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retreats & nature holidays Replenish yourself through a variety of handcrafted relaxing yoga retreats and nature holidays. Regenerate, renew, relax. Our Retreat Centre is a home away from home in southern Spain… a place for those longing for a safe and healthy holiday with a difference. ​ ​ More than ever Suryalila is here for you to provide the settings for reconnection and wellbeing on all levels. Our mission is to create an environment where you can connect to the nature of southern Spain, to your own wellbeing, and to mindfulness with others. We all understand how important it is to be equipped to stay physically and mentally resilient in the midst of a crisis. What to Expect world-class yoga teachers Be enchanted by our vibrant and magical sunsets and starry night skies. ECO POOL Be enchanted by our vibrant and magical sunsets and starry night skies. DIVINE MASSAGES Be enchanted by our vibrant and magical sunsets and starry night skies. various ACTIVITIES Be enchanted by our vibrant and magical sunsets and starry night skies. PEACE & WELLNESS Be enchanted by our vibrant and magical sunsets and starry night skies. SUNSETS & STARS Be enchanted by our vibrant and magical sunsets and starry night skies. HEALTHY MEALS Be enchanted by our vibrant and magical sunsets and starry night skies. BOUTIQUE ACCOMODATIONS Be enchanted by our vibrant and magical sunsets and starry night skies. NATURAL PARKS Be enchanted by our vibrant and magical sunsets and starry night skies. sustainable projects Be enchanted by our vibrant and magical sunsets and starry night skies. Yoga retreats Throughout the year we offer nourishing yoga retreats and nature holidays for you to enjoy on your own, with friends or family. Whether you’re looking for a more healing, meditative experience or adventurous endeavours, we have it all. ​ No matter if it’s your first yoga retreat or you’re ready for teacher training, we have amazing options for you! All year round, we have large and small group yoga retreats, either shorter (three or four-night) as well as week-long retreats and more. Or as an independent guest, you’ll still enjoy daily yoga sessions and dips in our saltwater pool. ​ see our yoga retreat calendar About Suryalila Retreat Centre Our rural hotel is a warm and welcoming retreat space, a home away from home, nestled serenely in the foothills of the Sierra de Grazalema, in the province of Cadiz, Spain. Expect to be surrounded by fields of sunflowers (when in bloom!) and sweeping vistas of mountains and lakes in our sunny little corner of Europe. ​ Suryalila is a composite of two Sanskrit words. Surya refers to the ancient sun god and Lila means cosmic play of the gods. Together the words mean “Cosmic Play of the Sun”. It is also home to Danyadara , a non-profit educational permaculture farming project that is building a food forest and growing vegetables on the land. Weekly tours of the project are offered. ​ Whether you’re arriving from within Spain, through out Europe, or from anywhere in the world, we want you to come and enjoy one of the best European yoga retreats you’ll find. Not far away in Andalusia are beautiful locations with lots of adventure and fun to be had (including the stunning beaches of the Mediterranean and captivating nature of National Parks). ​ Enjoy your yoga holidays with us… explore a daily (or more!) class of different yoga styles (like Vinyasa, Yin, restorative), de-stress amongst our eco-lodges with wellness offerings like massage and saltwater pool and eat local, organic, vegetarian meals that taste amazing and are great for you. We are the best of destination yoga in all of Europe! For more information, prices and bookings, please email us ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Mail

sites & day trips << See all day trips Enjoy a guided adventure to... Seville The culturally rich and beautiful capital of Andalusia is one of Europe’s most charming and romantic cities. The old town of Seville is magical, with winding cobbled streets, Moorish architecture and many memorable attractions. It has a stunning Gothic cathedral, the largest in Europe, founded on the site of a former mosque. Its bell tower, the Giralda, was the former minaret of the mosque and is an important example of the fusion of Islamic and Christian architecture in Andalusia. You can also visit the Alcázar, the magnificent Moorish palace in the centre of Seville. The beautiful manicured gardens of the Alcázar combine Arabic and Renaissance styles, with orange trees, palm trees, fountains and pavilions. Also don’t forget to visit the Plaza de la Encarnación to view the famous mushroom sculpture - which provides magnificent views of the city – and the Plaza de España situated next to the Maria Luisa gardens. An enjoyable way to see some of the old town and the Plaza de España is to take a horse and carriage ride through Seville. Seville’s history is woven into folklore, with Bizet’s Carmen capturing the image of a steaming, sultry city fuelled by colonial passions. Walk the streets of this beautiful city and along the way stop at one of the famous tapas bars for an authentic Sevillian lunch.

