During this retreat we want to bring balance to your body, mind and heart. We want you to find a way to bring balance into your daily busy life.
We will take you on a journey passed the 5 elements, opening the body with yin practices, making the body stronger with dynamic practices, also doing various practices to quiet the mind, connect to yourself and find your inner peace.
Yin & Yang = Perfect combination
Yin yoga is all about surrender and letting your muscles relax. Yang yoga is more like a typical vinyasa flow (dynamic yoga) class; keeping the body’s functionality and mobilizes the energy body to refresh the body’s vibrancy. When combined they compliment each other and balance out your energy.
By practicing Yin yoga before Yang (which we do during a few Yin-Yang sessions) we can carry over Yin’s very mindful way of practicing into our dynamic Yang practice. We truly benefit from the openness of the body and the stillness of the mind. It is also really beneficial for those of us who might tend towards competitiveness or striving in asanas.
Benefits Yin Yoga
Stimulates the meridians (energy channels) bringing balance to the organs in the body
Improves flexibility and joint mobility
Calms and balances the mind and body
Reduces stress and anxiety
Works deeply on the connective tissues (fascia, tendons and ligaments)
Can prepare the practitioner for meditation practice
Benefits Yang Yoga
Strengthens and tones the body
Improves flexibility and circulation
Increases endurance
Calms the mind down by inviting us to synchronize movement with breath
Removes tension and obstacles in the body to allow breath and prana to flow.
SPECIAL GUEST TEACHER JANE BAKX
Jane Bakx – E-RYT 500
Jane is an international yoga teacher (Yoga Alliance certified) from the Netherlands. She lived in Amsterdam for most of her life and worked as a producer in advertising. She practised yoga for over 20 years and has been teaching for years. After her two yoga teacher training courses (both in India), she decided to leave her job in advertising and follow her heart and passion for yoga full time. Since then, she has been teaching and traveling around the world and also organizes retreats. She mainly practices Vinyasa and Yin yoga herself and sometimes also Ashtanga.
To Jane yoga is all about making a connection with yourself; with your body, mind and heart. Through yoga you learn to listen more to your body. The focus in Jane’s classes is mainly on making that connection to yourself and at the same time getting more flexible and strong.
I was lucky to have spent a few months with Jane as my yoga teacher on Bonaire AND to have attended the Yin Yang Yoga Retreat in the mountains near Málaga in October that she organised together with Viva La Vida.
The whole retreat was organised so well. We enjoyed great cooking by Tiziana and stayed in a beautiful, traditional, Spanish ‘cortijo’. Jane welcomed us all with open arms and an open heart. She made us feel comfortable during the yoga classes and beyond. Her teaching is professional, I love how she could easily adapt to the group and the location. The group was in harmony and Jane knew exactly what type of yoga classes we needed each day. I was moved by her Yoga Nidra session; she is an incredible ‘narrator’ with a calming and suiting voice for meditations.
This retreat week meant so much to me. Thank you for this wonderful experience dear Jane ❤️ You are beautiful, loving and inspirational! Until we meet again, which is soon hopefully 🙏🏼
Daphne Nossels – Netherlands – oktober 2018
What a special week ♥
I wanted to go away alone for a bit, but not eat and do yoga alone. I found Viva la Vida, Ilse, via Google. Her retreat was full, but we got Jane. What a fantastic lady. She put everyone at ease. Beautiful lessons, meditations and the silent walk she called rebellious because she made this very special. What a week with a super group. Oh and the food … for that reason alone you have to go.
Anita Bos Lammers – Netherlands – October 2018
What words can you give to a week that was so special.
A small attempt: the delicious food, the lovely yoga, a teacher, Jane, who has an eye for everyone, an environment where you secretly want to open your eyes during a meditation to see if you really sitting on such a beautiful mountain and a very sweet group of unique people. And I almost forgot the special sound journey with top chef Tiziana. In summary: a magical week! Namaste
Ingrid Deelstra – oktober 2018
A really nice week
It was great to be pampered for 5 days in a wonderful environmentn with very nice people.
