5 Day "Nourishing You" Wellness Retreat at a 15th-Century Spanish Monastery in Seville, Spain
Rejuvenating Wellness Retreat in Spain
Need to hit pause, take a deep breath, and recharge? Escape to the serene beauty of a 15th-century Spanish monastery near Seville, where every moment is thoughtfully crafted to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Take this holistic journey of wellness, with a range of yoga styles, essentrics session, Kundalini accompanied by music and mantras, nourishing feasts, stargazing in one of the world’s top UNESCO reserves, sound baths, flamenco, cultural adventures, fun, laughter, unforgettable experiences, and much more.
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- Twice daily yoga and meditation sessions
- Holistic therapies including Gong sessions, sound baths, mantras, and live music
- Cultural experiences
- Connection with a circle of like-minded individuals
- Talks on wellness lifestyle and holistic living
- Nature walks
- 4 nights of monastery accommodation
- Healthy, farm-fresh meals
Skill level
- Beginner
Accommodation
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Temazcal
- Concierge desk
- Dining area
- Fireplace
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Meditation garden
- Picnic area
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Outdoor shower
Accommodations are as unique as the experience, with monk "cells" dating back to 1416! Immersing guests in centuries of rich cultural heritage.
Stay in 2-bedroom suites with either twin beds or single occupancy sharing the bathroom. The thick, ancient walls create a sense of timelessness as if the world outside has paused.
Each suite features a shared, well-maintained bathroom that fosters a sense of community, while the layout ensures both privacy and connection.
This distinctive setting offers a serene retreat, perfect for reflection and relaxation, enveloping you in the rich history and tranquil ambiance of the monastery.
Program
Ready to hit the reset button on your mind, body, and soul?
Pack your bags for four unforgettable nights in a 15th-century Andalusian monastery—a place so special, it feels like it’s giving you a healing hug.
Get ready for nourishing meals that’ll pamper your taste buds, food demos, sound baths, yoga with live music and mantras, and journaling to recharge and rediscover your balance.
Ignite your inner spark with a flamenco dance class and a paella demo because Spain.
Soak in the sacred silence, stargaze under UNESCO-certified skies, cultural adventures, and enjoy a guided botanical hike through ancient rock formations. Plus, connect with like-minded souls, share stories, laughter, and have plenty of “me-time” to reboot.
This is not just any retreat—it is your chance to recharge in a setting steeped in history, serenity, and adventure. Reconnect, realign, and leave feeling unstoppable.
Treat yourself to this getaway and return home feeling energised, inspired, and ready to take on the world.
A taste of what awaits
- Historic stay: Sleep in charming monk “cells,” dating back to 1416, a rare blend of history and tranquillity.
- Feast and learn: Enjoy healthy gourmet meals and live demos by International Chef Derek Barber, plus inspiring holistic food talks.
- Essentrics movement: Feel revitalised with Laurissa Manning’s dynamic session, blending stretching and strengthening for total body wellness.
- Yoga and music: Unwind with calming Yin, Restorative, and Yoga Nidra sessions with Lori Sjollema, and energise with Kundalini Yoga set to live music and mantras by Victor Jam Singh.
- Healing therapies: Relax with sound baths, 5 huge gongs, and Tibetan bowls, or indulge in an optional massage or reflexology.
- Cultural adventures: Dance flamenco, learn the art of paella, and explore the ancient 600-million-year-old Red Rock Formations with a botanical guide.
- Meaningful connections: Share laughter, stories, and conversation over meals and during a heartwarming storytelling night
- Wellness wisdom: Take home practical tips to infuse balance and holistic practices into your daily life.
- Nature escape: Stroll serene trails, discover riverside views, and bask under the stars in one of the world’s top UNESCO starlight reserves.
Typical day at the retreat
- 15:00: Arrival with welcome tea and snacks Introductions to the teachers
- 16:00 Introductions to the teachers, each other and what to expect on the retreat
- 17:00 Yin yoga and yoga Nidra session with Lori
- 19:00 Healthy dinner
- 20:00 Fun evening of stories. Everyone can share a story about themselves (can be funny, inspiring, motivating, sad… whatever you feel like to share)
Day 2
- 08:00 Sunrise yoga with pranayama
- 10:00 Healthy brunch
- 11:00 Tour of the monastery, museum and talk about the Cazalla Monks who used to live there
- 12:30 Easy to replicate at home - healthy food demo
- 14:00 Delicious light lunch
- 15:00 Time to chill out, have a walk to the nearby river, read a book etc or try out the extra holistic therapies (Massage, Tibetan Eye Reading etc.)
- 19:30 Healthy dinner
- 20:15 Watch the sunset from the monastery roof - guitar music and mantras
- 21:15 Essentrics session with Laurissa: Learn to love the movement your body can create and discover your strength and power.
