
The remaining balance is due two weeks before the retreat begins.
WHAT ARE THE "EIGHT PIECES OF BROCADE"?
The heart of this retreat is one of the oldest and most respected Qigong systems in the world—the Eight Pieces of Brocade (Ba Duan Jin), practiced for over a thousand years.
Why has it endured for so long?
Because it works.
During seven days of immersive practice, you will learn all eight forms:
From basic movements to a deep understanding of Qi
From physical technique to the direct experience of energy flow
From a set of exercises to a lifelong practice
WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?
Beginners
Everything is taught from the ground up. No previous experience is required.
Experienced Practitioners
Deepen your understanding and discover new dimensions of your practice.
Those Seeking Renewal
Reconnect with lightness, vitality, and ease in your body.
Explorers
Spend a week living in harmony with nature instead of the clock.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN
Complete mastery of the Eight Pieces of Brocade practice
Healthy, natural breathing (most people never learn how to breathe properly)
Meditation that feels effortless and accessible
Greater flexibility through tendon and fascia work
Increased vitality and inner balance through authentic Qigong
Practical methods for integrating Qigong into your career, relationships, creativity, and daily life
Bonus: Participation counts toward the Aidahar Qigong Instructor Training Program.
RETREAT FACILITATORS
Sergey Greku
Founder of the Aidahar School and an internationally recognized Qigong master with over 30 years of experience in Kung Fu, healing arts, and energy work.
Sergey has devoted his life to helping people transform and discover themselves through Qigong. His teaching combines ancient wisdom with modern understanding, creating a powerful environment for personal growth and authentic connection.
Dina Ostrovskaya, MA in Process Work
Founder of the Terrapia School of Transformation.
Terrapia welcomes individuals who are ready to take their careers, creativity, health, and relationships to the next level. Over the years it has grown into a vibrant community of successful, joyful, and purpose-driven people.
DAILY SCHEDULE
8:00–9:30 AM — Morning Qigong Practice
10:00–11:00 AM — Breakfast
11:00 AM–5:00 PM — Island Exploration & Nature Practice (lunch outdoors or at the retreat center)
5:00–7:00 PM — Free Time & Rest
7:00–8:30 PM — Evening Practice & Meditation
9:00 PM — Tea & Community Gathering
"In the Azores, you realize that Qigong is not simply a set of exercises—it is a way of being fully alive."
RETREAT PROGRAM
Day 1 — Arrival & Orientation
Morning
Welcome and check-in
Afternoon
Island walk and introduction to our practice locations
Evening
Introduction to Qigong and the philosophy of the Eight Pieces of Brocade
Standing Tree Meditation (Zhan Zhuang)
Gentle breath meditation
Day 2 — First Brocade: Building the Foundation
Morning
First Brocade: Supporting Heaven with Both Hands
Foundations of Qigong breathing
Standing meditation
Afternoon
Practice beside the thermal springs.
Evening
Turtle Practice for restoration
Tendon training
Lecture: How Qi moves through the body
Day 3 — Second Brocade: Building Strength
Morning
Second Brocade: Drawing the Bow to Shoot the Hawk
Review of the first form
Spring Breathing Practice
Afternoon
Ocean cliff hike and outdoor practice.
Private Process Work sessions with Dina Ostrovskaya.
Evening
Vibrational practice for releasing energetic blocks
Stretching the Heavenly Thread (spinal work)
Discussion: The Inner Alchemy of Qigong
Day 4 — Third & Fourth Brocades
Morning by the Ocean
Third Brocade: Separate Heaven and Earth
Fourth Brocade: Wise Owl Gazes Backward
Practice of the first four forms
Afternoon
Cloud forest exploration and silent meditation.
Private Process Work sessions.
Evening
Restorative practices
Loving-Kindness (Metta) Meditation
Individual guidance
Day 5 — Fifth & Sixth Brocades
Morning
Fifth Brocade: Shake the Head and Swing the Tail
Sixth Brocade: Touch the Feet to Strengthen the Kidneys
Practice of the first six forms
Afternoon
Visit waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
Outdoor Qigong beside the water.
Evening
Tendon exercises
Deep meditation
Group sharing
Day 6 — Completing the Eight Brocades
Morning
Seventh Brocade: Clench the Fists and Glare Fiercely
Eighth Brocade: Rise on the Toes Seven Times
Full Eight Pieces of Brocade practice
Afternoon
Free time or optional excursion to the island's most spectacular viewpoints.
Process Work session with Dina Ostrovskaya integrating retreat insights into health, relationships, career, creativity, and life purpose.
Evening
Sunset practice of the complete form
Closing meditation
Celebration dinner
Day 7 — Integration
Complete practice of all eight forms
Gratitude meditation
Developing a sustainable home practice
Individual consultations
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