50hr Yin & Traditional Chinese Medicine Yoga Training FLY training with BRUNA PONS FROM 05/04/25 TO 12/04/25 BOOK NOW << back to all retreats ABOUT DATES SCHEDULE COSTS BOOK NOW about ​ This 50 Hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training Course explores the practice and teachings of yin yoga from a functional approach of how we adapt poses to each individual. You will explore Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) fundamental theories such as the meridians, yin and yang, or the 5 elements, and how you can stimulate the meridians with yin yoga asanas. In short, you’ll learn how yin yoga works and how to combine it with TCM principles to teach deeper, richer, and enhanced yin yoga classes. This training is designed to place you in the role of the student as you apply the concepts of Yin Yoga and TCM to your own personal practice. During this training, you will explore Eastern philosophy, Yin Yoga, TCM theory and asana clinics. Finally, you'll practice the skills Yin teachers use to support their student balance: situations in which someone needs to stretch, relax, and slow down. 1/0 Dates schedule cost book BOOK NOW

accomModation << See all accommodation Dorm rooms with single beds Single occupancy ​ Shared price per person from €85 - €95 DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION We offer two four bed mini dorms and an eight bed dorm for group accommodation or independent travellers. Our guests often tell us that our dorm rooms are unlike any shared accommodation they've stayed in previously, such as backpacking hostels or on school trips. Our sophisticated dorms are beautifully appointed and decorated featuring beamed ceilings, tiled floors and hand-carved wooden furniture. Each comfy bed has its own bedside table with a reading lamp and the rooms have plenty of storage space. Our two four bed dorms - Ganesha and Govinda - are perfect for a group of friends or for family stays. Each dorm has its own bathroom with WC, shower and shelf space. Our eight bed dorm - Saraswati - is our cheapest accommodation option. Once a meditation hall, the light and airy space comfortably accommodates eight beds, a large wardrobe unit and a reading desk. Stylish hand-carved wooden room dividers offer privacy. Downstairs, you’ll find two showers, two toilets and space for your belongings. We offer two four bed mini dorms and an eight bed dorm for group accommodation or independent travellers. Our guests often tell us that our dorm rooms are unlike any shared accommodation they've stayed in previously, such as backpacking hostels or on school trips. Our sophisticated dorms are beautifully appointed and decorated featuring beamed ceilings, tiled floors and hand-carved wooden furniture. Each comfy bed has its own bedside table with a reading lamp and the rooms have plenty of storage space. Our two four bed dorms - Ganesha and Govinda - are perfect for a group of friends or for family stays. Each dorm has its own bathroom with WC, shower and shelf space. Our eight bed dorm - Saraswati - is our cheapest accommodation option. Once a meditation hall, the light and airy space comfortably accommodates eight beds, a large wardrobe unit and a reading desk. Stylish hand-carved wooden room dividers offer privacy. Downstairs, you’ll find two showers, two toilets and space for your belongings. Details Bedroom Type Single bed and shared bathroom Bathrooms Shared LOCATION LOCATION see map Below see map Below 5, 6 , 8 BOOK NOW See location of accomModation 1. Casa Kali: Rooms 1, 2 and 3 2. Casa Tara: Rooms 1, 2 y 3 3. Casa Padma : Rooms 1, 2 y 3 4. Casa Santosha: Vidya’s House 5. Casa Govinda Rooms 1,2, 3 6. Saraswati Dormitory 7. Casa Leela: Staff house 8. Casa Ganesha four bed room 9. Casa Ganesha 1 10. Suryalila office 11. Dining Hall 12. Suryalila Kitchen 13. Entrance to Patio and Reception 14. Reception 15. Amrita Cafe and toilets 16. Shakti Boutique 17. Casa Ananda rooms 1,2 and 3 18. Ananda Shanti Room 19. Ananda Laxmi Suite 20. Van Life 21. Salt Water Pool 22. Front Pagoda 23. Moroccan Pagoda 24. Back Pagoda 25. To the Moon Shala 26. To the Lotus Lounge (Massage Rooms) 27. Sauna 28. Glamping showers 29. Tent 1 30. Tent 2 31. Tent 3 32. Tent 4 33. Tent 5 34. Twin Yurt 35. Tent 6 36. Triple yurt 37. Family yurt 38. The OM Dome 39. The sacred Banyan Tree 40. Compost toilets 41. Glamping showers 42. Eco-Casa Soma 43. Eco-Casa Devi 44. Eco-Casa Maya 45. To the Honeymoon Yurt 46. To the Garden of Stillness

