Southern Spain: Yoga + Nature + Culture
April 8- 14, 2024
If there is one thing we can learn from the Spaniards, it’s how to live well.
Join me for a nourishing week of yoga, meditation, amazing food and the famous siesta culture of southern Spain. And of course we’ll add cultural explorations, hikes, flamenco and dips in our mountain side pool. This is an opportunity to hit the reset button, find ease and balance in your body and mind, and visit an amazing part of the world. After living in Spain for 2 years, I can honestly say that this is one of my favorite places on earth!
“Rachel curated a perfect combination of stunning surroundings, cultural experience, deepening your yoga practice and meditation. The whole retreat was grounding and transformative, full of the magic that makes Rachel’s yoga and meditation practice so unique. I am truly grateful.”
The Area
This area has been a Unesco Biosphere Reserve since 1977 and according to BBC Travel, is the best place to hike in Andalucia!
The retreat center is proximal to three whitewashed villages. Zahara de la Sierra is one of Andalusia’s most striking villages, set upon a craggy, castle-topped peak in the park’s northern reaches. El Gastor, also known as the Balcony of the Andalusian White Villages, is a charming small town, just fifteen minutes from our retreat center by foot. And Ronda, the third village, sits atop the spectacular El Tajo gorge. It’s fame was spread by Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles who spent much time within the town limits of Ronda and Andalusia. Come for the week, or make our retreat the gateway to your tour through Spain and beyond.
The Venue
Our retreat center is made up of a collection of charming Spanish villas nestled in Andalucia’s spectacular national park, Sierra de Grazalema. Surrounded by lush mountains and whitewashed villages, accommodations are complete with a beautiful yoga studio, gorgeous landscaped grounds and magnificent hiking trails. A variety of homes and apartments are available, with access to 5 beautiful pools, modern kitchens, AC, firewood chimneys and baths.
The Group
The retreat is open to all levels. That means beginners as well as more experienced yogis. I’ll teach to the group that arrives, and modifications will be given as needed. So whether you are coming to deepen your yoga/meditation practice, spend time in nature, have an international adventure or explore the culture of Southern Spain, you are so welcome! I typically have participants of all ages and backgrounds. I arrive with a plan but it’s the magic of the unique group that comes together that inspires the teachings.
Activities
Part of my intention in creating this retreat is to offer an experience in which we interact with both interior and exterior landscapes. Interior, through our yoga and contemplative practices and exterior through both the natural and cultural world of Andalucia, Spain.
The region's history and culture has been influenced by the Native Iberians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, Byzantines, Jews, Romani, Muslims and the Castilian and other Christian North Iberian nationalities.
You can see and feel the beautiful melding of cultures and the influence that the landscape itself has had on the culture and the people who have settled here. Your tuition includes 3 incredible activities that will inspire you and instill a sense of wonder.
Guided hike to visit ruins in the area and a balcony where we can see many of the white villages. This hike is adaptable to all levels.
We’ll visit one of Spain’s most famous white villages. We'll hike, wander and enjoy Spanish tapas and wine.
Flamenco! We will have a night out with a spectacular flamenco show in Ronda. Ronda is the capital of the white villages and one of the most beloved towns in Spain for its beauty and history.
“As a complete novice in yoga - accompanying my wife, but not under duress:) - I learned a lot and had a wonderful time doing so. Rachel successfully addressed a wide range of individual needs among a diverse group and supported individual growth and skill acquisition. She also facilitated our coming together as a closely connected group, both through the yoga and great experiences in nearby towns. And the food was outstanding!”
Accommodations
Rooms are in Andalusian style homes each with a garden, swimming pool, full kitchen, and living room. The beautiful accommodations are surrounded by nature with stunning views of the sierra. During our stay, we will have exclusive access to the retreat center to ensure privacy and tranquility. You’ll have the option to connect with others or have solace and privacy. We have several room options to fit your budget and style of travel:
Rooms are based on occupancy - single or double.
Some doubles have 2 twin beds with shared bathroom and others have one queen bed.
