New Year Wellness Escape: Yoga & Hiking in Spain’s Sierra Espuña

The retreat is built around the theme of Light & Lightness, but it’s not a slogan—it’s what you do. Mornings start with Hatha yoga to wake up the body, followed by breakfast and workshops that explore practical ways to carry the retreat’s insights into daily life. Afternoons are free for swimming, reading, napping, or joining a guided hike. Evenings bring Restorative yoga, meditation, and special events like movie night under the stars, ecstatic dance, an aerial yoga taster, and a fire ceremony on New Year’s Eve.

What makes this different from other yoga retreats is the setting and the people. Rustic Retreats is a genuinely off-grid, eco-built space that’s been running for over 20 years. The accommodation ranges from glamping tents with handmade beds to rooms in the restored stone house, all with solar power and a shared, community feel. The group is capped at 12, so you get personal attention and real connection with fellow guests—many of whom come solo.

The team includes Parvatti, a yoga teacher trained in India with 10 years’ experience, and Emma, who trained as a yoga therapist and teaches Hatha, Yin, Restorative, and meditation. Elliot, the chef with over 40 years’ experience, prepares fresh vegetarian and vegan meals from local markets. The combination of skilled teaching, genuine care, and the raw natural surroundings is why guests keep coming back and rating it so highly.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation in shared or private glamping tents, house rooms, or bring-your-own tent - 3 daily delicious vegetarian/vegan meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily yoga classes (Hatha, Restorative, Yin) - Daily meditation classes - Two guided nature hikes with a trusted guide - Specialized workshops themed around Light & Lightness - Cooking class - Welcome drink - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Group excursions and activities (movie night, ecstatic dance, fire ceremony, aerial yoga taster, sound bath) - Pre and post retreat support from our team - Free parking - Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- Airport transfers (available at extra cost) - Flights cost - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (e.g., massage day, optional wellness sessions) - All-day snack bar - 60-minute massage (€70) - Transfers to/from Totana - Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase on-site)