This is the first time we have organised a retreat in English in La Semilla (The Seed) and will be the ninth retreat that Andi has shared her knowledge and experience of yoga with us…all her other retreats have been in Spanish.

We invite you to take a break from the accelerated rhythm of daily life, to forget the list of ‘to dos’ and your external responsibilities …give yourself a chance to come back to your centre, to connect both with your inner, authentic self and with the rhythms of nature.

Each day will begin on the mat in the wood floored purpose built yoga studio with a session of classical yoga…practicing different forms of meditation, pranayama (energetic breathing exercises), asana (postures), bandhas and mudrahs (exercises to consciously control and move energy). Our intention will be to wake up the physical body, developing a better understanding of our energetic and emotional bodies and opening ourselves to experience the benefits of a daily practice.

After a delicious breakfast on the open terrace with views over the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco we will spend time exploring the beautiful virgin coastline and relaxing on the spectacular beaches nearby…we will also have the opportunity to visit the well preserved Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia found here in the village of Bolonia  http://www.andalucia.com/province/cadiz/bolonia/baelo-claudia.htm

After a late lunch on the terrace or a picnic on the beach (weather permitting), we will have the afternoon to relax and read or take a siesta or a walk on one of the many trails and paths found here in El Estrecho Natural Park where La Semilla is situated. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Estrecho_Natural_Park

In the early evening after a snack of fruit and herbal tea we will again enter the yoga studio to do a workshop…based either on classical hatha yoga, the teachings of tantra or another activity such a guided massage in pairs or mandala painting.

The day will finish with a light dinner and socialising together on the terrace.

This retreat is open to people from all levels of yoga. Each person will work intimately with her/himself listening carefully to the body’s communication and exploring her/his own capacities and limits. There will be variations of asanas and other practices depending on the experience and ability of each person.

The objectives of the retreat are to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with your true self through guided practice, experiencing several days living in the heart of nature, enjoying organic vegetarian food prepared with love and getting to know new people who are also on a path of personal growth. Moreover we hope each person will leave from here more relaxed, revitalized and balanced.

VITAL HATHA YOGA is an integrated practice of the learning and experience of Andi Riley.

It has its roots in the classical Hatha Yoga tradition from India where HA means the breath of the sun and THA means the breath of the Moon (Sanskrit). It is the union of these opposite energies (male and female, light and dark, heat and cold, active and passive) that helps us find balance, strength and flexibility throughout life through the regular practice of postures (asana ), conscious breathing (pranayama) and meditation. It includes techniques and exercises from Tantra Yoga a practice which focuses on spiritual growth and the evolution of consciousness both personally and collectively.

The VITAL part has its branches expanding upwards, opening to receive and incorporate other esoteric teachings and practices, which for Andi support growth and wellbeing in a world that is constantly evolving. It includes (among other things): meditation and guided visualisations; working with mandalas; experimenting with sacred silence; the energy principles of polarity therapy; the therapeutic touch of the hand; sound vibrations and voice; as well as the immense benefits of simply living consciously in harmony with nature.

The contribution for the whole retreat is 340€ (approx 285 pounds sterling) includes:

• Daily Hatha Yoga classes on the mat in the studio or at the beach

• Daily workshops with the group ... a different one every day

• Four nights shared accommodation in one of three rustic authentic Mongolian yurts with 4, 6 or 7 beds. Simple and original, carefully detailed to integrate with the surrounding nature. There is also the possibility of staying in a tent if more privacy is preferred.

• Organic (90%) vegetarian food, (breakfast, lunch and dinner) based on the fusion of a Mediterranean diet with the principles of macrobiotics. Vegetables and fruits are seasonal and local as far as possible.

• Use of the common areas of the property: chillout areas, outdoor terrace overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, compost toilets and showers.

Places are limited (14 people). To register, or for more information contact us: lasemillabolonia@gmail.com

For more information on the course of Vital Hatha Yoga you can connect with Andi by email or whatsapp:

yogandi23@gmail.com +34 677 330 414