Day 3
- 08:00 Sunrise Restorative yoga
- 09:45 Healthy brunch
- 10:30 Put on your Flamenco attire. Flamenco and Sevillanas dance class
- 12:45 Paella demo under the Walnut tree
- 13:30 Healthy Paella lunch and dessert
- 14:15 Time to chill out, have a walk to the nearby river, read a book etc or try out the extra holistic therapies (massage, Tibetan eye reading etc.)
- 17:30 Holistic chat - holistic lifestyle - wheel of life
- 18:30 Kundalini yoga, Gong sound bath, mantras and music
- 20:00 Healthy dinner - over dinner chats
Day 4
- 08:00 Sunrise Kundalini yoga class with Pranayama and music
- 09:45 Healthy brunch
- 10:30 Get ready for 10:45 to drive to Cerro del Hierro. Take PICNIC, Hat, sunscreen, water bottle, walking shoes. Meet in the parking lot.
- 10:45 Drive to Cerro Del Hierro mountains
- 11:30 Meet the guide to visit the Iron Ore Mountains (4 km walk - bring sun hat, water bottle & sun protection)
- 14:15 Healthy picnic lunch by the Iron Ore Mountains under the shade of the trees
- 16:30 Arrive back to Monastery or visit the Waterfalls on the way back - Free time / extra massage therapies can be booked
- 18:30 Relaxing yoga - stretching - mantras and music
- 20:00 Healthy dinner - over dinner chats - Feedback on how everyone feels?
- 21:30 Stargazing on the monastery's roof where there are the best views from the UNESCO starlight reserve
Day 5
- 08:00 Kundalini yoga
- 10:00 Healthy brunch
- 11:00 Chats, feedback on how everyone feels under the Walnut tree if everyone has time before leaving.
- 12:00 Check out and goodbye until next time
Included excursions
You will go for a hike through jaw-dropping rock formations at Cerro Del Hierro - the Iron Ore Mountains. We've got a botanist who knows absolutely everything about the plants and the land. You'll learn about local healing plants and feel a real connection to the earth. It's not just a walk; it's a chance to get totally grounded.
Delicious plant-based, macrobiotic, and Ayurvedic meals made by our own International Chef, shared with like-minded people on the retreat. You will laugh; you will tell stories and it will be like a little family for the week. You even get to learn how to make healthy paella and easy-to-make dishes to recreate at home.
Then there is the flamenco and Sevillana. It is basically like therapy, but with dancing. You get to wear all the traditional outfits, flowers in your hair – the whole shebang. It's so much fun; you can just let loose and discover a new side of yourself.
Of course, there is time to just chill too. A powerful 5 gong sound baths to melt away all the stress, a quiet corner to read, or sunset Kundalini yoga under this massive 300-year-old walnut tree. Time to breathe, to think, to just be.
When it gets dark, you will head up to the roof and do some stargazing. It is a UNESCO starlight reserve, so the sky is absolutely incredible. It is one of those moments that just makes you go "Wow."
This whole retreat is about hitting the pause button on your life, finding some peace, and figuring out what really makes you tick. It has adventure and relaxation. It is beautiful and cultural – all rolled into one amazing experience. And it is all waiting for you.
Instructors
Lori Sjollema
Lori Sjollema has devoted herself to learning and moving the body for over 30 years. Certified in 2000 as a Jivamukti Vinyasa yoga instructor, she has trained since then extensively in various yoga traditions and influences. While the foundational structure of her classes is at present primarily based on the Anusara yoga method, she also integrates other styles that have influenced her on her yogic path including the movement of Vinyasa Flow, the precision of Iyengar, and her love for meditation.
Linda Greenway
Wellness isn’t just what you eat—it’s about how you live, how you feel, & the adventures you take! With 25+ years in holistic health and a passport full of wisdom from 60+ countries, I’ve studied ancient healing from shamans, alternative doctors, and wellness experts. From jungle treks to meditating in mountaintop temples, I’ve explored it all… & now, I bring this experience to you. I design transformative retreats and bespoke wellness experiences to help you feel lighter, clearer, and bursting with energy. 40+ Retreats in stunning locations & online Wellness Coaching with Meal Planning.
Laurissa Manning
Laurissa Manning, a Level 4 Essentrics Instructor and renowned educator, will be joining us at the monastery retreat for a very special session of Essentrics. With her wealth of experience and inspiring journey, Laurissa will guide us through this transformative technique that combines stretching, strengthening, and rebalancing the body. Whether you’re new to Essentrics or already a fan, this session promises to be a highlight of the retreat. Laurissa’s approach is rooted in helping you connect with your body, discover your strength, and embrace the freedom of movement. Join us in this serene
Victor Sarria
Victor Sarriá, also known as Ram Jap Singh, is a soul deeply tuned into the rhythms of life—blending Kundalini Yoga, sound healing, and a devotion to self-discovery. His journey began before he was even born, with his mother’s prenatal yoga practice planting the first seeds of what would become a lifelong passion for transformation and inner awakening. For Victor, Kundalini Yoga isn’t just a practice—it’s a powerful, energetic shift. A way to break through limitations, balance mind and body, and tap into something far greater. Through breathwork, mantras, movement, and focus, he helps others
Location
La Cartuja de Cazalla
The Monastery La Cartuja de Cazalla, a 15th-century private monument and Cultural Heritage Site, this unique destination is nestled in the Sierra Morena Mountains, north of Seville.