< Back Pumpkin & Coconut Soup Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 40 Minutes Serves: Serves 4-6 Level: Easy About the Recipe A light summer lunch or dreamy winter warmer, this one's a year round go to that's ready in less than an hour! Ingredients 1 kilogram pumpkin 2 small white onions, diced 6 cloves of garlic, peeled and diced 50 grams ginger, peeled and chopped 2 tins (400ml) coconut milk 500ml water 2 tsp salt Pinch of black pepper Small bunch of corriander, chopped Preparation Step 1 Cut the pumpkin in half, discarding the stringy insides. Step 2 Cut off the hard outer skin and slice the pumpkin meat into chunks. Step 3 In a soup pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until aromatic. Add 500 ml water, pumpkin, ginger, coconut milk, salt and pepper. Simmer until the pumpkin is soft. Step 4 Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning as necessary. Step 5 To serve, sprinkle with chopped coriander. Previous Next

Detox, Align and Restore Retreat with Michelle FROM 02/01/25 TO 06/01/25 BOOK NOW << back to all retreats ABOUT DATES SCHEDULE COSTS BOOK NOW about ​ This “DETOX, Align and Restore’ retreat is the perfect way to commence the new year. Christmas, seasonal festivities and plenty of parties often leave the body and system dense, uneasy and even toxic. After all of this overindulging; the system needs a full clean and reset to be ready for the year ahead. Maybe it’s not overindulgence but simply an accumulation of over doing and excessive work, everyone can benefit from a CLEANSE! This is an externally organised retreat, to learn more and book visit here The Morning and evening Yoga sessions will have a strong emphasis on physical and mental DETOX. Any ailments, pain, injuries and sensitivities will be addressed and nurtured throughout the week. You will leave the retreat inspired and clear in your own self practice. Precision in alignment and an understanding of how to execute a pose harmoniously is the basis for structural alignment, the overall health of the spine, holistic healing and longevity in Yoga practice. Complete physical & mental well-being, emotional and energetic alignment will all be addressed and explored. You will be guided in all postures and sessions with compassion and very clear instructions. Our feet work constantly to ground, support and carry the body. We can start to align on all dimensions from the feet: our roots. The human spine moves in two directions - the force of gravity (waist down) makes it possible for us to extend the upper part of the spine (waist up). Come and learn healthy and authentic ways to sit, stand, walk, move and rotate the body to keep it healthy and clean. Hosted by Michelle - Michelle holds space authentically from her true passion for traditional Yoga, experiential wisdom through silence and self enquiry on her personal awareness journey. She has been teaching Yoga & Meditation for 16 years in various countries and continents, culminating all she has witnessed, experienced and learned from a variety of conscious practices, healers and Yoga Masters from India, the USA, South Africa and Europe. Michelle spent 8 years immersed in India deepening her understanding of Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda and the power of conscious dance and movement. She has been holding space and doing hands on healing, reiki, transformative bodywork and sacred ceremony for more than 20 years. 1/0 Dates schedule cost book BOOK NOW

Mind, Body, Breath: Men's Retreat with Liam and team Suryalila FROM 25/01/25 TO 01/02/25 BOOK NOW << back to all retreats ABOUT DATES SCHEDULE COSTS BOOK NOW about ​ Join us for the Mind, Body, Breath: Men's Retreat at Suryalila Retreat Centre from January 25th to February 1st. This week is dedicated to revitalising your mind, body, and spirit through a unique blend of yoga, breathwork, gym sessions, and time spent in nature. Led by expert breath coach Liam Colfer and Suryalila's skilled yoga teachers, you'll connect with your body through movement, breathe deeper, and find balance. Unwind with sauna nights, bonfires, and scenic hikes through the stunning Andalucian countryside. Why Choose This Retreat: Holistic Wellness: Daily yoga, breathwork, and mobility sessions to improve both physical and mental well-being. Expert Guidance: Learn from Liam Colfer, an advanced breath coach, and Suryalila's experienced yoga teachers. Stress & Anxiety Relief: Gain powerful breathwork tools to manage stress, grief, and anxiety, while building resilience. Natural Beauty: Explore Andalucia’s stunning landscapes with guided hikes and a tour of the Danyadara land regeneration project. Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Enjoy restorative sauna nights, yin yoga, and a bonfire evening under the stars. Balanced Experience: A mix of movement, mindfulness, and free time to rest, reflect, or explore. Community Connection: Share this transformative experience with like-minded men in a supportive environment. Meet your retreat leader: Liam Colfer Liam is an Advanced Oxygen Advantage Breath Coach and a Yoga Alliance-certified breath-work and mobility instructor. Originally from the scenic Hook Peninsula in Ireland, he brings a blend of knowledge, music, and Irish 'craic' to his teaching. Liam is passionate about using breath as a tool to alleviate stress, grief, trauma, and anxiety, empowering individuals to regain control of their physical and mental health. His sessions are not just about learning techniques; they're about experiencing a transformative journey where breath is the key to a balanced and vibrant life. Reviews of the Mind, Body, Breath: Men's Retreat Loved it! Every moment and every bit of it! The wonderful embrace of knowledgeable and openminded people, the serenity of the place, the laughter, the fine timeless moments by the campfire. The challenging exercises, helping me realise that I can do it and that the mind puts barriers where none exist. Liam is amazing and I highly recommend spending a week with him. As he said:"Everything is optional!" - Krass (rated 5 out of 5 stars) I got home three days ago from Liam's retreat at Suryalila in the deep south of Spain and am still awash with the experience and energy of being with a band of random pilgrims revealing their strengths & vulnerabilities one by one. The location is at the crossroads of nowhere & now; a perfectly planned environment to relax & slide out of your comfort zone into Liam's program of breath awareness & brotherhood.This exotic oasis of Asian & Indian details set in the undulating dune-like hills of Andalucia vibrates with an irresistible tranquility & openness, which Liam transmits effortlessly with some hard work & lots of mirth. "We're almost there" & "everything is optional" may not seem like profound mantras, but in the context of our experience, they will resonant for some time to come. Without a doubt I will return to the middle of nowhere & give Liam un abrazo muy fuerte! Muchas gracias hermano!! - Brent MacKay (rated 5 out of 5 stars) I needed to get away - if I was a Dr I would have diagnosed and prescribed a much needed break - 50 years old - solo traveller - a real change of scene - I wasn't looking for beach and clubs - I wanted somewhere 'cool' with serenity & growth - no egos and laughs - a dash of luxury accomodation (but just a dash) - a good shower (hot & cold) - oh and definitely good food and good company. Liam's 6 day retreat ticked every box … Breathwork - a new experience for me - breathing through your nose is a game changer (nitric oxide) - box and then O2 and CO2 extremes - (brilliant) X10 Ice baths - the above helps - as do Liam's words as you are submerged - it is a challenge - I loved it as did the other 9 guys - one had to be coaxed out after 3 mins as he had embraced the pain and was in the zone - another went back in again when we had closed up shop - great. Hike, circuits, yoga (loads of types - in the most incredible dome - morning and night - most people were advanced and thankfully as a result were chilled with me being a keen beginner) Throw in unbelievable food prepared by smiling staff and volunteers 3 times a day (the place has its own cookbook) - also throw in a saltwater pool that you can enjoy in your downtime - campfire + live music - and then add a large dash of treats at the honesty bar (choc peanut cupcakes!) - every box and more had been ticked. Accomodation is brick, yurts & eclectic glamping - I stayed in a family yurt - it was great - beyond expectation. Places and courses like this attract quality people, (and mainly those in the know and not the ones searching on Google for 3 days) - the best of the best (without the ego ;) - alot of wisdom and alot of laughs from all walks of life. - Ed Williams (rated 5 out of 5 stars) 1/0 Dates 25 January - 1 February 2025 The Schedule Saturday, 25th Jan - Arrival Day 5:30 PM Easy Flow Yoga with Suryalila Teachers 7:00 PM Dinner 8:15 PM Welcome Meeting with Suryalila Sunday, 26th Jan 8:00 AM - Yoga class with Suryalila teachers 9:30 AM - Breakfast with a protein smoothie 1:30 PM - Lunch 2:00 PM - Hike to Prado 7:00 PM - Dinner 8:00 PM - Sauna night Monday, 27th Jan 8:00 AM - Breath & Mobility with Liam 9:30 AM - Breakfast with a protein smoothie 11:30 AM - Gym session in Prado del Rey with Liam 1:30 PM - Lunch 2:00 PM - Free Time 5:30 PM - Yin Yoga with Suryalila teachers 7:00 PM - Dinner 8:00 PM - Suryalila Movie Tuesday, 28th Jan 8:00 AM - Yoga class with Suryalila teachers 9:30 AM - Breakfast with a protein smoothie 11:00 AM - Land Regeneration: Tour of Danyadara 1:30 PM - Lunch 2:00 PM - Free Time 7:00 PM - Dinner Wednesday, 29th Jan 8:00 AM - Breath & Mobility with Liam 9:30 AM - Breakfast with a protein smoothie 11:30 AM - Gym session in Prado del Rey with Liam 1:30 PM - Lunch 2:00 PM - Free Time 5:30 PM - Yin Yoga with Suryalila teachers 7:00 PM - Dinner Thursday, 30th Jan 8:00 AM - Yoga class with Suryalila teachers 9:30 AM - Breakfast with a protein smoothie 10:45 AM Hike to “El Torreon” 1:30 PM - Lunch 2:00 PM - Free Time 7:00 PM - Dinner 8:00 PM - Sauna Friday, 31st Jan 8:00 AM - Breath & Mobility with Liam 9:30 AM - Breakfast with a protein smoothie 1:30 PM - Lunch 3:00 - 4:00 PM Pay your bill at the shop 5:30 PM - Breathwork & Ice bath 7:00 PM - Dinner 8.00pm Bonfire! Saturday, 1st Feb 8:00 AM - Yoga with Suryalila teachers 9:30 AM - Breakfast 11:00 AM - Departure Day - Time To Checkout schedule cost book BOOK NOW

sites & day trips << See all day trips Enjoy a guided adventure to... Hammam in Jerez de la Frontera The Hammam includes about 90 mins in the baths followed by lunch in Jerez and time to walk around the town if you desire. The whole excursion is 5 hours. Guests usually leave after breakfast at 10.45am. The Hammam is generally booked from 12.00pm - 13.30pm and the group usually goes for lunch afterward in a local restaurant with Spanish food. They return to Suryalila around 16.00pm. This is a really lovely excursion for later in the year. The price is 64 euros per person and includes the transfers and the Hammam visit . The cost of lunch is not included.

Suryalila Cooking Class with head chef Gemma Russell ​ Join us every Tuesday in the heart of Suryalila's kitchen for a unique cooking class led by our Head Chef and cookbook writer, Gemma Russell. Discover the magic behind our delicious, love-infused dishes and gain insights into the sourcing of our ingredients, all while having an unforgettable time. Don't just eat our fabulous food—learn to create it yourself! ​ Unlock the Secre ts of Suryalila's Irresistible Cuisine At Suryalila, we believe that food is a vital part of the holistic experience. Our commitment to organic, locally sourced ingredients and our dedication to preparing each dish with love and passion set us apart. Join our cooking class to not only learn how to cook but also to connect with the heart and soul of Suryalila. ​ ​ ​ What to Expect: Hands-On Learning: Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of Suryalila cuisine. Learn to prepare some of our most beloved dishes from scratch. Ingredient Sourcing: Gain insights into how we select the finest ingredients, from local food producers to the produce grown right here at Suryalila. Kitchen Tips and Tricks: Discover useful kitchen gadgets and cooking tips that will elevate your culinary skills. Passion and Humor: Gemma's passion for food and her warm, humorous teaching style make the class not only informative but also incredibly fun. Nourish Your Body: Understand the importance of cooking with love and intention, and how it affects your overall well-being. How to Join: To reserve your spot in a cooking class with Gemma, simply reach out to our team at reception while you're here. Classes are held every Tuesday, so don't miss out on this unique opportunity during your stay and unlock the secrets of Suryalila's kitchen. ​ Come hungry for knowledge and leave with a full heart and a satisfied palate. Suryalila's cooking class is an experience like no other. We can't wait to share the magic of our kitchen with you. Meet Gemma Gemma comes from Chiddingly, a quaint village in Sussex, England. Her love for cooking sparked in her childhood, and she always aspired to become a chef. After completing culinary school and a year of hospitality management studies at university, Gemma embarked on a five-year journey around the world, working in hotels across Austria, France, Australia, and New Zealand. Returning home, she honed her skills in a fine-dining restaurant for four years before her career took an exciting turn. The opportunity to become the head chef at Suryalila came her way, and she embraced it so now, she pours her culinary passion into creating delectable meals at Suryalila.

