Group Editor Andrew Palmer finds an idyll in the coastal village of Ericeira – A unique experience to age well, regain vitality, and enhance positivity for those embracing life beyond 60.

Lifelong friends Amelie Roujou de Boubée and Antonie Debuse always knew they would be working together as entrepreneurs from their kindergarten days in Nice.

Antonie tells me over a delicious lunch in a restaurant on the beach in the village of Ericeira—with its distinctive blue and white houses, a mere 35 minutes from Portugal's capital—that despite their different life paths, she couldn't miss the opportunity to collaborate with Amelie. Their company name 'Bluceira' cleverly blends the village's name with its iconic blue houses.

"We're not selling some miracle cure or trendy wellness package," Amelie laughs, her eyes crinkling with warmth. After two years refining their vision, carefully selecting coaches and chefs who share their philosophy, they've developed a well-researched programme that defies easy categorisation. "This isn't a yoga retreat or simple wellness programme," she explains. "We've built it around three essential pillars: move better, eat smarter, connect meaningfully."

Both friends and their families have relocated to Portugal, drawn by its alignment with their values. "It's challenging to be an entrepreneur in France," Amelie confides with a rueful smile. "The government makes it difficult." Their extensive international experience has shaped this venture, which they emphasise "isn't just about numbers—it's about mindset, lifestyle, and the choices we make."

Redefining Later Life

As I approach my 60th birthday, joining this programme feels timely—though it's difficult to describe precisely. It's neither a typical retreat nor a holiday nor an anti-ageing formula, but rather a transformative experience.

Each monthly cohort is intentionally intimate, never exceeding eight participants. I join Nathalie (86) and Marie (74)—both travellers from France—and Manuela (65) from Portugal. Unusually, I'm the sole male participant.

Everyone arrives eager to explore new horizons, and I quickly discover how masterfully Amelie and Antonie have balanced individualised attention with communal experience.

"I'm discovering a new purpose," shares Manuela, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "After a busy professional life, you suddenly notice you've lost something, even with a long path still ahead."

Over lunch, our conversation naturally drifts to mindset. Marie speaks thoughtfully about "recalibrating life's rhythm" and the importance of purposeful planning to ensure our later years remain fulfilling and meaningful.

"People only talk about yesterday, not about today," Nathalie observes wisely, her 86 years worn with remarkable grace. We all nod in agreement that retirement must have purpose beyond finances. "We hear so much about the financial part of retirement that it often clouds our thinking about what truly matters," she adds, sparking thoughtful reflection around the table.

A Feast for Body and Soul

The accommodation at Quinta Raposeiros itself deserves special mention—five-star luxury with large, spacious rooms boasting terrific views. Set in woodland overlooking the sea, the property offers a quiet, peaceful sanctuary that complements the programme perfectly. "I wake up to birdsong and fall asleep to the distant sound of waves," Marie tells me with evident contentment.

The 10 days have been wonderfully curated, with each of the three pillars equally playing their part. The culinary delights that the two expat chefs—Jamie (UK) and Tim (German)—prepare use the finest fresh ingredients sourced from bakers, butchers, fishmongers and local markets.

It feels like being on an episode of Masterchef. The subtle use of herbs and spices and inventive dishes are stunning and tasty, with each chef discussing their creations with enthusiastic zeal. One day is spent at a local market before we prepare a community dinner together—a highlight that connects us to local traditions and to each other.

The active sessions, run by fellow expats Emily (US) and Doris (Danish), take us through gentle paces, ensuring we move better and gain flexibility. The emphasis is firmly on fun. Emily first sits with each of us individually, assessing our unique needs before we begin our journey to improved movement. The following day, energetic Doris helps strengthen our core mobility with Pilates-inspired exercises.

Both trainers address individual back pain concerns, and the sessions are thoughtfully designed to be easily replicated once we return home, fostering habits that will serve us well into the future.

Creative Connections

There's so much to enjoy and learn, with inspiration flowing between us as we chat through the activities. One of the most delightful experiences was our visit to a ceramics workshop where, after reading Samuel Longfellow's The Golden Sunset, we were encouraged to think creatively about artwork for a mural of specially created tiles inspired by the poem.

"I haven't gotten my hands properly dirty since I helped my grandchildren with finger painting!" I hear as we knead the clay. Eventually, each of the year's cohorts will add to the mural, which will ultimately be installed in the town—a lasting legacy of our time here.

Getting our hands dirty creating four tiles each, then turning to our designs and crafting 3D images, was tremendous fun, with the next steps being to paint them. This creative work forms part of the 'connect meaningfully' pillar, as did the gardening and farming sessions, cooking classes, and forest bathing expeditions.

These connections evoked something profound in all of us—ideas to ponder and build upon.

There was a day trip to Tomar with its remarkably preserved Templar history, featuring an imposing castle and church practically intact since the Order of the Temple existed (1118 to 1308). On our free day, several participants visited nearby Sintra with its fairytale palaces.

Ian, who introduces everyone to the gentle benefits of Tai Chi with remarkable patience for our wobbling attempts, also gave a fascinating talk on health and sleep, helping each of us individually work on improving our sleep patterns. "You don't need to accept poor sleep as an inevitable part of ageing," he insists, debunking myths with scientific precision.

Contemplation and Community

Ericeira proves the perfect place for contemplation, whether during sunset walks watching the beautiful reds of the sky as dusk approaches or during daytime clifftop walks where the Atlantic crashes dramatically below. One evening, we sit on the beach as the sun melts into the horizon. It's been years since I really looked at a sunset," I whisper.

Chatting with the group on my last day, everyone agrees that the retreat shows us what lies ahead, making us more aware, more engaged, and better equipped to explore what Shakespeare called 'the seventh age of man'. We've learnt that while physical changes are real, adapting to them can bring unexpected benefits:

Regular physical activity becomes more intentional and mindful.

Greater appreciation for body functionality over appearance

Development of resilience through overcoming health challenges

More holistic approaches to self-care and preventive health



It was truly profound learning something new from sharing stories, wisdom, and values. We didn't quite find the meaning of life, but we gained a clearer awareness of what ageing means, what contributes to longevity, and how to plan for a fulfilled final chapter of our lives.

"I came here thinking I needed to slow down," Manuela tells me as we pack our bags. "Instead, I've discovered I need to speed up—there's so much living still to do!" As we part ways, I realise that this isn't an ending but a beginning.

Bluceira isn't selling wellness; it's offering something far more valuable—a roadmap to wellbeing and purpose in our golden years. And that, surely, is worth betting on.

For more information on Bluceira click here