While Mallorca is no stranger to visitors in search of some peace and serenity, an increasing number of yoga and meditation retreats are popping up, nestled into its wonderfully picturesque countryside. As well as taking full advantage of the island’s natural beauty, you can also expect to stay in some gorgeous restored fincas, many of which provide more than a touch of luxury with their wellness programs. Here’s a selection of the very best the Balearic island has to offer.
Taking place in a stunning 17th-century villa nestled in Sóller‘s lush valley, Ananda Mallorca offers yoga retreats in a truly magical setting. The beautifully restored farmhouse of Son Salas and its extensive grounds allow for total seclusion, accompanied by spectacular views over the gorgeous UNESCO-protected surroundings of the Tramuntana sierra. There’s a choice of retreats with twice-daily yoga and workshops that focus on different themes from nutrition to life-coaching, all designed to rejuvenate body and mind. Family-friendly retreats allow time for adults-only yoga sessions while the kids enjoy tennis lessons, fruit-picking and gardening, as well as family yoga workshops and trips to the beach. All retreats focus on the importance of nutritionally balanced, healthy, and delicious meals, freshly prepared on site by professional chefs.
This retreat takes place in the northwestern side of the island, in a lovely traditional stone farmhouse surrounded by a huge swath (200,000 square metres) of forest and countryside. The retreat is yoga-focused, with two daily practices, a more physical one in the morning, and in the afternoon one more centred on theory, philosophy and alignment. Dining is 100% vegetarian (and mostly vegan) plus there are plenty of optional activities to be enjoyed in the area including hiking, cycling, and watersports.
Escapada Health has chosen a charming, 500-year-old finca for the setting of their Mallorca retreats, located just outside Capdepera in the easternmost area of the island. Originally a farmstead with seven adjoining houses, the superbly renovated Ses Set Cases is set amongst olive and almond orchards with views out to the surrounding hills. Their spring and summer retreats combine yoga, fitness, nutrition, and relaxation, with a blend of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine traditions. Food is mostly vegetarian and alcohol-free (fresh fish may be served). Acupuncture treatment is also offered, as well as guided hikes in the surrounding countryside.
Twice a year for 15 years, the Swedish company Atmajyoti travels to Mallorca to host their retreat in May and September. It is held in the 16th-century finca of Cas Bernats, located high above the port of Sóller along the northwest coast of Mallorca. The surroundings comprise ancient olive trees and scented pine forests, plus breathtaking views over the port and to the sea, making for a superb setting and some lovely sunsets. They always travel with excellent vegetarian cooks, and visitors can also combine yoga sessions with a vegetarian cooking course.
Cal Reiet is a holistic wellness retreat comprising a beautiful country house surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens on the edge of the pretty and rural town of Santanyí. It runs various types of retreat ranging from yoga, mediation, pilates, and massage, often in various combinations, as well as being offered in a choice of languages. Food is from locally sourced and organic ingredients, and partly collected from the hotel’s own kitchen garden, plus culinary workshops where you can learn about raw, vegan, and vegetarian cooking.
Situated in the foothills of the mountains, this stunning retreat near Pollensa is the perfect place to indulge in an intense week of yoga and self-reflection. The elegant building built with a sensitivity to the nature which surrounds it, is abound with tranquil spaces in which to relax and nurture the mind, body and soul. Workshops run throughout the year, and alongside the yoga workouts there are a wide variety of activities on offer including hiking, art classes, massage and meditation.
Nestled in the beautiful village of Sa Cabaneta, this exquisite retreat is really quite special. Tramuntana Flow provides an indulgent experience where yoga, meditation and good nutrition combine to fully nourish and restore the mind-body-soul balance of attending guests. Classes are held in either a spacious 80-square-metre studio in the main building with its floor-to-ceiling windows, or on the open-air terrace overlooking the pretty pool and gardens. The sensational views of the verdant landscape, aromatic almond and fig orchards and looming mountains beyond making this a truly unique place to practice.
