6 Day Yoga and Wellness Retreat in Alicante, Costa Blanca, Spain
Yoga Retreat in Spain
Expert tip: This is one of the most popular yoga retreats offered in Spain.
La Crisalida Retreats is happy to welcome you in this yoga break on the gorgeous Costa Blanca, Spain. If you are looking for some time away to practice yoga in a beautiful seaside location, then this is the place for you! Imagine practicing yoga on the roof terrace with stunning views of the mountains, natural park, and the sea glistening in the distance. There is also a wonderful, relaxing indoor studio.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- Daily yoga sessions
- Daily guided walks
- Short walk to the local Blue Flag beach
- Free transfers between Alicante airport and the retreat
- Open 365 days per year - arrive on any day of the week
- 5 nights cozy accommodation
- 3 plant-based meals or nutritious juices every day
- Unlimited filtered water, herbal teas, and fresh fruit
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Yoga styles
Accommodation
Facilities
- Sauna
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Table tennis
- Air-conditioned public areas
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Dining area
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Luggage room / storage
- Multilingual staff
- Smoke-free property
- Terrace
- Yoga deck
- Yoga studio
- Beauty salon
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Ironing / ironing board
- Laundry
- Library
- Parking lot
- Wireless internet
- Outdoor shower
At La Crisalida, they offer spacious ensuite apartments, decorated in a light traditional Spanish style, with white-washed walls, throws, and bright scatter cushions. There are different types of accommodation that you can choose from to fit your budget and personal choice.
Every apartment includes a seating area with large sofas and armchairs, plus a television and a DVD player so you can choose to relax with one of their wide selection of DVDs. It also has a small area with a dining table and chairs, plus an ensuite bathroom. There are blackout curtains at the windows to help you get a good night's sleep.
For convenience, all apartments also have a basic kitchen containing a kettle, tea-making facilities, and a fridge. La Crisalida Retreats also supplies a hair dryer, safe, iron with ironing board, and clothes drier in every apartment.
The accommodation is situated in two buildings. Private apartments (single person), twin share, and multi-share apartments are located on the ground floor and situated around the inner courtyard magnesium pool area, with sunbathing facilities.
La Crisalida Retreats also has a small outside terrace area for your apartment. In the second two-storey building, next to the second outdoor pool and close to the yoga terrace, the five apartments are all two-bedrooms. There, you can have your own private bedrooms in a two-bed shared apartment.
All apartments have free access to Wi-Fi Internet. Rooms are cleaned regularly. All apartments and communal areas include central heating for the winter months and air-conditioning for the hot summer months. Fans are also provided.
La Crisalida Retreats offers different accommodation options to cater for your requirements. For example, you might choose to have your own studio apartment (non-share). If you will be travelling on your own, but would like to share an apartment, they will match you with someone of the same gender and, where possible, a similar age.
If you will be coming to stay as a couple, you can share a studio apartment (two-share). Please let them know at the time of inquiry. They also have double beds available in some of the apartments.
You can choose from four types of accommodation:
Private apartment
If you'd like to have your own space, you can choose to have your own private charming Spanish-style apartment. These apartments have their own ensuite bathroom and outdoor terrace area. They are situated around the quiet inner courtyard pool area.
Private room in shared two-bed apartment
For those people who prefer to have their own private bedroom but are happy to share an apartment with one other person, they might like to choose this option. Each bedroom contains a double bed. The seating, dining, and kitchen areas are shared and so is the ensuite bathroom.
These apartments are for two people (you can book this option if you are travelling alone, La Crisalida will match you with another guest of the same gender). There are also two apartments that can sleep up to four people coming together as a group. Please ask La Crisalida for prices and availability.
Twin room in a twin-share apartment
You can choose to share one of La Crisalida Retreats' charming twin-share apartments with one other person. These apartments have been arranged to make the space suitable for social distancing. There are two single beds, separated by a wardrobe and shelf unit, so the large apartments are divided into two sleeping areas.
There is a small seating area, kitchen, and ensuite bathroom (shared by both guests). If you will be travelling on your own, you can book this accommodation type and La Crisalida will match you with someone of the same gender and, where possible, a similar age.
Multi-share apartment
The multi-share apartment is a great option if you will be travelling on a budget. La Crisalida has a limited number of apartments available that can sleep three or four people. These are large apartments, containing three or four single beds each.
The apartments have been arranged so that social distancing can be maintained. There is an ensuite bathroom, seating area, kitchen, and outside terrace. These can be reserved by people coming as a group. Individuals travelling on their own can also book this accommodation option if they are happy to share with up to three others (same gender).
