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A purpose-built mountain retreat
where you can really relax

** Mainly Single Rooms **

This is an especially lovely venue for those of you who like a room to themselves, most of the rooms are single rooms with no extra costs involved. Situated in the mountains east of Malaga, surrounded on three sides by spectacular mountains, with fantastic views - great for walking, cycling or sunbathing!

The Yoga

The Centre of Light was especially  designed for yoga retreats and therefore lends itself beautifully to all activities that require a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Spectacular natural beauty and perfect Feng-Shui combine to create a superb location where one can truly experience living in harmony with nature.

There are four main areas used for yoga: the Lake room, the central open Moroccan style patio, the yoga platform and the newly extended area around the swimming pool.

Morning yoga usually takes place on the yoga platform on the the hill behind the centre. Surrounded by olive and almond trees, and shaded from the morning sun, the scent of the trees and plants will make these sessions even more special.

The central patio is the heart of the property with its relaxing water feature and beautiful natural terracotta tiles. A perfect location for calm meditation or evening yoga practice.

There is also the option of using the cool indoor Lake room or the newly extended 48 square metre wooden platform beside the swimming pool - the options are ours to decide.

Click here for details of all our yoga teachers

Nestling amongst the Andalucían Mountains we are within walking distance of the traditional Spanish white hamlet of El Cañuelo.

One of the many attractions of the centre is its breathtaking views. With mountains on three sides, the centre rests beside an open valley with a grand vista of both Lake Viñuela and the Mediterranean Sea. Perfect for walking, the local scenery is stunning.

There are two mountain bikes for exploring the quiet roads and surrounding countryside Alternatively take your bike to the old railway line behind the retreat and cycle along it and across the hills, through fields of olive and almond trees and past picturesque old farmhouses.

Sunbathing takes place by the oval, salt water, swimming pool, with its mosaic lining. Lay on the sun-beds with a book and look down through the olive groves to the lake below you and, far in the distance, glimpse the glittering sea, on a clear day you can see Africa.

A half an hour taxi ride away are stables where horses can be hired and a local guide provided to show you some of the more out of the way places. 

A few minutes walk away is a local bar (pictured right) with coffee, drinks and snacks.

A short bicycle ride brings you to a small village with several cafes and shops. Tennis courts are close by. Hot Springs, trips to the beach, and other excursions can all be provided by your hosts. 

Massage and Treatments

Massages, Holistic therapies, Reiki and healing are available on-site and complement the retreat activities perfectly. Personalised consultations with a nutritional therapist are also available.

2010 Programme - click on the teachers name for their course details

The holiday: 

Your hosts, Richard and Betty,  provide quiet comfortable yoga retreats where you cannot help but relax.

Due to its climate it is open all year round. The altitude of 2200' moderates the seasonal weather. In the summer the temperature is typically in the high 20's C, rising to the low 30's C in August, cooled by the mountain breezes.

The holiday includes bed, breakfast and a vegetarian evening meal . One night is dedicated to a trip to a local restaurant where you can buy a Spanish meal for a modest price. 

The retreat is relatively isolated and car hire is recommended if you wish to explore the region. There is a bar in the dining room that also serves fresh  juices, a traditional Spanish bar in the small hamlet at the bottom of the driveway. 

There are no shops or villages within close walking. The nearest  village is Periana, 4 kms away down the mountain -  here you will find a variety of shops, cafes and a restaurant.

The Food

Centre of Light is a vegetarian centre, food is lovingly prepared using only fresh, seasonal and and wherever possible locally grown ingredients. Most vegetables are purchased directly from a neighbouring farmer in order to get the freshest produce and support the local economy.

All food is prepared using olive oil that comes from Periana (4 Km from us) and no other fats so commonly used in restaurants. They try to limit the use of dairy products and wheat in dishes and instead have these foods as separate options and are very lucky to be supplied with Chloe's delicious organic eggs.

Breakfast and lunch/brunch at the centre is normally light and fresh always includes a raw dish and is accompanied by lots of fresh fruit while dinner is a more substantial affair and always has a pudding at the end!

Menus are carefully devised offering not only a balance of nutrients but an eclectic mix of raw, vegan, traditional Italian and Spanish cuisine.

Accommodation

The recent refurbishment which took place this winter was inspired by a mixture of traditional Andalucían architecture and materials, and ancient Arabic patterns and decorations.

The venue comprises of a main building and three small houses designed, on different levels, around an open central patio with a traditional Moorish sunken fountain.

Guest rooms are separate from the core building, creating the perfect environment for absolute comfort and relaxation. Each guest enjoys en-suite accommodation.

There are nine guest rooms, all rooms are single with en-suite bathroom and terrace and all are equipped with a desk with a salt crystal lamp. The décor is rustic with a touch of ethnic. One room has a double bed and is suitable for a couple. Each room is south facing with a small patio outside giving magnificent views down the valley to the sea. 

Main building: The heart of the core building is the Lake room which has a stunning view over Lake Viñuela and the Mediterranean Sea. The Lake room is used for meal times and also as an indoor area for yoga or any other group activities. In winter the room is heated with under-floor heating and a fire place.

In a corner there is our juice bar that also serves the usual bar drinks and coffee. Just outside the Lake room there is a large terrace where one can enjoy food outdoors or simply relax taking in the view.

more snapshots at bottom of page

For more information please email us at:   Free Spirit Travel   or call us on:  01273-564230

Updated 26/07/10