Back to the Source Retreat!
Return yo your Essential Nature,
Yoga & Meditation9 – 15 November 2023, in Andalucia, Southern Spain.
Get Back To Your Inner Source!
Through profound yoga practice and living 1 week in the middle of nature, you will let your energy flow harmoniously, becoming your own fountain of well-being. Feel at home in the present moment; body, mind and Spirit.
Deepen Your Yoga Practice
In a time when many people are stressed and overworked, it’s very hard to take the time for one’s self to go deeper into your spiritual practice.
Yogic Philosophy and Principles
Dive deep within the ancient knowledge and wisdom of the yogic lineage. Learn more about the spiritual principles of Shiva and Shakti and how the elements can be evoked and embodied as a living experience.
Who is this retreat for?
- Yoga Teachers: The best way we can keep sharing energy and knowledge as yoga teachers, is by consistently refreshing and expanding our own! Furthermore, this retreat offers an internationally accredited certification as continuing education for Yoga Teachers.
- Yogi(ni)s who already have some experience with yoga. If you feel the calling to go deeper in your practice and feel the longing for the source and essence, then this retreat is for You.
- People who love being immersed in a luxurious but natural setting; drinking water from the freshest mountain springs, enjoying breathtaking views from the Alpujarra mountains and sunbathing in the Spanish autumn sun after a lovely swim in one of our beautiful swimming pools.
What inner transformation will I experience in this retreat?
- You will feel rejuvenated from the Prana (energy) that flows freely and harmoniously through your system as a result of natural living, intensive yoga practice and an open heart.
- You will feel enriched by the new connections and friends you have made, the new practices you have learned, and the reawakened fire and enthusiasm for your practice.
- Your heart will be more fulfilled and your mind more peaceful.
- You will feel more in tune with nature and the elements connected to the source.
- Your creative energies and projects will start to grow because they can only really flourish when you flourish yourself.
Sorry, but what is this ‘Source’?
You may be wondering what this ‘Source’ that we keep mentioning is… Well, for everyone its meaning may be slightly different, but for us, its the following; With ‘Source’ we mean a space of inner peace and serenity, where we are beyond the chatter of the mind and the conceptions of the ego, in this space we don’t identify with our looks or emotion-based thoughts. We connect with nature and the unity of the world. This for us is ‘The Source”.
What are we going to practice?
- Daily Hatha Yoga Practices
- Mantras and Bhajans
- In-depth Pranayama
- Yoga Philosophy
- Rituals
- Meditation and Self-enquiry
- Self-reflection and Silent
- Journaling Time
- Sharing Circles
- Yoga Nidra and Relaxation
- Techniques
- Walks in Nature
Our experienced facilitators…
The retreat is made by a collaboration between Sunfoodyoga Retreats and Amaratva Yoga; Together we are 4 highly experienced individuals which have organized many retreats. We each have our own unique domain of expertise, which will be brought together in this retreat.
Tara Esther Kleij
I started my yoga practice as a child living in the spiritual ashram called “Auroville”. Through continuous practice, I discovered the deep transformation and purification it can bring on all levels, body, mind, and spirit. Yoga and meditation have been my guiding light now for over 50 years.Later my journey led me to travel and study with many great yogis and gurus like ‘Poonjaji’ and ‘Amritananda Mayi’.
I spent half my life in the east, always furthering my yoga studies as well as natural healing techniques.
I like to share the knowledge of these ancient practices in a soft, gentle, and feminine way and add mantras, mudra, and pranayama to my teachings.
I teach yoga and meditation now for over 35 years and started my own retreats under the name “SunfoodYoga” in 2006.
I love to empower and support people to live in balance and harmony with themselves and nature.
Through yoga, meditation, and pranayama I help them to heal and awaken to their own inner wisdom and live an awakened life!
Floris Adriaenssens
I started my yoga practice in Belgium in 2008. Through continuous practice, I discovered the deep transformation and purification on all levels that it has brought and continues to bring.Since I met Paulina in 2011, I have been living mostly in yoga ashrams, communities, and schools in Mexico, India, Spain, and France.
I have been teaching over the last years more than 10 yoga teacher training, as well as many other retreats, courses, and classes.
I learned yoga from different teachers and traditions, being mainly influenced by the Bihar school of yoga, and completed two 200-hour yoga teacher training in Mexico and India.
My mission in yoga is to bring the knowledge of these different yoga traditions together while keeping true to the original spirit and essence of Yoga.
Apart from yoga, my passions and joys are found in traveling, hiking, nature, and gardening.
Sky Shanti
I was brought up with yoga and meditation as a lifestyle at a very young age. I attended many rainbow gatherings and bhajan circles as I grew up and got into singing and playing the guitar when since I was about 12.When I was 17, I travelled through India for a few years and completed my yoga teacher training in Rishikesh.
