7 Day Yoga and Meditation Retreat in the Andalusian Mountains

The retreat takes place at Ananda Forest, a secluded property in the Alpujarras region of Andalusia, about an hour from the coast. It's a simple, outdoor-focused place: you sleep in glamping tents or rustic cabins, practice yoga on an outdoor deck or under olive trees, and eat meals on a balcony with wide views over the hills. There's a pool, a garden, and a mountain stream nearby, and the village of Bayacas is a short walk away.

Each day follows a similar rhythm: sunrise yoga, breakfast in silence, a morning session of what Renate calls 'yoga psychology' — group sharing and discussion that ties the physical practice to emotional and mental themes — then lunch, a long siesta with the option of individual counseling, and a gentler evening yoga class before dinner. Evenings end with mantra meditation and often a music jam by the fire or the river. One day is devoted to a longer hike into the Sierra Nevada, and there's also a day with a sunrise yoga session on a cliff.

What makes this different from a standard yoga holiday is the psychological depth. Renate works in a psychosomatic clinic and specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and related conditions, so the group sessions are more than just chatting — they're structured around emotional self-management and embodiment. You can book individual psychotherapy sessions during the retreat if you want, and there's an optional massage.

The retreat is small — only four spots were left for the October 2026 dates — so it's intimate and personal. Renate is an experienced teacher with over 35 years of practice in Buddhist and Sufi meditation, Iyengar and Kundalini Yoga, and she leads sessions in English or German. It's a week for anyone who wants to combine a real yoga practice with genuine psychological support, in a quiet, natural setting far from city noise.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in shared glamping tent or rustic cabin - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily yoga and meditation classes - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Pre and post retreat support - Wifi connection

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Individual psychotherapy sessions (additional cost) - Airport transfers (available for €50 per person)