4-Day Yoga and Meditation Retreat in the Catalan Pyrenees

Four days at Kshanti Retreat Centre unfold gently. You arrive Thursday afternoon, settle in, and join the opening circle and first yoga practice before dinner. From there, the rhythm stays consistent: early morning meditation, a silent breakfast on the terrace, a two-hour yoga session, then free time until lunch. Afternoons are yours—nap, walk into the forest, find a spot to sit by the river, or just do nothing. Another two-hour yoga session starts at five, followed by dinner at half past seven.

The yoga itself is informed by Vanda Scaravelli's approach. What that looks like in practice is patient, slow exploration of postures, with plenty of cues to soften and breathe rather than push. Julie has been practicing for over thirty years and teaching since 2007, and she draws on her background in dance, Continuum practice, and Body-Mind Centering. She also offers optional biodynamic craniosacral treatments during the retreat.

One day includes an optional 2.5 to 3-hour hike through forested valleys to natural pools for a swim. Another morning features a silent group walking meditation. Both are woven into the schedule alongside the yoga sessions, with enough free time left over that you won't feel rushed.

The setting is as much a part of the retreat as the classes. The estate covers 56 hectares of forest, meadows, and river, with views of the Coma Negra mountain and the Salarsa valley. There are ruins of a 12th-century castle on the property, and the night sky is clear enough for stargazing. The heat of summer has passed by September, so daytime temperatures are pleasant but nights are cooler—worth packing layers for.

What's included

- 3 nights beautiful private and shared accommodation in the stunning forested mountain landscape of the Catalan Pyrenees - 3 daily delicious and nutritious vegan/vegetarian meals, created from scratch by resident chef Eva using organic local ingredients and veggies from the kitchen permaculture garden - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day and afternoon snack - Two-hour morning and evening yoga classes led by an experienced teacher - Daily meditation classes - At least 1 early morning guided silent group walking meditation in the forested mountains - Daily pranayama integrated in the yoga sessions - One group hiking excursion of 2.5-3 hours through forested valleys to natural pools to bathe in - One evening Conscious Dance session - Transfer to/from Castellfollit de la Roca (nearest town) to the retreat centre on arrival and departure days - Free luggage storage - Free parking

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Flights costs - Visa fees - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments