
5 DAY Energizing Yoga Retreats in Andalusia from € 695
5 DAY YOGA RETREATS IN ANDALUSIA
Unwind and recharge your energy.
Relax in a beautiful location in the heart of Andalusia.
5 days full of inspiration with daily Yoga Sessions, QiGong, Breath Work, Meditations, Excursions, a Cooking Workshop, breathtaking Hikes and visits to the Beach and the surrounding mountains.
We will show you how yoga and meditation can help you to improve your life.
By escaping for a few days from your busy life, you can make room for new insights and personal growth.
Take time to reflect on what’s really important to you in your life.
Go back home with a clear mind and full of energy

In May I followed the 5-day Viva la Vida yoga retreat. I needed some rest, some time for myself and was looking for new, positive energy. I succeeded completely with the help of Ilse, the co-participants and Alejandro.
It really feels like a gift! These 5 days were really great.
The location is beautiful, in the mountains with amazing views of the mountains and valleys.
The accommodation at Cortijo Pulgarin Bajo is stunning, authentic, with beautiful gardens.
Alejandro has cooked delicious for us, it was always a little fiesta to see what delicacies were put on the table. Healthy and so many different flavors. 🙂
The program was perfect. Lots of variety due to different types of yoga, in different beautiful places (in the gardens, on the beach, on the mountain and in the old mill), a sound journey, a hike, a cooking workshop and a massage. In addition, every day some time for yourself.
I also found it very special to notice how easy contact was made within the group and how quickly everyone opened up. Without any obligations, if you didn’t feel like talking and you just wanted to withdraw, that was fine as well.
And last but not least, Ilse .. her wonderful yoga classes, the conversations with her about yoga and life, her enthusiasm, her ability to switch quickly. Gracias Ilse! And continue to spoil people with your retreats!
At the moments that we were doing yoga exercises in the garden or on the beach and I let the amazing surroundings work on me and I felt the wind blowing, I was completely ‘happy’. I have taken this feeling home with me and hope to keep it for a long time.
DATES 2020
September
>> Thursday 3 – Monday 7 September 2020 – with yoga teacher Ilse-Marie Sobering at Cañuelo (new location for this retreat)
>> Thursday, Sept. 24 – Monday, Sep. 28, 2020 with yoga teacher Pleuni van Holten in Pulgarin Bajo
October
>> Thursday 1 Oct – Mon 5 Oct 2020 with yoga teacher Pleuni van Holten in Pulgarin Bajo

Is This Retreat Something For You?
Our Viva La Vida Yoga Retreats are for people who are
– Looking for a peaceful place to renew and relax for a few days.
-Recovering from burn-out, or experiencing insomnia, or anxiety.
– Feeling highly stressed, physically tense, recovering from injury.
– Feeling ‘blocked’ creatively.
– Seeking new ways to increase your energy levels NATURALLY and sustainably.
– When you are in between jobs and need some time to reconnect with what is really important to you.
– Wanting to build your confidence and self-esteem
– Interested in learning about the chakras, your energy system, and want to learn some valuable self-healing techniques.
– Needing to create a healthy work-life balance, where you can work, rest and play more energy-efficiently.
This yoga retreat is for anyone who wants to relax and feel stronger, more energetic and want to feel more focused.
It’s for anyone who wants to relax in nature and who wants to explore what is really important in his or her life.
Suitable for all levels
Suitable for all levels – the yoga is as dynamic as you want it to be and are comfortable with. Our yoga retreats are designed for both beginners and those who already have experience with yoga and /or meditation.
Yoga and meditation experience is not required.
We choose to work with small groups and have a maximum of 12 participants per retreat.


