Christmas Yoga & Spa Escape on Spain's Sunny Costa del Sol

Patrick Roelofs and Ines van Bavel, the husband-and-wife team behind Amsterdam's Yogi.nl school, have been running retreats in Nerja for years — Ines lived here for a long stretch and knows the area inside out. That local knowledge shows: the itinerary blends yoga with the kind of low-key discoveries you'd only get from someone who actually knows the town, like the best tapas spots and the quieter trails above Frigiliana.

Yoga sessions rotate through Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin and Nidra styles, with Wim Hof breathwork built into most mornings. When weather allows, classes move to the beach — mats on the sand, the Mediterranean a few metres away. The teaching is accessible rather than advanced; if you're chasing a serious physical challenge, this probably isn't the week for you, but if you want to actually unwind over Christmas, the mix of movement, meditation and free time hits the mark.

The group is capped at eight, so meals and excursions feel more like a holiday with friends than a structured programme. The two cooking workshops — one on Christmas Eve, one on Christmas Day — are a highlight: Ines walks you through traditional Spanish dishes, and everyone eats together afterwards. Other dinners are on your own in Nerja's restaurants, which keeps things flexible.

Nerja itself is a genuine Costa del Sol town, not a resort strip. The Balcón de Europa lookout, the caves just outside town, and the narrow streets around the old centre are all walkable. December weather is usually sunny and around 18–20°C — warm enough for beach time, cool enough for hiking without overheating. The retreat runs 23–27 December, so you're back before New Year's Eve if you have other plans, or you can extend your stay independently.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in shared or private room - Daily breakfast (buffet-style on the terrace) - Christmas Eve dinner (group cooking class) - Christmas Day dinner (group cooking class) - 6 yoga classes (Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Nidra) - 6 meditation sessions (Wim Hof breathwork and evening meditations) - Guided excursion to Frigiliana with mindful nature session - Walking tour of Nerja and Balcón de Europa - Access to pool, spa, jacuzzi and fitness area - Free wifi - Parking - Luggage storage

What's not included

- Flights - Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Visa fees (if applicable) - Lunches and dinners not specified as included - Additional spa treatments or activities outside the programme