search results

Suryalila is an award-winning retreat centre nestled in the picturesque Andalusian hills of southern Spain. Experience the magic of world-class yoga, organic vegetarian cuisine, and holistic wellness in a sanctuary designed to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Yoga & wellness retreats Explore upcoming retreats Retreat yourself packages Craft your perfect retreat yoga teacher trainings Expand your knowledge Permaculture farm DANYADARA Learn about Danyadara Retreat Yourself at suryalila Embrace the Freedom to Relax, Explore, and Rejuvenate at Your Own Pace. At Suryalila, we believe that your retreat should be as unique as you are. That’s why our Retreat Yourself packages give you the freedom to craft a personalised wellness experience— one that flows with your needs, desires, and pace. Start your journey UPCOMING RETREATS from £930 23 Nov 2024 28 Nov 2024 Autumn Renewal Retreat A wholesome retreat with a perfect balance between daily practice, time outdoors in nature and learning. This is our third year running and we’re very excited to be back to share these beautiful teachings with you. Offerings include: Hatha, Yin, Shiatsu, Yoga Nidra, Dance & Art Ecosomatics, Tea Meditations, cycling the scenic Rio Verde, and hands-on learning about permaculture. Read more from €1,200 30 Nov 2024 7 Dec 2024 50-Hour Wise Movement Training - Integrating Neuroscience & Strength Training Welcome to Wise Movement, a 50-Hour Advanced Teacher Training tailored for movement professionals looking to expand their expertise and embrace innovative movement techniques. combining anatomy, neuroscience, and strength training. Read more from €945 21 Dec 2024 28 Dec 2024 Escape Christmas Retreat Our award winning Escape Christmas Retreat is back in 2024! We look forward to welcoming our guests to come enjoy a week of fun-filled and relaxing time away from the Christmas hype. Spending your days with rejuvenating yoga sessions, exciting hikes, and workshops, this is a perfect holiday you deserve. Read more from €875 28 Dec 2024 2 Jan 2025 New Year Yoga Retreat 6 days of deep Synergy yoga, meditation, inspiring workshops all wrapped up in a lighthearted and welcoming atmosphere. Read more SEE UPCOMING RETREATS yoga TEACHER TRAININGS Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape of Suryalila while deepening your yoga practice and honing your teaching skills on a Frog Lotus Yoga Teacher Training Founded by Master Trainer Vidya Heisel, winner of 2024 OM YOGA Award for Favourite Yoga Teacher Trainer, FLY has certified over 3,000 instructors worldwide. We offer: 200hr in-person and hybrid Yoga teacher trainings in addition to a range if advanced teacher training modules from Yin yoga to strength and mobility. Start your yoga journey THE SURYALILA EXPERIENCE SEE MAPS Go to Yoga studios Go to massage therapy Go to SALTWATER pool Go to organic farm Go to yoga HOTEL Go to Area & DAY TRIPS Go to ACCOMMODATION Go to VEGETARIAN CUISINE & DINING Go to Shakti Boutique Go to PETS & ANIMALS Go to Amrita Café Go to olive oil plantation TESTIMONIALS Picturesque Suryalila has a very special energy. It is run with complete love and respect. The staff, the views, the food, the accommodation and much more are why I keep coming back. It is completely magical! Emma Henry, Senior Jivamukti Teacher, London, UK

200-Hour Hybrid Yoga Teacher Training Certify as a Confident Yoga Teacher with the flexibility of Online Learning and an Immersive In-Person Retreat at the Award-Winning Suryalila Retreat Centre in Andalusia. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Exceptional Yoga Alliance School DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE On-demand Online Access In Person March 22nd - 29th, 2025 Aug 9th - 16th, 2025 Andalusia, Spain Tuition cost €1,260 Excluding accommodation E-RYT 200 Yoga Teacher Certification X6 Optional Live Sessions Winner Favourite Yoga Teacher Trainer 2024 WHY CHOOSE SURYALILA BEST YOGA TEACHER TRAINER 2024 The Om Yoga "Best Yoga Trainer of 2024”, Vidya Heisel leads the program, ensuring you will become a confident, creative, and skilled teacher. MASTER THE ART OF TEACHING YOGA WITH HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE Learn to design and lead your classes with confidence, blending practical skills and personal creativity. TRANSITION SMOOTHLY WITH HYBRID TRAINING Evolve from student to teacher at your own pace, combining flexible online learning with an immersive in-person experience for a seamless journey to certification. DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE GALLERy UPCOMING HYBRID COURSES 200hr Hybrid YYT - March 2025 in-person week Optional Q&A calls from: 02 November, 2024 In-person week: 22-29 March, 2025 DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE 200hr Hybrid YYT - August 2025 in-person week Optional Q&A calls from: 08 Feb, 2024 In-person week: 09-16 August, 2025 DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE Award Winning Suryalila Retreat Centre Suryalila is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Grazalema mountain range in sunny Andalusia, with spectacular views in every direction providing the perfect space for your yoga teacher training journey. Enjoy the delicious organic food, Moroccan inspired interiors and Suryalila’s warm embrace as you venture into a new fulfilling career. DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE Love for Yoga Teacher Training at Suryalila "Although I was new to the practice, I felt loved, supported and encouraged