About the Hosts

Ilse-Marie Sobering 500 E-RYT
– Senior Yoga & Meditatie Teacher and founder of Viva La Vida Lifestyle
ABOUT YOGA TEACHER ILSE-MARIE
I have great passion for yoga, meditation, QiGong, mindfulness and healthy food. Yoga and meditation have a huge influence on my life. I live more in the moment, I can cope better with stress and I enjoy much more of the little things in life. I’ve realized what’s most important to me and how I can make a positive contribution in this world by using my passion and talents. I love to share my knowledge and passion with others.
There’s much scientific evidence on the positive effects of yoga, mindfulness and meditation. I’ve done a lot of research and have developed several courses to help people to use yoga and meditation to improve their life. I teach yoga and meditation in 3 languages and offer courses for beginners, intermediates, seniors and children. Teaching gives me a lot of energy and it’s amazing to see the positive effect it has on people.
I did several teacher trainings and courses . I finished my yoga teacher training course at the internationally recognized Tao Centre in Spain. In addition I have done several specialist teacher training courses such as the Transformational Yoga Course for teachers by Dashama Konah and did several teacher courses around Vinyassa Core Flow from the Vinyassa Yoga Master Sadi Nardini and a comprehensive Kundalini yoga training. I went to India and finished an advanced master teacher course foccused on multistyle yoga and yoga therapy. I have developed my own style which is a mix of Hatha Yoga, Vinyassa Core Flow, YIn Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. My classes include meditation and relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, sun salutations, Vinyassa flow variations and asanas.
About our family
We are a Dutch family living in Spain. One of our dreams was to live closer to nature and to give our children the chance to grow up among animals, flowers and beautiful scenery. We realized our dream and we’ve found a beautiful spot in Andalusia. We now live in a beautiful old finca.
The farm is located in Axarquia, a beautiful area in the east of the province of Malaga.
We invite you to come to the beautiful Axarquia to unwind and relax completely.
SPECIALISATION / YOGA STYLES
Hatha Yoga | Vinyasa Yoga | Yin Yoga | Kundalini Yoga |Breath Work & Pranayama | Mantra | Chakras | Meditaties | TCM | Energy Work

Pleuni van Hulten – Senior Yoga & Meditation Teacher 500RYT
ABOUT YOGA TEACHER PLEUNI
I am Pleuni van Hulten, originally from the Netherlands. At this moment I am traveling the world while teaching, playing, growing and learning, and sharing the beautiful way of life called YOGA. The Vinyasa classes I teach are an exploration of the body’s natural way of moving and in my Yin classes we practice in a very meditative way. I always invite students to feel into their own body and decide with openness and curiosity what it is that works for them individually. I feel grateful to have studied with teachers like Jo Phee, Gary Carter and Julie Martin, for they have opened my eyes in many ways.
As a dancer and choreographer, I discovered yoga early in my life. The professional dance-world is harsh, very harsh. Dancers usually don’t take care of their bodies and choreographers don’t take care of their dancers. Yoga made me discover a truly different path of physical activity that is designed to take care of your body. I also became more and more interested in the personal experience of the dancer and the connection between dance and spirituality. The professional dance world thrives on ego, which is logical considering that it is a performance art and it’s all about what you project. Standing on the yoga path, I started to look at dance from a totally different point of view. In the workshops and classes I teach right now the most important thing is to enjoy exploring the body in space.
A few years ago I left everything in the Netherlands behind to be able to share my experiences with the world, to teach yoga retreats and workshops and to broaden my own horizon at the same time. I have taught in many places and I feel honoured to share this path, for it changed my own life completely.
SPECIALISATIE / YOGASTIJLEN
Vinyasa Yoga | Yin Yoga | Soundhealing | Mantra | Pranayama | Meditatie
Book your retreat
September
>> Thursday 3 – Monday 7 September 2020 – with yoga teacher Ilse-Marie Sobering at Cortijo Las Monjas (new location for this retreat)
>> Thursday, Sept. 24 – Monday, Sep. 28, 2020 with yoga teacher Pleuni van Holten in Pulgarin Bajo
October
>> Thursday 1 Oct – Mon 5 Oct 2020 with yoga teacher Pleuni van Holten in Pulgarin Bajo

CONTACT
Do you have any questions about the Viva La Vida Retreat?
Please contact me!
Telephone/ SMS of WhatsApp: +34 622 39 06 49 –Email: im@vivalavidalifestyle.com
Please read the reviews of others
Book your retreat
September
>> Thursday 3 - Monday 7 September 2020 - with yoga teacher Ilse-Marie Sobering Cañuelo (new location for this retreat)
>> Thursday, Sept. 24 - Monday, Sep. 28, 2020 with yoga teacher Pleuni van Holten in Pulgarin Bajo

More about the program
During this yoga holiday you will learn how to use yoga and meditation to increase your energy level step by step.
We will focus on increasing your energy, improve your concentration, flexibility, strength and relaxation through yoga exercises, breathing techniques, meditations and relaxation exercises.
Focus Yoga & Meditation Sessions
In this Yoga Retreat we'll work on:
The philosophy, history, background of yoga and meditation.
Pranayama (breathing exercises) and basic techniques for better breathing.
The main yoga poses and variations of these exercises.
The sun salutation with different flow variations for more energy and a complete workout.
A set of yoga exercises and workouts that you can continue with when you are at home.
Relaxation techniques for stress reduction and better sleep.
Different types of meditations and tips on how to meditate at home.
We give you lifestyle tips for a different mindset: nutrition tips, habits that help to increase your energy level. Tricks to better cope with stress and anger and to look differently at life.
We will still send a few weeks after our retreat practical tips, exercises and meditations.

