Yoga Retreats in Valencia, Spain
“Find ultimate peace and relaxation on this 6 day Vinyasa yoga retreat whilst soaking up the beautiful Valencian mountain views and dining on organic home-cooked food.”
Highlights
Morning chanting and Vinyasa yoga |Relaxation by the pool | Walking with mountain views | Meditation | evening Vinyasa or Yin yoga classes | Nutrition and philosophy workshops | Three organic, vegetarian meals a day |Description of Yoga Retreats in Valencia, Spain
Our yoga retreat centre, set in a gorgeous house in rural Valencia, is one of the most unique in the world. You’ll enjoy the company of likeminded guests from around the world who are keen to make new friends too – but will feel completely at home is this peaceful, special place with a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. As well as the daily yoga sessions, we feel honoured to offer you meditation, organic food, nutrition, relaxation, tranquillity, mountain views and fresh air in our Valencia yoga retreat.Shala means ‘place of refuge’ in Sanskrit, and our yoga shala retreat is a special place which lets each guest grow in their own way. Escape the stresses of daily life, find inner peace and become healthy and happy as you feel more relaxed and at one with everything. Namit, your yoga teacher, is a leading health professional, meaning he is able to share with you the scientific benefits of yoga and apply these in his classes. He uses original teaching systems – ones that are respected and developed, as well as being highly traditional. One of the aims on the retreats is to give you tools that you can use to make permanent changes in your life that will help you deal with stress, feel more connected and to feel more recharged, ready to deal with the world whenever you need to.
All of the teachers at your yoga centre have studied both nutrition and yoga – travelling the world to learn from some of the best yogis - and will share with you what they have learned, as well as providing superb, healthy, vegetarian meals. We source our produce from farms in the surrounding area, meaning it is fresher, tastier and healthier. These meat-free meals are completely wholemeal and organic, and in combination with the mountain air, incredible views and our lovely shala, you will return home thoroughly refreshed and full of a new energy!
Enjoyment is a huge part of your wellbeing, and our shala encourages you to have fun and meet new people. This, combined with the relaxation fostered by the yoga classes, will help you reach a state of deep happiness. All of the classes and workshops are optional, meaning you can practise at your own pace and the yoga is suitable for students of all levels, including beginners.
Day-by-day itinerary
| Arrival | Sunday. You’ll be collected at midday from Alicante airport by our driver (you may have just flown in, or spent a couple of days relaxing in Alicante already). It’s a short journey to the retreat, where you can enjoy a delicious organic, vegetarian lunch before joining an evening energising yoga class. |
| Departure | Friday. Morning yoga session designed to bring together everything you have learnt over the week and give you more, followed by a goodbye lunch with the group. You’ll then be collected at 1:45pm and driven back to Alicante for your return flight – we recommend booking this no earlier than 5:30pm. You might even want to spend a night in beautiful Alicante before flying home. |
| Mornings | Our morning vinyasa yoga class includes pranayama, chanting and meditation starting at 7.30am. After this you can enjoy our delicious organic vegetarian breakfast. |
| Afternoons | Lunch will be waiting for you at 12:30pm – an organic, vegetarian, Mediterranean meal. There is free time after lunch to relax – bring a book to enjoy by the pool or on the balcony, take a walk through the gorgeous surrounding landscape or meditate. You can also book a massage with one of our amazing massage therapists. |
| Evenings | Our evening yoga sessions tend to be calmer yin or vinyasa classes, which relax your muscles and mind. There is also an evening guided meditation and we aim to make the meditations as practical as possible so that you can apply their benefits into your lives. And you can enjoy our final mouthwatering wholemeal dish of the day at 7pm. Evenings tend to be pleasant here so why not take a stroll before bedtime? |
Hello. If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
01273 823 700 rosy@responsibletravel.comCheck dates
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Our top tip:
It's worth completing the pre-arrival questionnaire as this will allow your hosts to tailor the yoga programme according to your needs.