Facilities:
The retreat is set in lovely Spanish grounds with mature plants, including bougainvillia, palm trees, and jasmine. There is also a wide range of facilities at the retreat, including:
Yoga roof terrace
La Crisalida Retreats' roof terrace is used for yoga classes (depending upon weather conditions) so that you can enjoy practicing your yoga with the views of the mountains and sea. It is fully equipped with mats, blocks, blankets and straps.
During the day, the terrace will give you magnificent sea and mountain views and will be available for you to enjoy when not in use for retreat activities.
Indoor activity studio
The activity studio is used for workshops, rebounding, and other activities. Yoga classes are also held there on occasions when the roof terrace is not available (due to weather, e.g. too cold / hot / windy). It is fully equipped for yoga classes, with mats, bolsters, straps, blocks, and blankets. (Please note, there is no weight lifting or similar gymnasium equipment at the retreat).
This activity studio is fully heated during the winter months and air-conditioned during the summer months.
Outdoor swimming pools
There are two outdoor swimming pools at La Crisalida. One is a magnesium pool that is heated in the cooler months, designed to support your relaxation. The second outdoor pool is located towards the south of the retreat grounds.
Sunbeds and parasols
A large number of sunbeds are available around the retreat so you can choose where to relax. There is also an outdoor quiet seating area in which you can read, write, or relax.
Outside dining area
During the summer months, evening meals are eaten outside at large family tables in the outdoor dining area. There are also lots of tables and chairs around the retreat where you can choose to eat.
Inside dining area and communal area
Breakfast and lunch are served there. You can choose to stay inside to eat around the large wooden tables or move outside to another dining area. This area also contains a sofa and television / DVD area, hot and cold water, herbal teas, and some games for you to play.
Terrace areas
All of the apartments around the lower magnesium pool have a personal terrace area containing tables and chairs with sunbeds.
Other amenities:
- Internet access: Free Wi-Fi in all apartments and communal areas
- Table tennis: Enjoy a game of table tennis outside
- Ambient music: Quiet ambient music is played in the reception and dining areas of the retreat
- Satellite television: Every apartment contains a television with satellite stations, mainly in English and Spanish, but a few French and German-speaking channels too
- DVD player in each apartment to enjoy one of La Crisalida Retreats' light-hearted DVDs from the library
- Book swap library: Bring your book and if you finish it, you can swap it for another one from the book swap library
- Educational books and DVDs to borrow during your stay at the retreat
- Car parking: If you wish to hire a car during your stay, there is private parking available on the retreat grounds
- Telephone: There is a telephone in your room
- Heating: All apartments and communal areas have central heating
- Air conditioning and fans: All apartments have air conditioning; fans are also available
- Other apartment facilities: Fridge, hair dryer, tea-making facilities, iron with ironing board, and a clothes drier
Room check-in and check-out
Rooms will be available for check-in from 14:00 although La Crisalida Retreats will do their best to make them ready before this. They request that you check-out from your room by 11:00 on the day of departure.
You can participate in all of the activities and enjoy the food or juice until the moment you depart. They have showering and changing facilities available, plus a luggage storage facility to leave your luggage at.
Program
With daily yoga classes plus many other activities on the all-inclusive program, including magnificent guided walks, yoga Nidra to help you relax, and morning meditation sessions, you will soon feel refreshed. There, the health benefits of yoga are combined with healthy, plant-based food.
Included in the price are meals, accommodation, and all activities. After your six-day (five-night) break, you will feel refreshed and centered, back to the real you once again!
La Crisalida Retreats is a health and wellbeing center located in the quiet seaside town of Albir, north of Alicante on Costa Blanca, Spain. They offer guests from all over the world a relaxing and all-inclusive retreat experience in their quiet and welcoming retreat center.
They also offer a holistic approach to health and wellbeing through their program of activities that include yoga, life makeover workshops, meditation, rebounding, and more, combined with tasty, nutritious plant-based food and juices.
Start your refreshing yoga retreat with a morning meditation and then your first yoga class of the day, either outside on the terrace with views of the sea and mountains or in the tranquil studio. Enjoy a healthy breakfast before joining a workshop, taking a walk, or maybe relaxing on your sunbed with a good book.
You can try rebounding; aqua aerobics (summer only); or legs, bums, and tums before enjoying a delicious plant-based lunch. After a siesta, you can choose to participate in the afternoon activities.
There is a weekly program of activities on offer. All activities are optional so you can do as much or as little as you want. Find the inner peace and leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more like you.
Course information
The minimum age to attend the retreat is 18 years. La Crisalida Retreats may consider mature teenagers (aged 16 or 17 years) with parent(s). Please send an inquiry to chat about this. There is no maximum age.
