If you're reading this, chances are you've experienced a loss that has changed your life.
First, I want you to know this:
You are not alone.
Finding Light Again isn't about fixing you—because you aren't broken.
It's about giving yourself permission to pause, to breathe, and to step away from the weight of everyday life.
For seven days on the beautiful island of Terceira, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, warm hospitality, and people who understand that grief has no timeline.
My hope isn't that you'll leave your grief behind.
My hope is that you'll leave remembering that even while carrying loss, there is still beauty in the world... and there is still light waiting to be found.
- You've lost someone you love deeply, and life has never felt the same.
- You're grieving not only a person, but the life, the future, and the plans you thought you'd have.
- You feel lost and aren't sure who you are anymore.
- You feel everything... or sometimes nothing at all.
- You're struggling to move forward while it seems the rest of the world has already moved on.
- You don't know where to put your pain.
- You long for a place where you don't have to pretend you're okay.
- You miss feeling joy and wonder if you'll ever find it again.
- You're looking for relief—even if it's just for a little while.
- You're tired of surviving and long for a moment that feels like living again.
There are beautiful places all over the world, but none quite like Terceira.
Life isn't measured by the clock here. It's measured by church bells echoing through centuries-old villages, cows crossing the road at milking time, the rhythm of the Atlantic tides, and conversations that linger long after the meal is over. Here, there is no rush to get to what's next. The island gently invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be present.
Surrounded by dramatic volcanic coastlines, endless Atlantic views, emerald-green pastures, ancient lava fields, and quiet forests of eucalyptus and moss, Terceira is a place of raw, natural beauty. Whether you're standing at the edge of the ocean, walking through a peaceful forest, or looking out across the island's iconic patchwork landscape, there's a sense of stillness that's difficult to describe.
This isn't a destination built around crowds, schedules, or distractions. It's a place where nature, tradition, and community take center stage—a place that awakens your senses, quiets the noise of everyday life, and reminds you of the beauty found in life's simplest moments.
Day 1 | Welcome to Terceira
Welcome to the beautiful island of Terceira! Upon arrival, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to the oceanfront Terceira Mar Hotel, where breathtaking views of Mount Brasil and the Atlantic Ocean set the tone for the week ahead.
Take time to settle into your accommodations, relax, and soak in your first glimpse of island life.
In the evening, we'll gather for a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine, a chance to get to know one another, share our stories, and begin this journey together.
Day 2 | Discovering Angra do Heroísmo
Wake to the sound of the Atlantic and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the ocean.
This morning, we'll begin with a beautiful walk along the scenic waterfront from Fanal Bay, over Monte Brasil, and into the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo. It's the perfect opportunity to breathe in the fresh Atlantic air, stretch your legs, and embrace the slower rhythm of island life.
We'll continue with a guided walking tour through Angra's colorful streets, historic churches, charming plazas, and picturesque waterfront before visiting the beautiful Duque da Terceira Botanical Gardens, where lush gardens and peaceful pathways create the perfect place to pause and simply take in the beauty of the island.
The afternoon is yours to relax, stroll the marina, enjoy a café, or simply embrace the peaceful rhythm of island life.
Day 3 | A Taste of Terceira
Experience the flavors, traditions, and hospitality that make Terceira so special. We'll visit my longtime friend Bernardo at his family-owned banana and coffee plantation, where you'll learn about the island's unique growing traditions and enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience that few visitors have the opportunity to enjoy.
We'll continue to a local artisan cheese factory before visiting the peaceful eucalyptus and moss forests of Serreta for a quiet moment of reflection.
We'll end our tour with a traditional Terceira Alcatra lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying the island's signature slow-cooked beef dish—a cherished recipe that has been passed down through generations and remains one of Terceira's most beloved culinary traditions.
Day 4 | Above and Below the Island
This morning, for those who wish, we'll take an optional walk into the historic fortress of Monte Brasil. Following the lower rim of the mountain, we'll enjoy breathtaking bird's-eye views over Angra do Heroísmo, the harbor, and the endless Atlantic beyond. Accompanied only by the sound of seagulls overhead and the gentle ocean breeze, it's one of Terceira's most peaceful places to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply take in the beauty surrounding you.
Later, we'll tour Terceira's dramatic volcanic landscape, descending into Algar do Carvão, one of the world's only volcanic chimneys open to visitors. We'll continue through the spectacular Serra do Cume, where the island's iconic patchwork fields create one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Azores.
Day 5 | Coastlines & Vineyards
Today we'll explore one of Terceira's most spectacular coastlines with a hike overlooking Agualva Bay, where dramatic volcanic cliffs meet the deep blue Atlantic and every turn reveals another breathtaking view.
Later, we'll visit my friend Dimas at his family vineyard for an intimate look at Terceira's centuries-old winemaking traditions. As we walk through the vines overlooking the ocean, you'll learn how the island's volcanic soil, Atlantic climate, and generations of family tradition shape every bottle. We'll enjoy a guided tasting of locally produced wines while taking in the peaceful beauty of the vineyard and the surrounding countryside.
Day 6 | Eastern Terceira
Discover another side of the island as we explore Terceira's eastern coast, stopping at charming villages, dramatic viewpoints, and hidden corners before enjoying lunch in the beautiful seaside town of Praia da Vitória.
This evening, experience the soul of Portugal during an intimate Fado performance in a traditional taberna, where heartfelt music and timeless storytelling create an unforgettable cultural experience.
