The 5 Elements Retreat
Update as of 14 May I am at capacity however the Retreat Centre have let me know I can open up 2 more spaces! I am offering these at a late bird rate. £150 off per person single rate / £120 off per person if sharing with a friend. Please scroll to end for current details.
Yoga & Nature in the Mountains of Southern Spain | 15-20 June 2024
Retreat Theme: The 5 Elements of Nature
Explore active rest, adventure and insight on this naturistic Yoga and Wellness Retreat. Nature’s wisdom lies within the 5 elements and the elements are the language of nature.
Through understanding the elements we gain a deeper understanding of our own character.
Balance the same elements within us that are the creation of life. Earth, Fire, Water, Wind and Space/Spirit in order to live a life with more harmony, ease and wellbeing.
Leave with a deeper appreciation and bond with nature, gain insight into living a more connected life and say YES to an experience that will see you grow and evolve. I truly believe to follow natures footsteps, to continue to grow and evolve is living life fully!
Enjoy this video of the Retreat Centre.
What's Included
5 nights at the beautiful Nature Reserve Retreat Center
Arrival day and departure day transport between the retreat center and Seville airport
Diverse styles of Yoga, Movement, Breath & Meditation. At a minimum 2 practices per full day
Yoga mats and props
2 yoga/mindful/creative inspired workshops
3 delicious healthy vegetarian/vegan meals per full day
Snacks and drinking water daily
Wifi available
Five swimming pools & terraces to relax
Guided Nature Hike to the big Dolme, Mirador and El Gastor with of history of area
Excursion to the Setenil de las Bodegas + Wine tasting + Tapas
All transportation for included excursions
Overview of area
The Sierra de Grazalema national park and surrounding whitewashed villages serve as the gateway to the Retreat Center which hosts some of Spain's most picturesque mountain scenery.
The retreat center is located 90 minutes from both Seville and Malaga airports. The closest village, El Gastor is 3 km away. Rest assured, return transfers from Seville airport are included. Why not arrive to Seville a couple of days prior to explore the stunning city?
Enjoy beautiful, luxury accommodation and immerse yourself in the sounds of nature and fill your lungs with fresh mountain air. The center is settled in this picturesque land of diverse terrain over high mountain ridges. Surrounded by lush mountains in the middle of the Nature Reserve, the Andalusian sunlight illuminates the surrounding panoramic views. The retreat center has 5 swimming pools, a tennis court, gardens, terraces and hiking trails.
During the retreat we will visit the local town of Setenil de las Bodegas, built into the caves and overhanging rocks and taste local wine and goat cheese (inclusive of your stay).
Also included in the itinerary is a guided hike to El Gastor, the Mirador and to the Giant Dolmen from the Neolithic period, along with exploring the history of the area. Then enjoy cooling off at one of the five outdoor pools with views of the sierra.
You may like to Visit Ronda, which sits atop the spectacular El Tajo gorge. Ronda is the largest of Andalusia's whitewashed villages whose fame was spread further by American literary figures Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles who spent much time there. Stroll through and view this town's uniquely beautiful architecture, see a flamenco show or soak in a Hammam, an authentic Arab spa. (optional extras, see below)
According to BBC Travel, this is the best area to hike in Andalusia. Make sure to watch this video above!
Food
The retreat chefs will prepare 3 delicious vegetarian/vegan, mediterranean inspired meals per day. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be served daily apart from on arrival day, dinner only and departure day breakfast only. Intolerances and allergies will be taken into consideration on request.
Please inform us of any on the booking form. Lunch and dinner are served family style with a starter and a main course. Dessert is served at dinner. Wine is available for purchase and snacks and drinking water will be available daily. Meals are designed with nourishment in mind.
Accomodation
The accommodation is a collection of charming, traditional Spanish villas, consisting of plenty of space and private terraces and poolsides to relax and take in the views of the mountainous landscape.
You can choose single, double or triple occupancy. Please note triple occupancy consists of 1 x double and 1 x single. Rooms have air conditioning and wifi.
There are a limited availability of suites available should you wish to upgrade (1 left) for the extra cost of £25 per night for the room. Please make note on the booking form.
The Group
The Retreat is open to all level and experience ranges. From beginners to the more experienced yogis, I will accommodate every person. My teaching approach is caring, mindful and inclusive. Come solo, with a partner, friend or family member.
It can be a beautiful experience to share with someone but equally a great opportunity to make new connections.
Come to deepen your yoga/meditation practice, spend time in nature, get out of your comfort zone, make new connections, explore the culture of Southern Spain… there is something for everyone.
Interested but unsure about attending on your own? I understand why this might be a worry but I regularly have retreaters attend on their own and they always have a great experience. You will be welcomed in like family and made to feel right at home, I can assure that!
