The 5 Elements Retreat
Yoga & Nature in the Mountains of Southern Spain | 25-30 March 2025 (2nd Edition)
Intro
After a successful first Retreat here in June, I am so excited to announce the dates of the 2nd edition Spanish Retreat. Our time here was so beautiful and blew my expectations away that I couldn’t leave without rebooking.
We return March, 25-30th next year.
Hear from past Retreat guests directly on their experience below.
Emma's retreat experience from June 2024
Hear from Sallie & Amie
What's Included
5 nights at the beautiful Nature Reserve Retreat Center, with private use of extensive property
Return transfers between MALAGA and the Retreat Centre. (SEVILLE option one way if going before extra cost - see below)
Diverse styles of Yoga, Movement, Breath & Meditation. 2 practices per full day
Yoga mats and props and use of Yoga Shala in between yoga sessions for own use
Guided Nature Hike to the big Dolme, Mirador and El Gastor with of history of area and guided meditation during
Excursion to the famous mountaintop city of Ronda as a group - see the impressive bridge over the El Tajo gorge
Creative workshop
3 delicious healthy vegetarian/vegan meals per full day
Snacks, tea, coffee and drinking water daily
Multiple swimming pools
Wifi available
All transportation for included excursions
Enjoy this video of the Retreat Centre.
Retreat Theme: The 5 Elements of Nature
Gain insight into your own make-up, as you explore the energies of the Elements that reside within you and cultivate peace living amongst nature’s healing powers. 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, land back in the real world with more connection to 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.
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. Return transfers from Malaga are included. It is recommended to arrive a few days prior to land in the Country and explore the sights of Malaga/Seville or nearby.
The closest village, El Gastor is 3 km away, about a 40 minute walk. El Gastor is a beautiful, small charming town.
Immerse yourself in the sounds of nature and fill your lungs with fresh mountain air. There is so much peace and space. As the property is located in a nature reserve, expect to hear and even see local goats daily. They visited us at the pool last time!
The Retreat Center has multiple swimming pools, gardens and terraces and hiking trails are on offer around.
Included in the itinerary is a guided hike to El Gastor, the Mirador and to the Giant Dolmen, whilst learning about the history of the area. Then cool off at one of the many pools with views of the sierra.
During this Retreat we will also Visit Ronda, and see a flamenco show. Ronda 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.
According to BBC Travel, this is the best area to hike in Andalusia.
Explore Ronda in the photos below.
Want to visit Seville before the Retreat?
Return transfers are included from Malaga. However interested to visit Seville first? There are 2 spaces left in a private taxi leaving Seville around 2pm on 25th March to the Retreat Centre. The taxi is for 4 people max. There is an extra cost for this option at £40pp.
Your return will be to Malaga (included) so make sure your return flight is from Malaga.
Please let me know your plans on the booking form below.
Meals
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.
Accommodation & The Property
The accommodation is a collection of charming, traditional Spanish villas, consisting of our rooms and living spaces. There is plenty of space, private terraces and poolsides to relax and take in the views of the mountainous landscape.
Single or Double occupancy rooms are available. Have your own space or if you are coming with a friend and want to share you may choose the sharing option. Rooms have air conditioning and wifi.
There are two suites available should you wish to upgrade for the extra cost of £25 per night for the room. Please make note on the booking form.
Please note that the venue is very remote and is located in the mountains, so expect some hills. It's a big property with separate villas. It's required to walk around 10min to access the common areas such as the dining space and Yoga Shala. If you feel for any reason this may be an issue we should know immediately.
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? Need not worry, in fact, the majority of retreaters attend on their own and they always have a wonderful 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. Sound Healing will be woven mostly into the evening practices.
You will have the opportunity to experience sound healing, yoga nidra, pranayama, meditation, fun partner yoga and connecting to your creativity (water element).
What is not included
Flights to Spain
Your Holiday Insurance
Alcohol during retreat
Extra’s available
Massage with Jess and other therapists will be on special request and limited spaces
Draft Schedule example of a full day
07.30-08.45 Morning Yoga Practice
09.00-10.00 Breakfast
10.30-13.30 Guided Nature Hike with outside meditation / Free time on most days
14.00-15.00 Lunch
17.30-19.00 Evening Practice Yin/Restorative/Sound
20.00-21.00 Dinner
21.30 Downtime
There will be plenty of space factored in for free time.
Free time options: Hiking/walking, swimming, massage treatment, siesta, explore local towns.https://yout
The full schedule will be shared with the group prior to the trip.ossm/shorts/aTICz3Op3TI?si=bJgTSSp9J6tF
Retreat Cost
Shared room for 2 people: £1,300 per person
Single room for 1 person : £1,450
There is an option for 2 suite upgrades, subject to availability - £125 extra for the room for the stay.
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.
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 5 years ago.
My life is holistically driven and my passions involve discovering life outside of the comfort zone, Yoga, Latin Dance, Food, Travel and Culture, and learning from others.
Read more about Jessica HERE.
Your arrival
We will arrive around 4pm on the 25th March. Check in will be arranged and a welcome orientation of the property, followed by an opening circle and dinner. Most participants will use the private transfer included. There is no public transport out to the Retreat Centre, the nearest town is El Gastor. If you decide to rent a car instead please make me aware.
You may wish to arrive a few days earlier and extend your trip to explore Malaga, Seville or nearby areas.
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 3-4 payments to suit you. Please discuss with Jessica.
The remaining payment is due 2 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 can 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
Immerse yourself in the peace of nature, the stillness of the mountains and the culture of Andalusia in March 2025!