Trip type:
Small group, max. 16 people.
Level:
Suitable for all levels.
Accomm:
Comfortable Valencian house with swimming pool.
Solos:
Solos welcome. Single rooms available with surcharge.
Included:
Accommodation, two yoga classes a day, meditation classes, nutrition workshop.
Meals:
Full board vegetarian meals
Vouchers
Accepted
Responsible tourism
Responsible tourism: Yoga Retreats in Valencia, Spain
Environment
- We actively recycle and Benissiva village has recycle bins which we use regularly to recycle plastics, glass, paper, cardboard. We provide bins for recycling paper, plastics and glass in the kitchen for guests to use here.- We do not print brochures - instead we provide all of our information electronically via the internet.
- Any information we do print - whether about ourselves or the charity we support - ‘People For Animals’ is printed on recycled paper.
- All of the cleaning products we use here are environmentally friendly. We use products from Ecover or local companies such as Ecotech and Ahimsa.
- All washing is done at low temperatures.
- We actively ask guests not to waste water.
- Nearly everything here is locally sourced so as to use very little transport and so minimise effects on the environment.
- Most of our paper hygiene products - napkins, kitchen towels, toilet paper and so forth come from European companies which are committed to the environment and to recycling. Many of the products we use carry the EU Ecolabel. The EU Ecolabel helps identify products and services that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle, from the extraction of raw material through to production, use and disposal.
- Where we cannot get recycled paper hygeine products, we make sure that the alternative products we keep have FSC certification to ensure that they come from responsible forestry sources.
- Nearly all of our lighting is with energy saving light bulbs again to reduce the impact on the environment.
- Our yoga products are friendly to the environment. Our yoga straps are made from organic cotton so that pesticides and other chemicals have not been put into the earth where the cotton was grown. The yoga mats that we use are made from non-harmful plastics as well.
- We are very much involved in a charity in India called People For Animals. They have around 36 animal hospitals all over India including one in Mysore, India where we spend winter ourselves. We talk to students/guests who come here about the nature of ahimsa or non-violence and tell them about the charity. We also donate a small part of our profits to people for animals too. Our work with this charity conveys very well the nature of yoga and the underlying philosophy of yoga as well as being local to our winter home.
- We provide information on local walking routes here in the Valencian countryside to guests who come here.
- All of our food as well as our yoga straps are organic. These means that the cotton and the food are grown in an environment that is free from pesticides, chemical fertilizers and other products that are harmful to the environment, to the soil and to the consumer. Organically grown food is also higher in vitamins, bioflavinoids and other nutrients that are anit-oxidant. Our aim is to truly create a healthy environment where our guests and the soil can thrive.
Community
- We work hard to maintain two of the foundations of yoga practice - yama and niyama which are rules for social and moral conduct. It is therefore very important for us to have a positive connection with the local people in our community.- Lots of our staff are local. Our chefs (Amparo and the team) cook the most amazing healthy and delicious food that you can imagine and are all from local villages and towns such as Orba and Denia. Our housekeepers are local too. Our handyman and gardeners are from Benissiva village too. Our drivers live in the Valencian Community.
- All of our fruits and vegetables are organic and sourced from local farmers. Many of our fruits and vegetables come from organic farmers in neighbouring villages. Our favourite fruit and veg comes from a local organic farmer called Oscar who grows everything on two large plots in the Valencian countryside of Javea between the River Gorgos and the Cami de Cabanes. We also have organic Valencian oranges growing here on the retreat centre and they are the most delicious oranges we have tasted! Using these local farmers for fresh produce reduces the impact on the environment in terms of transport and emissions. It also means that our food is much fresher and hence more healthy and that we provide money to the local community which is very important to us. Our dry foods also come locally from Spain as well - some even from nearby villages too.
- All of our staff are invited to the yoga, meditation and other classes and some of our chefs are really developing as yoga students as a result.
- When we can we provide a free yoga class to the local community here in Benissiva and to people from the surrounding villages.