Yoga & Meditation in Nature
We will do when possible our yoga and meditation sessions outside. The old farm has beautiful tropical gardens with enough shade from the old palm trees. We will take you to the mountains and to the beach to do our yoga sessions.
Outdoor sessions add a different dimension to your practice and pare yoga down to its original link with nature. Yoga means ‘union,’ and when it’s practiced outdoors it seems like the union with nature, humanity, and the universe is truly felt.
Many aspects of yoga are in fact about being in the moment and at one with nature or the universe. That’s why so many asanas reflect animals and nature. By putting your body into the shape of a tree or a dog, by exploring the graceful wings of a bird or the fluidity of the Sun Salute, by breathing with the same cyclical sense as the tides or with an ocean sound, you evoke a sense of harmony, timelessness, and connection to the universe.
Outdoors offers another level to focus on—the smell of nature, such as the ocean, pine, grass. When you start to smell the outdoors, it’s as if nature wants us to be present and breathe deeply.
Additional activities & workshops
In addition to the yoga and meditation sessions, you can also participate in a number of other activities. Participation is always voluntary. The following workshops and activities are included in the price.
Beach Yoga
We go to a beautiful beach for a yoga and meditation session. The perfect natural surroundings make an ideal location for an early morning yoga practice. What better way to get the ultimate mind, body experience than by performing yoga on the beach? Imagine listening to the sound of waves, smelling saltwater and feeling the gentle touch of sand. No music is necessary because nature provides it own unique sounds, allowing one to relax while practicing asanas.
Cooking workshop
Together with our Chef , we have compiled a cooking workshop. You will learn to make the most delicious fruit and fruit patés. Examples that we do in the workshop: how to make your own vegan milk, chocolate and jam. Our chefs is experts in the field of vegetarian and vegan cuisine and while share their passion about healthy eating with you.
Walking meditation - silent walk
In the area you can do amazing hikes. We are surrounded by this beautiful landscape of mountains with views over a lake and the ocean. For anyone who would like to experience an breathtaking hike in complete tranquility we organize a special walking meditation.
A walking meditation is a form of meditation in action. In walking meditation we use the experience of walking as our focus. We become mindful of our experience while walking, and try to keep our awareness involved with the experience of walking. A walking meditation is an excellent way of developing our ability to take awareness into our ordinary lives. During the walk you will experience everything around you very intense. The colors, sounds, the sun and the wind. It is a very pleasant and special experience. During the our walk we will stop under these thousand year old olive tress and do a special yoga session.
After this beautiful tour we enjoy a delicious picnic.
Other activities
In addition to the activities mentioned, there's plenty of room for doing nothing or to read a good book in one of the hammocks in the beautiful tropical gardens. From the farm you can do several hikes in the area, or you can visit one of the famous whitewashed villages , go to the beach, visit Malaga or plan an activity like kayaking or horse riding. More on the surroundings you will find under 'the finca and the surroundings'.
Daily sample itinerary
A typical day on our Viva La Vida Retreat
9:00 Nice yogi breakfast
10:00 - 11:30 Yoga & Meditation Session
11:30 -12: 30 Relax in the beautiful tropical garden
12:30 - 13:30 A fantastic healthy lunch
13:30- 17: 00 You-time, massages, siesta, swim, sunbathe, read & reflect….or explore!
17:00: 19:00 Yoga & Meditation Session or Special workshop
19:30: Supper beneath the stars
20:30 Workshop or Relaxation
*This is a sample schedule and may still change. Participation in activities is voluntary.
What Can This Yoga Retreat Bring You?
You get more energy and you will feel completely recharged.
You feel happier, more balanced and stronger.
Your body will feel more flexible and balanced.
You'll reduce back, shoulder, neck pain.
You'll improve your body and learn to live healthier.
You will notice that your concentration is better, you feel more focused.
You will improved your brain function. Just 20 minutes of yoga will improve cognitive function, boosting focus and working memory.
You learn to live more in the moment and to enjoy the little things.
You improve your breathing which will improve your energy level.
You'll be able to relax more and sleep better.
You will be able to deal better with stress and you feel calmer.
You work on your selfconfidence.
You get a better view of what is really important in your life, in your personal life mission.
Return home feeling physically rejuvenated, spiritually enriched and mentally rebalanced.
What is included & costs
The locations
During our Viva La Vida Yoga Retreat we stay in a beautiful old Andalucian finca. The beach is a 35 min drive and we're 50 minutes from Malaga airport.
More about the retreat and the location can you find below.
Price for the 5-day retreat
The price depends on the type of room and the location where we stay.
Prices Pulgarin Bajo ( End of September and October 2020)
You can choose to share a room with another participant or you can share a room when you come together with a friend.
You can also choose to book a single room.
