A peaceful week of yoga and sunshine in Almeria, Spain

About The Finca

This stunning yoga venue is on the edge of the Cabo de Gata in Almeria, Spain, offering peace and isolation with a spectacular mountain backdrop.

Almeria is Spain's sunniest region and one of the least visited. Its proximity to North Africa means that the area is semi-desert, dry and dramatic, with imposing mountains and dazzling sea.

The venue is on the edge of one of Europe's most remote and beautiful natural parks, the Cabo de Gata, one of the last unspoiled stretches of Spanish coastline. It's an amazing landscape of perfect half-moon bays, hidden coves, bizarre volcanic rock formations, and spectacular flora and fauna - a wonderful wild coastline.

The venue is in a peaceful, isolated location, but within walking distance of the lovely traditional local village of Nijar, which can be seen across the valley at the foot of the spectacular mountain backdrop. It is only half an hour from Almeria airport, served by several affordable airlines.

The daily programme

Lara will offer two yoga classes each day. The morning class will gently open the body and attune the mind to the breath and slowly move and build into a deeper exploration of the poses. The group will meet again in the late afternoon for a more relaxing and restorative practice. The classes will be suitable for all levels and yoga experience. There will be one yoga free day.

There will be time set aside in the day to explore and take in the stunning beauty of the surroundings, relax by the pool or head off to the beach. We will meet again in the late afternoon for a more gentle and restorative practice.

Things to do

Several sandy, secluded and unspoiled beaches can be found within approximately 30 minutes drive from the venue, inside one of Spain’s largest National Parks, the Cabo de Gata. Parasols and a picnic can be provided for a day out swimming and sunbathing.

There are several scenic walks straight from the Finca, of varying lengths, including up to the mountain village of Huebro via the Ruta del Agua, around 1.5 hours each way, following the spring-fed river past more than twenty small water mills, to the pool at the source of the water, where you can have a refreshing swim! So bring some trainers or walking shoes.

The city of Almeria is half an hour from Nijar. The 10th century Alcazabar is a fortified complex within Almeria city and is the largest Muslim fortress in Spain. The cathedral is also impressive. The pretty, local village of Nijar is within walking distance and offers a variety of craft shops and picturesque places to sit and have a drink al fresco. There is also a tennis court in Nijar, and a nearby hotel offers horse-riding.

Accommodation

The venue consists of the main house, which won awards in the 80's for its striking modernist design. It sits in the semi-desert landscape amid lush gardens, its architecture echoing ancient Mediterranean civilizations. Its striking natural swimming pool is fed by spring water and filtered by reed beds. It has long been a stylish, bohemian family home, also an exotic venue for photo shoots. It is now being adapted to cater for yoga groups.

The outlying cortijo or farm has been converted in the original local style into charming accommodation, located a couple of hundred yards from the main house. All rooms have air conditioning and their own bathrooms. The cortijo has its own swimming pool and a covered outdoor yoga space.