throughout the entire course. I appreciate the excellence in teaching and the comprehensive lesson delivery system as well as the ample resources." FLY GRADUATE MIRELA GILES "Vidya provides a great space for learning and transformation to occur. She is compassionate, always approachable, and crucially present. By the time you realise it, you have all the confidence and tools you need to teach yoga!" LONDON YOGA STUDIO FOUNDER CARL FAURE "There are many different teacher trainings out there and I am really lucky I narrowed it down to this one. It was clear from the beginning that this is a serious course and that the teachers really wanted us to feel confident when we leave, which I think all of us did!" AMANDA HOMSTROM, FINLAND START YOUR JOURNEY TO A FULFILLING CAREER IN YOGA Download our brochure to discover the path to certification, personal growth and a deeper connection to your practice. First name Last name Email Phone I would like to receive SMS notifications. Download Now I agree to be contacted and to be added to the Suryalila email list for future updates and promotions. You can unsubscribe at any time. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONs 1. What is the cost of the training? Tuition is €1,260, with accommodation options starting at €490. 2. How do I qualify for the training? You’ll need a minimum of one year’s yoga practice and reasonable proficiency in yoga to join our 200-Hour Teacher Training. 3. What makes this training unique? Our hybrid training combines online learning with an immersive in-person week in Andalusia, guided by award-winning instructors. 4. Where is Suryalila located? Suryalila is in Andalusia, Spain, in the Sierra de Grazalema foothills, offering stunning views in all directions. 5. What topics and skills will I cover in the training? From yoga philosophy and anatomy to asana alignment and teaching methodology, you’ll receive a well-rounded education in all aspects of yoga. 6. What are the accommodation options? Choose from deluxe doubles, glamping, or eco-casitas, with prices to suit various budgets. 7. What should I expect from the in-person retreat week? Enjoy seven days of in-depth, hands-on practice, community experiences, and transformative learning at our beautiful Andalusian retreat center. Copyright © 2024 Suryalila Privacy Policy

Danyadara permaculture Farm Growing Green Dreams at Danyadara; Check out our non-profit permaculture farm that is on a mission to reverse desertification in Andalusia Become a Danyadara Supporter Danyadara is our non-profit organisation run by our dedicated team focussed on reversing desertification through knowledgeable application of sustainable farming systems. Desertification is a devestating phenomenon for humans and wildlife, without action, life as we know it could change significantly in a short space of time. By cultivating an abundant food forest on our grounds, we are demonstrating how to generate healthy soil and provide a cost-effective model for local farmers to employ and reinvest in their farms. Danyadara’s mission is to reverse desertification in Andalusia by recreating the forest-agriculture mosaics that promote soil health and species diversity with projects aimed at preventing bare ground, improving water stewardship, increasing carbon sequestration and educating about regenerative agriculture methods. We offer a weekly tour of the site to all our guests so we can show you first hand the impact of the work we are doing here. While Suryalila supports Danyadara to the best of our ability, we also rely on the generosity of supporters like you to continue this essential work. Your donations play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding our reforestation efforts. WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! Help us keep planting and nurturing our blessed earth Become a Danyadara Supporter At Suryalila, we are proud to be the home of Danyadara, meaning "blessed earth." This NGO permaculture project is focused on reforesting and regenerating depleted land, contributing to sustainability and growth. Danyadara has already planted approximately 10,000 trees, and we're excited to witness these saplings as they grow into a flourishing forest. Take the taste of Andalusia into your kitchen with our very own organic olive oil. Our extra virgin olive oil processed straight from the olive grove beats any supermarket olive oil you can buy! Treat youself or buy as the perfect gift for friends and family. All proceeds are donated back into our non-profit land regeneration project! Buy olive oil Support Our Cause🌱 Leave a one-time donation First name Last name Email How did you hear about us? Select an item (€) * Donate - €50 Donate - €100 Donate - €250 Donate - €500 Click button above to donate a different amount Donate Thank you for helping us make a difference! VISIT WEBSITE

