6 Day Dancing nature: Movement, Yoga, Art, and Hiking Retreat in the Spanish Pyrenees, Spain
Mindful Movement, Yoga, Art and Hiking in Vio, Spain
Think about when was the last time you danced to the music of a forest. Get some days of “retreat” to empty your mind by connecting with your body and nature, explore movement, yoga, and meditation daily, and walk silently in a paradise of calm, surrounded by natural beauty.
Instructions will be offered in English and/or Spanish.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- Guided meditations
- 5 yoga and movement sessions
- 2 satsangs, mindful movement workshops
- 2 meditative hikes in nature
- 2 long half-day hikes in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
- All taxes, public liability and accident insurance for activities: hiking and yoga
- All meals made with love in the vegetarian kitchen
- 5 nights of accommodation
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Yoga styles
Accommodation
Facilities
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Garden
- Terrace
- Yoga deck
- Yoga shala
- Library
The house
Casa Cuadrau is an ecological yoga, art, and nature retreat house in the heart of the Pyrenees. It started as the rehabilitation of an old ruin in 2008, following bioconstruction methods: the dream was to bring back a Pyrenees house to life and to bring together all of the life-transforming elements of yoga, art, and nature. Casa Cuadrau has a warm, honest and safe atmosphere, helping the guests to feel at home from the minute they set foot in the house.
The facilities
The facilities are well suited for many activities in a quiet and calm space, ideal for concentrating and retreating inwards. It includes:
- 2 indoor dining areas: capacity of 25 people.
- The shala (82 m2): a space for yoga and meditation practice as well as workshops, it has a wooden floor and a library.
- The patio (63 m2): with a wooden pallet and ideal for outdoor practice.
- The terrace and garden with beautiful views, great for reading or enjoying nature, fresh air, or even for running outdoor workshops.
The rooms
There are two types of accommodation: shared dorms or private rooms.
Shared dorms
The shared dorm is the most economic option, perfect for a guest traveling alone. It is inspired by simple mountain refuge accommodations and yoga ashrams.
Female dorm
The best option for a woman traveling alone: the dorm is warm, with a wooden floor and ceiling:
- West-facing room
- 6 beds in bunk beds and 6 wardrobes
- Shared bathrooms and showers
- Capacity: 3 people
Mixed dorm
The best option for a solo traveler, the dorm is spacious, made with a wooden floor and ceiling:
- East-facing room
- 6 beds in bunk beds and 6 wardrobes
- Shared bathrooms and showers
- Capacity: 3 people
Attic
A warm space with a sloped ceiling and star-gazing windows:
- Shared bathrooms and showers.
- Capacity: 2 people.
Private bedrooms
You might want more privacy during your stay: if so, you can book a private bedroom for single occupancy or for double occupancy if you come with a family member, friend, or partner. There are 2 private rooms with a private bathroom in each. Both are warm and comfortable.
Surya double room
Surya means sun, it is a spacious and bright room, with a double bed and a sofa-bed that can be used as an extra individual or double bed. This room is for double occupancy.
- Capacity: 2 people
Chandra double room
Chandra means moon, this is a cozy room made of wood, and can be set up with a double bed or 2 single beds. This room is for double occupancy.
- Capacity: 2 people
Bhumi double or single room
Bhumi means earth, this is a very cozy private room, and can be set up with a double bed or 2 single beds. This room can be for single or double occupancy.
- Capacity: 2 people
Program
Who is this retreat for?
For everyone, regardless of physical condition, level of practice or age. Because movement and yoga practice is for everyone.
During these days, you will practice daily:
- movement sessions in nature
- meditative hiking
- yoga asana sessions
- meditation
- movement techniques such as Body Weather, Katsugen Undo, Yuki, among others.
