Spouse Retreat

[Philtration]

My wife and I are going to Portugal for a couple of weeks this spring, after which I will meet my brother to walk in Spain for another couple of weeks. My wife has physical limitations and can't walk with us. She would like to stay in Spain or Portugal while we are walking and meet with us when we finish. She is looking for a retreat type of place where she can stay for part or all of the time we are walking. Something less than Parador cost. I know that's vague criteria, but any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Sirage]

Braga - it is not a retreat - just a good city

 

[Kirkie]

An initial idea: Leon. The regular albergue run by the popularly known las Carbejalas has a separate residence. It might suit. Keep reading, it looks as if it is only for peregrinos, but it seems to me that they are open to others. Translation options will help you. I have a nagging idea about another one, but probably too far east, not so far from Pamplona. If I get the details, I will post them.
Link here to the Leon option.

Albergue de las Carbajalas, León :: Camino de Santiago

Información completa del albergue de las Carbajalas: dirección, contacto, características, precios, plazas, horarios, equipamientos, ...

www.alberguescaminosantiago.com

 

[henrythedog]

An initial idea: Leon. The regular albergue run by the popularly known las Carbejalas has a separate residence. It might suit. Keep reading, it looks as if it is only for peregrinos, but it seems to me that they are open to others. Translation options will help you. I have a nagging idea about another one, but probably too far east, not so far from Pamplona. If I get the details, I will post them.
Link here to the Leon option.

Albergue de las Carbajalas, León :: Camino de Santiago

Información completa del albergue de las Carbajalas: dirección, contacto, características, precios, plazas, horarios, equipamientos, ...

www.alberguescaminosantiago.com

I’d second that suggestion and add that the adjacent hotel the ‘Hospederia Pax’ which is part of the same complex, owned by las Carbejalas but operated commercially, whilst not cheap is substantially cheaper than most paradores. It welcomes pilgrims and non-pilgrims.

Residents are warmly welcomed at any or all of the sisters daily cycle of offices in the attached chapel.

 

[VNwalking]

Rabinal has a retreat place with the monks, and The Stone Boat - a guesthouse where people can do retreats. I don't know of the current status of either, but it's worth exploring.

 

[dfox]

Braga - it is not a retreat - just a good city

When in Braga, I would make a point to "have quiet time" in Bom Jesus do Monte and enjoy meal(s) in the restaurant on campus.

 

[Tincatinker]

Looks like a nice place to chill in: https://bomjesus.pt/bom-jesus/hotels/?lang=en

 

[trecile]

She is looking for a retreat type of place where she can stay for part or all of the time we are walking.

Maybe part of the time in a retreat like place and part of the time on some kind of organized tour?

 

[Pilgrim Patricia]

@Kirkie, the place you linked looks very tempting! I used Google translate, and the name of the hotel came up as:

Hostage store Pax
​

which I thought was hilarious and wanted to share with you! Buen Camino, everyone.

 

[AntiguenoTom]

My wife and I are going to Portugal for a couple of weeks this spring, after which I will meet my brother to walk in Spain for another couple of weeks. My wife has physical limitations and can't walk with us. She would like to stay in Spain or Portugal while we are walking and meet with us when we finish. She is looking for a retreat type of place where she can stay for part or all of the time we are walking. Something less than Parador cost. I know that's vague criteria, but any suggestions will be appreciated.

Have you considered the convent at Armenteira on the Spiritual Variant of the Camino Portugues? Gorgeous building! https://www.monasteriodearmenteira.es/. The sisters are lovely and offer longer stay rooms for contemplation and rest. Or at least they did when I was there in 2018.

 

[grdemedeiros]

Is her goal religious (spiritual, meditation, etc.?), educational (e.g. language school or cooking course), community/hospitality (e.g. WOOF or volunteering)? Knowing a little more about her goals might help come up with more suggestions.

 

[Philtration]

An initial idea: Leon. The regular albergue run by the popularly known las Carbejalas has a separate residence. It might suit. Keep reading, it looks as if it is only for peregrinos, but it seems to me that they are open to others. Translation options will help you. I have a nagging idea about another one, but probably too far east, not so far from Pamplona. If I get the details, I will post them.
Link here to the Leon option.

Albergue de las Carbajalas, León :: Camino de Santiago

Información completa del albergue de las Carbajalas: dirección, contacto, características, precios, plazas, horarios, equipamientos, ...

www.alberguescaminosantiago.com

Is her goal religious (spiritual, meditation, etc.?), educational (e.g. language school or cooking course), community/hospitality (e.g. WOOF or volunteering)? Knowing a little more about her goals might help come up with more suggestions.

Mostly she is looking for a quiet place where she can relax. Community, spiritual, meditation, and a balanced diet (more vegetables!) would all be plusses. But mainly a nice place to hang out. She speaks basic survival Spanish. Language schools are a possibility, but I've heard from others that they are usually more work than relaxation.

 

[trecile]

Language schools are a possibility, but I've heard from others that they are usually more work than relaxation.

It depends on the curriculum. I attended a Spanish school in Barcelona about 10 years ago that offered a special curriculum for "mature" students. We had classes for about 3 hours in the morning, and each day there was an optional cultural or historical outing. It was great having a group of like minded people to do things with.

 

[Theatregal]

Two places that have been recommended to me by friends who have stayed there. I'm not sure though if The Little Fox House is strictly for those at the end of their camino.

Flores del Camino

Flores del Camino Retreat Centre & accommodation on the Camino de Santiago. Online courses, workshops & in house retreats in traditional crafts & contemplative practices. Discover rose windows, sacred geometry, stone carving, icon painting, creative writing & more. Join us in the spi

www.floresdelcamino.com

The Little Fox House - THE LITTLE FOX HOUSE WELCOMES YOU WHEN YOUR CAMINO IS DONE...