15 Reviews of Yoga Retreats in Valencia, Spain
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 03 Aug 2017 by Sean Harwood
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
A hike up the valley to watch the sunrise was pretty memorable, not something I'd often do at home!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Come with a smile and an open mind and you should benefit from the engaging yoga and meditation.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Environmental steps such as ensuring lights were not left on were taken. The hosts were very mindful of organic foods etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I was really pleased to arrive to such good quality accommodation and to be in the hands of such friendly and helpful staff. Yoga classes were accessible but
engaging and interesting. The food, just wow, I've never eaten so well! And to top it off stunning views to take in by the poolside. A thoroughly enjoyable week,
worth researching if you are looking for a forthcoming Yoga Retreat. Thank you Namit, Maru and team. Namaste! x
Reviewed on 16 Jul 2017 by Emma Pedgrift
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Watching the sunrise from the top of a mountain. Magical!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take mosquito repellent. Take a sorong for cover up and a long sleeved layer for yoga outside in the morning, it was cooler than I expected. The accomodation provides bathroom towels but not a pool one, you may want to take an extra small towel. You need walking shoes or trainers to take advantage of the surrounding mountains. The yoga course is very full-on and serious, a couple of the beginners found it overwhelming. For beginners who are serious, however, there was a lot of attention to detail in the asanas with an emphasis on safety.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local products were used for cooking.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Accommodation was excellent. On the whole the food was good, people very nice! This retreat has a big emphasis on learning - I felt the need for things to be a bit more relaxed in terms of having fun, especially in the afternoon classes. I would have liked to have morning silence like other retreats to protect the
introverts. There was confusion and misundstanding regarding daily schedules for meals/activities/classes - a simple remedy is to post the day's activities on
the blackboard at breakfast or the evening before!
Read the operator's response here:
Dear Emma,
We really welcome your comments and we are delighted that you liked it here – We are sorry if you missed the advice we gave out on the first say and missed the book with the timetable and other information. I think that because your flight arrived later you might have been a bit tired. Please see a few notes below for future visitors.
1) We provide pool towels which are just by the entrance.
2) We provide organic mosquito repellent (2 bottles in each room) and we take extra out to the yoga class
3) We have books (of which she had a copy) with the timetable for each day. We are also planning to get a board to write each day's activities as we are planning to introduce cooking classes on some days and guided walks on some days too :)
4) Beginners were asked to go at their own pace and stop when asked or when they felt they wanted to - this advice is given on every retreat plus beginners are asked to come to the front for their first 2 to 3 classes to that they can be supervised better
5) There is silence time after the morning class - again in the welcome book and mentioned on the first day. We are now also introducing silence time after the evening class and before dinner as a lot of our retreat guests really enjoy and welcome silence time
We hope to see you again and thank you again for your feedback.
Kind Regards
Namit and Maru
We really welcome your comments and we are delighted that you liked it here – We are sorry if you missed the advice we gave out on the first say and missed the book with the timetable and other information. I think that because your flight arrived later you might have been a bit tired. Please see a few notes below for future visitors.
1) We provide pool towels which are just by the entrance.
2) We provide organic mosquito repellent (2 bottles in each room) and we take extra out to the yoga class
3) We have books (of which she had a copy) with the timetable for each day. We are also planning to get a board to write each day's activities as we are planning to introduce cooking classes on some days and guided walks on some days too :)
4) Beginners were asked to go at their own pace and stop when asked or when they felt they wanted to - this advice is given on every retreat plus beginners are asked to come to the front for their first 2 to 3 classes to that they can be supervised better
5) There is silence time after the morning class - again in the welcome book and mentioned on the first day. We are now also introducing silence time after the evening class and before dinner as a lot of our retreat guests really enjoy and welcome silence time
We hope to see you again and thank you again for your feedback.
