Andalusian Yoga Retreat in Southern Spain with Lucia Yoga

Lucia Yoga is based in Andalusia, the southern region of Spain that includes Seville, Granada, Córdoba and Málaga. They operate several retreat centres, all within reach of the region's big sights: the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Córdoba, the beaches of the Costa del Sol. One of the main centres sits inside a nature reserve; another is in a traditional Andalusian village. Which one you stay at depends on the retreat you book.

A typical day starts early with a longer practice — usually 90 minutes to two hours — before breakfast. The style varies by teacher, but most run a mix of hatha, vinyasa and yin through the week, plus meditation sessions. Some retreats add pranayama or workshops in the afternoons. The middle of the day is deliberately left open: people head into town, walk the trails around the property, swim, read, or nap. There's usually a second, shorter practice in the late afternoon or early evening ahead of dinner.

Excursions are part of the package on most weeks. Organised hikes and tours get mentioned repeatedly in guest reviews — Silke Schroeder, who led a retreat here, described the hikes and tours as 'stellar'. Days out to Granada, Córdoba or the coast are common, depending on the retreat. You don't need to plan any of it; it's organised for you.

What sets Lucia Yoga apart is that they're primarily a retreat centre that hosts other people's retreats, rather than a single teacher selling their own week. That means the property and logistics are dialled in — Antonio and Molly, who manage one of the centres, are named in reviews as great hosts — and the teachers who run retreats here are usually experienced, often returning year after year. Rachel Posner, who runs retreats in Utah and internationally, wrote: 'Lucia Yoga has everything dialled in. The food is incredible, the activities are wonderful, the land is stunning, the accommodations are lovely and the staff is beyond supportive.'

For solo travellers, it's an easy place to land. There's no pressure to be sociable, but the group meals, shared excursions and evening practices mean you'll meet people whether you mean to or not. For teachers wanting to bring a group, Lucia Yoga handles logistics, accommodation, meals and transport — you just show up and teach. They also hire yoga and meditation teachers directly, so if you're looking for paid teaching work in Spain, it's worth getting in touch.

What's included

- Accommodation for the duration of the retreat - Daily yoga and meditation sessions - Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Guided hikes and excursions - Mats and props for practice - Wifi in communal areas (Note: exact inclusions vary by retreat — check the specific week before booking)

What's not included

- International and domestic flights - Airport transfers (unless stated for your retreat) - Travel insurance - Additional treatments (massage, etc.) - Alcohol and drinks outside meals - Personal expenses and souvenirs - Meals during off-site excursions (unless stated)