Yoga holidays in Malaga, Spain
AT THE HOTEL BALCÓN DE CÓMPETA
5-10 December 2023, with Swami Sivadasananda
24 May – 2 June 2024, with Swami Durgananda and Swami Sivadasananda
· Free choice of dates: you can come and stay as many days as you want (minimum of 3 nights).
· Immerse yourself in a beautiful natural environment, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Axarquia and only 18km from the Costa del Sol.
· Experience holistic regeneration with yoga.
MORNING: Start the day in contemplative silence during morning meditation, enjoy group mantra chanting and a spiritual reading. Twice a week and weather permitting, meditation takes place as a silent walk in the beautiful surrounding nature. This is followed by the first session of asanas (yoga postures) with toning exercises on the outdoor platform or in the hall. Afterwards a full breakfast/lunch awaits you.
DURING THE DAY you have the possibility to participate in a workshop, or talk to one of the yoga teachers. If you wish and the weather permits, you can go for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea (the nearest beach is 18km away) or stay in the hotel's swimming pool and solarium. It is also possible to go on excursions of about 2 hours to the most beautiful spots in the region.
IN THE AFTERNOON we will offer lectures or yoga workshops on interesting topics related to health and yoga. In the afternoon asana class, your body finds its optimal flexibility. Observe how the breath is slowing down, and the mind tunes in to the lightness of the yoga practice. Afterwards dinner is already prepared.
EVENING: Come to the evening meditation and enjoy group meditation, mantra chanting and an interesting talk. You will retire for the day feeling fulfilled, inspired, and ready for a restful night's sleep in the comfortable rooms of the hotel.
The daily programme
SIVANANDA YOGA RETREATS IN CÓMPETA (MALAGA)
| 6:00 – 7:30 am | Morning meditation, mantra chanting, talk Occasionally the morning meditation takes the form of a silent walk in nature. |
| 8:00 – 9:30 am | Asanas and pranayama |
| 10:00 am | Vegetarian brunch |
| From 11:00 am | Time for walks or excursions to the most beautiful places in the area. |
| 1:30 pm | Snack |
| 2:00 – 3:00 pm | Lecture or workshop (attendance is optional) |
| 4:00 – 5:30 pm | Asanas ad pranayama |
| 6:00 pm | Vegetarian dinner |
| 8:00 – 9:30 pm | Meditation, mantra chanting, talk Occasionally meditation takes the form of a silent walk in nature. |
Programme subject to change. Participation in the afternoon lecture/workshop is optional.
You will have time for a walk in the surroundings or an excursion to the most beautiful places in the area, such as the beaches of the Costa del Sol, the caves of Nerja, or the city of Granada. More information here
Lecture topics
YOGA RETREAT IN MALAGA
This is a selection of topics that will be covered in the morning and afternoon meditations and evening workshops.
- Physical and mental effects of asanas
- Balancing posture, breathing and body awareness
- Strength, flexibility and agility: practical examples of asanas
- Asanas and mind-body balance
- Solar plexus: nerve plexus and energy centres
- Postural analysis and individual advice
- Anatomical details of asana practice
- Asanas and the nervous system
- Sitting better – meditating better
- Vitality as an expression of good health
- The interaction of prana (vital energy) and thoughts
- From breath control to vital energy control
- Prana, the energetic model of Hatha Yoga
- The yogic model of the physical and astral body
- Physical, mental and spiritual levels of relaxation.
- How yoga can relieve stress-related symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, high blood pressure and headaches.
- Less stress-more energy
- Mental relaxation and meditation
- Nutritional aspects and transition to a vegetarian diet
- Healthy recipes for yoga practitioners
- How to combine and prepare dishes correctly
- How eating with more awareness helps digestion
- Mental balance through simple concentration exercises
- The power of thoughts for self-determination and mental control
- Inner serenity through positive thinking and meditation
- 12 classic steps to the meditation experience
- Building your own meditation practice at home
- Paths to happiness and serenity
- Yoga Sutras: Timeless teachings on analysis and control of the mind
- Practical inspiration in yoga philosophy
Book recommendation
“Yoga – Your Home Practice Companion”, Sivananda Yoga Centers
Lots of photos, asana practice programs for beginners, intermediate and advanced, with pranayama, relaxation and meditation, over 40 vegetarian recipes.