Suryalila, like many big projects, began with a dream and a vision. My journey through yoga and Eastern philosophy spans nearly 50 years, shaping a lifelong passion and guiding my path from teaching in spiritual communities to founding Frog Lotus Yoga in Massachusetts, and eventually leading yoga teacher trainings worldwide. Each step brought me closer to creating a sanctuary for yoga, healing, and sustainable living—a dream that became Suryalila. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Grazalema in southern Spain, Suryalila is a harmonious space designed to foster growth, freedom, and creativity. Our mission has always been to offer more than a retreat; it’s to create a sanctuary of beauty, warmth, and wellbeing, supported by a team embodying integrity, kindness, and care. This journey has been enriched by the remarkable team who form Suryalila’s heart. Each member brings unique energy and dedication: from the welcoming smiles at the front of house to the nurturing organic meals served by our incredible team of chefs, our yoga teachers and massage therapists guiding guests to relaxation, and the cleaning and maintenance teams who keep every corner immaculate. Our office staff ensure seamless bookings, while the Shakti Boutique and Amrita Cafe add comfort and inspiration. Every person’s contribution helps us provide an authentic, nurturing environment that embodies our mission. This year, our dedication was celebrated when Suryalila was named Best Yoga Retreat for the second consecutive year at the OM Yoga Awards. To make this honour even more meaningful, I was awarded Best Yoga Teacher Trainer. With nearly 50 years of teaching yoga and 25 years of leading trainings through Frog Lotus Yoga, this recognition fills me with gratitude. FLY has certified thousands of teachers globally, and many of our team members here have completed the training, living the principles of growth, self-awareness, and compassion in all they do. Reflecting on these achievements, I see how Suryalila continues to evolve. We recently introduced the Pathless Path, an art-filled trail inviting quiet reflection amid nature’s beauty. A new sauna brings an added dimension of relaxation, and our Danyadara permaculture project continues transforming the land into a thriving ecosystem. Each upgrade reflects our commitment to creating an oasis that nurtures both body and soul. Our mission—to support each other’s freedom, growth, creativity, and highest potential—guides everything we do. From weekly mission readings to the way we welcome our guests, we strive to offer an experience of profound beauty, wellbeing, and human warmth. We are deeply grateful for the community we’ve built and for everyone who has supported us. Suryalila is not just a place to practise yoga; it’s a home for those seeking peace, connection, and transformation. We look forward to welcoming many more into our growing family and expanding the horizons of what Suryalila can offer. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Your support and love are what brought us here, and we honour the trust you’ve placed in us by continually striving for excellence. With love and light, Vidya

Here in the heart of Andalucía, Spain, Suryalila Retreat Centre offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility. This former olive and dairy farm, now transformed into a serene retreat, is strategically located on a natural flyway for migrating birds. As autumn unfolds, the skies above come alive providing an exceptional opportunity to witness the richness of birdlife in the region. A Strategic Location for Bird Migration Suryalila’s location is nothing short of ideal for bird enthusiasts. Situated near protected natural parks and nestled between coastal and mountainous ecosystems, the retreat sits on a vital migratory route. Each autumn, as birds journey from Europe to Africa, the skies above Suryalila are filled with the sight of raptors, songbirds, and more as they make their way south. Vultures Circling Overhead One of the most awe-inspiring spectacles you can witness at Suryalila is the sight of Griffon vultures soaring gracefully overhead. These majestic birds, with their impressive wingspans, take advantage of the warm thermals rising from the ground, allowing them to glide effortlessly in large groups. From the comfort of our poolside or during a stroll through the gardens, guests can observe these vultures, connecting deeply with the wild beauty of Andalucía. Eagles, Falcons, and More Autumn is also the season to spot other raptors such as Bonelli’s eagles and peregrine falcons. These birds are often seen patrolling the skies, either hunting or preparing for their migration. For those interested in a more immersive experience, our weekly excursions to the nearby Sierra de Grazalema National Park offer the chance to observe these raptors in action, particularly at locations like the Puerto de las Palomas. Songbirds in the Gardens Closer to home, Suryalila’s gardens are alive with a variety of smaller birds. As the cooler weather sets in, species like the Eurasian hoopoe, with its striking crest, and the European robin, with its bright orange breast, become frequent visitors. The gardens offer a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy the natural symphony created by these songbirds. The Ecological Connection Beyond their beauty, the birds that pass through Suryalila play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Many of these species rely on the land for food and shelter during their long migrations. The presence of olive trees, a legacy of the property’s agricultural past, provides essential resources for birds and contributes to the vibrant biodiversity that makes Suryalila so special. Join Us This Autumn As the leaves turn and the air cools, there’s no better time to visit Suryalila and immerse yourself in the wonders of autumn birdwatching. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring the gardens, or joining a guided excursion into the Sierra de Grazalema, the avian life that thrives here is sure to enchant and inspire you. Embrace the beauty of the season at Suryalila, where nature and tranquility come together in perfect harmony.