Singles have one queen bed.
Accommodation options are standard and “plus” (see rates below). Please reach out with specific questions about accommodations.
Sample Daily Schedule
Schedule varies based on the needs of the group and daily activities.
8:00 Coffee, Tea light snacks available
8:30 - 10:00 Morning Practice, Meditation and Yoga
10:00 Breakfast
11:00 Free time for hiking or outdoor activities
1:30–2:30 Lunch
5:00 – 6:30 pm Evening Yoga Practice
7:30 Dinner
RATES
Double Occupancy (per person)
Early Bird Deadline, January 8, 10% off
$1825
Regular Rate
$2030
Single Occupancy
Early Bird Deadline, January 8, 10% off
$1995
Regular Rate
$2200
Double Occupancy “Plus” (per person)
*This option has one queen size bed
Early Bird Deadline, January 8, 10% off
$1945
Regular Rate
$2160
Single Occupancy “Plus”
Early Bird Deadline, January 8, 10% off
$2115
~Sold Out
A $500 deposit will hold your space. Pay in full by the January 8 and receive 10% off . Final balance is due March 8. Pay using Venmo, Check or Paypal. Add 3% when using paypal.
Your deposit in non-refundable.
Your Retreat Includes
6 Nights accommodation at an extraordinary retreat center nestled in the beautiful Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema
Delicious organic and locally grown mediterranean, vegetarian meals
2 yoga/meditation classes per day
Beautiful guided hike from the retreat center
A cultural tour of one of the famous White Villages of the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema
Traditional Flamenco Show in Ronda
For an additional cost, there is a multitude of activities in the area including hikes, massages, and cultural tours. You also have opportunities to hike on your own during free time.
Getting There
OUR LOCATION
The retreat center is located at 11687 El Gastor, Cádiz, Spain.
This is roughly 15 minutes from El Gastor, 45 minutes from Ronda, 1h 30 mins from the Seville and Malaga airports and 6 hours from the Madrid airport.
YOUR ARRIVAL
We will begin with dinner on April 8. You can arrive at the retreat center any time after 3pm. Most participants will choose travel option #1 but if you would like to arrive at the retreat center on your own, that’s fine too. Please contact me for exact directions.
ARRIVAL TRAVEL
Option 1:
Fly into Malaga by 12:30 pm and we will organize an airport or city center pick-up to the retreat center. The cost is 180 Euros based on 4 and 40 each with 5+ (each way). I will organize a shared shuttle for all students who would like this option, so you can share the cost. If you are traveling on the front end, the shuttle will also have an option for pick up in Ronda (25 Euros if you are joining the Malaga shuttle which will arrive between 2 and 4).
ARRIVAL TRAVEL
Option 2:
Fly into Seville, Malaga or Madrid and then take a train or bus to Ronda. Both buses and trains leave Malaga and Seville regularly throughout the day. Pick up from Ronda is 80 Euros each way, (25 Euros if you are joining the Malaga shuttle which will arrive between 2 and 4).
Option #1: Arrive in Malaga by 12:30pm. If you are going with travel option #2, you cannot purchase train tickets more than 60 days out so you can start by buying your plane tickets to Spain and then organize your transport to the retreat center as we get closer.
YOUR DEPARTURE
Departure is by 11am. Factor in extra time to get to your departure airport if you plan to fly out of Spain on the same day.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
A passport valid for three months beyond the length of stay and issued within the past 10 years is required by all nationals listed in this chart except (1) EU nationals holding a passport or national ID card which is valid for the duration of stay.
INSURANCE
COVID Requirements
Remember travel insurance is inexpensive and always a good idea!
Currently, Spain does not require proof of vaccination to enter the country. As we get closer, we will review Covid protocols. Because requirements, restrictions and health information is ever changing, please note that you may be asked to get a Covid test before your arrival. My intention is to create the safest environment possible so that we can relax and enjoy a safe journey together!
Apply to Join
I’m so happy you want to join me. Enrollment is very limited, so please fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you right away.