The weather was great and the group was very lovely. I enjoyed it a lot and am very relaxed.
Thanks.
René Kalker – oktober 2018
We were fortunate enough to have Jane as our teacher for the Rebalance & Renew retreat on Bonaire from April 7-14 2018.
As beginners, we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but Jane was fabulous at making us feel comfortable and safe. She provided both of us with a wealth of knowledge about Yoga practice, and supported us in finding poses that were specifically adapted to our personal challenges. We definitely recommend Jane and any of her classes or retreats to all Yogi levels.
Jane has been a fantastic teacher who lit a fire for Yoga and made us aware of the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives.
We’d love to come back and spend another week doing Yoga with her at one of the most beautiful spots on Earth
Belinda Von Niederhäusern / Facebook
I was very lucky to join the Rebalance & Renew retreat on Bonaire from 2-9 December 2017.
The yoga lessons were perfectly in balance and personalized.
Jane is a fabulous yoga teacher with not only a wealth of knowledge about the practice and the tradition, but a true passion for the growth of her students.
You can’t help but be energized and optimistic after a class or session with her.
I am looking forward to one of her retreats in the future.
Berit Velstra / Facebook
Jane is the best yoga teacher I’ve ever had the pleasure of being taught by.
Unlike many others, she takes the time to go around and helps adjust your poses in the best, personal way- always making you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re doing.
She always brings great energy into the room and her ability to mix strength, flexibility and relaxation in the same class makes for a truly enjoyably experience.
5 stars and beyond!
Valentina Jacks / Facebook
PROGRAM AND ACTIVITIES
During our retreat the focus is on finding your balance, increasing your energy, improving your concentration, increasing your flexibility and building your strength. You can completely relax and renew in a beautiful environment.
We will learn you some practical exercises and techniques that you can easily integrate into your daily life when you go back home.
Be inspired by our yoga & meditation sessions, including a Beach Yoga session and a special walking meditation.
You can as well participate in a special cooking workshop by our passionate chef Tiziana.
You will also notice that when you pull out from your hectic life, you can create space for new insights and personal growth.
Take time for yourself to reflect on what is really important to you in your life.
During this week we will will do yin and yang yoga sessions. The combination of the more yang orientated yoga like Hatha and Vinyasa with Yin yoga brings harmony to your body, mind and soul.
WALKING MEDITATION
Silent walk and Yoga on top of the mountain
You can do beautiful walking trails, just starting from our finca. During this retreat we will do a silent walk or walking meditation. On our way we will stop to do yoga and meditation on top of the mountain.
YOGA ON THE BEACH
Excursion to the beach
We will go to the beach for a nice yoga beach session and a picknick. Afterwards you can relax on the beach and enjoy the Mediterranean sea.
COOKING WORKSHOP
Cooking Workshop from chef Tiziana
Our chef Tiziana is very passionate about healthy food. She cooks delicious vegetarian food. She will share some of her kitchen secrets during a special cooking workshop. Discover how you can cook incredibly tasty and healthy with a few simple tricks!
A BEAUTIFUL HIKE
We will take you on one of the beautiful hikes in the area.
SOUND JOURNEY
Sound Journey
We will have a special night with a beautiful meditation session with Tibetan & cristal bowls.
Just relax and enjoy this beautiful sound journey!
A DAY AT THE RETREAT
A DAY AT OUR VIVA LA VIDA RETREAT
When you wake-up in the morning, you walk outside en watch the amazing sunrise above the mountains. You enjoy a fresh and Healthy Detox Shake and some tropical fruit. You bring your yoga mat and get ready for a dynamic morning flow at the terras. After the session our Chef will welcome you with an delicious and healthy breakfast.
Afterwards it is time to relax. You jump in the beautiful and refreshing pool for a swim. After your dip you relax on one of the sun beds next to the pool and you can finally start in this book that you really wanted to read.
In the afternoon we will have a healthy and tastefull lunch.
In the afternoon we leave for a nice silent walk. After tea time we do a nice Yin session before diner and we enjoy the sunset together.
