RETREATS
Joyce and Marcos lead various retreats at beautiful locations around the world, offering yoga, meditation and holistic treatments in nature
The word ‘retreat’ means to move back or withdraw – to step into a quiet, secluded space. A yoga retreat offers a precious opportunity to step away from our usual routines, to pause, reflect and restore a sense of balance. With work, family commitments and constant distractions, it’s almost impossible to create this much needed space and time in our everyday lives.
Mornings begin without rush, meals are delicious, nourishing and prepared for you, and the environment encourages steady, mindful connection and deep rest.
Over the course of the retreat, a quiet sense of community develops. Guests come from all different backgrounds and with varying levels of experience, from complete beginners to established yoga practitioners, but share a common purpose: to feel well and reset in a supportive atmosphere – and return to everyday life with a renewed sense of vitality, ease and clarity.
Upcoming Retreats
06th – 12th Sep 2026 / Spain / Joyce & Marcos 10th - 14th Nov 2026 / Spain / Joyce
06 – 12 SEPTEMBER 2026
Almeria, Spain
Ashtanga Yoga Retreat
With Joyce & Marcos
We are heading to a beautiful finca in Almería, home to 30 acres of palms, citrus and olive groves and a short walk from the village of Nijar – known for its crafts – and a 30-minute drive to the sandy beaches and coves of the Cabo de Gata. In between class you can relax beneath the palms on jasmine scented terraces and take a swim in one of the two swimming pools. Expect to hear the crickets hum and the birds sing!
There will be five morning Mysore practices: Monday – Friday, and three afternoon practices of restorative yoga and gentle breath work or a technique class. Each day will start with a 30 minute guided meditation. There will be one afternoon where people can book a 15 minute personal catch-up session and another fully free afternoon where the group will leave the finca and explore the local area, eating dinner in a local restaurant of their choice.
What’s included
– Guided morning meditation (daily)
– 5 x morning Mysore classes
– 3 x late afternoon restorative yoga and breath work classes or technique classes
– 1 x 15 minute private session with one of the teachers
– 2 nourishing vegetarian meals a day, lovingly prepared by our incredible chef (NB. No dinner on Thursday evening – we will eat out)
Format may change at the discretion of Joyce & Marcos
What’s excluded
– Flights and travel insurance are not included
– All transportation costs
– One evening meal (Thursday night)
– Optional massage and spinal energetic sessions available
Teachers
Joyce McMiken & Marcos Rodgriguez
Group
Maximum 20 people
Timings
Arrive from 4.00pm. Please do not arrive at the venue before 4.00pm (the venue needs time to get ready between groups). On the first day/evening, there will be a welcome meeting followed by dinner at 7.30pm. Departure by 9.30am on the final day.
Travel
The closest airport is Almeria which is only 30 minutes away. If flying from London, we recommend that you take the 11.00am flight with Easyjet from London Gatwick arriving into Almeria at 2.50pm and return on the 11.05am arriving into Gatwick at 12.55pm on Saturday. Transfers from/to Almeria can be arranged at an additional charge, if people are on the same flight transfers will be cheaper.
Accommodation and price
There are only 3 rooms with double beds; most rooms have two single beds. If you are looking for a room on a single occupancy basis you will be offered a twin bedded room. To reserve your space you will need to pay a £400 non-refundable deposit. The balance will be due on 4th July 2026.
Cost
Single occupancy
Twin room (en-suite) – £1550 early bird price (from 31st January 2026 it will be £1750)
Double occupancy per person
Double en-suite – £1400 early bird price (from 31st January 2026 it will be £1600)
Twin en-suite – £1400 early bird price (from 31st January 2026 it will be £1600)
Other stuff
Two plant-based meals a day (brunch and dinner) apart from Thursday evening when people will eat at a local restaurant. There will be an afternoon snack such as hummus and crudities. We do not serve alcohol at mealtimes and encourage people not to drink during the retreat. However, if you would like to enjoy some wine in your own space away from the communal tables, that’s fine too!
Covid 19/Travel insurance
If this retreat cannot go ahead due to Covid 19, your money would be fully transferable or refundable less a £100 admin fee. Please make sure you take out comprehensive travel insurance when booking which covers you if you need to cancel your place.
10 – 14 NOVEMBER 2026
Almeria, Spain
Deep Rest: A Nervous System Reset Retreat
With Joyce
Deep Rest: A Nervous System Reset Retreat
Cultivating Sthira and sukhā in Southern Spain
Step away from the pace of daily life and reset your nervous system. Join us for a midweek retreat in Southern Spain, where gentle yoga, restorative practices, guided reflection, and quiet time in nature help you slow down, restore balance, and rediscover steadiness and ease.
About the Retreat
Set within a beautiful finca surrounded by 30 acres of palms, citrus trees, and olive groves, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from the pace of daily life and reconnect with a quieter rhythm. The nearby village of Níjar, known for its craft traditions, is just a short walk away, and the wild beaches and hidden coves of Cabo de Gata lie within easy reach.
