YOGA RETREATS
Andalucia, Spain
RETREAT PACKAGE
5 nights in a luxurious Andalucian villa
Breakfast, dinner & refreshments
Gentle flow yoga (4 morning classes)
Yin yoga & yoga nidra by candlelight
Cacao ceremony
QiGong by sunset/moonlight
Pamper workshop with reflexology and facial
Excursion to Granada with guided tour of the Alhambra
Excursion to Moclin Castle with guided tour
Guided walk along the spectacular Ruta del Gollizno
Local Spanish cheese and olive oil tasting
Paella night with local wine and sherry tasting
*all excursions and activities are optional
Location
Nestled in the village of Olivares, the villa enjoys the peace and tranquility of the surrounding mountains and olive groves yet is only a 30-minute drive from the incredible cultural centre of Granada.
The local villages have a rich and fascinating history, and benefit from a range of restaurants, bars and cafes where authentic Andalucian dishes can be sampled over a long lazy lunch.
Hikes take in the stunning views across to the Sierra Nevada, which can be experienced with Nick along the breathtaking Ruta del Gollizno.
Accommodation
The villa provides ample space, comfort and genuine Andalucian elegance, with a number of indoor and outdoor areas to relax in. Rooms are spread across 3 levels, with a refreshing, cool space on the ground floor for yoga, treatments and our workshops.
Communal areas on the first floor include comfortable sofas and an open plan kitchen diner. There are 7 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms in total, all equipped with air conditioning units, WiFi and some with direct access onto a terrace.
The deluxe double room has an ensuite bathroom with corner bath and access onto the shared terrace. This room can be booked with double occupancy.
There are 4 more double rooms which can be booked with single occupancy and 2 twin rooms with shared occupancy. These 6 bedrooms share the 3 bathrooms equipped with a shower.
Spend the afternoons relaxing on one of the terraces or in the gardens, soaking up the Andalucian sunshine. Take a refreshing dip in the plunge pool or a wild swim in the turquoise waters of the River Velillos, which flows past the villa. Alternatively, take a stroll through one of the atmospheric local villages or book a relaxing treatment with Sarah.
Parking for several vehicles is available inside the property gates.
Food & Drink
Enjoy the warm summer evenings, dining al fresco on the terrace where we will have the opportunity to sample delicious cheese, olive oil and accompaniments sourced from excellent local artisan producers.
Home cooked vegetarian/vegan breakfast and dinner is provided daily, served buffet style with options to suit everyone. The final evening will include a celebration vegetable paella cooked according to tradition, local sherry and wine tasting with authentic Andalucian music.
LOCAL EXCURSIONS
Guided Walk to Moclin Castle
Nick will guide you along a scenic trail to Moclin and its 13th century castle, situated at a commanding spot overlooking the town.
From here, a local guide will take you on a tour of the castle, the Torre-Puerta and the visitor centre museum.
The Ruta del Gollizno
Nick will guide you along the breathtaking Gollizno walking trail which connects Olivares, Moclin and the surrounding countryside, taking in views across to the Sierra Nevada in the distance.
The 5-mile circular hike includes a 500m descent and 500m ascent through rocky landscapes (good footwear is a must) and follows a deep river gorge with suspension bridges.
Keep watch for Andalucian ibex climbing the rocks, terrapins sunbathing by the river and birds of prey circling above.
The walk will be enjoyed at a leisurely pace to allow us to immerse fully in this stunning landscape.
YOGA & EVENING ACTIVITIES
Yoga classes and evening activities take place on the outdoor terrace or inside in the cool yoga area.
Yin Yoga & Cacao Ceremony
Our journey will begin with a powerful cacao ceremony followed by a deeply relaxing and restorative yin yoga class by candlelight.
Gentle Flow Yoga
Morning flow classes connect body-mind-breath as we move mindfully between the different yoga asanas. Some positions are held, whilst others flow continuously through gentle sequences.
Focus is on releasing tension and stress within the body, boosting energy levels and rejuvenation.
Yoga Nidra
A powerful guided meditation as you lie comfortably. Often called 'yogic sleep' due to its deeply relaxing nature, where your conscious mind lets go of everyday thoughts and drifts off to sleep, as your subconscious takes you into a profound place of inner peace and calm.
Pamper Workshop
Learn the basics of reflexology as you practice on your hands and feet and discover how to ease stress and head tension through a relaxing Ayurvedic facial.
QiGong
Harness the power of breath, movement and intention setting to create health and balance within the body and mind. The relaxing evening class will take place by sunset or moonlight.
Average Daily Temperatures
July - min 15C / max 33C
August - min 14C / max 31C
September - min 10C / max 25C
EXCURSION TO GRANADA
Guided Tour of The Alhambra
The Alhambra is one of Spain's architectural wonders and its most-visited monument.
A treasure from the Spanish Moorish kingdom, situated in an incredible natural setting, the Alhambra (derived from the Arabic for 'the red fort') is a must-see as part of a visit to the province of Granada.
Our guided tour is a complete site visit, including the Alcazaba, the Palacios Nazaries (Nasrid Palaces) and the gardens of the Generalife.
Free Time in Granada
Following our visit to the Alhambra, there will be plenty of time to experience some more of what Granada has to offer. We can recommend:
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Local tapas (typically offered free with every drink!)
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Al-Andalus Hammam Spa (website)
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Explore the fascinating UNESCO-listed Albaicin district a short walk away
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Stroll around the Sacramonte area, famous for flamenco
We are in a great location for day trips to:
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Malaga – historic centre, waterfront, art & museums
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Antequera – attractive hill town with UNESCO listed dolmen caves
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Alhama de Granada – old town, famous hot springs
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Alcala la Real – stunning medieval hilltop fortress
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Priego de Cordoba - beautiful baroque monuments & sculptures
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Cordoba – Moorish city with unrivalled mosque La Mezquita
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Colomera lake – watersports and horse trekking
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Montefrio - picturesque white village with one of the best views in the world (National Geographic)
TRAVELLING TO SPAIN
Nearest airports:
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Granada - 16 miles
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Malaga - 87 miles
Public transport:
5 buses run daily between Granada and Olivares.
Trains and buses run regularly between Malaga and Granada.
Airport taxi:
A local taxi can be arranged on request to transfer you to/from the airport or train station (sharing with other guests where possible)