Yoga
Yoga is a core part of the La Crisalida program, and they cater to beginners and people with an intermediate level of practice. Studies have proven yoga to be one of the best ways to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and relieve symptoms such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Yoga also helps to improve overall fitness, strength, and flexibility.
Yoga classes at La Crisalida
There are daily 90-minute yoga classes every day, and five days of the week have two yoga classes. There is one all-level class each day (suitable for beginners and intermediates) and at least five intermediate classes during the week. Classes are open to everyone; however, the intermediate classes are stronger and more challenging.
Most of the yoga classes are Hatha-based, although they offer a range of different yoga styles, including Yin, Restorative, Kundalini, and Hatha flow. There are four or five yoga teachers each week, so you can experience different styles and teachers. If you are new to yoga, this is your opportunity to try something new!
The common theme underlying yoga at La Crisalida is to help you get back in touch with the inner you, to find balance, strength, flexibility, and inner peace.
Where possible, the yoga classes are held outdoors on the roof terrace (which has a retractable shade) with views of the surrounding area, sea, and mountains. The venue also has a lovely indoor studio when the weather is too hot or too cool. You will leave your short yoga break feeling relaxed and rejuvenated from your time at the retreat.
Other activities
Each day, there are other classes that you can take part in, like yogalates (a combination of yoga and pilates) and legs, bums, and tums, in addition to rebounding and aqua aerobics (summer only).
Yoga Nidra and guided visualization
Each week, there is a wonderful yoga Nidra to enable you to deeply relax and reconnect body, mind, and spirit. You will also find deep relaxation in the guided visualizations.
Daily guided walks
La Crisalida's location by the sea and close to a natural park and woodland makes the surrounding area a great one to explore and enjoy the scenery, sea, and fresh air. They encourage all guests to join the daily guided walks, which will give them some of the very best views of the Costa Blanca. Various routes can be followed, depending on their desired level of activity.
Life makeover workshops
The La Crisalida program of life makeover workshops are designed to explore and enhance your sense of mental well-being. These workshops complement the meditation at the retreat and although are light-hearted and fun, they seek to capture the base cause of your experiences in life.
A key fundamental is that to have outer harmony in life, there must be inner harmony, and for there to be inner harmony, there must exist mastery of the mind.
In these workshops, you can explore very practical ways of developing inner harmony. You can also look at the role that motivation plays in your life and the role of your inner self, thoughts, and feelings in creating your own very personal reality. You can start to explore the often overlooked aspects of experience that you desire - those relating to inner riches.
Sample daily schedule
- 08:00 90-minute morning walk
- 09:30 Morning juice or breakfast
- 10:30 90-minute yoga class
- 12:15 30-minute exercise class (it can be one of rebounding, core works, or aqua aerobics in the summer)
- 13:00 Meditation
- 13:30 Lunch, followed by siesta / relaxation time
- Welcome chat for new guests
- 15:00 60-minute class (cooking demo or juice demo) on some days
- 16:00 Afternoon juice
- 16:30 90-minute class (it can be one of the workshops or exercise classes, e.g. yogalates, yoga)
- 18:30 Dinner: evening juice or healthy meal
- 19:30 Evening activity (it can be one of yoga Nidra, guided visualization, mindfulness workshop, life makeover workshop, or evening walk in the summer)
Note that there is a minimum of one 90-minute yoga class every day and twelve yoga classes each week. The start time of yoga classes varies. For example, in the morning, it might start at 08:00 or 10:30 (the walk time also changes) to give you the opportunity to sleep longer on some days.
This schedule is shown for indicative purposes, as classes can vary. You will be given a weekly program of activities when you arrive at the retreat, and a new program is available every Sunday for the following week.
Instructors
John Brant
John is an author, speaker, and transformational coach. He oversees the retreats, as well as often leads life makeover workshops, meditation, walking, and if you are lucky, rebounding! John worked in a high-pressure career as an Actuary before making significant changes in lifestyle, culminating in his move to Spain. At the retreats, he shares generously the best of what he has learned and put into practice. John inspires and challenges guests to take personal responsibility for their health and well-being.
Lisa Brant
Lisa is one of the founders of La Crisalida Retreats and one of the yoga teachers, taking a mindful therapeutic approach to yoga teaching. She is also a nutritionist and designs the food and juice menus at the retreat. Lisa originally trained as an epidemiologist, studying health and disease. After studying neurolinguistic programming (NLP), she changed direction in 2011 to take a more holistic approach to health and wellbeing. With more than twenty years of experience, Lisa shares her knowledge and expertise with guests so they can be more self-aware of their health.
