Shining Heart Retreat (Sierra de Gredos)

July 12-16, 2024
July 26-30, 2024

Finca Pura Vida, Sierra de Gredos, Spain
This retreat will be taught in Spanish.

Practice yoga as it is meant to be. Spend 5 days in joyful simplicity.

During this retreat, you will be gently guided to open your Heart through classical Hatha Yoga practice, devotional singing and silent meditation. Read more

We invite you to a 5-day getaway to one of the lesser known jewels of Spain: The region of La Vera stands out as an exceptional natural environment, a hidden paradise, with its dense forests and its numerous gorges of crystal clear waters with natural pools that invite you to dive and relax.

Expect a profound reset from the stress of modern life, settling back into a natural state of well-being and happiness.

We will do everything possible to have you depart with a truly shining heart!

What you can expect:

High-quality yoga teachings from instructor with more than 12 years of practical experience
Unique yoga practices taking you deep into the spiritual dimension of yoga & meditation: Self-inquiry; the significance of the Heart; chakra-centered asana (postures) practice; pranayama (breathwork); deep relaxation; mantra chanting (Kirtan/Bhajan)
Fascinating lectures about the theoretical and metaphysical background of yoga – you will not only practice, but also understand why you are practicing which will help you to design your own practice according to your specific needs!
Beautiful surroundings in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos, one of the secret paradises of Spain, a place very conducive to rest in an inner sense of tranquility and peace.
at least one bathing excursion to the many natural swimming pools in the area.
Delicious and healthy vegetarian food (vegan option available)
A dedicated team always present to help you make your stay more enjoyable

Daily Schedule:

All sessions are optional.

Day 1:

5-7:30 pm: Arrival
7:30 pm: guided walk around the site
8 pm: Dinner
9 pm: Introductory circle

Day 2 to 4:

6:30 am: Wake up
7-8 am: Silent meditation
8:15-10:00 am: Hatha Yoga session, including a short presentation of a yoga technique
10:0 am: Breakfast
11:00 am – 12 noon: Mantra practice/Metaphysical talk/Q&A
12 noon – 2 pm: Free time: read a book, get a massage (not included), go for a walk…
2 pm: Lunch/picknick – at least one of the days we will make a joint excursion to bathe in one of the wonderful natural pools in the surroundings.
6:30-8 pm: Sun Salutations and Pranayama
8-9 pm: Dinner
9 pm: Chanting circle or other evening activities

Day 5:

6:30 am: Wake up
7-8 am: Silent meditation
8-9 am: Breakfast
9-11 am: Departure

We will suggest to the hours before breakfast in complete silence (no speaking except for class instructions).

Location & Accommodation

Finca Pura Vida is a 6 ha property on the slopes of an idyllic valley, hidden in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos in the region of La Vera, approximately 2 hours from Madrid. La Vera is a unique natural area, one of the secret jewels of Spain, with its lush forests and abundance of crystal clear rivers with a multitude of pools for bathing and relaxing. The natural space of the estate is very welcoming. There are multiple corners that invite you to connect with nature and yourself. There is also a hill with a 360 degree view of the mountains and the Tiétar valley.

For accommodation, you can choose between a private tent, equipped with mattress and bedding, a bunk bed in a shared dormitory, or a private caravan. The retreat and life in general will take place largely outdoors in the shade of the trees, but for very hot moments there is also an indoor practice space and several covered common areas.

Meals will be lovingly prepared by a dedicated cook and eaten together in the common space. The food is vegetarian, and we will always be able to provide options for vegans. We will not bring non-vegetarian food to the retreat.
In order to promote a healthy lifestyle conducive to the practice of yoga and meditation, we will not use tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs during the retreat. In case of addiction to one of these substances, please consult us to see how we can support you. There is no wifi and mobile coverage is limited, so count on a few days of digital detox and focus on your inner life and relationships with your close environment.

How to get there

By plane

The closest airport is Madrid-Barajas(MAD). If you are coming from another country, there might be much cheaper options to fly to Barcelona(BCN). Traveling from Barcelona to Madrid is very easy, fast and cheap by train (you can compare prices of different companies here).

Arrival by bus

You can reach the town of Villanueva de la Vera by bus with the company Samar from Madrid Príncipe Pio and Madrid Estación Sur (just a few trips daily). Please feel welcome to inquire if you need assistance in finding the best option for your trip.

Arrival by train

You can arrive from Madrid to Oropesa de Toledo train station (be careful: do NOT go to Oropesa del Mar!). We offer a free group pick-up at Oropesa train station at 6:30pm on the day of arrival, as well as the return trip on the day of departure (arrival in Oropesa around 9:40am). Please feel welcome to inquire if you need assistance in finding the best option for your trip.

Arrival by car

If you choose to come with your own vehicle and you have space, please consider putting your trip on a ride-sharing platform. We will send you detailed driving instructions a few days before arrival.

By shared car

If you put Villanueva de la Vera as a destination in search engines like Blablacar, you will get many trips to Peraleda de la Mata, which is one of the exits of the A5, but it is not really a convenient place to arrive. But you can ask any driver to drop you off at the previous exit of Oropesa de Toledo (by mysteries of algorithm, if you put directly Oropesa as a destination, not even half of the trips will show up). From Oropesa we offer a free pick-up on the day of arrival at 18h30, and we leave you there on the day of departure at 9h40.

Rates

Bunk bed in mixed Dorm: 399€

Equipped private tent: 419€

Bunk bed in mixed Dorm: 439€

Rates include:

Over 20 hours of high-quality yoga instruction and practice
at least one excursion to a nearby natural pool
4 nights accommodation
Pick up at the train station / A5 highway exit of Oropesa de Toledo at 18h30 on the day of arrival, and the return trip on the day of departure (arrival in Oropesa around 9h40).
3 delicious vegetarian meals per day
Unlimited herbal teas and water