As one of the top UNESCO Starlight Reserves for stargazing, it offers breathtaking views of the night sky and a deep sense of tranquillity.
Close by is the impressive red rock formations of the Iron Ore Mountains, alongside waterfalls and an array of wild plants known for their natural remedies.
Discover the secrets of this extraordinary place and its fascinating past.
Nearby activities:
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Horseriding
- River walks and waterfall
- Swimming
- Wildlife watching
- Visit typical Spanish villages nearby
Food
Meals Included and dietary considerations
In this retreat, you will enjoy a variety of delicious and nutritious meals, crafted to support your wellness journey. Here is what you can look forward to:
Arrival day (Thursday):
- Welcome snack and tea: Light and refreshing options to start your retreat experience.
- Dinner: A wholesome meal featuring Macrobiotic and Ayurvedic principles, designed to nourish and balance.
Daily meals:
- Healthy brunch: Fresh, seasonal ingredients that provide energy and vitality.
- Healthy lunches: One day, after a scenic walk around the Iron Ore Mountains, you will enjoy a delightful picnic. Another day, a delicious paella following the cooking demo.
- Healthy dinner: A mindful meal, incorporating principles from various wellness traditions, offering both comfort and nourishment.
Additional meals
- Brunch on the Last Day: A final feast to reflect on the retreat and share feedback.
The Urban Villa caters to a range of dietary needs and restrictions, including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and any other specific requirements you may have. Please inform them of any dietary restrictions upon booking, and they will ensure your needs are thoughtfully accommodated throughout your stay.
Enjoy a culinary journey that complements your holistic experience, with meals designed to delight your taste buds and support your well-being.
The following meals are included:
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Organic
- Whole food
Things to do (optional)
Reflexology foot therapy - 80 EUR
Tibetan eye reading - 120 EUR
Spa treatments
Full body massage - 80 EUR
What's included
- Twice daily yoga classes: Twice daily sessions including Yin, Restorative, and Kundalini yoga, accompanied by live music and mantras
- Daily meditation classes: WithGong sessions, sound baths, mantras, and live music with guitar and Tibetan bowls
- Daily pranayama classes and breathwork with most of the yoga sessions
- Essentrics session: Improves posture, increases flexibility, strengthens muscles, and enhances mobility by rebalancing the entire body through dynamic stretching and fluid movements
- Specialized workshops
- UNESCO Starlight Reserve, renowned for its pristine night skies with zero light pollution
- Cooking class making the authentic Paella demo (the healthy way). Quick easy to make home food demos
- Flamenco/Sevillana dance class: It is a therapy in itself, allowing you to express yourself and let the passion ignite. Dive into vibrant outfits, flowers in your hair, and shawls perfectly matched, and feel the rich traditions of flamenco and Spain
- Nature hikes: They will explore the stunning 600-million-year-old Cerro del Hierro, with its rugged cliffs and hidden caves, guided by a local expert who will introduce us to wild medicinal plants like Jara, Helichrysum, and Hypericum
- A WhatsApp chat group for all participants to get to know each other beforehand and to keep in touch after the retreat
- Pre and post-retreat support from our team
- Parking at the monastery
- 4 nights accommodation: The accommodations are as unique as the experience itself, with monk “cells” dating back to 1416, offering a rare glimpse into history and tranquillity
- 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals: Healthy, farm-fresh meals rooted in Macrobiotic and Ayurvedic principles to nourish your body from the inside out
- Welcome drink and healthy snack on arrival
- Water and tea served throughout the day
What's not included
- Flights costs
- Airport transfer (this can be arranged from Seville Airport for around 120 EUR each way)
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee
- Additional treatments such as reflexology, massage, and Tibetan eye reading
- Additional activities not included in the itinerary
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Málaga Airport
178 km
Transfer not provided
Seville Airport
61 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by taxi
From Seville city centre: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes' drive, a private driver costs around €120, but The Urban Villa can help coordinate with other participants to share the taxi if you all arrive at similar times.
There are also a few ladies staying overnight in Seville the night before the retreat starts if you would like to join them and share a ride the next day to the monastery.
Arrival by bus
Bus from Santa Justa Bus Station, Seville to Cazalla are 1.5 - 2 hours journey. Cazalla is 3 kilometres from the Monastery, and you can take a taxi from there.
Arrival by train
Train from Santa Justa Train Station to CAZALLA - CONSTANTINA takes around 1.5-hour journey
The Urban Villa can try helping to organise carpooling from Malaga, Marbella and Seville with the other participants
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.