Relax and Renew Retreat - Granada, Spain. 

Dynamic & Hatha Yoga. Pilates. Meditation. Holistic Nutrition.  Saturday - Friday

Our yearly RELAX and RENEW week long retreats in the mountains of Granada are a wonderful blend of Yoga, Pilates, Nutrition and Meditation. 

Rest easy that you will return feeling as good as new!

You can expect a warm welcome from your hosts at the Hacienda, Tracie and Jason, and from your teacher, Sally Parkes. The week promises a relaxing break with daily yoga and Pilates classes on the outdoor yoga space or in the indoor yoga studio. Sally will be also be running classes on nutrition for increased energy and weightloss. There will be time for quiet contemplation in the meditation temple or in the beautiful grounds as well as time to get to know a group of like minded people. There is also free time each day to explore the local area, visit the nearby villages and towns, or just relax at our beautiful villa by the stunning infinity pool... the choice is yours.

Forthcoming Dates:

Saturday 8th - Friday 14th September 2012

About the Hacienda:

Set in the beautiful Andalucian countryside, in an area of outstanding national beauty and ecological diversity, this retreat offers a complete getaway from everyday life as well a touch of luxury. 

The Hacienda has a rustic, remote feel while the creature comforts included make for a relaxed and comfortable stay.
All rooms are en suite and have private balconies.




The facilities include:
• Indoor and outdoor yoga areas, meditation temple with prayer chairs.
• Infinity pool with two cabanas.
• Outdoor sauna and solar Jacuzzi.
Holistic treatments can be booked through The Hacienda on arrival.

About the Classes:

Yoga

The Yoga classes are a combination of energising Dynamic Yoga in the morning followed by a more restorative practice of Hatha yoga later in the day.

Pranayama: Breath Control

During the Yoga lessons we will also practice breathing techniques that will assist your yoga practice by calming the nervous system and focusing the mind.


Pilates with Hatha Yoga Stretch.

Pilates is an exercise method that is great for working the core area of the body including the abdominal area. It is very effective in reducing lower back pain and improving the muscle tone of the lower abdomen in particular. By combining Pilates with Hatha Yoga we are working to strengthen and lengthen the muscles which helps to bring balance to your body.


Yoga Nidra: Yogic Sleep
Yoga Nidra (meaning 'yogic sleep') is a form of deep relaxation and is offered before bed to encourage restful sleep so you will feel refreshed & renewed both mentally & physically.

Pranayama: Breath Control
During the Yoga lessons we will also practice breathing techniques that will assist your detox and yoga practice by calming the nervous system & stimulating the digestive system.


Meditation

We will practice several meditation techniques including Trataka (candle gazing) and observation of the breath amongst others. 


Nutrition

Two nutrition talk/discussions sessions will focus on getting the best from natural whole foods to achieve and maintain wellbeing and vitality. Qualified in Advanced Nutrition, Sally is happy to answer any questions you may have with regards to your dietary needs.


Food:

The phrases 'wellness starts from within' sums up or philosophy on food on retreat. The Hacienda staff are very well educated and understand and respect the important role it plays in the promotion of wellness and general good health. Food is fresh (all salads are from the veggie patch!), nutritionally balanced and vegetarian with three meals and snacks daily.  Food allergies or intolerances as well as most special diets (e.g vegan) can also be catered for (please notify us beforehand).

Schedule:

There are a number of classes included in your stay with us, all of which are optional and  advanced levels. A typical day will include:

7.15-8.30am: Dynamic Yoga and Meditation.

8.30am: Light breakfast.Free Time

11.30am: Brunch.

12pm: Free time to walk, swim and relax.

Also time for one to one alignment sessions with Sally*.

3pm: Light refreshments.

5.30-6.45pm: Pilates with Hatha Yoga stretch.

7.30-8.30pm: Dinner.

8.45-9.15pm: Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation) and Meditation.

We will also be adding two talks on holistic nutrition with Sally during your stay.

*Alignments sessions with Sally are at extra cost. Please see below.

What's an Alignment Session?

Alignment session are very useful if there are certain yoga postures or Pilates exercises you find very challenging or do not quite understand. Togther we can go through these and work on getting the body into alignment to get the best out of these and any other postures you may like to work on. Alignment sessions are also very useful to address any postural issues you may have that bring you discomfort. For example, if you suffer from tight neck and shoulders, Sally will go through postures and movements to counteract this negative movement pattern such as shoulder and chest opening postures as well as strength exercises to work on the upper back to decrease tension in the neck.

Alignment sessions are for one hour and cost £40. Your session can be booked with Sally upon arrival at The Hacienda.


"The alignment session has really hellped me in my awareness of what I need to work on, and has also helped me feel more confident in my yoga practice"
  (Jenny Cove, Portugal Retreat, 2010)

What to see and do in the area

The Hacienda is just 8km from the town of Montefrio, which has been declared a town of historical and artistic interest - with its striking setting, friendly residents and beautiful churches this town is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Nearby there is an intriguing archaeological site from which numerous artifacts indicating early human settlement have been recovered. Slightly further afield is UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alhambra Palace overlooking the Moorish city of Granada, a must see for visitors to the area. Once you've wondered the fascinating old quarter, the labyrinthine Albaicin and gardens in Granada, the city has many restaurants and bars as well as shops offering a little retail therapy!  The Hacienda is ideal for walkers, hikers and cyclists who can literally step out the door and begin their exploration of the area on the many tracks and paths that pass by the villa. Nature enthusiasts will love the variety of landscapes, bird-life and wild flowers in the area.

Please click the link below for information on the surrounding area:

Cost: £699

Deposit £150. Full payment is for a sharing twin room en suite. If paying a deposit the balance can be paid in two equal instalments eight and four weeks before the retreat commences.

We do have a limited number of single occupancy rooms at extra cost. Please contact us for details and availability.

Early bird offer: Book your place by April 31st 2012 and receive:

A FREE fairly traded hand made indian yoga mat bag (worth £30) for every yogi. 

Flight, insurance, additional activities and excursions are not included. Travel insurance is required by the venue.

Transfer from Malaga airport is subsidised by Sally. The cost is therefore £20 each way. This is charged separatly and is payable in cash upon arrival.

Please contact megan@sallyparkesyoga.com regarding our payment plan and to check availability before booking online. Thank you.

Please also read our cancellation policy

Twin room (shared occupancy) deposit £150

Shared occupancy room balance due £549 (after deposit of £150)

Shared occupancy room full price £699

FAQ:

What is included in the cost?

All classes, accommodation, meals, snacks and fresh fruit and herbal teas are included in the cost. Flights are not included.

Where shall I fly to?

Malaga. Easy Jet do cheap flights from the UK. Book early for cheaper rates.

Transfers from the airport?

This is arranged by the Hacienda and costs £20pp each way. We collect you from Malaga airport straight to The Hacienda Retreat Centre.

What should I bring?

Please bring with you suitable clothing for yoga and Pilates. Loose or stretchy clothes are perfect. A mat, block and strap is useful although there are some at the venue. A swimming costume, sun block and a sun hat is also strongly recommended. You may also want to bring some suitable clothes for walking.

Questions and Bookings:

We have a long list of happy clients. Please click here to read our testimonials.

If you have further questions, please first check out our FAQ.

For enquiries and bookings please email Megan on megan@sallyparkesyoga.com.
If you would like to discuss a retreat please call Sally on 07967 388363.