While staying for 2 and half years in Amma’s ashram as a karma yogi during lockdown I went even deeper into spiritual practice as a bhakti yogi.
Singing bhajans is one of my favourite things to do and is a central part of my spiritual practice.
I hold and create big bhajan circles in India, Spain, and The Netherlands.
Paulina Gostomski
My curiosity towards yoga started as a physical exercise around 2003. However, everything shifted when I did my first 10-Day silent retreat in 2011. Since then yoga, in all its facets, is at the very core of my life and all else revolves around it.I have participated in and taught many silent meditation retreats, yoga modules, yoga teacher training courses, and workshops in Mexico and Europe.
I love to share the depth and light that meditation and yoga have brought into my life.
What keeps me enthusiastic is to see the transformation and peace that this way of life brings to people from all walks of life.
I have studied with many different teachers, took two 200-hour yoga teacher training, and in 2017,
I completed the 500-hour Hridaya Teacher Training Course. After moving around the globe in 2011, I now live in Europe
Our Venue, a truly hidden paradise
To offer the best and most pleasant conditions for this retreat, we are blessed to be in Hidden Paradise.
Located in the Alpujarra mountain area in Andalucia, Southern Spain you are surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and it’s only a 45-minute drive to ‘la Costa Tropical’.
You can gaze out across the valley to a view all the way down to the mediterranean sea, and often, on a clear day, during sunset, the riff mountains of morocco may be visible.
Besides the traditional teachings and classes, we can enjoy swimming in the natural swimming pools, sweating and cleansing in the sauna, drinking water from the springs, charging in the sunshine, making beautiful walks, and standing under a waterfall.
All this, while immersing yourself in a deepening of your yoga and meditation practice to awaken to your highest potential!
Take an Eagle-eye view
In this video, you get some amazing drone shots of The Hidden Paradise and its surrounding areas (Las Alpujarras) so you get a better idea of the beauty you’re about to experience.
“The name reveals the nature of the place: It is a Hidden Paradise.
The space that Rupert and Julia offer to us and the epic natural vibes allows one to access our own hidden paradise, a Special place, yours dearly”
Tune in to the Harmony and Peace from the Source
When we start our day with a morning yoga practice and meditation with the first light, we set the mood for the rest of the day, we get into a state of relaxedness and peace that accompanies us through the day.
By emphasising our yoga sessions on breath awareness, posture alignment, and self-exploration of the body, mind and spirit; we connect with our true selves and tip into the peacefulness of the Source.
You will learn to get back to your inner Source and connect to its unity, harmony, serenity and peace.
Learn and practice more advanced pranayama (breathing techniques)
Pranayama is traditionally considered to be the most powerful practice of Hatha yoga. By slowing down the breath, and shining the light of awareness on it, the mind naturally becomes still, transparent and ready for meditation.
We will also learn and practice powerful methods of fire breathing, to awaken every cell of the body and fill our system with Prana, the life force energy.
As an ancient text on Yoga says: ‘Prana is our best friend. Without it, nothing can be done.’ So, in order to be successful and fulfilled in whatever we want in life, let’s get the prana flowing through our system.
Experience stillness, depth, and transformation
All branches of yoga, traditionally, are aimed at bringing Unity and Self-realization. Yoga cannot be separated from meditation.
During this retreat, there will be several meditation sessions in which you will be guided back to the source within.
Especially in this busy time of constant and rapid change, it is essential to reconnect to the anchor and unchanging background of our being.
We will explore several meditation techniques and we happily assist you in finding the technique that suits you the best, as everyone is unique.
Experience divine love through Bhakti yoga
Bhakti yoga is the yoga of devotion and pure Love. Only when love flows, can we experience unity.
In Bhakti yoga, this love is directed towards the source, in whatever way you may see it or name it. The source is not just outside, it is the very essence of our being.
We will connect to the healing vibrations of singing mantras and come together in a circle to chant kirtan and devotional songs. For people that may wonder about it; yoga is not a religion.
Connect deeply to the elements within and all around us in nature
Every day will be dedicated to one element. We will experience its quality through the yoga sessions, and there will every day be time to find a spot in nature, in silence and solitude, in which you feel the resonance and connection with that specific element. During this time you are invited to meditate and write in your journal.
Another beautiful way to honor the mystery and energy of the elements is by making a mandala (sacred form/altar). We will bring together offerings from nature (wood, seeds, flowers, grass, stones,…) and weave them together with prayer or mindful action, into a vibrant and beautiful form.
The Cuisine, let food be your medicine!
‘In Yoga Philosophy, the physical body is called the ‘food body’. Thus, we are literally what we eat. Food is one of our main medicines, nourishments and joys in life. When our digestive system and gut is healthy, our mind is crystal clear. So, if we want to experience the subtle and profound bliss of the source, it is important that we start with a healthy diet!’