Hotel Balcón de Cómpeta
A WINDOW TO THE BEST OF THE AXARQUÍA
Surrounded by white houses, flowered balconies, narrow winding streets, vineyards and in the background the Almijara mountain range and the blue colour of the Mediterranean. The rooms and bungalows of the Hotel and Apartments Balcón de Cómpeta are located in one of the most beloved villages of Malaga. It is Cómpeta, in the region of La Axarquía, located only 18 km from the coast and less than 50 km from the city of Malaga.
The hotel
The Hotel Balcón de Cómpeta is located in the town of Cómpeta, in the foothills of the Almijara mountain range, in the heart of La Axarquía.
It has a wonderful outdoor swimming pool and solarium, tennis court, free parking and WIFI, terraces with views of the mountains and an indoor/outdoor restaurant. The cosy gardens invite you to relax and stroll.
The restaurant has its own name, Maria, and offers an exquisite vegetarian buffet menu with fresh local ingredients.
Cycling, hiking and horseback riding are possible in the surrounding area. The Hotel Balcon de Competa is close to several picturesque hiking trails and is situated 15 km from the mountains of Tejeda and Alhama and 18 km from the wonderful beaches of the Costa del Sol (Malaga).
Rooms
All rooms feature hot and cold air-conditioning, and extraordinary views of the surrounding mountains, the hotel swimming pool or the beautiful town of Cómpeta. All of them include a private bathroom with bathtub and hairdryer, and free WIFI.
There are also 8 wooden bungalows in the gardens of the estate. Double or triple rooms with kitchen and bathroom, for a more integrated experience in nature. WIFI is also available in these huts.
Check-in: from 2 to 4 pm
At 4 pm you can join the yoga class.
If you will arrive after 4 pm, please inform the hotel.
Check-out: 12 pm (a luggage storage room is available in case you check-out later than 12 pm).
Single room
Rooms for individual use have a classic and elegant decor, and include a bathroom with a bathtub. In addition, everything you need for a comfortable stay in the hotel: free WIFI, telephone, air conditioning.
Double room
It has a functional, contemporary and elegant decor. With a maximum capacity for three people, it can be equipped with a double bed or two single beds, depending on availability, as well as the possibility of adding an extra bed. It also has a private bathroom with bathtub. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay: free WIFI, telephone, air conditioning...
Bungalows
The bungalows, which offer magnificent panoramic views of the Sierras de Tejeda Natural Park, are 23 square metres in size. Decorated in a rustic style, they come equipped with a bedroom with two single beds, a kitchen integrated in the living room, where there is a double sofa bed, and a bathroom with shower. Free Wifi is available.
Meals
AT THE MARIA RESTAURANT
The vegetarian buffet menus offer a healthy and balanced diet.
Two vegetarian meals and a snack are served daily, following yogic principles.
The ingredients are fresh and mostly locally produced. The menus have been designed in close cooperation with the Sivananda Yoga Centres.
The hotel accommodates vegan and gluten-free diets by offering suitable alternatives.
The hotel cannot cater for other individual dietary preferences.
How to get to Cómpeta
HOW TO GET TO CÓMPETA, MALAGA (ANDALUSIA)
By plane
You can fly to Malaga International Airport. There is a direct taxi service from the airport to the Hotel Balcón de Cómpeta (50 km). The price is 80€ each way (per ride). You can share the journey with other people from the retreat.
DECEMBER RETREAT: Possibility to travel in a group direct flight Munich-Malaga (LH1832 departing December 5th); and Malaga to Munich: LH1833 Departing December 10th
By rail
Direct AVE train to Malaga from Madrid (2 hours and a half). From the train station you can request a shared taxi service to the hotel or travel to Cómpeta by bus. Check this link for more information
By car
You can rent a car in Malaga (50km) or come by private car from anywhere in Spain. These are the coordinates:
Hotel Balcon de Cómpeta
C San Antonio, 75, 29754 Cómpeta, Málaga (Spain)
Cómpeta and its surroundings
Cómpeta is a typical Andalusian village situated on the southern foothills of the Almijara mountain range, a bridge between La Axarquía in Malaga and the Apujarra in Granada. It forms an elegant picture of white houses spilling over the gentle undulations of the landscape and decorated with leafy geraniums and colourful gardens.
