Time together. Space to be.
Family yoga retreats in the heart of Andalusia
Welcome to El Convento
We are a family-run, artfully redesigned Carmelite Monastery in the heart of Sierra de las Nieves in Malaga, Spain.
We offer all-inclusive one-of-a-kind family yoga retreats that have been running now, every summer, for over 15 years. Keep scrolling to find out more.
We also rent out the monastery as the ideal location for teachers and facilitators looking to host their own yoga or meditation retreats. Contact us for more info.
“One day I'm convinced family yoga will be offered all over the place, but by carving out their niche here, Nic and co. have managed to perfect my dream concept already.”
“I'd always had a dream of a family yoga holiday, but on investigation, it became apparent that they are not (yet) much of 'a thing'. However Nic, his own family and their team are way ahead of the curve here, having been providing pretty much exactly what I had imagined/hoped for, over many years already. When my wife found the website and it all looked so lovely, we agreed we simply had to go. In so many ways El Convento surpassed our fantasy of how ideal a week being totally off-grid, with daily stretching and aimless family hanging-out time could be.
From the moment of arrival, the pace of our London lives was dropped, and days became about picking almonds for the talented chef to transform into dinner, discussing our yoga challenges or perhaps wandering up to the old monastery to take a refreshing dip. Every day was a highlight, but the guided walks, the swim up the river, a visit to Ronda and of course, the serene and peaceful daily sunrise yoga all stand out. They've got it just right here. They know how to make magic. Hearing the sound of the kids singing and laughter getting louder as they slowly make their way down the hill for their 'second breakfast', while the adults all lie in shavasana, is close to holiday perfection. The other guests and the staff quickly became part of an extended family, but there's plenty of space to have a quiet time too. And being taught yoga by the children on the final evening proved to be yet more perfectly orchestrated magic.”
— Tom K. (Trip Advisor Review)
The Family Retreat
Experience
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Daily Yoga
Our experienced yoga teachers hold tailored sessions on our stunning yoga terrace with panoramic views over the nature reserve.
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Kids Yoga
Specialty kids-only and family yoga classes.
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Nature Immersion
Our mountain retreat centre is surrounded by pristine nature. Pine forests, the cleanest rivers in Andalusia and abundant wildlife.
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Vegetarian Food
Be nourished in body and soul with our (mostly) organic, locally sourced vegetarian food, cooked and served in the hermitage by our chef. Special diets catered for.
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Climate
Uninterrupted sunshine. Blue skies and warm during the day with the cool mountain air providing the perfect temperature for sleep.
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Spring-fed Pool
Wash away your worries, cool off from the heat, and play together as a family in our feature pool with water from the monastry’s sacred springs and views over the mountain.
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Eco Accomodation
Private, comfortable, solar-powered, family-size eco-huts with everything you need for a restful nights sleep.
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Guided Walks
With endless nature to explore we offer guided walks in the national park for those who want it. Adventure as a family or take some time alone.
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Day trips
Our popular day trips are offered for a minimal fee. Visit the local river for a swim or take a culture trip to the nearby city of Ronda.
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Visiting Therapist
Our experienced and highly sought after therapist offers holistic bodywork including cranio-sacral and sports massage. She is also well-versed in inner child work for those that want to go a little deeper.
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Community
The perfect balance of time together and space to be. The hermitage is where we come together as a community to share food and stories.
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Spiritual Heritage
El Convento has been a place of retreat for centuries. It was founded as a barefoot Carmelite monastery on a pre-existing sacred site by Saint Teresa of Avila. The land is infused with the spirit of rest and repose.
Upcoming Family Retreats
July 2024
The cooler end of our Family Yoga retreat season. Spaces still available.
August 2024
For those who like it a little hotter. Spaces still available.
“A beautiful space for yoga and family relaxation - my daughter and I loved it!”
“The couple Nic and Henriette have created a wonderful space among olive trees, having renovated an old monastery that serves as the hub of the estate. I had been on the look out for a different holiday offering serenity yoga and family time and at El Convento these wishes were met to the fullest! I had booked a bell tent as our place to sleep and it was super cosy and my daughter of now 7 loved it! Also it felt very connected to nature with a amazing night sky to gaze on in the evenings. Nic’s yoga routine in the morning was perfect catering to every level in an Ashtanga series - combining elements of the first and second series. He compassionately guided the group through practice every morning. The days were relaxed and the kids on the retreat became good friends and played all day long, although the ages differed a lot. The ambience was warm and welcoming and Henriette talked to every one of us making sure we had everything we needed. The food was all vegetarian and delicious with extra treats from the wild growing fig trees around! We spent a week in beginning of July 2017 and although it was hot we managed fine taking dips in the fresh and cool water reservoir close by. The other guests were amazing people with so interesting backgrounds and everyone contributed to making this a very special holiday! My daughter still talks warmly about the time and the friends she made there! So look no further - this is a perfect space for yoga, healing and connection.”
