MANY people make New Year’s resolutions such as “Dry January”, take up yoga, or buy a gym membership. Others like to book a retreat where they can “relax and reset”. La Alpujarra and its de facto capital, Órgiva, is Spain’s leading destination for retreats – aided by its tranquil vibe and beautiful scenery.
Surpassing the famous white island of Ibiza for the sheer number of new age retreats and masterclasses on offer, there’s something to suit every inclination.
The options range from yoga and healthy raw food retreats in a beautiful mountain setting to wilder offerings, such as meeting medicine-wielding Shamans or taking classes to find your “inner witch”.
The retreat sector creates employment
Forming a major part of the hospitality sector in and around Órgiva, the retreat industry offers employment to workers ranging from “facilitators” (the organiser and their crew) to raw food chefs, cleaners, gardeners and maintenance people. It helps many residents to stay in the area, with stable incomes.
Even though some of the retreats are unusual and “new-agey” (based on trends), the sector is long-established, well-organised, and here to stay.
Some of the best-known retreat centres include Kali Yoga and Cortijo Romero, as well as the Hidden Paradise, which offers many interesting experiences during high season.
Natural retreats
Some of the retreats in Órgivaand La Alpujarra offer a combination of healthy disciplines such as yoga, meditation, dance, breathwork, singing, and downtime from mobile phones and laptops. After all, we do tend to binge on social media these days.
There are also Muslim ladies’ retreats, Buddhist retreats at the accredited O Sel Ling centre above Soportújar, and various options related to plants and nature. Blue Lotus, which is said to cause vivid dreaming, is a popular plant to study (and consume), as are the rose, and lavender.
Wackier retreats
However, some of the offerings in hidden corners of the mountain region are a bit more… “out there”. Some might say “cosmic” or “wacky”.
How about “Queen School”, where you can learn about “divine feminine energy” and the “codes, spells and practices necessary in your everyday life to remain on your Throne” (no, we don’t mean the toilet). This experience costs more than 700e for three nights.
Slightly ironic is the silent retreat that offers participants the chance to “talk to a therapist”.
We’ve has also seen opportunities to channel “start seeds”, alien beings, and the spirit of “Jesus Christo”.
There are naked retreats, sexual retreats, and opportunities for “yoni steaming”. Participants are advised to avoid third-degree burns.
Take your medicine
Controversial but always popular are the “medicine retreats”, where people take hallucinogenic plants – such as ayahuasca, from the Amazon, or a substance from the Bufo toad. They are guided by Shamanic types playing Brazilian-type music. The idea is cleansing: to deal with personal internalised issues and obstacles. Many people report that this works for them. The downside is that you might vomit for hours.
This doesn’t sound ‘divertido’? If you’re seeking good, clean amusement, how about laughing yoga?
Getting witchy
‘Las brujas’ (witches) are a popular theme throughout La Alpujarra, which has the “witchy” village of Soportújar in its zone. Several other towns embrace the concept through established imagery and as part of their fiestas.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, someone has started a Coven near Órgiva (can they cast a spell to make us all prosperous?). There are retreats where people are encouraged to make magic, using locally foraged herbs and foliage. Whatever floats your broomstick.
Redesigning the human
Some retreats feature “Human Design” – which is a “holistic self-knowledge system” and involves following your secret chakras. It doesn’t seem obvious to understand, so maybe go try it?
Sometimes, the retreats align with a full moon or lunar eclipse. The cynical mind might believe this is the perfect excuse to charge extra to “sleep in a tent under an olive grove”. Probably a sacred grove, mind you!
Coming soon to the area?
Available in the north of Spain – but not yet in La Alpujarra – is the Mapacho (rustic tobacco) isolation diet retreat. This costs almost 1,500e, which seems costly for some natural smokes. The facilitator explains: “Of all the sacred master plants, he is the only from Planet Earth…. He is the great protector and bridge to the spirit realm.” But what about the local ‘estanco’ (tobacco shop)? It’s cheaper!
Ecstatic dance
Those who prefer the wordly realm can stick to yoga or Ecstatic Dance, which is increasingly popular. This is a sober experience where people enjoy a journey into sound, after drinking ceremonial-grade cacao to provide energy. It might be a good option for ex-ravers who don’t want the hangover.
Whatever you’re seeking for self-care and personal growth, there are options that anyone can enjoy in the New Year without losing their savings or reality!