Mindful movement sessions with Carme Torrent
Daily circumstances are full of wonder if one encounters the serenity to observe them in silence, and being conscious that you are part of something bigger, maybe infinite, is mind-blowing
Life is movement no matter how small or slow, this constant and continuous vibration is present in every cell that forms part of the universe so the universe breathing is also present in your body looking deeply at this movement, a beautiful dance in itself, arises the same awe that a child feels while watching the sky
In the movement sessions, you will explore techniques such as Body Weather, Katsugen Undo, Yuki, among others
Yoga classes
Yoga classes are for all levels of practice the sessions are based on principles of Kashmir Yoga.
In this practice, the asanas are special moments in which you sense the tranquility that lies at the heart of all life time between the asana practice is dedicated to meditation, allowing space to familiarise yourself with the body’s natural absorption and vibrational state that arises unexpectedly during these moments
You will explore the body just as it is in each moment – any areas where you feel emptiness, tension or reaction allowing deep listening to become the guiding principle, without expecting anything in return
Meditative hiking
During the meditative walks, you connect with your internal nature as well as with your external surroundings, allowing your perception of nature to flow through all your senses, including those you may not even be aware of perceptions and sensations flowing from inside to outside and vice versa
Your breath and its modifications, sensations and bodily reactions, the organic movement that the body creates, and the perception of the environment through all of your senses are some of the elements that allow you to re-learn to walk, experiencing the integration of the body, mind and all life
Walking in silence, you can find a natural state of calmness and harmony within yourself and with everything around you in this state your mind can experience a deep sense of rest
There will be 2 longer trekking excursions in Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
Meditation
Every day there will be guided meditation sessions, in the morning and some nights before going to sleep the best way to start and finish the day
You will practice simple techniques that are easy to carry on at home using universal elements available to all of us as concentration objects, such as the breath, the body sensations, sounds, and more
Satsang
In Sanskrit, Sat means truth and Sang means group or community satsang is a gathering to share concerns, questions and deepest insights it is also a time to meditate together, contemplate nature and sing meditative songs or mantras
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga is yoga in action – finding skillfulness and integration in any action
You will bring the principles of yoga into everything you do by practicing Karma Yoga through simple tasks around the house such as fetching water from the fountain, chopping vegetables, drying dishes, and more
Joyful silence
Every day from the end of the evening satsang until lunch the following day, you will cultivate joyful silence in the house this deep silence is very healing for calming the mind and being in peace with yourself, allowing deep listening and restful sleep the next day, you will enjoy silence with mental clarity during your asana practice, meditation and other activities breakfast will be taken mindfully and in silence by participating in this period of joyful silence, everyone supports one another in practice
Throughout the afternoon, you will enjoy conscious speaking and deep listening, allowing you to get to know others in a more authentic way
Sample schedule
- 6:30 wake up
- 7:00 meditation
- 7:45 yoga
- 9:15 breakfast
- 10:00 meditative hike
- 13:00 lunch
- 14:00 free time
- 16:30 movement session
- 19:00 dinner
- 20:30 satsang
- 22:00 rest
Instructors
Carme Torrent
Carme studied and worked in architecture. In the dance field, an important part of her experience comes from the Body Weather Laboratory, a dance practice developed by the Japanese dancer Min Tanaka, with whom she has collaborated several times. She has also been developing a way of exploring and listening to the tactile capacity of the body through the regular practice of Seitai (Katsugen-undo and Yuki) and training in shiatsu and movement with Akinobu Kishi (Seiki).
Lean Sancholuz
Lean was born in 1987 in Argentina, in Comodoro Rivadavia, Patagonia, and when he was five, he moved to Spain with his family and spent his childhood in Burgos. He loves traveling, meeting people, climbing mountains, and being in nature and he had been climbing and hiking for a long time, until one day he realized that all he wanted was to live in nature and follow his passion, sharing his love for the mountains with others, so he decided to leave Burgos and came to live in the Pyrenees.
