Sanctuary for the Soul Retreat – Shanti-Som, Marbella

Feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to be the best mum; wife; daughter; sister; friend; employee; boss? Would you benefit from feeling like you’ve been on an Indonesian break, less than three hours from London surrounded by tranquil gardens, a glittering pool and a stunning mountain backdrop? How about trying yoga; waking up your senses with a morning mountain hike; eating delicious healthy food; soaking up the sun and most importantly, only needing to think about yourself for a change in the company of women seeking some ‘me’ time just like you?

If this sounds like what you need, then read on…

Shanti-Som is a wonderful hidden gem, only 40 mins transfer from Malaga airport, nestling amongst the fragrant pine and olive trees in the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park in Southern Spain. The style throughout this luxurious retreat is eclectic, with Parisian sofas perfect for lounging on sitting alongside Moroccan candleholders and oversized paintings of Buddhist monks by local artist Alejandro Hermann which are enchanting. The yoga pavilion has a wonderful vista of the mountain and the spa offers everything from gentle healing massages to energizing coffee body scrubs. You will also find numerous reclining Buddhas inside and out and tomes about yoga, healthy living and raw juicing, however, panic ye not, G&Ts and wine are perfectly acceptable on my kind of retreat too. You can also dip in and out of what’s on offer as much or as little as you like, there’s absolutely no obligation to take part in everything, although I do believe you really will get the most out of it if you do.

So, what can I look forward to on this retreat?

Thursday 20th Sept

Welcome lunch 1.30pm - Check in from 2.30pm

Restorative evening yoga session - All levels welcome ‘Shanti-Som will immerse you in a harmonious approach that incorporates the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual change that yoga can bring - followed by a post yoga 'Gin & Tonic' with thanks to 'Sherlock & Sons' and a delicious wholesome supper.

Friday 21st Sept

Rejuvenating morning yoga session (not too early, this is supposed to be relaxing remember)

Breakfast followed by an optional Personal Wellness Development Session (part 1)

Light lunch – Afternoon at your leisure - time to sunbathe, swim, enjoy a treatment, indulge in a good book, write your journal or heaven forbid go to the gym!

Supper – Supper will be out this evening with a stop en-route to explore Marbella Old Town, with its lovely whitewashed buildings, narrow lanes, boutiques and plazas perfect for a pre-dinner Sangria before enjoying supper on the beach.

Saturday 22nd Sept

Wake up with a mountain hike to welcome in the new day (trainers perfectly suitable)

Breakfast - followed by some serious R&R

Brunch/ light lunch – Afternoon at our leisure – more R & R (well why not)

‘Gin & Yang’ sundown yoga session

Optional Personal Wellness Development Discussion (part 2) followed by supper

Sunday 23rd Sept

Final morning sun salutation yoga session

Breakfast

Last dip in the pool, finish that final chapter, write up some new goals, make a promise to yourself before packing up

Farewell lunch – head home feel relaxed and recharged x

(Please note, this itinerary may be subject to some minor changes, but in all honestly, I have run 2 retreats at Shanti-Som before and everything should run as planned)

What’s Included

3 nights’ accommodation in either a twin or double en-suite room at Shanti-Som;

3 breakfasts; 4 lunches; 2 evening dinners; 4 yoga classes; 1 guided hike. Please note, Wi-Fi is only available in the public areas. Plus complimentary use of the sauna, steam room, pool & gym.

What’s Not Included

Return flights and transfers to Shanti Som (once I know everyone’s flight details, I’ll try and coordinate lift sharing where possible). Supper, drinks and taxis into Marbella on Saturday 22nd Sept. Drinks; snacks and treatments at Shanti-Som.

What’s the Cost?

3 nights at £585pp based on 2 ladies sharing an en-suite twin room and £765 for single occupancy en-suite room. Please note, if you book a ‘sharing room’ you will need to find someone to share with you, this is also a lovely way to spend time with a good friend; sister or maybe your mum. Or if you’d prefer some peace and privacy during your stay, then taking a ‘single occupancy’ room is also a great option.

How Can I Secure My Place?

In order to book your place on this retreat, I will require a deposit of £150.00pp which is non refundable. Please email me first to ensure I still have your preferred room available. Once payment has been received, I will email you to confirm your place along with confirmation of when the balance is due. Also if you’d like to send payments to me in installments to keep this retreat viable for you, that’s also an option.

Suggested Flights

Return flights start from £115, with the cheapest leaving from London Stansted on airlines including: Jet2.com and Easyjet, other flight options are available of course. I am personally booked on to the BA2550 departing from London Gatwick at 08.10 which lands at 12 noon in Malaga and returning on the BA8448 on Sunday departing at 17.50 from Malaga arriving at London City Airport at 19.45. Join me if you can. Good websites to search on include Skyscanner and Expedia to name but a couple.

Lunch on Thursday 20th September will be served at 1.30 and check in check-out is 12 noon on Sunday 23rd September, however, even though we will need to vacate our rooms by that time, you are most welcome to stay and use the facilities until you are ready to leave, as we have done in the past to make the most of it all.

Insurance

Please ensure you have your own travel insurance for this retreat.

Bespoke Retreat

If this doesn’t sound quite right, or you’d like to host something like this for a group of friends or maybe for your family, drop me a line and we can discuss some ideas and work on something together.