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Culinary Retreat Sintra 2026
Portugal · 22–25 May 2026Rejuvenating Culinary Weekend
Stone Lodge Sintra by Chef & Nutritionist Yuki C. JungNourish Your Gut. Open Your Heart. Restore Your Energy.
✦ ✦ ✦A rare opportunity to spend an entire weekend cooking side by side with Yuki — plant-based chef and nutritionist with more than a decade of experience creating nourishing cuisine for renowned wellness, yoga and meditation retreats across Europe.
✦ ✦ ✦Join Chef Yuki in Sintra — in a stone castle surrounded by one of Portugal’s most enchanting landscapes — for an intimate culinary weekend of hands-on plant-based cooking, gut-supportive nourishment, and joyful renewal.
✦ ✦ ✦Created for the yogi, the foodie, the nature and animal lover, the sensitive soul, and anyone longing to reconnect with their body, restore their energy, and embrace a more vibrant and conscious way of living — in warm, authentic community.
✦ ✦ ✦*Early Bird booking until Sunday, 26th April 2026.
A unique culinary week-end near Lisbon
Join Chef & Nutritionist Yuki in Sintra — in a stone castle surrounded by one of Portugal’s most enchanting landscapes — for an intimate culinary weekend dedicated to plant-based hands-on cooking, gut health, and joyful rejuvenation.
Not far from Lisbon and Cascais, we will stay and cook in a magical stone castle surrounded by nature — the perfect setting for an immersive culinary experience in a small and welcoming circle. A rare opportunity to spend an entire weekend cooking side by side with Chef Yuki — a specialised plant-based health chef and nutritionist with more than a decade of experience cooking for wellness and meditation retreats across Europe.
Where the idea beganAt the beginning of her journey into plant-based cooking more than ten years ago, Yuki attended a Zen Cooking weekend with one of the most inspiring chefs, Surdham Göb, in Munich.
Cooking in an intimate environment and having the chance to connect with an authentic chef became one of her key experiences — inspiring her to follow the path of plant cuisine and eventually become a chef herself.
Limited to a small number of participants to ensure personal and exclusive guidance from the chef.
The retreat leaderYuki is the founder allyouneedisveg.de and has been working as a plant-based health Chef & Nutritionist on international retreats since 2018. She is passionate about the teachings of meditation & yoga, loves nature and animals, and thrives on building authentic relationships and healing together.
She will be your guide through the retreat in the kitchen as we dive into the wonderful world of flavours and off the stove as we explore our big heart and connection together.
Connect with nature and your true inner self
Surrounded by nature, the weekend becomes a gentle gut and energy reset — a space to slow down, cook together, and rediscover the pleasure of food that truly makes you feel great.
Each morning begins with gentle awareness meditation during sunrise.
Surrounded by birdsong and fresh ocean air, we slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the rhythms of nature.During the day, we prepare all our meals together. Yuki will inspire you to deepen your creativity in the kitchen through vibrant plant-based nutrition. At the end of the day, we relax and gather around the open fireplace, with a clear view of the starry sky.
Learn the tools to rejuvenate from within
This intimate hands-on culinary experience is a rare opportunity to learn directly from a specialised retreat chef, discovering how vibrant plant-based cuisine can support gut health, calm inflammation, rebalance carb cravings, and restore lasting energy.
Together we will transform seasonal ingredients into nourishing, microbiome-friendly dishes inspired by Japanese, Mediterranean, macrobiotic, and South-East Asian culinary traditions.
We will explore practical batch cooking methods, no-waste kitchen habits, wholesome nutrition principles, fermentation, plant proteins, antioxidant-rich foods, omega-3 sources, and the importance of vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
Alongside the culinary experience, a guided nutrition session create space to explore many of today’s most relevant wellbeing themes — including cravings, protein intake, digestive sensitivities, intolerances, weight balance, and how to build meals that feel deeply nourishing, satisfying, and supportive to everyday life. This sharing circle is designed to foster healthier lifestyles through group learning, social support, and peer exchange. This practise goes beyond standard advice by offering a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss food, health, and body image.
Over the course of the weekend, we explore how delicious plant-based meals can reduce inflammation, support the gut microbiome, and help the body feel lighter and more energised. Together we cook vibrant dishes rich in fibre, vitamins, colour, and flavour — meals that satisfy, stabilise energy, and bring joy and pleasure to the table.
The goal is not perfection. The goal is nourishment, vitality, and a way of cooking that supports our digestion, our energy, and our everyday wellbeing.
Who is this retreat for
For those who long to explore a deeper connection through food, nature, and joyful togetherness:
Created for the yogi, the foodie, the nature & animal lover, the sensitive soul, and anyone longing to reconnect with their body, restore their energy, and embrace a more vibrant and conscious way of living — in warm, authentic community.
Reserve your spot
The retreat is held in a small group to keep the experience personal, immersive, and meaningful. Places are limited.