For many, yoga begins as a personal practice—a way to bring balance, peace, and a deeper sense of purpose into our lives. Over time, this practice often becomes more than just something we do on the mat. Yoga becomes a way of life, and for some, it plants the seeds of inspiration to share this journey with others. If you are reading this, you might be feeling that call. You may be asking yourself how to transition from a practitioner to a yoga teacher. Let me share some insights from my own journey that may help guide you along the way. 1. Listening to the Call to Teach The transition to becoming a yoga teacher often begins with an inner calling. Enroll in a reputable yoga teacher training program with seasoned instructors who practice what they preach. This will ensure that you learn from teachers whose careers inspire you and who can impart not only theoretical knowledge but also real-world wisdom. Start small. Begin by teaching friends, family, or a local class. Trust that as you share, you will continue to learn and grow. 2. Embrace Your Authentic Voice Let your voice and your story shine through in your classes. I always encourage new teachers to integrate their personal experiences into their teaching. It’s your unique journey with yoga that will resonate most deeply with your students. Whether you’ve overcome challenges through yoga or found profound peace in your practice, these experiences can guide and inspire others. Develop confidence by thoroughly knowing your teaching material. This knowledge will naturally help you to feel more relaxed and assertive in front of your class. Confidence comes from competence, so invest in continuing education and keeeping up your own practice . 3. Commit to Lifelong Learning Becoming a yoga teacher is not a destination—it’s a lifelong journey. Even after completing your yoga teacher training, it’s important to continue learning and growing. Yoga is a vast ocean of wisdom, and there is always more to explore. Seek out advanced trainings, attend workshops, and, most importantly, continue to be a student of life. I have spent over 50 years practising, studying, and teaching yoga, and still, I find there is always more to learn. The more you deepen your own practice and understanding, the more you will have to offer your students. 4. Practical Steps to Begin Teaching Gradually transition into a yoga teaching career by initially offering a few classes each week. This allows you to build a following while maintaining financial stability. Over time, you can increase your teaching hours as your confidence and client base grow. Take advantage of the growing yoga market by being open to teaching opportunities like substituting at different studios or offering private sessions. This exposure will also help you gain experience and visibility in the yoga community. 5. Align Your Career with Your Lifestyle One of the most significant shifts in transitioning to a career in yoga teaching is the alignment of your career with your lifestyle. Teaching yoga is not just a job; it is a way of living. To be a teacher means to embody the principles of yoga on and off the mat. This doesn’t mean you have to live a life of austerity, but it does mean bringing mindfulness, compassion, and integrity into every aspect of your life. This transition doesnt happen overnight. Start by setting up a daily personal practice that works for your schedule. The more yoga becomes a part of your everyday life, the more effortless it will feel to teach from an authentic place. A Fulfilling Journey Transitioning to a yoga teaching career is a fulfilling path that unfolds naturally with dedication. It's not solely about teaching; it's about living a life of growth, service, and self-discovery. The more you invest in your practice and teaching, the richer the rewards. With warmth and encouragement, Vidya Vidya Heisel With a teaching legacy spanning almost 50 years, Vidya possesses a profound understanding of yogic philosophy and meditation that resonates with practitioners worldwide. In the year 2000, Vidya´s passion for training yoga teachers blossomed into reality with the creation of Frog Lotus Yoga International and having traversed the globe with her teachings, Vidya´s journey eventually led her to the creation of Suryalila, a sactuary of yogic exploration in the scenic landscapes of Andalusia, Spain. Within these serene surroundings, practitioners immerse themselves in the teachings of a master, absorbing not only the postures but also anatomy, philosophy and the ethose that defines yoga. Here, vidya has guided countless yoga teachers, leading advanced trainings alongside hundreds of 200-hour yoga teacher trainings that have become a hallmark of her dedication where she continues to empower students on their yogic journey.