You share a spacious bathroom with 1 other room. You can also book a single room ensuite.
Shared double room: € 695 per person
A private room: € 795 per person.
A private room with private bathroom: € 850 per person.
Shared double room: € 1390 for 2 people
Family room: two connecting rooms: € 1450 for 2 people
Double room with private bathroom: € 1500 for 2 people
Prices for Cañuelo (First week of September)
This location is very suitable for couples, friends or family who want to come together.
Prices
Shared twin or double room in a shared casita with a living room, one or more bathrooms, kitchen and terrace with sea and lake views€ 750 per person.
Single room in a shared casita with a living room, one or more bathrooms, kitchen end terrace with sea and lake views.€ 850 per person
This retreat includes:
- 5 days of inspiration.
- 4 nights accommodation of your choice.4 yoga & meditation session in the morning.
- 2 yoga sessions in the afternoon.
- 2 special yoga & meditation workshops.
- Excursion to the beach: beach yoga
- Excursion in the mountains: silent walk - walking meditation and yoga on top of a mountain.
- 1 healthy welcome cocktail.
- 4 times light breakfast with fresh juice, fruit and tea.
- 5 x extensive lunch/brunch
- 4 x delicious vegetarian dinner buffet.
- Free Wifi
- Unlimited water, special yogi tea and fruit.
- Free cooking workshop by our great Spanish Chef.
Optional
- Massage to unblock any energy issues with a very experienced therapist
- Additional excursions in the area (hiking, museums, sports activities).
Excluded
- Transport Airport or Malaga centre- Finca . If you join our arranged transport it is 30 euro's per trip per person. See below for the schedule. If you arrive at another time we can arrange a taxi for you.
- Flight to and from Malaga.
- A travel insurance or cancelation insurance.
- Personal expenses.
Practical information
Important information
Tickets & Transfers
The airport to fly to is Malaga Airport.
A lot of airlines fly to Malaga. For example: you can book your flights with KLM, Transavia, Ryanair and Vueling.
Arrival flight: You can book a flight that arrives on Tuesday morning (best arrival before 12:00 in the morning) and arrange the joint transfer through us.
Return flight: you can fly back from around15:30 if you want to go with the shared transfer. Returning therea are often two shared transfers 1 at 12:30 PM (13:30 PM at the airport) and 1 around 16:00 PM (17:00 PM at the airport).
Shared transfer: Pick-up and drop off from the airport is possible both with the shared transfer service(fixed time) and with a private taxi. You can also be picked up or dropped off in Malaga centre (plaza Marina). The shared transfer is 30 euros per person for a single transfer (60 euros for a return ticket) when you travel together with the rest of the group.
It is approximately 80 euro p.p. euro for a single transfer/taxi.
You can be picked up or taken to Malaga Airport or to Malaga Center (Plaza Marina).
The shared transfer leaves from the airport on Thursday between 11:30 am to 12:30 pm to the finca. The definitive time depends on the flights of the participants, we try to plan it in such a way that as many participants as possible can make use of the shared transfer. (Several flights arrive in the morning between 8:30 am / 11:00 am)
On Monday a shared transfer departs after the brunch / lunch (12:00) geared to the flights at the end of the afternoon. If necessary, a second transfer will take place in the afternoon if several people take the evening flight back (around 4 p.m.).
We can really recommend to book a day in Malaga before or after. This is a super relaxed city near the beach. Many participants do this before or after. It is also possible to be picked up or dropped off at the center of Malaga.
If you are planning on doing some trips on your own you can best rent a car. www.rentalcars.com
Additional practical information
Check in from 13:00 PM
Check out at 12:30 PM You can possibly stay a little longer at the location on the last day (till 16:00 PM)
Earlier or later check-in is sometimes possible upon request, depending on the location
OTHER DETAILS
Please bring comfortable (sports) clothes & some good sporty shoes or hiking shoes.
A small backpack and drinking bottle / bottle is recommended.
Yoga mats, meditation cushions and yoga blankets are provided.
The swimming pools are open (subject to change). In the autumn at least until the beginning of October.
A washing machine is available
You can book an additional massage through us.
Conditions
The conditions below apply for reservations made directly with us.
Payment conditions
We will ask you with your reservation to make a deposit of 300 euros of the total accommodation costs. You can also transfer the entire amount in one go. After receiving the deposit payment your reservation is final. You can pay the remaining costs 6 weeks before the start.
We advise you to take out travel and cancellation insurance
When you make a booking you agree with our Terms & Conditions
BONUS
+ After our retreat will will send you additional tips, free meditations and exercises to motivate you to continue with everything that you have learnt during the retreat.
+ You receive some nice playlists with the best yoga music to take home with you.
Reload Your Energy During Our 5 Day Yoga Retreat in Andalusia.
VIVA LA VIDA FOOD
Our professional chefs are specialized in the vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
We can cater for special diets as well like a gluten-free diet. We use ecological products from local farms in the area.
All meals on the premises, herbal teas, fruits and nuts throughout the day are included.



