Dreaming Water - Winter Retreat
January 6-11th 2025
With Shira Maim Haim and Lee Ziv
The "Dreaming Water" retreat invites us on a deep journey to one of the most magical places in the world. Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean lies a hidden archipelago, with volcanic mountains, lakes in shades of green and blue, thermal phenomena, natural hot springs, bubbling waters from deep within the earth, enchanted green forests, ocean full of dolphins and whales, quaint picturesque villages, and breath-taking landscapes unique to these islands.
In this legendary place, dreams become reality and reality becomes a dream, as water flows everywhere. Imagine immersing yourself in a natural hot spring, surrounded by stunning nature at dusk, with rain falling from the sky. Picture a quiet walk inside the crater of an ancient volcano, as you wonder – is this a dream or reality? Our healthy meals at the guest house overlooking the ocean will be prepared by a local island chef, featuring a rich and varied local menu, alongside picnics and surprising local restaurants.
We live in challenging times, where the systems we have known, are shifting before our eyes, and our sense of security is shaken. This journey invites us to pause and reflect on the unfolding world. With courage, open hearts, and renewed hope, perhaps we can even dream a new dream that brings a better world for all of us.
During the retreat, Shira will guide unique encounters in the island's thermal hot springs. We will dive into deep inner work, both individually and together, experiencing Watsu treatments in natural waters. These sessions will allow us to connect with the present moment and discover the healing power of water.
Lee will lead us in day and night dreamwork, deep learning of dream techniques, and listening to the dreaming earth and waters of the island. We will connect through sharing circles, personal and group practices, creativity, silence, writing, and presence.
In our shared time, we will embark on a powerful group journey, with explorations in wild nature, water and fire ceremonies, dreamwork, and space for inner and collective reflection.
We will meet in the island in January, at the heart of winter. Our journey will be "wet," with expected rains and winds, yet the temperatures will be mild. Mother Earth in all her glory. The main reason for choosing this season is the hot springs (best in winter!). The depth of night and dream experiences is stronger this time of year, with less tourist activity on the island, allowing us to dive into intimacy, magic, and mystery
We chose our guesthouse and local restaurants with a connection to the authentic Portuguese culture of the islands, in harmony with the land.
The healthy meals at our guesthouse overlooking the ocean will be served by a chef who lives on the island, and will cook us a rich and diverse local menu, alongside picnics and surprising local restaurants.
About Us
Shira Maim Haim
Walking the path of water medicine since 2012, a certified hydrotherapist with rich experience. Shira is certified in leading water therapy approaches, including Watsu, Waterdance, Fluid Presence, and additional therapeutic methods. Throughout her journey, Shira has developed groundbreaking programs that foster a love of water in children and adults, combining a holistic/spiritual approach with hundreds of hours of study. She provides aquatic bodywork sessions and leads various ceremonies for thousands of clients worldwide. Currently in collaboration with the Six Senses hotel chain and more.
water-oflife.com
Lee Ziv
I have been walking the paths of dreaming and circles for 20 years. offering courses, workshops, personal sessions, lectures, journeys, and retreats on consciousness, dreaming and sleep, for over a decade.
Walking the path of "The Way of Council" for many years. organizing dialogue and music events, and personal development, as well as creating spaces for women, men, and children.
I am a senior reflexologist with studies in herbal medicine and naturopathy, having experience in media and journalism. with extensive experience in community life.
The Azores have called both of us for years, and each of us, in her own way, has walked the land of the islands many times. We walk and dream along the paths of water and earth.
In recent years, we have embarked on several joint journeys, supporting each other as friends. Now, the moment of our creation, which we have sown together and separately for a long time, has finally arrived. Our first journey to São Miguel begins!
We invite you to join us in this
watery dream in the upcoming winter
2025 January 6-11th six days - five nights
on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal.
For more information contact us:
לי זיו
שירה מים חיים
Here are some of the places we will visit on the island:
~ Sete Sidades ~
A mesmerizing natural wonder in the heart of the island, where two giant lakes reside in the crater of a volcano, famous for their striking colors: one lake is blue, the other green.
~ Furnas ~
A picturesque and inspiring village with drinking springs of various flavours and temperatures, alongside hot springs with iron-rich orange waters and steam rising from the earth's core.
~ Lagua do Fogo ~
A paradise for nature and landscape lovers. This vast lake, located atop the highest mountain on the island, offers breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and an atmosphere of infinite serenity.
And more mysterious places and surprises that will be revealed throughout the journey…
All you need to know before the journey:
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The retreat includes 6 days and 5 nights.
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Price:
- shared double room: €1,500 per person.
- Private room: €1,650 per person (only two private rooms available). -
The retreat includes: 2 meals per day, entry to all sites, a boat trip to encounter dolphins and whales (weather permitting), daily transportation, guidance, and shared space facilitation by Lee and Shira.
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Not included: Flights, transportation to the guest house (about 20 minutes from the airport), meals at restaurants (once a day), health insurance and personal expenses.
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The Azores are part of Portugal, and no special visa is required. There are direct flights from Lisbon, Faro, and Porto (Portugal), as well as from several other European cities.
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Weather is expected to be rainy and cool, with an average of 13°C, and occasional gentle sunshine. Be prepared for winter weather, though not too cold. A packing list will be provided upon registration.
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The guesthouse will be heated, and the hot springs are naturally warm.
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Our group will be intimate, with between 10-14 participants.
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Registration is conditional upon completing a suitability questionnaire and signing a health declaration.
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The retreat will be conducted in English.
