ASHTANGA YOGA RETREAT

The Olive Mill, Andalusia

23rd–30th May 2027

with Lauren Munday & Cathy Moran

and  Tom Norrington-Davies

 

Seven days of Mysore-style Ashtanga in a walled forest estate in the Sierra de Aracena with two Level 2 authorised teachers on the mat and a celebrated chef in the kitchen.[/caption]

 

 

Why you’ll love this retreat

A private forest, all to ourselves

The Olive Mill sits inside a walled, 300-acre private estate in the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park, with oak, chestnut and poplar forest, streams, resident llamas and two very nosy rescue donkeys who’ll be waiting at the wall to greet you.

Daily Ashtanga, properly taught

Morning Mysore-style self-practice and afternoon workshops with Lauren and Cathy, two Level 2 authorised teachers with over 30 years of combined experience. Beginners get a one-to-one introduction; established practitioners get real attention.

Food that’s too good to miss

Tom cooks every meal from scratch using local ingredients. All vegetarian and vegan, built around whatever Andalusia is offering in late May, plus a relaxed cookery session to inspire you when you get home.

Genuinely switch off

A private pool, a wood-fired hot tub, sun loungers and extensive gardens. this is your week to slow down and relax.

Wild, quiet, and unusually beautiful

Deer come to drink from the stream at dusk. Vultures and black storks circle overhead. It’s an extraordinarily beautiful location where you can really switch off.

Small group, and real connection

As always, we keep numbers intimate. You’ll leave with a new group of friends, and possibly even plans for your next retreat

About The Olive Mill

Dating back to 1890, The Olive Mill has been lovingly restored, whilst still retaining its charm. original tiles, doors and windows sit alongside every modern comfort you’d want on retreat. Full-height beamed ceilings, huge picture windows, and a living room with squashy sofas around a stone fireplace that stays cool even in the height of a Spanish summer.

All seven bedrooms are en-suite, dressed in antique iron beds and fine Egyptian cotton linen. There’s a large private pool surrounded by loungers, a wood-fired hot tub, and gardens with shaded spots to eat al fresco while deer drift down to the stream at dusk.

Best of all, the whole estate is ours. a private forest of oak, chestnut and poplar, home to two rescue donkeys and a pair of resident llamas, in the heart of the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park.

Every retreat day follows a scaled-back formula that allows plenty of time for practice, stillness, and some unstructured afternoons to do exactly as you please.

Here’s a typical day:

8.00 am – Pranayama and Meditation Practice

A quiet start as the estate wakes up around you

8.30 am – Mysore Ashtanga Guided Self Practice

Practice at your own pace with hands-on guidance from Lauren and Cathy. New to Ashtanga? You’ll have a one-to-one introduction on your first morning.

11:00 am – Brunch

Tom’s first meal of the day, seasonal, vegetarian or vegan

Afternoons – Workshops, Free time & the cookery class

Some afternoons are entirely your own. Relax by the pool or the hot tub, take a walk into the forest, or take a short stroll to the village tapas bar. On others, we’ll gather at 5.00 pm for an Ashtanga workshop, a Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra session, or Tom’s relaxed cookery class.

4.00 pm Afternoon tea

Cake, local fruit and nuts

7.30 pm – Dinner

Evening dinner is served family-style, cosy and intimate on the terrace. One evening, we’ll leave the retreat for Tom’s night off and walk to the local tapas bar instead.

The Food

Cooked by Tom Norrington-Davies

Tom has been cooking for our retreats for years, and it’s one of the reasons people come back. Every meal is prepared fresh, from scratch, using whatever’s best at the local markets. This is late May in Andalusia, so expect the first tomatoes, broad beans, wild asparagus, almonds and citrus, alongside the region’s famous olive oil.All food is vegetarian or vegan, and Tom will happily work around allergies and other dietary needs. just let us know when you book. One afternoon, he’ll lead a relaxed cookery session, sharing the thinking and the stories behind the week’s menu.

 

Your Teachers

 

 

Cathy Moran

 

Beyond the Mat

The Sierra de Aracena

The Olive Mill sits in one of Andalusia’s best-kept secrets, a natural park of cork oak, chestnut forest and whitewashed villages.

Adventures are entirely optional, but here’s what’s on the doorstep if you fancy exploring.

Umbría

A five-minute walk to the village tapas bar, small, characterful, and known locally for spectacular food.

Higuera de la Sierra

The pretty market town is just minutes away, with a choice of restaurants and the starting point for several of the park’s best hiking trails.

Gruta de las Maravillas

An extraordinary 2km cave beneath the town of Aracena that’s well worth the short drive.

Jabugo

The village that gives its name to Spain’s finest Ibérico ham. It’s a fascinating detour for the curious, even on a vegetarian retreat.

Forest walks

Wander the estate’s own trails through oak, chestnut, and poplar woodland.

Seville

For anyone extending their stay, Andalusia’s capital is around 80 minutes by car, home to the Alcázar, the cathedral and some of Spain’s best tapas.

 

Here’s what previous guests said about our Ashtanga Yoga Retreats:

2023 Retreat Guest Testimonial

“Lauren and Cathy’s Ashtanga retreats are legendary! Based at beautiful locations, extremely welcoming and inclusive and a wonderful way to reset and focus on your yoga practice, whilst escaping everyday life. Highly recommended for those who are new to yoga or for a more experienced Ashtangi – authorised practitioners Lauren and Cathy bring so much knowledge and advice to support and advance your Mysore self-practice. Incredible food and great company adds so much more to the entire experience.”

2024 Retreat Guest Testimonial

“A real Ashtanga retreat. Even after 9 years of Ashtanga, I learned a lot in the retreat”

2023 Retreat Guest Testimonial

“Cathy and Lauren’s retreat is a wonderful opportunity to practice with two experienced teachers in a relaxed and friendly environment. Lots of optional excursions available and healthy, creative, nutritious vegetarian meals”.

 

 

 

Your investment

What’s included:

  • 7 nights accommodation

  • 6 Daily morning Mysore Ashtanga and Meditation Practice

  • 3 Afternoon workshops

  • A guided walk through the forest with the Donkeys and a picnic

  • 6 Evening meals, 6 brunches, 6 Afternoon Snacks- All food will be vegetarian with plant-based options.

  • Towels (x 2) and linen change, once during the week

  • Wifi throughout the Villa

Twin Room Ensuite

£1289 per person – final rooms

Single Room Ensuite

SOLD OUT

Non-refundable deposit £285. Final balance 7th march 2027

 

What’s not included:

  • Flights & Transfers to the Olive Mill

  • The closest airport is Seville (a 75-minute drive)

  • Dinner on the Chef’s night off

  • Any Excursions, or massages