Day 7 | A Day to Simply Be
After a week of unforgettable experiences, today is intentionally unhurried.
Spend the day however your heart needs it most. Wander through Angra's historic streets, enjoy a quiet coffee overlooking the marina, browse the local shops, read a book by the ocean, journal, or simply sit and listen to the rhythm of the Atlantic.
Sometimes the most meaningful moments are the ones we don't plan.
In the evening, we'll gather one final time for a delicious four-course farewell dinner, celebrating the friendships we've made, the moments we've shared, and the journey we've taken together while enjoying one last unforgettable evening on the island.
Day 8 | Until We Meet Again
Enjoy one last breakfast overlooking the Atlantic before your transfer to the airport.
As you leave Terceira, my hope is that you take home more than memories of an extraordinary island. I hope you carry with you moments of peace, meaningful connections, and the gentle reminder that even in life's most difficult seasons, beauty can still be found.
A Journey at Your Own Pace
This week is about giving yourself permission to do what feels right for you.
Every activity is optional. If you'd rather enjoy a slow morning, read a book by the ocean, explore Angra at your own pace, or simply spend time reflecting, that's perfectly okay.
If a walk feels too strenuous, or you simply need a day to rest, there is never any pressure to participate. This isn't about checking off an itinerary—it's about creating the space you need, in whatever way serves you best.
Finding Light Again is your journey. We're simply here to walk beside you.
- Seven nights at the oceanfront Terceira Mar Hotel
- Daily breakfast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
- Welcome dinner
- Traditional Terceira Alcatra lunch at a local restaurant
- Lunch in the seaside town of Praia da Vitória
- Four-course farewell dinner
- Guided walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo
- Visit to the Duque da Terceira Botanical Gardens
- Scenic walk from Fanal Bay over Monte Brasil into Angra do Heroísmo
- Visit with Bernardo at his family-owned banana and coffee plantation
- Artisan cheese factory experience
- Quiet reflection in the eucalyptus and moss forests of Serreta
- Tour of the Algar do Carvão volcanic chimney
- Scenic drive through Serra do Cume's iconic patchwork landscape
- Coastal hike along the beautiful Agualva Bay
- Vineyard visit, wine tasting, and time with owner Dimas at his family vineyard
- Eastern island tour, including charming villages and Praia da Vitória
- Traditional Fado evening in a local taberna
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Private transportation throughout the week
- Professional local guide
- Host Kristi Carrara available to take care of all your needs
- A built in community that understands what you're going through
- Plenty of free time to rest, reflect, explore, or simply be
Package Price:
$2,000 per person - shared room
$2,500 per person - private room
$500 deposit due upon booking. Final payment due 90 days before travel.
Kristi's story
There are places we visit once and remember forever.
And then there are places that quietly become part of our story.
For me, that place is Terceira.
Over the years, this island has walked beside me through some of the greatest losses of my life.
I came here after losing my mother and my husband and my son's diagnosis.
I returned after losing my father.
I came back again after losing my brother.
Most recently, I found myself here after saying goodbye to one of my closest friends—a friend I met on my very first trip to this island.
Each time, I arrived carrying a heart that felt impossibly heavy.
Each time, Terceira reminded me of something I had forgotten.
That even in grief, there is still beauty.
Not because the pain disappears.
Not because life suddenly makes sense again.
But because the ocean keeps moving.
The sun still rises over the Atlantic.
The laughter of children echoes through the streets of Angra.
Neighbors still gather around long tables to share meals.
Music still fills the tabernos.
The island never asked me to let go of the people I loved.
It simply reminded me that love and loss can exist alongside beauty, hope, and joy.
Every visit lightened the load just enough for me to take the next step.
That is why this retreat exists.
Not because I have the answers.
Not because I can take away your grief.
I can't.
But I can invite you to a place that has gently carried me through my own.
My hope is that, somewhere between the waves, the volcanic cliffs, the conversations, the quiet moments, and the kindness of this remarkable island, you'll begin to notice what I noticed.
That your love hasn't ended.
Your story isn't over.
And that even after unimaginable loss...
there is still light waiting for you.
Kristi Carrara is the founder of Revibe Travel and has been sharing the beauty of Terceira with travelers since 2019.
She first discovered the island in 2018 during one of the most difficult chapters of her life. Following the loss of her mother, her son's medical diagnosis, and the sudden loss of her husband, she came to Terceira simply needing a place to breathe.
What she found was an island whose natural beauty, gentle pace, rich traditions, and welcoming people reminded her that even in the midst of profound loss, there was still beauty in the world.
Since then, Kristi has returned to Terceira countless times, building deep friendships and an intimate connection with the island and its community. Through Finding Light Again, she invites others to experience the same sense of peace, connection, and hope that first brought her back to life.
Where are the Azores?
The Azores is a Portuguese archipelago of 9 islands in the middle of the Atlantic - slightly closer to Europe than American
What language will they speak?
The Azores are Portuguese islands so the locals speak Portuguese. You'll have no problem with the language - we promise
What is the currency?
The island uses the Euro - it can be a good idea to bring some with you, but it is easy to access money from atms on the island. It's a good idea to let your credit card company or bank know that you're traveling.
What do I pack?
The weather in July should be perfect - high 80, low 70 with high humidity. Bring clothes to layer, a rain coat, hiking shoes or good sneakers, and don't forget your bathing suit! Swim shoes could be helpful with the volcanic stones but not necessary. A converter for your electronics will also be necessary - although we hope you won't spend much time on your phone!