Cultivating human and planetary well-being
Terra Sangha is the operational heart of the Association of Innovation in Integrative Health (AIIH), an off-grid retreat centre dedicated to pioneering a new paradigm in integrative health. Nestled in São Mamede Natural Park, we are a sanctuary dedicated to exploring and validating the deep connections between human well-being and the natural world. A place where cutting-edge therapeutic innovation and profound environmental stewardship converge.
Our work is grounded in evidence-based practices and permaculture principles, fusing rigorous mind-body-spirit care with respect for the natural world to cultivate both human and planetary well-being. Through this unique model, we develop, test, and validate nature-based protocols, transforming our findings into scalable solutions for resilience and healing.
This mission comes to life within a breathtaking historical landscape. Terra Sangha is a haven for diverse wildlife and a thriving, ever-evolving food forest set amidst ancient Celtic and Roman ruins. Here, the past is palpably present, offering a profound sense of timelessness and a truly nurturing environment for restoration and discovery.
Our therapy team is the cornerstone of the Terra Sangha experience, representing a profound synthesis of expertise in clinical therapy, somatic medicine, and regenerative land stewardship. This unique collective integrates osteopathic care, trauma therapy, psychiatric consultation, and specialized guidance in yoga, meditation, and detoxification with pioneering expertise in permaculture and ecosystem design. More than practitioners, they are innovators who weave together Eastern wisdom and Western science. Working collaboratively, they create deeply personalized protocols that address the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and soil, empowering each guest on their journey toward sustainable well-being.
From riverside wooden cabins nestled in the trees to ancient lovingly restored houses with stunning views over the natural park.
The Meaning Behind Our Name
Terra Sangha beautifully encapsulates our core philosophy. Terra (Earth) represents our foundation in the natural world - the permaculture principles that nurture our land, the healing power of nature we integrate into our protocols, and our commitment to planetary well-being.
Sangha (Community) reflects our belief that healing happens in connection. It is the collaborative community of practitioners and researchers at AIIH, the supportive retreat environment we foster, and our mission to build a wider community around scalable solutions for resilience.
Together, Terra Sangha signifies our core principle: that the health of the individual and the health of the Earth are inseparable, and that true innovation in integrative health must nurture both.
Explore our site MAP
PERSONALISED HEALTH
IMMERSION
- Daily treatments with our in house therapists
- Daily classes in yoga, meditation & breathework
- Wholesome food prepared by our in house chef
- Find deep rest in our nature based accommodations
For more information about your tailored health retreat
email us at info@terrasangha.com
Roman & Celtic Heritage
Situated within an archaeological landscape of exceptional significance the site is comprised of a vast array of ancient Celtic and Roman structures, including a remarkably well-preserved Roman river mill, a village of six Roman houses, and a functional chestnut smoking house. All connected by a network of original stone-paved paths and walls, alongside bread ovens, stone animal enclosures, agricultural terraces, and Roman water canals fed by ancient stone dams in the river.
Adjacent to these Roman remains are six distinct and well-preserved Celtic roundhouses and standing stones, creating an untouched cultural tapestry spanning millennia.
Our mission is the sustainable regeneration and conservation of this heritage as the foundation for our health retreat. The synergy is clear: we seek to create a centre for innovative health, rooted firmly in the preservation and celebration of European cultural heritage.
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Roman river mill
The mill dates back to Roman times and produced wheat and rye flour which was then shipped to the local village on donkey back through the Roman walking tracks. Other signs of its history include a wine press carved in to stone and a set of ancient ovens to continue the process to make bread. The mill itself now serves to provide us with hydro-electricity fed by a stone walled water canal connected to an ancient damn in the river.
Nature expresses itself in an especially exuberant way in the Natural Park of the Serra de São Mamede. We are continued to be astonished by this beautiful part of rural Portugal. With its untouched nature, ancient fortresses and unique wildlife it feels like heading back in time.