Special offer for Portuguese locals: Portuguese locals can join the retreat without overnight accommodation if they wish.What you will bring home
- Practical knowledge healthy, creative, mindful and delicious cooking with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- Improved digestion and vitality through nourishing plant-based meals and nature walks.
- Released stress and restored calm and joyfulness through reconnection with others and the nature world.
- Inspiration and tools for your everyday life to live and eat more sustainably.
- New friendships and deep connection to a like-minded bigger community.
- Leave inspired, grounded, and empowered to bring more mindfulness, creativity, and vitality into your everyday meals & life.
Price Culinary Program
Friday 22th to Sunday 24th May.
Early Bird Price culinary teachings & meals: 320 € (until on Sunday 26 th April midnight WEZ).
Full Price culinary teachings & meals: 360 €- Included: full board, cooking sessions, nutrition classes, meditation, sound journey.
Not included: accommodation, travel. *Offer without accommodation valid for Portuguese locals only.
* Please scroll down to view the schedule for each day of the culinary program.
* Please be aware that, places are limited. A deposit payment of € 200 € to secure your place is requested.Price Acomodation
Friday 22th to Sunday 24th May.
Price for 2 nights 120 € / per person in a shared room. (The minimum stay is 2 nights.)
Guests who want to stay until Monday morning can book a third night for 60 €/ person if they wish, but the program ends Sunday evening.
Special offer for Portuguese locals: Portuguese locals can apply to join the retreat without overnight accommodation.
Important Notes- Segure your spot soon. There are only few spots available and the promotional price for early registration (early bird) ends on April 28th.
- Please fill out the form to reserve your spot. The inscription is only valid after filling out the form and payment of the total.
- The minimum stay is 2 nights.
- The workshop will be if requested bilingue: Portuguese – English, German or French.
- This is an inclusive LGBTQ+ event.
- For any other further request please send an email to: allyouneedisveg@gmail.com
Our Retreat Oasis
Our retreat home near Sintra and the Atlantic coast is nestled in the soft spring beauty of Portuguese nature. The stone lodge, tucked away off the beaten path, offers an ideal setting to connect with the grounding energy of Mother Earth and open yourself to the sky and stars.
Our Program
🍂 Immersive Winter Week-End Retreat
5.–7. December 2025 | Sintra, Portugal (30 km west of Lisbon).
A mindful, plant-based escape guided by Chef & Nutritionist Yuki C. Jung –
blending hands-on wholesome cooking, nature immersion, and mindful living.A weekend to slow down, cook with joy, and reconnect with nature in a cozy & intimate group.
Leave nourished, inspired, and grounded – carrying home new recipes, mindful rituals, and a calmer way of being.✨Friday 5th December: Arrival & Grounding
🌿16h00 – 17h00: Arrival tea & snacks at our cozy Sintra retreat house.
Settle in, unplug, and breathe.🌿 Evening Flow:
- 17h30 Hands-on dinner preparation with Chef Yuki – cook a delicious, grounding Ramen.
- 21h30 Relaxed books & talks: share stories and inspiration.
- 22h30 Digital sunset: Rest deeply, no devices.
✨Saturday 6th December: Awareness, Nourishment & Healing
🌿 Morning Flow:
- 7h30 Wake up gently with a warm yogi infusion and a light breakfast.
- 8h00 Meditation & Awareness Nature Walk – tune into stillness and breath and discover the sound of the forest.
- 10h00 Golden milk & healthy treats among the trees.
- 11h00 Hands-on lunch preparation – cook a creative macrobiotic-inspired meal for balance and energy.
🌿 Afternoon Flow:
- 15h00 Nutrition & Gut Health Talk – how mindful eating and your food choices support immunity and vitality.
- 16h00 Kombucha time & sharing scobies.
- 17h00 Hands-on dinner preparation cook a Japanese – inspired festive menu.
- 21h30 Evening Sound Journey – bathe in soothing forest vibrations and release the week.
- 22h30 Rest and dream, without digital distractions.
✨Sunday 30 November: Connection with Nature.
🌿 Morning Flow:
- 7h30 Begin your day with body awareness meditation, followed by a nourishing yogi breakfast.
- 9h00 Prepare a 5 component buddha bowl pique nique lunch with intention & love.
- 11h30 Check out
- 12h00 Forest foraging – explore the plant & animal world.
- 13h30 Champetre pique nique beneath the trees.
🌿 Afternoon Flow:
- “Find Your Spirit Animal”.
- Create a Nature Mandala – a moment of creative mindfulness.
- 17h00 Chai Closing Circle – gratitude, warmth, and gentle goodbyes.
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Kombucha Guide
The hype around the deliciously fizzy fermented Kombucha Tea is going on…What´s your favourite one?
Strawberry? Passion Fruit? Pear Mint ? Lemon Ginger? Mint Lime Mojito? Apple Cinnamon? Cucumber Lime?
