Alpujarran Yoga and Walking Holiday with Catherine Coulson near Granada, Spain

Event Description:

I am thrilled once again to be able to offer this fabulous yoga retreat in Alpujarras in southern Spain in 2024.  This Alpujarras is a natural and historical region in Andalucia, on the south slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the adjacent valley. The area is characterised by Moorish influence and local artisans who have been custodians of the land and local traditions for centuries.

Location

Las Chimeneas is a dramatic set of converted hillside village houses by a wonderful British couple in 1998 as a result of their passion for the area. They are situated in the national park and there are nine lovely rooms on the main site, each with fabulous views across the hills to the sea in the far distance. They provide very comfortable accommodation, with lots of antiques and books, and we have three wonderful home-cooked meals each day cooked with love using seasonal local produce.

They have a deep knowledge of the area and are generous with sharing it, whether about walking routes or history or traditions.  It was named by The Times as one Europe’s Top Ten best mountain hideaways in the Summer of 2018.  They built a stunning yoga studio in the centre of the hamlet last year, with lovely views over the hills and a perfect environment for our classes.  There is also a mountain shala overlooking the farm area they cultivate, which we might visit for one of the classes.

Yoga

There will be a total of ten yoga classes (a combination of morning and evening), scheduled so that we effectively with at least a half day every day for nearby walks or explore this wonderful region.  Classes are suitable for people of all abilities and any type of yoga experience; all I ask is your willingness to try and to apply yourself.  There is a set of yoga equipment here, so you can pack lightly!

In addition to the yoga classes, we will have daily walking options in the Sierra Nevada National Park, a cookery demonstration and one other optional trip.  Depending on his commitments, we will also have the opportunity to spend a half day with Antonio, the last cowboy still grazing his cows and sheep in the national park in the Sierras (extra charge).  There is plenty of time for you to explore the area independently, and other local attractions if you are interested in outings like horseback riding, zip wire, longer hikes, bike rides, or you can simply relax with a good book on your terrace or by the plunge pool.

Your holiday Includes:

• 10 yoga classes
• 7 nights’ accommodation – prices are per person
• Airport transfer for the nominated group flight (timed for a single group minibus)
• Buffet breakfast, light lunch, fabulous three course evening meal
• Use of maps and route notes and advice for self guided walks for those who are keen hikers

There might be an option to arrange the return flight leg from Granada to allow people the option to spend an afternoon in the city and visit the Alhambra (you could extend your stay if wanted.

Extra excursions can be booked and paid for locally eg massage, guided electric mountain bike tour, guided visit to Almeria or  Granada etc

Not included:   flights, soft drinks and alcohol.

Price :  Twin or double rooms are £995 per person for sharing an ensuite room on the main site or a single in a village house.  Room allocation on first come, first serve basis.  Single occupancy of a double room on the main Chimeneas site is £1150 . All rooms at Las Chimeneas have air conditioning.

Getting there and getting around

The nearest airports are Almeria or Malaga, Spain.  One group transfer is included and will be from one of the two airports depending on the group preferences.

Contact: Catherine Coulson

Catherine qualified as an Iyengar yoga teacher in 1998 and has been teaching general (mixed ability) classes in north London ever since.  She brings the Iyengar principles of alignment and extension and focus on yoga philosophy to her teaching, as well as a sense of fun.   She is also a lover of food and an avid entertainer, operatingthe Crouch End Secret Supper Club and running cookery classes and workshops.

Email: yogawithcatherine1@gmail.com