Kind Regards
Namit and Maru
Reviewed on 24 Sep 2016 by Anarkali Alfredo
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Swimming in the water pools which we went to on Thursday. It was so beautiful I'll never forget it.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You won't find better hosts anywhere.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, absolutely. Except for my flight over there.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the best ever. I had a wonderful time.
Reviewed on 09 Jun 2016 by Heather Rome
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The depth of knowledge Namit and Maru have about not only yoga practice, but chanting and meditation too. All shared at a pace, and in a way each individual visitor can absorb. The setting is very tranquil and lovely and rather "away from it all" so you can really disconnect if you want to.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The yoga sessions are 4 hours a day, morning and evening. So unless you want to really learn or deepen your approach to yoga you may find it a bit overwhelming, although even the beginners during my stay thoroughly enjoyed it.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. Every effort is made to buy locally and responsibly, minimise waste and be part of the local economy. Which meant absolutely fabulous vegetarian food, a charming, comfortable farmhouse setting and spontaneous,informal discussions over meals about how to live healthily and responsibly.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. The kind of holiday that leaves a far deeper impression than you may realise while you are here, whether it's specific exercises Namit suggests or veggie dishes you try and recreate at home or simply a desire to just practice more yoga.
Reviewed on 25 May 2016 by Sarah Williams
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The views, the food and the amazing yoga practices. Namit's medical experience, combined with his extensive yoga knowledge and passion for nutrition is pretty rare to find and just brilliant. I learned so much.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for a lot of yoga! 4 hours everyday. But totally worth it. Don't go if you get cravings for wine on your holiday. It is a dry retreat.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. The food in particular was all very local and organic. The shuttle service from the airport was a great way of saving fuel and getting everyone to travel together. It seemed that everything in the building was re-used, recyled and organic - even the candles!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was great. Just what I needed. Very relaxing, great very healthy local food, great tips and advise
Reviewed on 18 Sep 2016 by Rebecca Hill
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I wanted a healthy break, in the sun, to recharge my batteries before a busy autumn. I practice yoga so the idea of a yoga retreat was appealing. This retreat is focussed on deepening understanding of yoga practice and the importance of nutrition. Namit has a wealth of knowledge on organic food and nutrition and
the cooks he engaged produced delicious healthy food.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Free time for exploring is limited to the afternoons - so if you go when its hot (which I did) you will probably spend all the time at the villa which is a 25
minute walk from the nearest small village. It is definitely worth including time to explore Malaga before or after your stay or both. Its a delightful town
with lovely museums, cafes and shops.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All food served was organic and in many cases sourced from local farmers. Care was taken to explain to guests to minimize water waste.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a lovely holiday that delivered what I wanted.
Reviewed on 21 Jul 2015 by Josie Korda
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of It! The yoga retreat that Namit and Maru have designed is really a magical thing, it is completely holistic and covers everything that you might want to know or learn about yoga, meditation, nutrition and well-being in general. Probably
my absolute favourite moment (if I have to choose!) was one of the bided mediations that Namit did, it was so peaceful yet profound, it was emotional but also wonderful. And having the andalcian mountain breeze in your hair just made the whole experience even more magical!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go go go! If you are going to do one thing for yourself then let it be this, I promise you will come back feeling like you are floating.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, everyone who works there is local and all the food is local and organically sourced.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The best thing I have ever done, so so glad that I did it.
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2015 by Stephanie Jones
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
“From the moment I inquired about this retreat I knew it would be amazing!
Namit and Maru replied quickly and were friendly and so helpful. They asked about food preferences and made sure there
was enough yogurt for me!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Our travel to the retreat went smoothly and we were blown away by the view when we arrived at the quiet tranquil home nestled in the mountain side. The rooms and house had a relaxing vibe and there were enough private areas if you wanted to be alone.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It was a pleasure to learn from Namit about Yoga. I developed a lot and can’t believe what I managed to do at the end of the week.
Not just the postures but the whole philosophy and how he taught it made so much sense to me. He isn't some crazy hippy ranting on. He is an intelligent well researched yogi (2 degrees) who lives the philosophy.