Our chef Tiziana arranged a really nice dinner. We enjoy the food and the views together and finish the day happy and relaxed.
STAY AT A BEAUTIFUL FINCA IN THE MOUNTAINS
We host our Viva La Viva Retreats in beautiful old fincas in Andalusia.
For our Yin & Yang Retreats in 2020 we work with two different locations. Both have similar facilities and both are authentic Andalusian Fincas.
Both locations have beautiful gardens, a big pool, terraces nice rooms and are situated in the mountains with breathtaking views.
LOCATION CORTIJO LAS MONJAS
During the retreat we stay at ‘Cortijo Las Monjas’, This old cortijo (farm estate) is situated between Periana and Alfarnatejo in the north-east of Málaga Province. The cortijo is about 600 meters above sea level.
Enjoying outstanding views over the mountains and valley below, this lovingly restored country estate is the ideal place for a retreat. Cortijo Las Monjas is a farmhouse. The Farm and the outbuildings are over two hundred years old.
The cortijo has been completely and sympathetically restored and divided up into really nice apartments and studios for two people to share with a bedroom with two twin beds, a bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen, and dining/living area with wood-burning fireplace, terrace or porch. Furthermore they have just renovated and created 3 additional spacious ensuite rooms.
The cortijo has a really nice big pool that is open all year around.
There is a beautiful garden with amazing views where will do part of our yoga sessions. The other sessions we will do in the beautiful recently built yoga shala of 100m2. The former stall has been transformed in this really amazing sacred yoga room with floor heating and high ceiling.
Enjoy the beautiful countryside with its extraordinary beauty, and mild climate. Relax in the peaceful atmosphere, where you will be welcomed as one of the family.
RATING CORTIJO LAS MONJAS ON BOOKING.COM
LOCATION RETREAT SEPTEMBER 2020 CORTIJO PULGARIN BAJO
Stay in a beautiful old finca surrounded by mountains
During our retreat we stay in a restored nineteenth-century Andalusian Cortijo (farm). The finca was formerly used as an olive oil mill, powered by a watermill. The location also has a wonderful museum space. The finca is located in Alta Axarquía and has more than 600.000m2. land full of fruit and olive trees.
Location & Rooms
This unique location includes four different buildings. It has a big old country house with several rooms, two additional houses + the old mill. You can choose if you would like to share a double room or whether you book a single room. The rooms are decorated in traditional Andalusian style; cozy and completely in the atmosphere of this beautiful old farmhouse.
THE SURROUNDINGS
La Axarquia
La Axarquia area, east of Malaga city, is breathtakingly beautiful and has not been spoilt.
The main attractions are the area’s dramatic hill and mountain scenery and its unspoiled white washed villages. Because of the region’s sub-tropical climate, this is also a region where some of the more tropical fruits, such as mango and kiwi are grown.
The Area and Activities
This beautiful finca is situated just 45km from Malaga City and 35km from the beach (Torre del Mar).
This area is known for the wonderful mild climate. The setting is magnificent.
There are several walks nearby. You can also climb the surrounding mountains: Los Tajos de Doña Ana, El Gomer, El Fraile, Bermejo or La Atalaya. Or visit the healing water in the nearby Vilo. The Cortijos where we stay are situated between several beautiful white Andalusian villages: Alfarnate, Riogordo (El Paso, Holy Week), Periana and Viñuela.
Periana
The charming village of Periana is located in the beautiful Axarquia region of Malaga, affording stunning views to the surrounding countryside. To the north are spectacular mountain ranges and to the south the beautiful Lake (Reservoir) Viñuela and the coastline.
The village sits along the scenic Route of the Olive Oil and Mountains, which follows the land through olive groves, mountain ranges and ancient pueblos blancos (white villages).
Periana is located just a 40 minute drive from the city of Malaga and its airport and less than 40 minutes away are the costal towns of Nerja, Torrox and Torre Del mar, which boast lovely beaches.
Walking distance from the finca: beautiful Mondron
The small white village of Móndron boasts all local amenities as well as stunning panoramic views of the beautiful mountains, surrounding countryside and nearby Lake Viñuela.
