Southern Spain: Yoga + Nature + Culture
March 14 - 20, 2027
If there is one thing we can learn from the Spaniards, it’s how to live well.
Join me for a nourishing week of yoga, meditation, amazing food and the famous siesta culture of southern Spain. And of course we’ll add cultural explorations, hikes, flamenco and dips in our mountain side pool. This is an opportunity to hit the reset button, find ease and balance in your body and mind, and visit an amazing part of the world. After living in Spain for 2 years, I can honestly say that this is one of my favorite places on earth!
“Rachel curated a perfect combination of stunning surroundings, cultural experience, deepening your yoga practice and meditation. The whole retreat was grounding and transformative, full of the magic that makes Rachel’s yoga and meditation practice so unique. I am truly grateful.”
The Area
This area has been a Unesco Biosphere Reserve since 1977 and is the best place to hike in Andalucia!
The retreat center is proximal to three whitewashed villages. Zahara de la Sierra is one of Andalusia’s most striking villages, set upon a craggy, castle-topped peak in the park’s northern reaches. El Gastor, also known as the Balcony of the Andalusian White Villages, is a charming small town, just fifteen minutes from our retreat center by foot. And Ronda, the third village, sits atop the spectacular El Tajo gorge. It’s fame was spread by Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles who spent much time within the town limits of Ronda and Andalusia. Come for the week, or make this retreat the gateway to your tour through Spain and beyond.
The Venue
Our retreat center is made up of a collection of charming Spanish villas nestled in Andalucia’s spectacular national park, Sierra de Grazalema. Surrounded by lush mountains and whitewashed villages, accommodations are complete with a beautiful yoga studio, gorgeous landscaped grounds and magnificent hiking trails. A variety of homes and apartments are available, with access to 5 beautiful pools, modern kitchens, AC, firewood chimneys and baths.
The Group
The retreat is open to all levels. That means beginners as well as more experienced yogis. I’ll teach to the group that arrives, and modifications will be given as needed. So whether you are coming to deepen your yoga/meditation practice, spend time in nature, have an international adventure or explore the culture of Southern Spain, you are so welcome! I typically have participants of all ages and backgrounds. I arrive with a plan but it’s the magic of the unique group that comes together that inspires the teachings.
Activities
Part of my intention in creating this retreat is to offer an experience in which we interact with both interior and exterior landscapes. Interior, through our yoga and contemplative practices and exterior through both the natural and cultural world of Andalucia, Spain.
The region's history and culture has been influenced by the Native Iberians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, Byzantines, Jews, Romani, Muslims and the Castilian and other Christian North Iberian nationalities.
You can see and feel the beautiful melding of cultures and the influence that the landscape itself has had on the culture and the people who have settled here. Your tuition includes incredible activities that will inspire you and instill a sense of wonder.
Guided hike to visit ruins in the area and a balcony where we can see many of the white villages. This hike is adaptable to all levels.
We’ll visit two or three of Spain’s most famous villages. We'll hike, wander, learn about Spanish culture and enjoy tapas, wine, olive oil, and more.
“As a complete novice in yoga - accompanying my wife, but not under duress:) - I learned a lot and had a wonderful time doing so. Rachel successfully addressed a wide range of individual needs among a diverse group and supported individual growth and skill acquisition. She also facilitated our coming together as a closely connected group, both through the yoga and great experiences in nearby towns. And the food was outstanding!”
Accommodations
Rooms are in Andalusian style homes each with a garden, swimming pool, full kitchen, and living room. The beautiful accommodations are surrounded by nature with stunning views of the sierra. During our stay, we will have exclusive access to the retreat center to ensure privacy and tranquility. You’ll have the option to connect with others or have solace and privacy. We have several room options to fit your budget and style of travel:
Rooms are based on occupancy - single or double.
Some doubles have 2 twin beds with shared bathroom and others have one queen bed. Please let me know if you prefer to share a bed or not.
Singles have one queen bed.
Accommodation options are standard and “plus” (see rates below). Please reach out with specific questions about accommodations.