Maru and cute daughter Anya were a lovely addition to the loving and accepting atmosphere. I hope as Anya grows up Maru can take some of the classes too as it was great to have her input. Polly the beautiful Australian chef was key to
making the retreat enjoyable! We all looked forward to every meal and never felt hungry. The most delicious healthy, organic, locally grown vegetarian food I've every had! Thank you!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I will and have recommended this retreat to friends. I returned to work feeling refreshed and committed to making this feeling of health and inner peace last!”
Reviewed on 09 Apr 2015 by Alison Pomfret
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many memorable things. The location in the mountains is beautiful and peaceful. The fabulous sunsets and stunning views. The very warm welcome that we all received from Namit and Maru,and Polly the chef. The imaginative,healthy delicious food. The effort that is made to make sure everyone's level of yoga practice is accommodated and everyone is included. The attention to small details that make the whole experience one of healing,learning,happiness,and joy.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't hesitate just go. You will not regret it. You are requested to complete a questionnaire before you arrive. Take the time to complete in detail, as Namit and Maru take the time and care to read it and tailor your yoga practice and any other needs accordingly. Book at least one massage - they are inexpensive and amazing to have outside on the terrace.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Everything here was organic and locally or ethically sourced. Namit and Maru are very aware and are passionate about nutrition,limiting waste,restricting harmful producets and generally taking care of our planet. Their knowledge and enthusiasm rubs off on the whole group.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had had a rough previous 6 months, and arrived feeling very tired and generally emotionally and physically pretty low. I left feeling energised,rested,optimistic about the future and re-engaged with my yoga practice and my health. I came with high expectations and they exceeded them by miles. I hope to keep in touch with Namit and Maru, who are truly inspiring, special warm people. I can not rate this retreat highly enough.
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2015 by Elizabeth Reuben
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many great memories! I loved the yoga on the terrace, the tasty food, Namit's great yoga guidance and meeting a really interesting and varied group of people. I enjoyed the feeling of the group becoming closer and less inhibited as the days went on.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it! Come with a mind open to new people, and finding your own practice within the group. Lots of yummy food available all the time, we also enjoyed bringing with a few 'naked' bars for an afternoon snack. Mostly, come prepared to relax.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the employees were locals and our cook was an organic farmer. Food waste was recycled back to feed the chickens on the farm :) Eco-friendly products were used.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful! A revitalising experience.
Reviewed on 21 May 2015 by Lesley Blackie
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being totally looked after for 5 lovely days and doing lots of yoga. Namit and Maru welcome you into their home - nothing is too much trouble and it was very calm. I loved all the yoga and felt very relaxed. And it was such a good opportunity to meet other people from all over the place. The location is beautiful, up in the hills, the swimming pool was glorious (hopefully coverted to saline soon!), with dragonflies hovering over and birds nesting nearby, the views amazing. And then there is Polly's inspiring cooking! .... every meal was a surprise and a delight and so different. Not to have to think about cooking and washing up for 5 whole days is such a treat and the food was delicious. Being vegetarian, I am used to not having lots of choice so to be able to eat everything and to know it was all healthy and organic was an absolute treat.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Walking into the village is not as far as you initially think! It is possible to get a drink in the cafes even in the afternoon though the shops are closed when you can go (and not miss yoga!) Getting up the hill back "home" is a good workout! It's hot! - take lots of cool clothing.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely! Namit and Maru and Polly source their food organically from local producers. They employ a local experienced driver and local people for massage and working at the Retreat.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I loved it! Would go back and recommend it hugely for a relaxing time whilst practising yoga. Thank you.
Reviewed on 14 Dec 2014 by Sheila Scott
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Making new friends from different countries in a friendly and relaxed environment. They are excellent hosts and the location is peaceful and stunningly beautiful.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light with an open mind and plenty of enthusiasm.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, definitely: locally sourced food, organic when possible, and local employees. Recycling of waste was also strongly encouraged.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful - I cannot recommend this holiday highly enough: such a patient and encouraging yoga teacher and the food was delicious. I feel I benefitted physically, emotionally and spiritually. I came home relaxed and healthy and I still keep in regular contact with my new international friends.