LaCrisalida Team
The activities at La Crisalida are run by a talented team of skilled professionals. They have varied backgrounds and training, which encompasses yoga (500 hours or 200 hours minimum), personal training, Pilates, exercise to music, meditation, mindfulness, and much more. This wonderful team leads the activities and workshops. They will also welcome you to the retreat with a group welcome chat and will be around if you have any questions. In addition to all the staff at La Crisalida, the program team will be there to support you on your health and wellbeing journey.
Retreat location
The retreat is located in Albir, a small seaside town on the Costa Blanca coast in the Alicante province of Valencia, Spain. The town itself is relatively quiet, with tree-lined streets and an unhurried air - perfect for relaxation.
La Crisalida Retreats is located off the main road, up a quiet side street, within 15 minutes' stroll to the beach. Shops and cafes are also close by in case you forget to bring something!
The coastline is stunning, with azure-blue sea and a backdrop of mountains. The beach, the Playa del Racó l´Albir, has been awarded the prestigious EU Blue Flag classification, denoting its excellent facilities and cleanliness. It is a lovely place to relax and swim in, all year round.
There is also a lovely promenade that you can walk on, which stretches all the way up along to Altea (a beautiful old hill town that is well worth a visit). From the beach, you can see Calpe Rock, the Penon de Ifach. Surrounding Albir is the Sierra Helada, a protected nature reserve.
The walk through trees along to the lighthouse is beautiful and you will be rewarded at the end with the opportunity to spot bottlenose dolphins. Although Albir is just north from Benidorm, the town cannot be more different, with very little nightlife apart from restaurants and cafes.
The history of Albir goes back to the Roman times, when there was a settlement close to the seafront. You can visit one of the settlements during your stay.
Food
La Crisalida Retreats believes that the starting point for rejuvenation of the body and mind is through the foods that one consumes. Therefore, they offer an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole foods at La Crisalida Retreats. They serve a plant-based diet, packed full with nutrition, to give your whole system support and a well-deserved rest.
They also use seasonal products and where possible, products that are grown or sourced locally, so the menu is typically Mediterranean, with a twist!
All dishes will be prepared and cooked on the premises, with care and loving attention from La Crisalida Retreats' talented chefs. They use lots of herbs and spices to bring flavor and variety, plus serve a selection of dishes with a variety of textures, colors, and flavors.
All the meals (or juices) are included in the cost of your retreat. La Crisalida Retreats serves three meals every day. You can enjoy a range of dishes for lunch and dinner, sampling each dish served. The chefs will serve you (safety measures introduced due to COVID-19) and you will be welcome to top up your plate as many times as you want to.
They also offer unlimited filtered water and herbal teas. Fresh fruit is also available at all times.
La Crisalida Retreats also offers you the opportunity to try juicing. This is included in the cost of your retreat. You can choose to juice for one meal, one day, or one week, instead of eating. Each day, simply let them know if you want to eat or juice. You will have the flexibility to tailor your retreat for yourself.
The foods that they do not serve include: sugar, bread, dairy products (including milk, yogurts, and cheese), eggs, salt, coffee, and tea (except herbal and green teas), alcohol, and sweets. These foods all place extra stress on one's body systems, so by cutting them out for a few days or longer, the body will have the opportunity to rebalance itself.
La Crisalida Retreats does serve vegan alternatives, including rice milk or soya yogurts. Most of their food is naturally gluten-free, although occasionally, they do serve couscous or a couple of other dishes containing gluten. Each meal is nutritionally balanced, so they will include vegan sources of protein and a carbohydrate option.
Typical foods served
- Breakfast: Juice or healthy breakfast (homemade granola, homemade muesli, fruit salad as standard); during the cooler winter months, La Crisalida Retreats offers porridge variations in addition to the standard healthy breakfast.
- Lunch time: Bean burgers, courgette toppers, Buddha bowl, hummus, guacamole, falafel, and lots of different salads and vegetable dishes, like beetroot and mint salad, olive tapenade on courgette “bread” or sweet potato “fries;” in the winter, they serve freshly made vegetable soups and in the summer, they offer an additional raw dish
- Evening meal examples: Vegan paella, lentil sausages, vegan lasagna, Thai curry with coconut rice, tofu quiche, plus assorted salads and lots of vegetable side dishes; twice a week, they serve amazing vegan desserts and on Friday night, you can enjoy an alcohol-free cocktail
Sometimes occasional treats are provided - of the healthy variety of course! In the afternoon, La Crisalida Retreats will provide you with a fresh juice to freshen up before the 17:00 class.
