Breath-Body-Mind (BBM) Training Retreat in the Azores
Watch a short video of the BBM founders, Drs. Gerbarg and Brown, explaining Level 1 training.
November 9 - 15, 2026
Price
€2,666 - €2,888
This is a retreat style training to become a Level 1 BBM Instructor.
This level one BBM Instructor training is suitable for healthcare professionals, coaches, practitioners, therapists, yoga and meditation teachers, school teachers, military, first responders, EMTs, police, firefighters, disaster relief workers, and service organizations.
The benefits of Breath-Body-Mind™ have been shown to increase resilience and reduce the effects of stress in surveys of participating health care practitioners, individuals with mental health and medical conditions, children, veterans, active-duty military, and survivors of disasters.
Spaces are limited to a maximum of 9 participants.
Please note there are pre-requisites for applying for this training:
Pre-requisites
Complete a 12-hour BBM Fundamentals course
Attend a minimum of six BBM classes with experienced, advanced BBM teachers
Have a regular Coherent Breathing personal practice (20 mins a day, five days per week minimum).
*Mandy is hosting a Fundamentals course in the Azores in June 2026 and there are other in person and online options with Mandy and other Senior BBM teachers regularly. Check the BBM website for details.
ABOUT THIS TRAINING
*Become a BBM Instructor on a live retreat style training.
*Recharge deeply through the practices and the healing energy of the Azores.
This is a 40-hour experiential BBM Instructor course is designed for participants who wish to begin offering BBM practices to individual clients and small groups (2-6 people).
The course is also suitable for those who want to explore the BBM practices and principles more thoroughly and enhance their personal BBM practice.
To achieve Level-One BBM Instructor certification, you will need to watch four or more hours of pre-recorded content, attend the 35 hours of live training, and demonstrate safe and effective guidance of BBM practices and essential skills.
Level-One BBM Practices
Activating and calming practices
Two Ha breath practices
Breathing practices with movement
Coherent breathing with movement
Preparing for Coherent Breathing in Stillness
Coherent breathing in stillness sequence
Breath moving practice
Level-One BBM Essential Skills
Know BBM precautions
Understand trauma-sensitive BBM teaching skills
Recognize most common breathing challenges
Sequence core BBM practice sessions
Commit to upholding the BBM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
What’s Included?
36 hours live training with Mandy Brinkley, a Level 4 Senior BBM Teacher.
Presentations by the BBM developers ( live online) Richard P. Brown, MD & Patricia L. Gerbarg, MD
4 hours pre-recorded lectures and presentations
Level-One BBM Instructor Manual
6 nights stay at Quinta Minuvida. Arrival Monday 9th November from 3pm, departure Sunday 15th after breakfast.
Exclusive use of the retreat centre within a small group.
Hot Springs visit. Afternoon excursion to hot springs: includes packed lunch, transport, entrance fees and guide.
Fresh, local daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy delicious food that marries the traditional with the innovative and creative.
Teas and snacks always available.
More information
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Your flights and travel insurance. Any meals and excursions outside those specified.
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Getting there:
Ponta Delgada is the airport.
Azores Airlines and TAP Portugal offer regular flights from Boston.
From Europe, Ryanair offers low-cost fares from London and Lisbon. Many other charter companies operate from Germany and other destinations, as does Azores Airlines.
Transport Service
If you are interested in an airport transfer, please indicate when booking. We will do our best to arrange shared transfers. The cost is 30€ each way (60€ total) as a maximum.
Alternatively you can take a taxi or hire a car and drive to Quinta Minuvida where they have a private carpark. We will provide directions.
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You will stay at Quinta Minuvida a traditional Azorean orchard lodge.
They are extremely experienced in hosting groups, know and love the island really well and create wonderful meals making the most of the local produce.
If the group is larger than 6, extra accommodation is available just across the road at Quinta do Paraizo.
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You will be part of a small group of 6-9 participants for a bespoke training retreat experience.
Book your Training Retreat
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