Reviewed on 06 Dec 2014 by Maggie Lamb
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The retreat was exactly and absolutely everything that everyone has written about it and more!
I particularly enjoyed, a straightforward and uncomplicated pick up and transfer to and from the airport. Health forms money etc all clearly laid out on the web site. Good emails to establish a connection before I arrived.
Enough space and privacy to find quiet alone time or companionship if wanted.
All the comforts of home, comfortable beds, towels etc and help to provide anything that was needed, even room heaters when the weather suddenly became cold. Good wifi!
The food was magnificent! Excellent individual help with yoga and meditation and brilliant nutritional advice.
I adored the excellent massages, and another time will have reiki too. Great value and an essential part of the retreat for me.
My fellow retreaters were varied in age and nationality but all like minded and respectful. Im nearly 60 and i think the youngest was in her mid 20's, but age was not an issue.
It was exactly the calm, peaceful healing space that my battered body mind and spirit needed and I do intend to return. The inner goodness and kindness of Namit and Maru shines out, they share their vast experience very unselfishly. It feels the centre is about people not profits. I felt I was staying with someone who quickly understood my needs and genuinely had my best interests at their
heart.
I left feeling that i had rediscovered my inner happiness and meditation, that a deep healing had taken place and much sadness had melted away, i found renewed energy and well being and faith in the goodwill of my fellow humans. It was an experience that is priceless, but the price was actually perfect value.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Reviewed on 21 Jul 2014 by Claire Scanlan
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything!
I had the most incredible, amazing time here - it was everything that I hoped it would be and more.
The surroundings are beautiful, the accomodation is clean, homely and comfortable with everything you could need (shower gel, shampoo, herbal teas, books, DVDs etc etc), Namit and Maru are friendly and welcoming and Anna the chef is beyond amazing, her food is incredibly tasty, healthy and just wonderful - I cannot say enough good things about it!
The yoga, meditation and workshops were also fantastic and really personalised to everyone's individual needs/wants.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book it, go and enjoy!
I too was apprehensive about booking, as you never know if things are going to be as they appear on the website or in reviews, but I can honestly say that I was.
I had the most incredible week and returned home feeling like a different person, having had time away from life, opportunity to reflect on the things that I wanted to think about and returned feeling healthier and revitalised.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Everything I encountered here was organic and locally or ethically sourced and they were very environmentally aware (recycling, composting etc)
Namit and Maru seem to have really managed to embed themselves in the local community and for example offer yoga classes to locals and are keen to buy local produce as much as possible.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I cannot recommend it highly enough - from the moment I first made contact with Namit and Maru to enquire about their retreat, to returning home, the service they provide has been absolutely first rate. They really care about and are passionate about what they do which really shines through.
I will most definitely be returning!
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2014 by Danny Golden
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The atmosphere and warmth of the retreat is outstanding. After a day of acclimatising and adjusting to the schedule, it is a beautiful and welcoming place to spend time.
The week itself became a meditation. The yoga classes are led with skill and empathy and great enthusiasm by Namit. There were different levels and strengths within the group and everyone was given attention and postures that suited perfectly our abilities and provided just the right level of challenge and excitement at what we could do given the time and careful instruction.
The food deserves special mention and is a real treat.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't clutter your bag, keep it simple and it will be rewarding. Maybe bring a notebook to write down the variety and depth of information provided on nutrition and yoga and meditation. If you have experience with yoga, think about what you want to learn and what parts of yoga you would like to push yourself towards with the space provided by a dedicated week of practice.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Namit and Maru employ local people and respect local customs in all their interactions. The food in particular is prepared with a very local and organic flavour.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great experience and something that everyone and anyone can relish and get something important from.
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