yoga shalas The Om Dome It was always part of Vidya’s dream to create the most magnificent Yoga Hall in Europe. ​ Read More Ganesha Yoga Shala Ganesha Yoga Shala is our lovely secondary yoga studio, which is large enough to accomodate over 30 Yoga students. It's a beautiful yoga hall with a wood and beam ceiling. Read More The Moon Shala Designed and built by natural builder Tom Rijven and his inspiring students and friends the Moon Shala is a sustainable cob (straw bale and mud building). Read More The Garden of Stillness Our meditation garden where you can take a moment for yourself or join a group meditation surrounded by the equistite Andalusian countryside. Read More OM DOME om The Om Dome – Our Magnificent Yoga Hall! The Dome has an underfloor heating and cooling system, a state of the art sound system and atmospheric lighting. It is fully equipped with Manduka Pro mats, blocks, straps, bolsters and eye pillows. We also have backjack floor chairs for trainings and lectures. ​ The outside of the Dome is being constructed to resemble a Nepalese temple with a golden stupa on top, prayer flags and the Buddha eyes. Inside the Dome we have built two long solid walls (so yoga students can practice inversions), which are beautifully decorated with a beautiful mural of Hindu and Tibetan imagery. ​ In the Dome there is a massive bay window overlooking one of our best views of beautiful rolling hills and a ruined convent. The Dome can hold around 60 Yogis very comfortably. It is also a perfect space for conferences and concerts and dances. Vidya has been using Manduka mats exclusively for the last 10 years and both of our studios at Suryalila, the dome and the yoga hall, are equipped with Manduka Pro mats. Our beautiful Om Dome is perfect for hosting yoga workshops, kirtan and more... ganesha yoga ganesha Ganesha Yoga Shala – Our Beautiful Indoor Yoga Studio Ganesha Yoga Shala is our lovely secondary yoga studio, which is large enough to accommodate over 30 Yoga students. It is located upstairs in the main house here at Suryalila Yoga Retreat Centre. ​ ​ It is a beautiful Yoga hall with a wood and beam ceiling and wood floors. It has windows on both sides which allow for plenty of light and air flow. There is also an attached balcony with beautiful views of the hills of Andalucia, Spain. A small alcove with shelves houses the yoga props, and we have plenty of mats, blankets, straps, blocks, sand bags and eye pillows. Just outside the door is a mezzanine with couches for relaxing or having tea with a friend. The Moon Shala moon The Moon Shala is a sustainable cob (straw bale and mud building) designed and built by natural builder extraordinaire Tom Rijven and his inspiring students and friends. ​ This wonderful organic structure is located in our olive grove with stunning views of rolling hills and a ruined monastery. ​ The Moon Shala contains Manduka mats and blocks, blankets, straps and bolsters for sixteen people, which it can hold comfortably. ​ ​ ​ Beautiful murals grace the walls painted by well-known yoga artist, Terri Duan. The floor in the shala is made from local pine and the wooden high ceiling resembles the inner structure of an umbrella. ​ The atmosphere inside the shala feels very different from being inside a concrete or brick building. It is as if the building itself is a breathing, living organism. ​ We are in the process of creating a living garden of succulents and other plants on the roof of the Moon Shala. After the heat of the summer, we will also be landscaping around the Shala. The Garden of Stillness Garden Our Garden of Stillness is the passion project of one of our wonderful guests, Jimmy who was inspired to create a meditation space at Suryalila after spending time with us on a retreat. ​ ​ After a whole heap of imagination, hard work, dedication and gratefully-received donations, this sacred spot tucked away on the fringes of our lush gardens is like stumbling upon a divine secret at Suryalila. Take the meandering path lined with aromatic lavender and rosemary bushes through the glamping area dotted with yurts, teepees and mini domes. Carry on past our magnificent Om Dome, and our celebratory Banyan Tree encircled with brightly coloured flags, and eventually you’ll find the stunning meditation garden. A beautifully carved wooden arch - and a statue of Ganesha, known as ‘the remover of obstacles’ - welcomes you into this peaceful haven bejewelled with vibrant flowers. The design resembles an intimate amphitheatre…meditation seats carved from stone are mindfully placed in rows of terraced semi circles facing a central raised platform adorned by intricate spiritual statues. Golden canopies blowing in the breeze like ship sails provide welcome shade. Beyond, the breathtaking views of the rolling hills and olive trees provides an awe-inspiring backdrop like stepping into a living painting. Meditation cushions can be found in a lovingly made wooden hut at the entrance of the garden to help make your practice as comfortable as possible. Our Garden of Stillness is the perfect place for meditation, a small yoga class, self-practise, ceremonies and conscious live music events. However you’re inspired to use the space, the tranquil sounds of birdsong, gently humming bees and rustling leaves will provide a soothing soundtrack to your time here. Our heart-felt thanks goes out to Jimmy who helped create this serene corner of contemplation at Suryalila.