Stay at a beautiful old Finca in the mountains
We organize our Viva La Viva Retreats in beautiful old fincas in Andalusia.
We work with two different locations for our 5-day retreats. Both locations have similar facilities and both are authentic Andalusian Fincas.
Our retreat in Sep is in a new location this year.
Late September and October retreats are hosted at the location where we have been successfully hosting our 5-day retreats for 5 years.
Both locations have beautiful gardens, a large swimming pool, beautiful terraces, nice rooms and are situated in the mountains with a breathtaking view.
NEW LOCATION BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER

Magical old hamlet
Stay in a beautiful little hamlet with beautiful lake & ocean views
Small whitewashed Casas and casitas in a mountain hamlet, with a rustic on-site bar and pool, surrounded by birds, bougainvillea and breathtaking views.
It’s a steep climb through olive groves to reach the hamlet of El Cañuelo. Perched high in the mountains, with clear views to the 25 km-distant Med, it’s a wonderful place, and the nice holiday homes with their terraces merge charmingly into the traditional village; Rafael the goatherd’s house is opposite.
The cute houses are not very luxurious, but El Cañuelo is as authentically Andaluz as it gets. It has a lot of charm.
Step outside and you’re in a bird-sung world of bougainvillea and sunshine: take to the village trail, explore the nearby markets or drink in the spectacular views.
There is a bar in El Cañuelo that we can use during our stay. The bar has spacious outdoor terracing with spectacular views. Indoors there is space for several tables and there are two fireplaces for winter use.
Swimming pool
The swimming pool, called locally the ‘Mickey Mouse’ because of its shape, is 7 x 7 meters with the two small ‘ears’ one with a depth of 90cms and the other about 15cm. The main pool is 2m at its deepest point. The Bar and location have WIFI.
The Yoga Shala
There is a beautiful, recently refurbished, spacious Yoga Shala. It has big windows with a lot of light coming into the room.
Furthermore there are several platforms/ terraces where we can do the yoga outside if the weather permits it.
LOCATION END OF SEP & OCT: PULGARIN BAJO
A TRUELY MAGICAL PLACE
During this retreat we will stay at a beautiful place in Andalusia. The old cortijo where we stay is a converted traditional Andalusian farmhouse
The finca used to be used as an olive oil factory, powered by a water mill. The location also has a beautiful museum space. The finca is located in Axarquía Alta and has more than 60,000 m2. land full of fruit and olive trees. It is really a beautiful location and is rated 9.5 by visitors to booking.com!
This place has a nice swimming pool and especially the many beautiful green gardens make it a wonderful place. Everywhere you will find hammocks everywhere and nice places to relax. We have been giving many of our retreats here with great pleasure for
Stay & rooms
This unique location consists of 4 different spaces. It has a large old cortijo with several rooms and 3 additional houses.
With your booking you can choose whether you share a double room or whether you are booking for a room alone. The rooms are decorated in authentic Andalusian style; cozy and completely in the atmosphere of this beautiful old farmhouse.
SURROUNDINGS
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. It lies between the mountains near the beautiful lake Viñuela where you can do all kinds of water sports such as kayaking, sailing and SUP. 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 Cortijo where we stay lies between several beautiful white Andalusian villages: Alfarnate, Riogordo (El Paso, Holy Week), Periana and Frigiliana.

