4-Day Yoga & Nature Immersion Retreat in the Alpujarra Mountains, Spain

The retreat takes place at Ananda Forest, a sustainable yoga center in the Alpujarra Mountains of Southern Spain, about an hour from Granada and an hour and three quarters from Malaga. The property sits on a hillside with rocky, Lion King-esque scenery, gardens, fruit trees, and hang-out spaces. There's a temple-like yoga hall, plus a terrace and patios with views over the valley.

Floris and Paulina, the hosts, have been teaching yoga together for over a decade. Floris started practicing in Belgium in 2008 and has guided more than 20 yoga teacher trainings, drawing from classical Yoga, Tantra, and the Bihar School of Yoga. Paulina began with yoga as exercise in 2003, but a 10-day Vipassana retreat in 2011 shifted her path — she's since completed two 200-hour teacher trainings and a 500-hour meditation and yoga training in Hridaya, Mexico. Both are warm, grounded, and genuinely invested in sharing what they practice.

The daily schedule is simple: meditation at 7:30, a 90-minute Integral Hatha yoga class at 8, breakfast at 9:30, then free time for hikes or activities until lunch. Afternoons are unstructured — you can explore the mountains, read, nap, or join an impromptu excursion. At 5pm there's an evening workshop, which might be pranayama, Yoga Nidra, Yin yoga, a singing circle, or dance, depending on the group. Evenings are for watching the sunset and connecting with the other guests.

What makes this retreat different is the setting and the hosts' approach. This isn't a glossy resort experience — it's a chance to live simply, close to the earth, and practice yoga in a way that feels rooted in tradition. The program is flexible, so every week is slightly different. Guests come as beginners or advanced practitioners, and the teachers tailor the classes to fit the group. The reviews consistently mention the quality of the food, the cleanliness of the outdoor showers, and the welcoming atmosphere.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in your chosen option - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Specialized workshops (pranayama, Yoga Nidra, Yin yoga, singing circle) - Group excursions/activities (hikes, waterfall visit) - Parking - Luggage storage - Free pick-up from Órgiva - Evening program (sunset walk, workshops)

What's not included

- Airport transfers (Malaga or Granada) - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments not mentioned - Taxi from airport (can be arranged at an extra cost)