Retreat location
Nature and the environment
Casa Cuadrau is located in a majestic corner of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, within the Sobrarb-Pyrenees Geopark. The environment is one of the most biodiverse in Europe. Located on an elevated and open valley surrounded by beautiful mountains wherever you look, it is found in a very small village called Vió. In this unique setting, Casa Cuadrau offers a very special retreat experience, where yoga and meditation are combined with meditative hiking.
The village of Vio
The picturesque and remote village of Vió, located in the Sobrarbe region, has splendid views:
- Towards the north: Monte Perdido, Ramond Sumund, Mondoto, Sestrales, and the Añisclo Gorge.
- Towards the east: Peña Montañesa.
- Towards the south: Valley of Navaín extension.
An almost abandoned village
The massive exodus towards the cities in the last century has left Vió being an almost abandoned village, but still containing many stories of the people who once upon a time lived and worked in these lands. Casa Cuadrau is aware of the privilege that walking through these mountains means, being surrounded by such a rich diversity of fauna and flora, as well as ancient trails that were once full of life. This is why they want to honor the wisdom that once existed in this place and blend it with the ancient yoga philosophy. They dedicate a big part of their programs to walking, exploring, and contemplating the natural environment, on a daily basis.
This Yoga Retreat is vegetarian-friendly
Click to see more vegetarian-friendly Yoga Retreats
Food
At Casa Cuadrau Yoga Art & Nature Retreats, food is key for the lifestyle they live, and they love to practice mindful eating.
All of the meals are made with fresh, local, ecological, and seasonal produce. However, Casa Cuadrau Yoga Art & Nature Retreats has chosen to make use of certain ingredients that come from far away too because they value their nutritional content. Some examples of these are: avocado, bananas, miso, sesame, and other herbs for herbal teas.
Mindful Eating
People live in a modern world of abundance. With constant ongoing external stimuli, it becomes hard to eat what is actually needed.
During the retreats at Casa Cuadrau Yoga Art & Nature Retreats, you are invited to connect with the wisdom that lies within you. Making each meal a mindful eating practice is a great opportunity for each individual to develop deep listening of their bodies and needs.
Meal time is a moment in which you nourish yourself in all the ways that Nature has to offer. There is a cultivation of gratitude towards the food, the people who grew it, the ones who cooked it, and those with whom you are sharing it.
You are invited to take the necessary time to eat—paying attention, chewing, and savouring each bite. You are encouraged to be aware of the subtle reactions and sensations of and in your body, and to make this everyday act a meditation practice.
Food Service
Casa Cuadrau Yoga Art & Nature Retreats follows a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, using minimal dairy products as well as eggs. The use of sugar is also minimised.
Schedules and menus are designed to encourage the practice of intermittent fasting. When overeating occurs, the body focuses all its energy in the belly and metabolism, overloading the digestive system and the organs responsible for elimination.
There is the possibility of adapting to a vegan diet or special diets with a medically diagnosed condition.
- Breakfast: fruits, cereal porridge, nuts or seeds. It is easy to digest and provides you with lots of energy.
- Instead of coffee, you will be served a delicious chai (tea with spices) and cereal coffee with plant-based milk—all ecological.
- Brunch: a feast of fresh ingredients and Nature’s abundance. Typically includes a grain, fresh vegetables, legumes or other plant-based proteins, a salad buffet, and a healthy dessert.
- Dinner: a balanced and light meal. Easy to digest to support meditation before bed and ensure a good night’s rest.
- Herbal teas are available throughout the day.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
What's included
- All meals made with love in the vegetarian kitchen
- 5 nights of accommodation
- Guided meditations
- 5 yoga and movement sessions
- 2 satsangs
- Mindful movement workshops
- 2 meditative hikes in nature
- 2 long half-day hikes in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
- All taxes, public liability and accident insurance for activities: hiking and yoga
What's not included
- Transportation
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Barcelona–El Prat Airport
217 km away from your destination
Airport transfer
Transfer not provided
Girona–Costa Brava Airport
233 km away from your destination
Airport transfer
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN). Transfer from and to the airport is not included.
Alternatively, book your flight to arrive at Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO).