The retreat takes its inspiration from the yogic principle of sthira and sukhā — steadiness and ease. When these qualities are present together, the body feels supported, the breath deepens naturally, and the mind becomes more spacious.
Modern life often keeps the nervous system in a constant state of stimulation. Through gentle movement, restorative practice, prāṇāyāma, meditation, and time in nature, we create the conditions for the nervous system to settle and restore its natural balance.
Alongside these practices, we will explore guided reflection and journalling. Simple inquiry prompts offer space to pause, listen inwardly, and reconnect with what truly nourishes and supports you.
As the body softens and the mind quiets, a different quality of awareness begins to emerge — where small moments are enjoyed, tension gradually melts, and life is experienced with renewed clarity.
This retreat is not about doing more. It is about allowing yourself the space to slow down, restore balance, and rediscover steadiness and ease.
The Setting
Our retreat takes place at a peaceful finca nestled in the countryside of Almería. Surrounded by gardens, citrus groves, and open skies, the space invites you to slow down and breathe more deeply.
Between classes you may wish to relax on the terrace, read in quiet corners of the property, explore the nearby village of Níjar, or book an optional massage or Spinal Energetics session with Joyce.
Two swimming pools at the finca offer the opportunity for a gentle, refreshing dip whenever you wish — perfect for November when the water is a gentle, restorative experience rather than a cooling one.
On Thursday we will visit the coastal town of San José for a walk along the beach and time to enjoy the sea and surrounding landscape.
A Typical Day
Our days begin quietly with guided meditation, allowing the body and mind to awaken gently.
Morning yoga practices focus on conscious movement and breath, cultivating steadiness, strength, and spaciousness.
After brunch there is time to rest, swim, explore the local village, or simply enjoy the stillness of the finca.
In the late afternoon we gather again for deeply nourishing sessions including restorative yoga, prāṇāyāma, meditation, and guided reflection and journalling.
Evenings conclude with shared vegetarian dinners and relaxed time together under the Andalusian sky.
By the End of the Retreat You May Notice
A calmer, more regulated nervous system
Deeper, slower breathing
Improved rest and relaxation
Renewed mental clarity
A sense of steadiness and ease
What’s Included
Daily guided meditation
Morning yoga practices
Afternoon restorative yoga, prāṇāyāma, and meditation
Guided reflection and journalling sessions
Transfer from and to Almería Airport to meet designated flights
Dinner on the arrival day
Delicious vegetarian brunch and dinner (Wednesday – Friday)
Simple breakfast on the day of departure
Trip to Genoveses beach and walk to San José (with collection for return to the finca)
What’s Not Included
Flights and travel insurance
Transportation costs not listed above
Optional massage and Spinal Energetics sessions with Joyce
This Retreat Is For You If You
Feel mentally tired or overstimulated
Want to step away from daily life for a few days
Prefer gentle, thoughtful yoga over intense practice
Are curious about meditation, prāṇāyāma, and nervous system reset
Value quiet time in nature and space for reflection
This Retreat May Not Be For You If You
Are looking for a physically demanding yoga retreat
Prefer a busy schedule filled with activities
Are seeking a lively or party-style holiday
A Midweek Pause
Arriving on Tuesday evening, we welcome you with a gentle arrival session in the late afternoon to help you settle into the finca, begin to release travel fatigue, and enter the retreat in a calm, grounded state before our practices begin on Wednesday morning.
Stepping away midweek creates a powerful pause in the usual rhythm of life - offering the space to reset, restore, and return home feeling grounded and renewed.
Teachers
Joyce McMiken
Group
Maximum 20 people
Timings
Arrive from 2.30pm. Departure by 9.30am on the final day.
Travel
The closest airport is Almeria which is only 30 minutes away. If flying from London, we recommend that you take the 09.25am flight with Easyjet from London Gatwick arriving into Almeria at 1.15pm and return on the 11.55am arriving into Gatwick at 1.55pm on Saturday. Transfers will be arranged to meet these flights only. If flying in and out at different times we can help you arrange a transfer but this will not be included in the price.
Accommodation and price
There are only 3 rooms with double beds; most rooms have two single beds. If you are looking for a room on a single occupancy basis you will be offered a twin bedded room. To reserve your space you will need to pay a £400 non-refundable deposit. The balance will be due on 8 September 2026.
Cost
Single occupancy
Twin room (en-suite) – £900 early bird price (from 1 June 2026 it will be £950)
Double occupancy per person
Double en-suite – £800 early bird price (from 01 June 2026 it will be £850)
Twin en-suite – £800 early bird price (from 1 June 2026 it will be £850)
Other stuff
Two plant-based meals a day (brunch and dinner). There will be an afternoon snack such as hummus and crudities. We do not serve alcohol at mealtimes and encourage people not to drink during the retreat. However, if you would like to enjoy some wine in your own space away from the communal tables, that’s fine too!
Covid 19/Travel insurance
If this retreat cannot go ahead due to Covid 19, your money would be fully transferable or refundable less a £100 admin fee. All guests must take out comprehensive travel insurance when booking which covers you if you need to cancel your place.
