RETREAT DATES/PRICES

All prices include accommodation, all meals, 2 classes per day and more!

16-21 October 2024 (5 nights) PRIVATE RETREAT - FULL

15-20 May 2025 (5 nights) - Re-wilding For Women 45+

More details soon…

CONTACT US/REQUEST TO JOIN MAILING LIST HERE

*“Mel is the best yoga teacher I’ve ever had. She’s so experienced that she can tailor every class to individual needs whilst making it all fun! And her place in Spain is stunning.” Zoe, Oct 2021

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DAILY SCHEDULE

Our day is bookended by yoga classes for all levels on a stunning yoga platform with breathtaking views. In the afternoons we offer optional seminars on various themes including stress management, creative writing, communication and assertion skills.

In the morning we offer a more dynamic ‘Go with the flow’ Yang-style class to realign and strengthen the muscular-skeletal system as we watch the sun rise out of the far mountains.

Before dinner we gather again for a deeply relaxing ‘Power of Now’ Yin-style class to clear the mind, release tension and deeply nourish body, mind and soul as the sun sets.

Yoga for all levels, adapted to meet individual needs

About Mel

I am Mel and I have been teaching yoga, mindfulness and self development to everyone from 90s celebrities, to frazzled mums, burnt out executives and anxious teenagers for 25 years and practising for 28 years. 

I am passionate about bringing the joy of yoga and meditation into people’s lives.  I trained with the world’s leading experts in astanga yoga in Notting Hill, London, in the 1990s, was asked to teach the first ever yoga class at Kensington sports centre and even taught a few 90s celebrities who shall remain nameless!

Since then I have done wonderful trainings with many of the leading contemporary practitioners like Sarah Powers, Donna Farhi and Simon Low.  I have also been studying and practising mindfulness meditation for 25 years.

“I’m a GP looking for help for my anxious patients and myself. After this retreat, I’ve decided that mindfulness is definitely the way forward for me.” Sarah, GP

I was trained as a dancer and have a BA in languages and two MAs; one in Creative Writing and Authorship and one in Drama and Movement Therapy.  

I am also a coach/group facilitator in the private and public sector (with expertise in Transactional Analysis and Emotional Intelligence) and this is integrated into my yoga teaching and retreats with optional afternoon seminars. As one of my students put it: “This is much more than just yoga.’

As well as leading retreats, I teach regularly in Brighton and run corporate Wellness programmes both live and via Zoom.

My other passion is writing and my first novel, ‘Little Dancer’ is out now in all good bookshops!

‘Thank you again for a wonderful time, so much deeper and yet lighter than I thought it would be.’ (Beverley)

I am a people gardener, a compassionate teacher who believes in bringing out the best in every student. Many students comment that my classes make them feel safe and comfortable and that they are surprised at how much they enjoy yoga when I am teaching!  My wide range of training and experience and long years of practise mean that I am sensitive to individual needs and have a huge tool-kit of techniques, resources and approaches.  My groups are very inclusive, supportive and relaxed and I make sure everybody has the space to grow and flourish.

About The Venue

All retreats are based at our 250 year old farmhouse, Casa Luna, cut into a rock on a ridge in an area known as Rosemary Canyon (Las Romeras) in the mountainous Axarquia region of Andalucia.

We are delighted to be custodians of this very special place and honoured to share the practise of yoga in this magical haven of deep rest, renewal and inspiration with regulars and first-timers, beginners and teachers alike.

Warning: There’s magic in these mountains! Reconnection with self, others and nature is inevitable.

Our area, Rosemary Canyon, is very much ‘Driving Over Lemons’ territory. Staying here you will have a rare experience of ‘Old Spain.’ There are no poly-tunnels here. The old ways still survive; olives are collectively farmed, the same families have lived in the area and cultivated the land for generations, tourism is limited, roads empty and the only traffic jams caused by goats crossing the road. Although this area of Axarquia in Andalucia feels remote, it is actually very accessible: Malaga airport is a pleasant 45 minute drive away and the beach can be reached in half an hour via a road with spectacular views.

You will stay either at Casa Luna, the main retreat house, or at a property nearby. All properties are old, comfortable and beautiful and have swimming pools and amazing views.

Larger groups stay at Award-Winning El ALGARROBO (The Carob Tree); a beautiful boutique B & B near Casa Luna. Belgian owners, Wim and Dorien, have kept the original features of this stunning 250 year old farmhouse and restored it with great love and flair. So much so that Wim and Dorien won best B & B in the Belgian version of ‘Three in a Bed’ a few years ago! This gorgeous venue has a ranch-like feel with lots of space, amazing views, little corners where you can sit under an orange tree and read or snooze, a lovely pool area, various terraces for sun-bathing and star-gazing plus an honesty bar, a cosy sitting room/library and comfortable ensuite rooms with air-conditioning.

A Treat for Foodies (and Drinkies!)

This region has exceptional local produce.  All around are olive, lemon, orange, almond, fig, avocado and mango trees.  If you love good food, you are in for a treat! All meals are served on a big terrace with awesome views. Breakfasts include freshly squeezed orange juice, local honey, eggs, lemon curd and olive oil. Dinners are a three course delight, featuring Andalucian specialities and offering the renowned health benefits of a truly Mediterranean diet. All dietary requirements are catered for.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Please note that this is a loose plan!  Every group is different and we tailor all retreats according to the needs of the group.

3 NIGHT RETREAT

Day 1: Arrivals at Malaga airport. Welcome Meeting at 6pm followed by dinner.

Day 2: Morning Yoga.  Brunch, Massage (optional). Free time. Afternoon workshop. Evening yoga and mindfulness.  Dinner.

Day 3: Same as day 2

Day 4: Morning Yoga.  Breakfast. Transfers to airport.

NOTE: The last transfer time on the final day is at 11am.

5 NIGHT RETREAT

Day 1: Arrivals in morning at Malaga airport.  Transfers arrived with local drivers. Welcome Meeting at 6pm followed by dinner.

Day 2: Morning Yoga.  Brunch. Massage (optional). Free time. Evening Yoga and Mindfulness. Dinner.

Day 3: same as day 2

Day 4: Morning Yoga.  Brunch. Excursion: beach, local moorish village or Taste of Andalucia Tour with tapas lunch. Yoga. Dinner.

Day 5: same as day.

Day 6: Morning Yoga.  Breakfast. Transfers to airport.

Private Retreats: If you have a group of friends or family (3-8 people) who would like to book a bespoke, catered yoga retreat, please do get in touch.

BOOKING DETAILS

Deposit to secure place: 50% of total. Balance to be paid 6 weeks before departure.

Price is for a shared room. A few private and en-suite rooms available with supplement.

ENQUIRE/BOOK HERE

What people say…

“Absolutely fabulous retreat! Book me in again. Thank you so much to Mel for the best yoga I’ve ever experienced and for Craig’s wonderful cooking and your hospitality. Loved every single minute of it! 😘🥰x” Sandy, April 2022

“Thank you Mel for just the best 3 days possible - wonderful yoga perfectly tailored to our individual needs in the most fabulous location possible, amazing food, great company and all with lots of laughter. xx“

“The accommodation and food was 1st class....gourmet standard.”

“I feel taller. My heart is more open, my mind is more spacious.”

“Your retreat was a nourishing and gorgeous few days.... Thanks SO MUCH for bringing this retreat into my life.  I am forever changed.“