Yoga Shala & Yoga Practices
Included in the itinerary will be 2 practices per day. The morning class will be naturally energising to get us moving and ready for the day and the early evening session will be relaxing, grounding and restorative.
You will have the opportunity to experience sound healing, yoga nidra, pranayama, meditation, fun partner yoga and connecting to your creativity (water element) through Art.
The classes are encouraged but if you prefer to rest more one day or explore more, by all means this is your holiday and time out to make it work for you.
The Yoga Shala is a spacious 52 square meters. All props including the yoga mats are provided.
What is not included
Flights to Spain
Your Holiday Insurance
Alcohol during retreat
Extra excursions or treatments as below
Extra’s available
Massage with Jess and other therapists will be on special request and limited spaces
Traditional flamenco show for the extra cost of 85 EUR pp *minimum 10 people
Hammam Spa (120 minutes) Massage (15 mins) & Ronda Visit & Transport for extra cost of 85 EUR pp *Minimum 10 people
Zahara de la Sierra, Olive Oil Tour & Tasting, Cheese Tasting and transport for an extra cost of 60 EUR pp
*Minimum 10 people.
Draft Schedule
15 June, 2024 Arrival day pick up from Seville airport after 14.30
07.30-08.45 Stoke the Fire within: Fire Element Practice
09.00-10.00 Breakfast
10.30-16.00 Free time for hiking, swimming, massage, rest or explore local towns
14.00-15.00 Lunch
16.30-17.45 Stabilising Earth Element Practice: Yin/Restorative Yoga
18.00-20.00 Free time or workshop, for ex: Connect to your Creativity (Water Element)
20.00-21.00 Dinner
21.30 Downtime
20 June, 2024 Departure day 11:00 transport back to Seville airport
The schedule is flexible. It will adapt to the needs of each group or as necessary
Your Retreat Host & Yoga Teacher
After visiting the Retreat Centre and touring the area in September 2023, I am so eager to welcome you to experience this captivating region of Andalusia.
As an earth girl at heart, I love to be immersed in nature and to feel the sun on my skin (Spring/Summer are my favourite seasons!) The ‘yang’ energy of the sun lights me up!
I have a special love for Spain, as my Dad has lived there for 10 years. One day I plan to introduce you to the Guadalest area of Spain, close to my Dad’s home.
I have worked in Wellness for over 15 years and I officially became a Yoga teacher about 4 years ago. My life is holistically driven and my passions involve discovering life outside of the comfort zone, Yoga, Food, Travel and Culture, learning and meeting new people. Read more about Jessica HERE.
Your arrival
We will begin with an opening circle and orientation of the property, followed by dinner on June 15. You can arrive at the retreat center any time after 4pm. Most participants will choose to use the private transfer included from Seville (*must be a minimum of 5-6 people in one mini bus pick up) to the Retreat Centre and back to Seville on the 20th but if you would like to arrive at the retreat center on your own, perhaps choosing to hire a car that’s fine too. There is no public transport out to the Retreat Centre, the nearest place would be El Gastor.
You may wish to arrive a few days earlier and extend your trip to explore Seville, the capital of the Andalusia region or the ancient port town of Cadiz.
Your investment
Private room for 1 person: £1,360 per person (With late bird discount £1,210)
Shared room for 2 people: £1,150 per person (With late bird discount if 2 people £1,030 per person)
Shared room for 3* people: £1,050 per person (Please enquire if 3 people are interested to share)
*Triple rooms consist of 1 double & 1 single bed. Ideal for a group of 3 friends.
*Upgrade to a Suite for a total of £125 for the 5 nights (subject to availability).
Booking, Cancellation and Refund Policy
A £300 non refundable deposit is required at time of booking to secure your space.
Please complete the booking form via the button below to start the booking process.
If choosing to pay via a payment plan, the total retreat investment will be broken down into 3 or more payments to suit you. Please discuss with Jessica.
The remaining payment is due 2-3 months before the start of the retreat.
For any cancellations prior to 3 months before the retreat, your space can be transferred to someone else. If we have a waitlist we will aim to get the space sold again but we cannot guarantee this.
For any cancellations within the 3 months before the retreat no refunds will be allocated.
We recommend taking out travel insurance inclusive of cancellations, in case you need to cancel your booking.
Jessica Barker and Serendia Wellness will not be found liable for cancellations.
Please inform us of any major injuries, medical or health conditions, allergies or food intolerances.
Payment methods
Payments are to be made via bank transfer
Instructions are noted on booking form
Payment plans are available as well as a pay in full discount
Please complete the booking form below and note the deposit amount that is required to secure your space.
Please familiarise yourself with the booking conditions and reach out for any questions.
Immerse yourself in the peace of nature, the stillness of the mountains and the culture of Andalusia in June 2024!!