Sample Daily Schedule
Schedule varies based on the needs of the group and daily activities.
7:30 Coffee, tea, light snacks available
8:00 - 10:00 Morning Practice: Meditation, Pranayama, Yoga and other magic
10:00 Brunch
11:00 Free time / Tour / Workshop
4:30 - 6:30 Afternoon Practice, Meditation, Pranayama, Yoga and other magic
7:00 Dinner
“I definitely could’ve stayed longer! Six days in a very beautiful area away from town life brought me so much relaxation and opportunity for slowing down.
Being able to practice yoga with Rachel in-person two times a day and be nourished by delicious vegetarian meals along with walks along small roads that connected small whitewashed towns and country residences was such a delight.
Rachel brought her welcoming and caring nature to the meditation and yoga practices. Through these practices, I experienced more awareness and appreciation of subtle changes in my mind and body, changes I might not have noticed in my “regular life”. I gained confidence in trusting my own wisdom. ”
2026 RATES
*** There will be a 10% Tuition Increase in 2027 so save your space now!
Double Occupancy (per person - twin or queen)
$2375
Double Occupancy “Plus” (per person - queen)
$2495
*** Casa Romantica is a 1 bedroom casita with private dipping pool, patio, and garden - perfect for a couple wanting a little more privacy.
Single Occupancy (queen)
$2650
Single Occupancy “Plus” (queen)
$2825
*** This spacious room has a gorgeous tiled bath, and a private tower with amazing views - perfect for reflection and meditation.
A $500 non-refundable deposit will hold your space.
Pay using Venmo, Check, Zelle or Paypal.
***Add 3% when using paypal.
The balance is due January 14, 2027.
Your Retreat Includes
6 Nights accommodation at an extraordinary retreat center nestled in the beautiful Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema
Delicious healthy vegetarian meals, food intolerances & allergies honored
24h snack table & tea station
2 yoga/meditation classes per day
Amazing guided hike from the retreat center
Two cultural tours of the famous White Villages of the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema
You also have opportunities to explore and hike on your own during free time.
Getting There
OUR LOCATION
The retreat center is located at 11687 El Gastor, Cádiz, Spain.
This is roughly 15 minutes from El Gastor, 45 minutes from Ronda, 1h 30 mins from the Seville and Malaga airports and 6 hours from the Madrid airport.
YOUR ARRIVAL
We will begin with dinner. You can arrive at the retreat center any time after 3pm on Sunday, March 14. Most participants will choose travel option #1 but if you would like to arrive at the retreat center on your own, that’s fine too. Please contact me for exact directions.
ARRIVAL TRAVEL
Option 1:
Fly into Malaga by 12:30 pm, Sunday, March 14 and we will organize an airport or city center pick-up to the retreat center. The cost is 40 Euros each with 5+ (each way). I will organize a shared shuttle for all students who would like this option, so you can share the cost. If you are traveling on the front end, the shuttle will also have an option for pick up in Ronda (25 Euros if you are joining the Malaga shuttle which will arrive between 2 and 4).
ARRIVAL TRAVEL
Option 2:
Fly into Seville, Malaga or Madrid and then take a train or bus to Ronda. Both buses and trains leave Malaga and Seville regularly throughout the day. Pick up from Ronda is 80 Euros each way, (25 Euros if you are joining the Malaga shuttle which will arrive between 2 and 4).
Option #1: Arrive in Malaga by 12:30pm, Sunday, March 14. If you are going with travel option #2, you cannot purchase train tickets more than 60 days out so you can start by buying your plane tickets to Spain and then organize your transport to the retreat center as we get closer.
YOUR DEPARTURE
Departure is by 11am, Saturday, March 20. Factor in extra time to get to your departure airport if you plan to fly out of Spain on the same day.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
A passport valid for three months beyond the length of stay and issued within the past 10 years is required by all nationals listed in this chart except (1) EU nationals holding a passport or national ID card which is valid for the duration of stay.
INSURANCE
Remember travel insurance is inexpensive and always a good idea!
