Busy, stressed, working too much, tired, grumpy. Sound familiar? Everyone needs a break at some point. Space to stop, reassess, relax and rejuvenate. A little time away from the everyday nuances that can pile up to leave you feeling depleted. Well, we think we’ve found the answer. Spain, is a country of passion, tapas, stunning scenery and great wine, but there’s another thing it does well – retreats infused with health and wellness benefits. Here, we’ve uncovered seven retreats across Spain that could be the invigorating answer to a centred, more vibrant, healthier you.
1. Discover raw food and yoga
Where: Kali Yoga, Orgiva
Give yourself a kick-start with this invigorating weeklong retreat in Spain’s rural countryside. Whilst practicing yoga daily, you’ll also be introduced to world of raw foods. Discover the benefits of consuming super foods like maca, chia and acai, and learn to prepare deliciously nutritious meals with the help of the in-house chef. Educational and relaxing, you’ll leave with an abundance of energy and a cleaner immune system.
2. Get fit at bootcamp
Where: No 1. Bootcamp, Ibiza
Situated in a spectacular location on the beautiful Spanish island of Ibiza, this party-free retreat provides a fun but challenging program that will see guests conquer difficult hikes and military style exercises. Staying in a picture-perfect whitewashed villa, down time can be spent by the pool, exploring the island or indulging in a bit of a pampering. For those visiting the island for a short time, there is also the option of a day boot camp.
Our Ibiza view when on our daily hike! Just beautiful x pic.twitter.com/vhWPE9MDsb — No1 Boot Camp (@no1bootcamp) April 10, 2014
3. Learn Spanish and how to surf
Where: Oceano Surf, Conil de la Frontera
Just because it’s only a holiday, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try and learn the local language. Oceano Surf combines daily surf lessons with Spanish classes, at their Conil de la Frontera location. Opt for the 2-week stay and you’ll end up cruising along waves and using the local language to order your tapas.
4. Find your zen with meditation
Where: Chirawan, Marbella
Splash out and de-stress at an exclusive Chirawan Yoga and Meditation Retreat. It may seem a little bit pricey, but rest assured this boutique getaway is full of little luxuries that make the price tag worth it. From the spacious room with its own private terrace (!) and the vegetarian cuisine to the exercise classes (think: lots of yoga) and the mediation workshops, there is no holding back. And did we mention there are also three incredible spa treatments also included? Yep, book this one now!
Yoga for Life Retreat Spain 18-25th April http://t.co/qRzE3TB8V6 pic.twitter.com/y7HHukRM78 — Chirawan (@ChirawanYoga) January 15, 2015
5. You are what you eat
Where: Annie B’s Spanish Kitchen, Vejer de la Frontera
Ever heard the saying you are what you eat? Food plays a huge role in wellbeing, so why not jazz up culinary skills with a trip to Spain where you’ll learn to master the art of cooking healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Based out of Vejer de la Frontera, Annie B’s cooking holidays are the perfect blend of activity and relaxation. Sunsets, beach walks, rooftop terrace dining and a bounty of new meal ideas to take home, what’s not to love?
6. Holiday to a more beautiful you
Where: AMA Hotels and Retreats, Andalucia
Is your skin looking as tired as you feel? Targeted at enhancing natural beauty by looking at the complete picture (not just what’s on the surface, enjoying a beauty retreat at AMA will leave guests feeling radiant and dare we say, younger. Everyone’s skin and its need are different, so during the nine days, guests will undergo a personalised program including an initial wellness and exercise consultation followed by an in-depth skin analysis, and skin rejuvenation treatments like infrared sauna sessions and micro-needling. The luxury accommodation and nutritionist-devised meals aren’t too bad either!
7. Rustic yoga retreat
Where: Rustic Yoga Retreats, Murcia
Disconnect from all the stresses and drama that comes with daily life at this off-the-grid yoga retreat. Tucked away into the side of a mountain in southern Spain, if you want to get away from it all, Rustic Retreats is just the place. Practice restorative yoga and enjoy leisurely mountain walks during the day, and at night feast on deliciously local vegetarian dishes before resting your head in one of the gorgeous bell tents, completely kitted out with Moroccan rugs and super soft bed linen.
Sunrise shoulder stand in the Spanish mountains #yoga #rusticretreats A photo posted by Miyelle Karmi (@miyelle_karmi) on
(Feature image: Les Haines)