Situated at an altitude of 650m and with a mild microclimate with 325 days of sunshine a year, you can enjoy walks through the village and the stunning views of the Axarquia and the Mediterranean Sea (18km away).
Cómpeta is nicknamed the “Cornisa de la Costa del Sol” due to its privileged location. Its territory extends through the Natural Park of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama, with its extraordinary landscape heritage surrounded by olive trees, avocado groves and vineyards.
Excursions
During the day you can relax in the hotel gardens and swimming pools or go on 2-3 hour excursions.
Here are some suggestions:
Costa del Sol
The eastern Costa del Sol has some of the best beaches in Spain, awarded the blue flag by the European Environment Agency.
These beaches are just over 30 minutes by car (ask for our taxi service) and are a real paradise for visitors. Calm waters and moderate temperatures to enjoy the sun and the sea breeze.
More information about the beaches
The Mudejar route
As a result of the passage of the Arabs through the Axarquia region of Malaga, this route was born where you can appreciate the heritage of our ancestors. This 40-kilometre route runs through the municipalities of Arenas, Árchez, Salares, Sedella and Canillas de Aceituno. A visit that will take you back in time.
The Oil and Mountains Route
This route starts in Riogordo and is characterised by the impressive changes in the landscape. It is an area that attracts all eyes as it divides the mountains. This whole area is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy outdoor sports. Above all, its olive oil, made in the traditional way in the oil mills from the olive trees of the verdial and hojiblanca varieties.
The village of Nerja
29 km from the hotel is the coastal village of Nerja and its famous cave. It was officially declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2006. The cave of Nerja is located in Maro, a district of the Spanish municipality of Nerja (Malaga). It is of historical and natural interest for its archaeological remains, which include some cave paintings, and for the speleothem formations: stalactites and stalagmites that cover the ceilings and walls.
Yoga retreat rates
IN CÓMPETA, NEAR COSTA DEL SOL (ANDALUSIA)
Plan your yoga holiday according to your own schedule.
Minimum stay: 3 nights
The programme starts at 4 pm with the yoga class.
Your room will be available from 2 pm onwards.
You must vacate your room by noon on the day of departure. The holiday programme ends at 2 pm at the latest and there will be a safe place where you can leave your luggage.
Daily rates Yoga part
| Yoga (2 yoga clases, 2 meditation and 1 lecture or hiking): | €55 |
| Yoga discount:
(unemployed and students under 25) |
€50 |
Accommodation and meals per person /day
| Single with balcony: | €63 |
| Single without balcony: | €59 |
| Superior double with balcony: | €54 |
| Double with balcony: | €52 |
| Double without balcony: | €48 |
| Bungalow for 2 people: | €52 |
| Bungalow for 3 people: | €48 |
Includes accommodation, two meals, a snack, water and infusions. VAT included.
Possibility of spending the day without sleeping in the hotel: 33€ per person and day (includes 2 meals, snack and use of facilities).
Minimum stay: 3 nights
All rates include VAT
Rates valid until 3 June 2024
A meditation cushion is recommended for meditation sessions and lectures. A meditation shawl is also useful.
To practice the yoga postures you will need a non-slip yoga mat. You might need a blanket to cover yourself at the end of the yoga class during the final relaxation.
All equipment can also be purchased at the hotel upon arrival, in our yoga shop.
For your stay, bring comfortable clothes, walking shoes, water bottle, swimming costume, sun cream and towel for the pool. Glasses wearers should bring a hard case for safe storage during yoga classes.
To book your yoga holiday in Malaga please complete the online registration form. The booking is valid with the payment of the yoga part (by credit card or bank transfer). The hotel will contact you to arrange the booking of the room. If you wish to share a taxi from Malaga to Competa, or share a room, we will try to coordinate your stay with other people staying on the same dates.
