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About
5.0
#1 of 9 hostels in Estoril
Location
4.5
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.8
Value
4.7
Life is better at the beach.... Here at The Salty Pelican is a place to be happy... A place to feel like your own... a place to feel like home... We all about relaxing, sharing, surfing, eating, drinking, having fun and chilling-out with some mighty good tunes out on our BBQ patio daily. So kick-up your feet... grab a cold beer and really enjoy the spectacular sunsets here. Life is just that easy.
Rua de Madrid 6, Estoril, Cascais 2765-424 Portugal
Name/address in local language
The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat Cascais
460 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
I had a beautiful three days here! It is a really lovely place to travel solo, many of the other guests were there by themselves and there is a really relaxed, friendly, chilled out vibe - you can hang out and usually find someone to get food with or relax by yourself as you prefer. The yoga classes were amazing, the teacher Mara was lovely and it felt very special to be able to yoga by the sea. I loved all the thoughtful little touches, like including ear plugs and an eye mask in the beds and shower gel and shampoo in the bathrooms. Moana surf school, who do their surf lessons, are also really great! I would a hundred percent go back. I had my massage just before I left and left feeling relaxed and wonderful.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Staying at the Salty Pelican in Cascais was one of the best solo traveling hostel experience I’ve ever had.
I had already been there for one night back in February 2017 and I loved the atmosphere and historical house so much I decided to come back for the full retreat experience, this time alone. Finding your way and feeling comfortable while traveling solo was not hard (something very important especially if you are a solo female traveler!)
The house is located only 20 minutes walking from the city center of Cascais and some of the closest beaches. If you feel lazy and don’t feel like walking, you can easily get an Uber for a cheap price. The house itself has a lot of outdoor space and a few indoor areas, making it really easy to mingle and meet new people. At the same time, if you feel like being alone for a while there is also plenty of space to read a book in the shade or have a cup of tea. Everyone was really respectful of each other’s space!
The 8 beds dorm was super cozy and sunny, with room to store your belongings and valuables with a lock. The house and bathrooms are also cleaned daily, which definitively gives a nice feeling when sharing spaces all the time.
The staff was really friendly and available for many different requests. It is clear that they really care about the house and making your stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible! There are also different in-house facilities for a cheap price, such as laundry.
Finally, the activities! While I had only booked the yoga and surf package, I decided to join almost everything because I enjoyed it so much. The yoga in the morning and afternoon is the best and the teachers are really good. The surfing is fun and I think it’s perfect if you’re looking to have fun or just trying it out for a couple days. With the hike, you get to go to one of the most pristine beaches in Portugal.
Also, did I forget to add its a 30 minutes train ride from Lisbon? ;)
Really a 10/10 experience and felt safe and comfortable all the time. I can’t wait to go back to the Salty!
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loved the retreat! The building is just beautiful!! It’s very clean and they have a lot of space also in the garden to relax and rest. The team is super nice and friendly... always trying the hardest to make the guests happy! Especially now they do a great job with following the COVID regulations and still giving the guest a comfortable and safe feeling. The yoga lessons, as well as surf lessons are a lot of fun so I’d really recommend booking a surf and yoga package. On top of that the hike was just amazing! Never seen such beautiful nature. I’ll for sure come back. Missing it already. Thank you for the great time.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There is no yoga shala, I don't think this should be classed as a retreat. It is a hostel. My first night there, I was woken up by a bunch of drunk girls at 2am. One of them was dragging another up the stairs. If you want to socialise, meet people and have fun, this will be great for you.
For context I am an events manager and yoga teacher and this is the 4th 'retreat' I have been to this year. I did the 7 day yoga and surf retreat.
I was in a 4 bed female dorm and ended up having a great time because of the people I met. If they weren't there, I would have probably left after the first couple of days.
The mornings felt very rushed and I only made two morning sessions of yoga. There was about 30 mins between returning from yoga and departing for surfing for breakfast which meant there was a big rush of about 20 people trying to scoff down some food.
Construction was still going on in September and was taking place during breakfast time - not very relaxing.
Morning yoga takes place at the pier which is about a 15 min walk away. Afternoon yoga takes place in the garden.
I heard good things about the massages but they took place in the bathroom.
The meditation hike views were great but the professionism of the guides was questionable as they decided to get naked and run screaming into the sea. We later found out, the hike led us to a nudist beach. Snacks were a bit dissapointing and I don't get how wine and meditation go together. I don't think it is worth €35, you can get an Uber there to do the hike yourself and take some better food.
The first surf lesson we went to was way overcrowded and two of us got pulled out into a rip. We were never warned of this beforehand. They also forgot to come back to pick us up and we were left waiting for about an hour.
We were lucky with the weather and the next few lessons were really good and less busy, but I was honestly terrified of being pulled out again.
The BBQs were good, lots of choice for the tapas (at an extra cost), and the dining area was very sociable.
I made use of the free SUP hire and really enjoyed that.
Would recommend if you're new to yoga/surfing and just want to try it. If you're expecting a retreat, you'll be very disappointed.