All meals are included and prepared with great care by our talented chefs.
They serve healthy, delicious, nutritious, and well-balanced vegan meals (an option for eggs may be available) using home-grown and where possible organic and always locally-sourced ingredients, to prepare nutritious raw, vegan, and vegetarian dishes.
Our chef will show you how to give yourself what you are craving, without giving in to unhealthy habits, for example, sharing delicious raw cake recipes and healthy raw chocolate and probiotic foods.
We can see this retreat as a wonderfully gentle way to cleanse the mind, body, and spirit, your body will be renewed in several ways.
We are happy to accommodate the needs of guests with allergies to particular foods and often prepare gluten and dairy-free meals – all served with love!
PS Please write to us if you have any special needs, so that our chefs can take care of them.
Imagine breathing deeply and thanking yourself as you gaze up at the vast sky full of stars that you gave yourself this precious gift!
Daily Schedule
14:00-16:00 – Arrival
17:00 – Opening ceremony
18:30 – Dinner
20:00 – Yin Yoga
7:00- 7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00-13:15 – A lecture on Yoga philosophy
13:30 – Lunch and resting time
16:00-17:00 – Elemental meditation and journaling in silence
17:00-18:15 – Workshop
18:30 – Dinner
20:30-20:30 – Evening activity (Yoga Nidra/ Meditation/ Bhajans/ Sharing Circle)
7:00-7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00-13:15 – A lecture on Yoga philosophy
13:30 – Lunch and resting time
16:00-17:00 – Elemental meditation and journaling in silence
17:00-18:15 – Workshop
18:30 – Dinner
20:30-21:30 – Evening activity (Yoga Nidra/ Meditation/ Bhajans/ Sharing Circle)
7:00-7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00-13:15 – A lecture on Yoga philosophy
13:30 – Lunch and resting time
16:00-17:00 – Elemental meditation and journaling in silence
17:00-18:15 – Workshop
18:30 – Dinner
20:30-21:30 – Evening activity (Yoga Nidra/ Meditation/ Bhajans/ Sharing Circle)ng circle)
7:00-7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00-13:15 – A lecture on Yoga philosophy
13:30 – Lunch and resting time
16:00-17:00 – Elemental meditation and journaling in silence
17:00-18:15 – Workshop
18:30 – Dinner
20:30-21:30 – Evening activity (Yoga Nidra/ Meditation/ Bhajans/ Sharing Circle)
7:00-7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00-13:15 – A lecture on Yoga philosophy
13:30 – Lunch and resting time
16:00-17:00 – Elemental meditation and journaling in silence
17:00-18:15 – Workshop
18:30 – Dinner
20:30-21:30 – Evening activity (Yoga Nidra/ Meditation/ Bhajans/ Sharing Circle)ng circle)
7:00-7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00 – Check-out
What you will be taking home:
- A deepened Yoga Practice and the motivation to continue at home.
- Advanced Pranayama techniques.
- Inner Peace.
- A better understanding of the Yoga Philosophy.
- Bhakti Yoga concepts and practices.
- A bigger connection with the nature around you.
- New motivation and passion to work on your projects and dreams.
- 40 hours on your continuing teacher training.
- New friends that will last a lifetime!
Bonus: Once the retreat is finished you will get a free 30 min Zoom Consultation call where one of the facilitators will connect with you and help you implement the learned practices into your daily life and give advice on any other issues.
Arrive at the Malaga Airport before 14 pm if possible so we can pick you up and get you settled in before dinner.
If you want to come earlier or stay later for some exploring – call us and we can help you design something fabulous. Feel free to ring us at +34-699 035 695.
Prices
Shared Room
6-day retreat:
€888,-
Single Room
6-day retreat:
€1080,-
Single Tree Hut Room
6-day retreat:
€1080,-
Dear Tara,
Thank you so much for a wonderful, relaxing retreat. I enjoyed the food, yoga, and people. Raw food has not been a major focus until now, but Sam, Pam, and Amanda are the magicians in the kitchen.
I enjoyed every bit of food that was on our plates – nourishing me so greatly. I am very keen on continuing a big part of it and I’m really inspired by the variety of raw food.
The yoga practice was kind, gentle, and very self-focusing. I was just in the right place, at the right time. And I am more than grateful for this experience.
I learned a lot about myself, and I am happy to continue my journey towards a self-aware and self-conscious life. When it comes to the people, it is super how we all connect together in just one retreat.
I found it the most wonderful collection of people I can imagine.
We shared and laughed so much. Younger and older women connecting so greatly and we made it a truly memorable experience. We will keep this in our hearts forever.
Thank you so much for providing this time and space. Your effort is truly remarkable.
Love and peace,
Simone