Please note: before buying your flight tickets make sure that you can connect with the daily bus that goes to Ainsa. Below you will find the recommendation for bus hours.
Arrival by bus (from Barcelona)
Departure from Barcelona Sants:
- Monday: 11:30
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00
- Friday: 14:25
- Saturday (option 1): 8:00
- Saturday (option 2): 11:00
- Sunday: 11:00
Arrival at Barbastro:
- Monday: 14:40
- Tuesday to Thursday: 14:10
- Friday: 17:10
- Saturday (option 1): 11:00
- Saturday (option 2): 14:10
- Sunday: 14:10
Departure from Barbastro:
- Monday: 17:15
- Tuesday to Thursday: 17:15
- Friday: 17:15
- Saturday (option 1): 11:15
Arrival at Ainsa:
- Monday: 18:15
- Tuesday to Thursday: 18:15
- Friday: 18:15
- Saturday (option 1): 12:15
Buses that depart from Barcelona Sants on Mondays to Thursdays are the recommended buses by the organizers.
On Saturdays (option 2) and Sundays there are no suitable buses from Barbastro to Ainsa or they are very late. In those cases, Casa Cuadrau can organize a shared taxi from Barbastro to the retreat.
The organizers strongly recommend buying tickets in advance on www.venta.avanzabus.com. Tickets can only be bought one month in advance.
You need to buy two separate tickets:
- Barcelona Sants – Barbastro
- Barbastro – Ainsa
Please keep in mind that on Friday and Saturday (option 1) the bus from Barcelona Sants to Barbastro arrives just in time to take the next bus Barbastro – Ainsa.
Arrival by bus (from Madrid/Zaragoza)
From the bus station Madrid Avda. de America to Ainsa with a transfer in Zaragoza and Barbastro.
The organizers strongly recommend buying tickets in advance on www.alsa.es. You can buy the bus tickets only one month in advance.
You need to buy three separate tickets:
- Madrid – Zaragoza
- Zaragoza – Barbastro
- Barbastro – Ainsa
On Mondays to Fridays the only departure from Barbastro to Ainsa is at 17:15, so make sure you arrive at Barbastro at the latest at 17:10 on the bus which leaves Zaragoza at 15:00.
On Saturdays take the bus Zaragoza – Barbastro at 15:00 arriving at 17:10. From Barbastro they can offer a shuttle bus to Casa Cuadrau. The approximate price of the shuttle service is 115 euros, to be divided among the participants.
Arrival by car
Many people choose to rent a car. If you are coming by car, let Casa Cuadrau know in your booking form if you are interested in sharing the ride. They usually organize carpooling about 15 days before the start of the retreat. They connect those people who are planning to drive there with those of you who don’t and happen to be on the same route.
If there weren’t any available cars to carpool in, they will let you know so you can either rent a car or they can help organize a shared taxi pick-up from Barbastro or Aínsa (this service will be paid directly to the taxi driver, in cash).
From Barcelona: Route: Barcelona- Lérida – Barbastro – Ainsa – Escalona – Puyarruego – Buerba – Vió.
- Attention: The Añisclo Canyon road is temporarily cut off. At the moment, the only access is the Puyarruego – Buerba road, if you come via Barcelona-Barbastro-Ainsa-Escalona.
From Madrid – Zaragoza: Route: Madrid – Zaragoza – Huesca – Sabiñanigo – Fiscal (new road) – Sarvisé – Fanlo – Vio.
- Attention: The road Fanlo – Nerín is temporally cut off.
From Basque Country – Jaca: Route: Sabiñanigo – Fiscal – Ainsa – Escalona – Puyarruego – Buerba – Vió.
Arrival by taxi
Barcelona – Casa Cuadrau. There is a direct shuttle service between Barcelona and Casa Cuadrau.
A minimum number of people is needed for it to run. The price of the shuttle service is 387 euros, to be divided among the participants. Please contact the organizers to check availability.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
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