5-Day Seaside Yoga & Meditation Escape in Gozo, Malta

The retreat is based around Qbajjar Bay and Marsalforn on the northern coast of Gozo, a small island known for its rugged coastline, quiet villages, and reliable sunshine—roughly 300 days a year. Each day includes a private or small-group yoga and meditation session, usually outdoors, at a different scenic spot chosen by your hosts. Morning sessions during the summer start early, around 7:30, to beat the heat, and evening sessions are timed for sunset. After class, you can swim in the clear Mediterranean water right where you've been practicing.

Monique leads most of the yoga herself. She's an E-RYT 500 teacher trainer who trained in Hatha at the Saswitha school in the Netherlands, followed by Vinyasa training in Malta, Yin training in Texas, and meditation study in Amsterdam. She specializes in energy balancing, so expect pranayama, visualizations, and meditation as a core part of the practice rather than an add-on. Norbert, also an E-RYT 200 and RYT 500, is the more athletic presence—he'll push you a little harder if that's what you're after and is equally happy to lead a long hike along the cliffs.

The itinerary is flexible by design. A sample day might be: breakfast at the hotel, a 90-minute yoga session on the rocks by the sea, free time for lunch and a swim, then a hike or a meditation session in the late afternoon. The retreat package includes eight yoga and meditation sessions total, plus nature hikes with a trusted local guide. You can swap a yoga session for a hike, take an afternoon completely off, or just go for a wander through the narrow streets of the old villages.

Accommodation is at one of three options, all of which you can choose when booking: the 4-star Calypso Hotel right on Marsalforn Bay, with a rooftop pool and sea-view rooms; the Quaint Boutique Hotels in the villages of Xewkija and Sannat, which put you within walking distance of the cliffs and a hidden swimming spot; or the Reef Hotel & Spa, a 4-star property on the northern coast with two pools and a calmer, more spa-oriented feel. All include a private room with a bathroom and breakfast.

What makes this retreat different from a standard seaside yoga holiday is the level of personalization. With only a handful of guests, your hosts can adapt every detail—the style of yoga, the pace of the week, the timing of sessions, even the meals if you're staying on a half-board basis. It also helps that they live here all year round and genuinely love the island. They'll point you to the best place for a fresh fish lunch, the quietest beach in the afternoon, and the right trail for a sunset walk, which makes the whole experience feel like being shown around by a friend.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in a private room with sea view or in a boutique hotel - Daily breakfast - 8 yoga and meditation sessions (private or small group) - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Airport pickup and drop-off (from Malta Airport or Gozo) - Transportation during the retreat to all activities - Free pick-up and drop-off at any place in Gozo or Malta at start & end of retreat - Wi-Fi connection - Swimming in the crystal clear waters of Gozo (after yoga sessions or anytime) - Free cancellation up to 1 day before arrival

What's not included

- Flights to Malta - Travel insurance - Lunch and dinner - Drinks (other than water) - Other activities like diving, kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding (available at extra cost) - Optional half-board at hotels - Extra nights before or after the retreat