Mondron is nestled in the hills approx 600m above sea level. This small village is only 10 min walk from our finca and has a store and a nice local Spanish restaurant.
Please read some of the reviews of our visitors
What a fantastic week with an incredibly nice group, an inspiring yoga teacher and a dedicated chef.
If I were to write everything down, I could not explain everything. You have to experience it to understand it.
Thanks! Lilian Petit – October 2018
An incredibly beautiful experience that I can recommend to everyone.
What a warm welcome from you, Jane.
I have felt this warmth throughout the whole week, from you, but also from the rest of the group. What a great chef too. I got new inspiration, but also the peace of mind I was looking for.
Tessa Peul – October 2018
Feeling so lucky & grateful.
This week was a real eye opener. Thank you for all your optimism, flexibility, openness, concern, kindness, calmness and zest for life. This place felt like a beautiful, warm and safe cocoon in which everyone could grow. All of you are a source of inspiration.
Big thanks.
Britt Heylen, April 2019
I felt relaxed from the first minute.
A special group and an even more special week. Fantastic food and balance in every day. This week has given me peace and helped me to open my heart to all love. I received so much strength from the group, from Jane and from Tiziana. This week felt like: “Together we are one.”
Suzanne van der Veer – October 2018
Thank you so much for the nice relaxing week!
It was very good to work on the body and mind during the yoga and hiking and of course with the amazing food! I really enjoyed this week, in the sun and with the group. I liked the variation in the program with the different activities but also time to relax.
Dorien & Jorie – April 2019
In one word ‘amazing’!
The location, the preparation, the contact, the variation in activity and the group. And not to forget the nice weather. I really enjoyed it! Thank you very much for the fantastic week, it did me good.
An experienced yoga teacher will be with you throughout the week.
Various Yin & Yang yoga & meditation sessions in the morning and afternoon
A special sound journey meditation
1 x a special yoga nidra evening meditation.
A silent walk & walking meditation & Yoga on top of the mountain
Unlimited use of the beautiful swimming pool
Wonderful excursion with a hike in Alhama de Granada
A special cooking workshop with our chef Tiziana
Excursion to the beach with beach yoga & time to relax.
Use of towels
Use of a yoga mat, pillows, blocks, belts and blankets.
How can you book your retreat?
To reserve your spot we ask you to pay 200 euros deposit, or you can transfer the entire amount in one go. You can book securely and directly through our website via a direct transfer. We can also send you an invoice by email if you prefer this.
Costs Retreat
Shared room with twin beds (two single beds) 995,- euro per person
Single room shared bathroom 1095,- euro per person
Single room ensuite 1145, – per person
Shared family room ( two connected bedrooms) with shared bathroom is 1995 price for two people
Shared twin room with shared bathroom is 1945 for two people
Shared bedroom ensuite for two people is 2095
Optional:
You can book a really nice massage with one of our special massage therapists
Exclusive:
Flight to and from Malaga.
Transfer airport – finca. We have a fixed transfer time (departure from airport or Malaga city center). If you travel at that time you pay 30 euros per ride. We can also arrange a transfer for you, but then the costs are slightly higher. Of course you can also rent a car yourself. This can be very advantageous (especially in low season) via, for example, www.rentalcars.com
A travel and / or cancellation insurance.
Personal Expenses like additional drinks on the beach etc.
Good to know:
Bring relaxed clothing
Yoga mats, meditation cushions and other yoga props are available for use.
Check-in at the location is possible from 13:00. Check out is around 12:00 (in consultation with the location sometimes later). Inquire with us about the flights that fit best.
You can book a flight at a good price with Transavia, Ryanair or Vueling or EasyJet. We usually use the website www.skyscanner.com. It can often be cheaper to book two single tickets. You can thus book the most advantageous price / time with eg two different companies.
If you want, we help you book.
TIP: many participants book a day and night in Malaga before or after the retreat. This is highly recommended. It is a very nice and relaxed city by the sea.
