Since i've been back several people have commented on how healthy and 'glowing' I look. It was vegan food all week and I enjoyed every meal. The hosts were very welcoming and it was a very relaxed atmosphere.I've never had so much energy. I'd literally bounce out the bed every morning - even with a few hours sleep which is something I don't do at home!
We did yoga, chanting and meditation. I felt the length of the retreat was just right. I'm particularly pleased that the organisers make it easy on you by being able to arrange airport transfers included in the fee.
I learned a lot about health and nutricion in the week and I'm very inspired to continue with vinyassa yoga now that I'm back at home. It was a really nice, calm relaxing atmosphere. Having time out in the afternoon means you have time for yourself. I didn't leave the place to take a walk in the mountains as I quite enjoyed sitting by the pool and / or reading on the balcony.
The view of the mountains is great. The wifi worked fine. I'd highly recommend this retreat.
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
Overall condition of the property | Bedding & mattresses |
Kitchen & utensils | Bathroom cleanliness |
Other facilities & amenities | Service |
Friends getaway | Older travelers |
Large groups |
I don't need to say a lot because it has already mostly been said in all the other overwhelmingly positive reviews, and I can say that I concur with most of previous comments. I found this place online, and the fact that there was not one negative review seemed almost suspicious. But now that I've been there, I can see why....
Namit is a wonderful yoga teacher and very knowledgeable, gentle, personable and kind. If you are seeking a quiet, small/intimate environment (no big resort atmosphere) to escape for a week of healthy living and time for your self, this is an excellent choice.
It is a house -- and you are staying in a house with a bunch of strangers. I thought this might be a bit awkward but after the first day or even few hours it wasn't. I can't speak for every group but at least the week I was there, everyone was pleasant, respectful of others, quiet and considerate but also up for nice conversation if you wanted it - Namit and Maru are lovely and they attract a lovely bunch of people to a lovely place for a lovely week. The food prepared by Polly was outstanding, Namit provided excellent yoga instruction taylor-made to whatever levels or preferences the individuals need, etc. The massages available were excellent & great value, rooms/entire house, pool etc. very clean and well maintained. There is really nothing to criticize. I would definitely recommend it and would love to go again. The only thing I would do differently is perhaps try to get a room that is not adjacent to the bathroom, as the walls are a bit thin. But though I initially thought it would bother me, since everyone was quiet and considerate, it wasn't really anything to complain about and I'd take the same room again if it was all that was available -- it wouldn't be a deal breaker. Overall I am one very happy customer and I threatened to Namit and Maru to come again.....:-)
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | People with disabilities |
Older travelers |
Maru and Namit are very helpful. They will guide you all the way through; from the moment you have booked your stay, until you are home again.
Namit is a wonderful teacher who is very attentive to each of his students for the week you have him as your teacher.
The property is excellent, great kitchen, sitting room and good bedrooms. As one can see in the pictures, there is a nice swimming pool to cool down and lovely winding roads to wonder off into the beautiful Andalucian mountain landscape.
What I liked best is being with such a nice bunch of people, eating the wonderful dishes Polly prepared, coming into a spotless clean house, thanks to Christina and of course practising yoga in such a lovely environment.
What I liked least is that the retreat ended, but then again as they say all good things must come to an end.
I attended a night stay retreat here earlier this month and it was a very enjoyable experience.
Arrival was easy. I was collected at Malaga airport on behalf of Yoga Sutra Shala along with some of the other guests, (complete with luggage) for a journey of a little over an hour up into the Axarquian foothills.
The location was very good. Beautiful views of the mountains from the villa, with views of the sea a short walk further up the small road. The local village, Sayalonga, was pretty but small, with at least a couple of bars and a cafe, none of which I frequented because of the...
..Excellent catering. Breakfast was simple, with fresh fruit, nuts, yoghurt and a selection of teas available throughout the day. Two square meals were served each day, (one on arrival on Sunday and one before departure on Friday) both of excellent quality, quantity and flavour. In keeping with Indian traditions these are vegetarian meals, though vegan diets would easily be catered for.
Though I have prior experience with meat (and fish) free diets, I personally eat plenty of meat but did not feel as though I was missing out. The sort of dishes prepared for each meal were wholesome and filling, which I had expected, but were of a quality that I had not! The proprietors, Namit and Maru, are knowledgeable about nutrition and cookery, especially related to vegetarian diets, but during our stay they were aided by a fantastic chef . The cuisine was a definite highlight of my stay.
The villa itself was of a high standard. Comfortable, clean beds. Ample lavatories and washing facilities and a communal area with books, candles, incense and a television. There was a swimming pool to cool off after lying in the sunshine, (with WiFi internet access) during downtime. Guests had minimal washing up to do, as a housekeeper came every day - bonus!
Yoga. Two classes a day of approximately 2 hours each. Vinyasa Yoga, but with meditation and Yin Yoga a plenty. If 2 hours at a time sounds like a lot, it isn't. Namit is an excellent teacher and tailored his lessons to the ability of the participants - you are also free to skip a class and go exploring if you so desire. Mats, straps, blocks & blankets are supplied.
Namit's scientific background shone through. While very knowledgeable on Yoga theory, he also explained everything within a practical context, which I greatly appreciated. I rate his teaching highly.
Leaving on Friday after lunch, we were transported to Malaga where I spent a couple more days. Hassle-free once again.
This is an excellent retreat, and a great break.
What a lovely recharging week. I couldn't do much yoga due to an injury but felt recharged and rested and so well taken care of. Namit and Maru were so welcoming, so generous with their knowledge and so helpful in every way. They deserve to be really successful as they create a wonderful, healing, purifying space. The food was unbelievable thanks to aussie chef, Polly. I learnt so much about nutrition and took away a whole bunch of delicious vegan recipes. Yum. Concha also gave some lovely massages and reiki.
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
This yoga retreat was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I have enjoyed every moment and the yoga sessions were very employable and professional. Namit made sure that everything run very well, he was very friendly, approachable and caring as well as Maru and the adorable Anya. The venue was beautiful, with special spots for meditation, surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees and amazing viewpoints to admire the sky at sunrise and sunset. I felt so comfortable and at home. I was very impressed with the food which was cooked by lovely Polly. The menu was very interesting, healthy, varied and very fresh and organic. I enjoyed spending time with the group but also I enjoyed walking in the mountains and having nice moments alone to meditate and relax in the nature. Great experience! Will do it again soon!
Overall condition of the property | Bedding & mattresses |
Kitchen & utensils | Bathroom cleanliness |
Other facilities & amenities | Service |
I went on retreat to the sutra shala last April over easter and was incredibly impressed with the whole package. Namit and Maru were wonderful, the food was fantastic and the location was stunning. I learnt a lot in my practice in just a few days, and Namit was very accomodating to encourage our own interests in the class structures. The retreat felt quite bespoke, and was truly a chance to escape the busy-ness of life and reflect over the mountains of Andalucia!