olive oil plantation Suryalila Yoga Retreat Centre, located in the heart of olive country: Andalusia, Spain, contains an olive grove with over 350 ancient olive trees. We proudly serve our own home-grown organic cured olives and our own buttery gold Suryalila organic olive oil to our guests. On the beautiful grounds, you can still see several massive granite olive crushing stones, giant ceramic olive oil urns (now sporting petunias!) and a line of colourful carts which were all part of the original olive farm. ​ The History of La Fabrica ​ Suryalila was previously called ‘La Fabrica’ and was a working olive and dairy farm a hundred years ago. It had several large barns for cattle and also housed an olive mill. All the olive oil was produced on site. The large farm provided work for many employees. ​ When Spain became part of the European Union, new legislation came into effect which required the upgrading of the mill and the machinery used. At this point the family who owned the property were unable to afford the upgrades and therefore decided to sell the property. They sold it to a Spanish couple who had the idea of creating an exclusive retirement home. ​ The man who bought it was a building contractor and spent 6 years completely renovating the property. Unfortunately his plans never came to pass and he never fully completed the project. He and his wife wanted to move back to Barcelona and sell the property, but unfortunately this came at a time when the property market in Spain was collapsing. ​ ​ La Fabrica Becomes Suryalila ​ The property had been on the market for over a year when we found it. We were amazed at how perfectly the property would fit our needs with just a few minor changes. We had to finish the renovation and outfit the property to meet the legal requirements for a guest house. This was no small task. We also had to furnish eight houses and a huge dining room. Vidya purchased and shipped three containers worth of furniture and decorations from Bali, and Suryalila was born! ​ Join Us for Olive Season! ​ Every September and October is olive season in Andalucia, Spain. First we harvest from a few select trees around the property which are best for eating olives. (Traditionally, there are three varieties – cracked green, medium cured, and sun dried black.) Then, when the olive trees are at peak ripeness, the local villagers show up and harvest our olives for olive oil, as they have been doing for generations. ​ The harvesting is done by surrounding each tree with a drop cloth and banging on the tree branches until the olives fall down. The olives are then gathered up and taken to the local olive mill to be pressed, and hundreds of litres of gorgeous, sun-gold organic olive oil are delivered back to us to use in our kitchen the rest of the year. How lucky we are! So if you are planning a visit to Suryalila in the fall, don’t miss the olive harvest! Suryalila Organic Olive Oil – Liquid Gold! We harvest our olives in late October. We usually enlist a few locals to help us with this, as it is quite skilled labour. The trees must be pruned every year, which is hard work with so many trees and involves skilful use of a chainsaw. Harvesting the olives involves shaking the trees onto a tarpaulin and also hand-picking, the way it has been done for thousands of years. ​ After shaking the olives off the trees, we need to clean them and then either soak them in brine or take them to Zahara de la Sierra where we get them milled. In harvesting season when you go to the olive mill, you need to wait in line. You are given a number, like in a busy office, and have to wait for your number to be called. They will call you half an hour before your turn and in harvest season the mill works 24 hours, so you might be called up in the middle of the night. ​ After your olives are milled with big grindstones you are given a number of huge containers of olive oil. These containers contain ample olive oil to last our kitchen the whole year and also allow us to sell some to guests in our shop, with our own label designed by Rebecca, the artist and founder of Yoga Will Save the World. Suryalila olive oil is nutty and sweet and bitter at the same time and a deep gold colour with a greenish hue. ​ ​ We are experimenting with different kinds of marinade to flavour the olives for eating. It’s possible to add chilli and garlic and peppers and different herbs, and we are still looking for that perfect recipe.