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Date of stay: September 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gareth Teague, General Manager at The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat Cascais
Responded Sep 29, 2023
Thank you for sharing your feedback about your stay with us at our yoga and surf retreat. We appreciate your perspective as a yoga teacher and events manager. We're glad to hear you had a great time and enjoyed the social aspect of your visit. We understand that some aspects of your stay didn't meet your expectations, such as the morning schedule and neighbourhood noise. We're continually working to improve our offerings and your input is valuable to us. We apologise for any inconvenience you experienced during your surf lesson and the meditation hike. We strive to provide unique experiences but understand that not all activities suit everyone's preferences. Your recommendations and insights are noted and we'll use them to enhance our future offerings. We hope you'll consider giving us another chance to provide you with a more aligned experience in the future. Safe travels!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I can only say such positive things about this retreat. the overall experience, the people, the yoga and surf lessons, and the location are unbeatable. The Salty Pelican is a one of a kind retreat with a magical homey atmosphere in a sunny villa, dreamy yoga on the beach, and the vibes of a close knit likeminded community. I have been multiple times and this retreat has always exceeded my expectations. I have visited with a significant other, with friends, and solo - and had an amazing experience each time! I just finished a month long stay at The Salty Pelican with a daily routine of yoga, surf, beach, repeat! I am leaving the retreat now feeling my absolute best, proud of my yoga and surf progress, with tons of new friends... and already planning my next trip back!! Thank you to this retreat and the wonderful team leading it for the memories, positive vibes, and amazing friendships!
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you’re having doubts, don't. This will be, as it is for almost everybody, the most enjoyable, energising, rewarding, exhilarating and liberating week of your life... and i’m not exaggerating!
I remember walking from the train to Salty Pelican (a great little walk which i really enjoyed as it had so many memories) thinking ‘what the bloody hell is going to happen now??’
Immediately i was greeted by super friendly staff who Made me feel right at home. I went on a fantastic hike and meditation session at the secret beach and it was such a joy to be out in that part of the world. Within a few hours.. id met lots of amazing and like minded people who were are all keen to talk, socialise and share the adventure together.
The yoga in the mornings was perfect.. they have beginners and intermediate sessions so it caters for all. You come back to a really delicious breakfast which PLENTY of choice and you’ve already had an amazing day.. and its not even 10:30!!
The surfing was just amazing. You probably haven't surfed before and are maybe a bit worried. Don’t be. The instructors are cool, fun friendly and made the experience a real joy. The beach is one of the best ive ever been too for hanging out and for surfing. It was one of the highlights of my time there.
Cascias is beautiful place and has everything you need. Shops, lovely places to eat, places to hang out etc etc.
All in all, the reason this place is so good is that you have all the opportunity in the world to live, to have fun, to enjoy all the people who are there. You bond with others because you share so many great experiences. You’ll have the freedom to do as much or as little as you want and theres nothing that beats that!
Exceptional value for money and the nicest, friendliest staff and owners you could ever hope for.
A really special place for me and i can wait to go again next year.
Solo Male Traveller.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My boyfriend and I stayed at The Salty Pelican for a week on the surf and yoga package.
We had an amazing week. We booked a double room which was basic but very clean, nicely decorated and had a super comfy bed with a julienne balcony. Although the bathrooms are shared, they're decorated really nicely, clean and we never had to 'queue.
The breakfast was simple, healthy and delicious with plenty of coffee and we also did the tapas night which was a great way to get chatting to other travellers.
We did five surf lessons and three yoga sessions which were all brilliant and the staff were absolutely delightful and so helpful.
Points to note: we went in April, the weather was great but the surf was ROUGH on two days so bear that in mind if you're beginners, it's a real mix and the surf staff are great so they may pull sessions if it's dangerous. Also, it was early in the season, there were no more than 8 or 9 others staying at the same time as us and luckily all very chilled and friendly. I don't know if things are more party orientated or busy in high season but for us (in our 30s and looking for a chilled week) this was perfect
Thank you Judy and all the other amazing staff (including the owners dachshund puppy who came to visit), we are already planning our next trip to Cascais.
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Date of stay: April 2023
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great spot to come and hang and have some fun! There are two houses for accommodation... I stayed in both! One is more social one more private depending on what mood you’re in! But you can of course stay in the second house and still be social. The activities they organize make it really natural to meet other people even if you’re a bit shy 😉 and everyone there had a friendly vibe. The Salty pelican crew are also a great team of people who will do their best to look after you as needed. There are some beautiful spots around the coast, Cascais is a cute town with plenty of spots to eat and drink and there are some great little local joints in the close surrounding towns as well if you need a change from the busier tourist spots. Also not far and very easy to visit Lisbon for the day from there. Would visit again.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I must admit: this was my first yoga retreat, and honestly; the experience made me fall in love with the concept - and the place! I was afraid that I wouldn’t fit in to the other guests because I was solo and had no experience in yoga, but I felt welcome and comfortable from the first minute, and everyone were so nice and open. The staff was amazing, the yoga was great, the food was so yummy, the space was beautiful - I didn’t try surfing, but I only heard the other guests loving it and making me regret that I hadn’t booked it (definitely will next time!)
Whether you want to do yoga or surf or just have a place to relax, then I highly recommend the Salty Pelican. I am 100% going again. Thank you to the staff for making it a wonderful experience.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The week I spent at the retreat was such a great week!
The yoga classes were great, thanks to the amazing Ines; by the water was a perfect place for a morning vinyasa class, and the afternoon yin class left me feeling relaxed and restored every day.
Surfing was a lot of fun. It was well-geared towards beginners, in both the lessons and the conditions in the water. Instruction on the beach was kept to a minimum, with the guys explaining simple concepts to us and then taking us into the water and supporting us really well. It was so much fun, what a lovely group!
The other activities were also great: the bbq and tapas were both tasty, and the climbing was great as well! The staff were such lovely people and really made you feel at home. Everyone else staying at the hostel was lovely and I had an amazing time, I'm very keen to go back.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Usually we attract 95% of our guests being solo travelling women aged between 22 - 45 yrs of age, all here for a relaxing week of yoga. All ages are welcome though.
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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