La Crisalida Retreats can cater for most dietary requests for allergies or intolerances, including gluten- or wheat-free, coeliacs, and people with nut allergies. Please let them know at the time of booking if you have a special dietary request.
You will be encouraged to drink at least three to five liters of water per day whilst at the retreat as this helps with the elimination of toxins and helps to keep the body well-hydrated. Filtered water will be available for you around the retreat.
There is also a wide range of herbal teas, including green tea and hot water, so you can make yourself a hot drink whenever you choose to. Fresh fruit is always available as well.
Juicing
La Crisalida Retreats also offers you the option to juice, instead of eat, for one meal or every meal during your stay. You will have the flexibility to decide for yourself for each meal, so you can make your retreat personal for you.
Drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juices is a popular part of the La Crisalida program. Juicing is a fantastic way of delivering maximum nutrition to the body. The juices are designed to give the digestive system a well-earned break - much of the energy is saved because intensive digestion work normally carried out by the body has already been done.
This allows the body to divert energy towards any worn-out or unhealthy cells, which allow them to repair and rejuvenate with ease. With natural fresh juices, the very best nutrients are squeezed out of your favorite fruit and vegetables and put in liquid form into a glass. It often amazes guests how the juices can leave them feeling full for hours.
Please be aware that some people at the retreat might be juicing for detox and / or weight loss.
The juices are freshly prepared each mealtime using fruit and vegetables sourced locally. There is a well-designed menu of juices for breakfast and lunch. There is also a small afternoon juice provided in between the activities for all guests.
You can choose your own juice for dinner from La Crisalida Retreats' extensive menu, or, if you feel adventurous, choose your own ingredients! Juicing is a great way to cleanse the body of toxins, and this elimination process will work in harmony with your yoga practice at the retreat.
Special menu request
La Crisalida can cater to those with coeliac and others with special dietary requirements (gluten-free, low sugar, nut-free, etc). Please send an inquiry to La Crisalida at the time of booking if you have special requirements.
All retreats are alcohol, meat, fish, and dairy-free. They respectfully request that you do not bring alcohol to the retreat. At La Crisalida, they have a relaxed inclusive atmosphere so meals are taken communally.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Tea
- Detox juices
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Raw food
- Lactose Free
- Whole food
- Other dietary requirements on request
What's included
- All your retreat program activities, starting at 08:00 and finishing at 21:00
- Daily yoga classes
- Free transfers between Alicante airport
- Pool towel to relax on the sun loungers around the retreat or take to the beach
- Free Wi-Fi in your apartment and communal areas
- Satellite television in your apartment and DVD player
- Book swap and DVD libraries, and informative books
- Use of magnesium outdoor swimming pools - heated in cooler months
- Use of second outdoor swimming pool
- Arrival on any day of the week
- 5 nights stay in a large ensuite apartment (shared or private) with substantial facilities
- 3 meals per day (or nutritious juices - your choice)
- Unlimited fresh fruit
- Unlimited filtered water and herbal teas
What's not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Holistic treatments - massage, transformational or life coaching, facials, etc. - payable locally
- Taxes and fees
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Alicante–Elche Airport
52 km
Transfer included
Valencia Airport
108 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by plane
La Crisalida Retreats offers a free collection and drop-off transfer service from and to Alicante airport by shuttle bus. Please note that a minimum of a three-night stay applies. Flights must arrive and depart between set hours during the day for the free transfer (they will inform you).
Please note, La Crisalida Retreats cannot accept arrivals after 21:00. Simply inform La Crisalida Retreats about your flight details. They require a 72-hour notice to arrange your transfers. If you would prefer a private transfer, please let La Crisalida know and they can arrange this at extra cost.
Albir can also be reached from Valencia airport. The retreat does not offer transfers from Valencia so you will need to make your own way. There is a good bus service from Valencia to Benidorm, then it is a short 15-minute taxi ride to the retreat.
Driving from Alicante airport
If you want to explore the area before or after your retreat, you can hire a car. Let La Crisalida know if you would like driving directions to be sent to you. The distance is approximately 60 kilometers.
Arrival by train
If you will be taking a train to Alicante, La Crisalida Retreats can organize a free shuttle transfer from the train station to the retreat for trains arriving between 09:00 and 19:00. This service is shared with other people (not retreat guests) and has several stops before arriving at the retreat. The drive can be between 60 to 180 minutes.
Let La Crisalida know your arrival (and departure) train times; they require a 72-hour notice to arrange your transfers.
Arrival by bus
You can also take a bus to Benidorm and then take a short taxi ride to the retreat.
