3-Day Wellness Escape in Andalusia: Nourishing Detox & Nature Retreat

The Dragonfly Retreat sits on the edge of the Rio Grande, a few minutes' drive from the town of Coín and about half an hour from Málaga. The property is a family-built labour of love: Mark, a builder by trade, and Lorraine, a former worship leader and singer-songwriter, spent sixteen years turning a ruined property into a sanctuary. The result is a handful of guest rooms spread across two cottages, a rose pool that dragonflies actually do hover over, and a secret garden that supplies much of what ends up on your plate.

Mornings are gentle. There's no dawn bootcamp here. Instead, you'll start with herbal tea from the garden, then a meditation session by the river or in the shade of the garden, led by Jennifer or one of the team. Afternoons are yours to swim, read by the pool, or take a guided walk with Kali or Charis, who know the local trails and the plants along them. The focus is on food, quiet, and nature, not on a fixed schedule.

What makes this retreat different is the setting and the people. The hosts are genuinely warm, and the property feels lived-in and loved, not like a sterile retreat centre. Meals are cooked by Philip, the resident chef, using vegetables from the garden and local eco products. Mark's claim to fame is his clay-oven paella, which is worth the trip alone. There's a strong Christian underpinning to how Lorraine and Mark run things, but the welcome is open to everyone, regardless of faith.

Day three winds down with a yoga session and a lighter meal, then you're free to head home feeling properly rested. It's a short retreat, but it packs in a lot of calm. And if you're travelling with a group of friends, the cottages can be booked as whole units for a better rate.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in a private room - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Guided meditation sessions by the river - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Access to gardens, pool, and river - Free wifi and parking - Cooking classes and workshops

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Airport transfer (available at extra cost) - Additional activities not in itinerary - Additional treatments or spa services