Book a special massage
Be spoiled with the most delicious health veggie and vegan dishes
During this week our chef will prepare delicious meals and healthy fresh shakes. The organic meals are prepared with fresh ecological products from farmers from the area. For us it is a really important to support local ecological farmers.
If you have special dietary requirements like a complete vegan or gluten-free meal, or an allergy we will adapt the meals for you.
Tiziana will surprise you with delicious vegetarian meals during the retreat. You can also join her for a free cooking workshop.
Somepeoplejustwant to relax and have some time for themselvesinabeautifulplace.
Other people visit us because they have (or had) a difficult or stressful time or because they had an emotional period. But this retreat is for everyone who wants to relax and who wants to feel stronger, more energetic and more focused.
It is for anyone who wants to calm their mind in a peaceful place.
Yoga level for all levels
We believe that this retreat is for yoga practitioners of all levels. Since we can always modify poses to your needs. Please be aware though that during this retreat we practice yoga almost daily and sometimes twice a day. The morning classes are in general more dynamic and can be challenging. Of course, we can modify and challenging our bodies at times is good for us. We flow through various poses stretching and strengthening the whole body. In the afternoon we mainly practice Yin yoga which is more passive and relaxing. We hold postures longer, finding stillness in the body and the mind. It is a very healthy practice, it strengthens our connective tissues, joints and bones and works on the meridians. Besides the yoga we also do a hike and a silent walk in the mountains, so there will always be some walking uphill involved. Of course, this is your retreat, your holiday, so you are always welcome to skip any practices or daily activities if you feel you need to. We encourage you to always listen to your body and do what is right for you. If you have any questions regarding the yoga program or the other activities please contact us via info@vivalavidalifestyle.com
Yoga & Meditations
Our yoga retreat is suitable for all levels. The yoga sessions are created for beginners and for people who already have experience with yoga and / or meditation and who would like to deepen their practice.
Yoga and meditation experience is certainly not required, the workshops are accessible for everyone. We do adjust the sessions and asanas to everyone’s level.
Yoga and meditation styles
We offer Yin & Yang styles of yoga during this week. In the morning the lessons are more energetic and in the afternoon there will be a more Yin or Restorative Yoga Session.
Extra attention will be given to the practice of Yin Yoga during the retreat. During this week we also do various pranayama’s (breathing techniques) and different types of meditations.
What kind of people are coming to our retreats?
We are regularly asked what kind of people join our retreats.
Our visitors are both men and women, of various ages and with very different backgrounds. Most people come alone to our retreat but we also regularly have people who come together (couple, friends or family).
Our experience is that every group has a great connection from the start of the retreat.
A retreat is great place to meet like-minded people and we have seen a lot of new friendships.
But during the retreat you have all the freedom to be by yourself and enjoy the beautiful spots in the tropical gardens.
All activities are also voluntary. The most important thing is that you can relax and enjoy this special time for yourself.
We choose to work with small groups. There will be a maximum of 12 people participating.
CONTACT
Are you interested in coming to our Yin and Yang Retreat?
Would you like to contact us before you book?
You can always call us via +31 6 14 900 730 (Ilse-Marie) or call or Whatsapp Ilse: +34 622390649
You can also send us an email at info@vivalavidalifestyle.com or leave a message here.
Greetings from the beautiful Andalusia,
Ilse-Marie
VIVA LA VIDA – OUR STORY
Viva La Vida
Who created Viva La Vida? We are a Dutch family who decided a couple of years ago to go on an adventure in the beautiful Andalusia. We first planned to go for a year, but we enjoyed it so much that we decided to stay here for a longer period.
We, Jeroen and Ilse-Marie, and our two daughters Elise-Sophie and Ana Rosa, have found a pretty old cortijo in an incredibly beautiful area.
We are very enthusiastic about the area and like to share it with other people. We organize yoga retreats and yoga & walking holidays all year round at the most beautiful places in Andalusia. We really enjoy to create a special program for you. We try to give our retreats something extra. We bring you to beautiful places and organise do special activities, hikes and workshops.
Furthermore we will learn you some useful tools to relax and to re-energize to take home with you.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
Connect with nature.