Mango Ginger? Pineapple Basil? Strawberry Basil? Raspberry Rose? Rosemary Peach? Lavender Orange?
Let´s go and make more… -
Marketeer-Sapo
Meus caros Lisboetas,
Podem ler en seguinte a minha nova entrevista no Marketeer Portugal e conhecer melhor o meu trablaho como consultora, plant-based chef e conceptor aqui, em Lisboa. -
10 Natural Immune Boosters
Especially during winter time we need to strengthen our immune system as we are not so active and rarely outdoors.
I would like to draw attention on 10 of my preferred natural immune boosters to help protect us against infections and colds.
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Cleansing Teas
Hereafter you will find some of my favourite immune system strengthen & cleansing teas inspired from Ayurvedic Medicine.
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Interview with Chef Yuki
Tell us about your life before you came to Portugal.
My origins are from Bavaria and as a kid from the „Alpes“ – my connection to nature has always been profound and a source of life energy. After graduating from high school, I studied fashion design & art and worked for more than 10 years as a set & event designer for cultural events & tourism in France. In parallel, my passion was to fly through the skies above french nature and castles in a hot air balloon. I not only managed high-end flights in the Loire Valley, but also travelled with different teams to international championships around the globe. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the adventure travel and experience market.
However life brought me 2010 to Berlin which finally made me discover Veganism. Living in Europe’s vegan capital, made me aware of sustainable living models and I met wonderful people who inspired me to start my veggie food blog.Over time, I could no longer ignore the disastrous conditions of animal farming in our lobby-oriented food industry. I also became aware of the impact and power of my wallet and that ultimately, through goal-oriented consumption by each individual, the supply could very well change.
So I changed my lifestyle, started a vegan diet and deeply hope that through my cuisine I can inspire others to do the same.
How it comes that you turned from a Audio- Visual Designer into a professional vegan Chef?
2015, just a little hands-on trial in Lisbon at one of the most visited vegan restaurants at that time: “The Food-Temple” transformed my life…a beautiful journey into the fantastic world of plant-based food started! Since then I have never stopped cooking, gained experience in various vegan restaurants, founded Allyouneedisveg Lisbon “VegFoodLab” and graduated as a plant-based Chef and certified Nutritionist from the industry-leading “Plant Based Institute for Culinary Arts” in Berlin.
Who are your clients and with whom you like working most?
As plant-based well-being Chef one of my greatest experiences are those in collaboration with projects which have the same vision as I have: a sensibility for a green and cruelty-free future wrapped in creativity, colours and joy. I developed menus for the restaurant industry, designed food concepts for seminars and events in Lisbon and appeared as a speaker and showcook at summits such as Veggie World Portugal. Over the years, however, I have spezialised in the holistic wellness sector and work as a professional Chef & Nutritionist for renowned yoga and meditation centres in Portugal, Spain, France and Germany.
What inspires you about working as a personal chef at the retreats?
At the retreats I got the opportunity to go deeper into my passion – the essence of Yoga Food and observed the immediate energetic impact and delight my food has on our lovely guests and team. I understood what a powerful tool food can be and how “cruelty-free” wholesome food can make a real change towards a better and more peaceful society.
Buddhist Chef Jeong Kwan, who I admire deeply, brings it to the point:
“With food we can share and communicate our emotions. It´s that mind-set of sharing that is really what you are eating.”How would you describe your style?
My goal is to inspire people around the world to fall in love with plant-based cuisine.
I offer delicious, colourful and healthy meals – rich in Prana – that enhance performance during meditation, yoga practice and creative processes.
I believe that the ethical and energetic quality and positive effects of pure, plant-based, wholesome foods – carefully prepared with creativity, love and joy – are directly linked to our inner and outer health and well-being: Our body, mind and spirit!Which are your favourite cuisines?
I am inspired by the techniques and flavours of Mediterranean – Asian crossover with influences from Macrobiotic, Ayurveda and Gourmet Raw Cuisines.
For sure my affinity for Thai & Japanese Cuisines cannot be denied … so fragrant, fresh and yummy !What are your future plans?
Last year I additionally started working as an instructor in collaboration with “Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo de Lisboa (EHTL)” to introduce a new model of professional plant-based cooking. At the moment I am working on a new feed on Instagram and YouTube @lettheveggiesin, where I show ideas how to cook with leftover veggies that everyone finds in their fridge. The approach is low waste, local, easy, relaxed and fun, aimed at the average person who needs inspiration how to cook with vegetables.
I have collected during my times at my foodlab, restaurants and retreats so many recipes just waiting to get out into the world – as a cookbook. It just needs a publisher to become a reality…Click here for Reviews of Chef Yukis´partners and clients.
…with wonderful plant-based Profi Chef, Author and Instructor Sebastian Copien at Plant-based Institute for Culinary Arts, Berlin.
