Escape to the Beauty of Andalucia: Retreat with Sarah Harlow
Finca del Álamo, Andalucia, Spain – 26th June to 3rd July 2027
A Warm Welcome
Come and immerse yourself in the beauty and stillness of Andalucía. Be nourished by the warmth of the sun and the steadiness of the mountains, take a dip in one of the two pools and delight at the sound of the birds and cicadas. Finca del Álamo offers a space to slow down, breathe deeply and be held by the spacious majesty of the land.
Over seven days, we will move, breathe and reflect together through yoga, elemental dance and Movement Medicine, breathwork, and self-inquiry inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS), tantric philosophy and transpersonal psychology. Together, these practices will support us to connect with the body, open the mind and nourish the heart.
This retreat from everyday life is an invitation to meet yourself and one another with curiosity and compassion.
To listen deeply to your body and the deep wisdom it holds.
To create space to meet the paradox of the Self and its many parts and embrace the wild, wondrous complexity of being human.
To remember what matters to you most.
To rediscover and/or remember your unique gifts and the potent power of your, untamed Self.
To remember/discover/embrace the gentle power of a loving supportive community.
This retreat offers a space that is both brave and kind, welcoming yet transformative, a space where you are supported, and challenged, free to explore your edges and empowered to meet them.
Time to rest, reflect, and recharge.
Come with an open heart, curiosity and a willingness to explore the inner and outer worlds alongside kindred spirits!
What can you expect from the week?
Sarah will guide morning and afternoon sessions, with optional early meditation on some days.
Mornings will include kriyas, breathwork, mantra, meditation, and breath-led yoga to energise and align body and mind.
Afternoons will feature a range of immersive workshops, including Elemental Dance + Movement Medicine and self-inquiry inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS), tantric philosophy, and transpersonal psychology. These sessions will be tailored to the group’s evolving needs.
Through yogasana, movement, dance, contemplation, and relational work, we will explore the inner and outer landscapes of being human, navigating the delicate balance between self and other, action and rest, and individual and collective healing.
There will be time for relaxing and swimming in the two pools, walking in the gardens, and resting in the shade. On Thursday afternoon, after morning practice, we will have the afternoon off – for swimming, resting, exploring the village of Nijar, or joining a group excursion to the beach.
The Location
Finca del Álamo is a family-owned private estate set within palms, fruit trees and olive groves on the edge of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.
This is one of Europe’s most remote and unspoiled stretches of coastline, and one of the last undeveloped Mediterranean shorelines. The landscape is spacious and elemental: volcanic rock formations, hidden coves, perfect half-moon bays, dramatic sierra and extraordinary light.
The finca itself is a peaceful oasis in this wild and sun-filled region. The main house has terraces, porches, sitting areas and indoor and outdoor dining spaces, with mature gardens, palms and olive groves surrounding the buildings.
There are two swimming pools. The eco pool by the main house is plant-filtered and chlorine-free. The second pool is a conventional swimming pool next to the yoga shala and cortijos (apartments), convenient for a swim after practice.
The purpose-built terracotta-tiled yoga shala is a short walk from the main house. It is air-conditioned if needed, so practice can be held comfortably, and yoga equipment is available, including mats and common props.
Níjar village is within walking distance of the finca – a traditional whitewashed village with a church square, cafés, bars, places to browse, ceramics, art and print studios.
Almería is one of the warmest, driest regions in Europe, with reliable sunshine in late June and early July.
Accommodation
Accommodation is spread across the main house and six characterful cortijo apartments. These are traditional farm buildings, of one or two bedrooms, sensitively restored in the original local style and set among the gardens, each with its own private terrace or porch. All bedrooms have private ensuite bathrooms, comfortable beds, fresh linens, and air conditioning. Towels, soap/shampoo and a hair dryer are provided.
There are two room types available for this retreat:
- Shared rooms with twin beds for two persons sharing.
- Private rooms with double bed, for sole occupancy (limited to 6 places – we recommend booking early to secure one).
If you are attending the retreat as a couple, please choose the shared room option. You will then be allocated either a twin room, with beds combined to make a king-size bed, or a double room, depending on availability.
If friends or family are also booking on the retreat, you can choose to share a room with them.
About Sarah
Welcome, I’m Sarah, I’ve been exploring yoga, dance, and the healing arts for over three decades. For me, yoga is more than a practice – it’s a way of life, a homecoming to ourselves. It’s an honour to share this journey with others and witness the transformation, healing, and joy that unfold along the way.
My teaching is rooted in a love for movement, breath, and self-inquiry. I guide vinyasa flow classes – breath-led, creative expression of the human spirit through the body. With intelligent alignment from the inside out, my classes are both challenging and supportive, uplifting yet grounding. You’ll build strength, find fluidity in body and mind, you may also sweat! See here for my qualifications and training.
I was introduced to meditation in the style of Krishnamurti in my teens. After a near death experience when I was 22, I’d say yoga found me. I tried out many classes and other healing arts seeking healing and to make sense of this experience. I fell in love with yoga when I found a class where the essence of yoga was tangible in the room – a warm, blissful, loving feeling and I felt like I’d come home.
In 2008, I co-founded Yogasara when I fell in love with Bristol, the first place I felt a sense of belonging. The creativity, passion, and community spirit at the heart of this city inspired me to co-create a space where people could gather, grow, and support one another. Since then, I’ve been teaching classes, workshops, courses, retreats, and teacher trainings. I feel deeply grateful to all those that have contributed to and continue to support the thriving community that has emerged.
My offerings are a synergy of yoga, transpersonal psychology, and movement medicine dance—practices I see as a holy trinity that guide us toward an embodied experience of wholeness. More than anything, I believe in the power of connection—to ourselves, to each other, and to the wider web of life. My work extends beyond the individual, focusing on systemic healing, mutual empowerment, and belonging. I am passionate about discovering ways to move beyond power dynamics in our lives, in yoga, and in therapeutic relationships. My deepest intention is to create spaces where people feel supported, seen, and free to explore the depths of who they are.
Investment
Shared room – £1,195 earlybird / £1,315 regular
Private room – £1,450 earlybird / £1,575 regular
The earlybird price applies to bookings made by 20th March 2027.
A £350 deposit secures your place. The remaining balance is due by 20th March 2027.
Monthly payment plans are available for bookings made before the balance deadline.
For terms and conditions see here
Includes:
- Accommodation for 7 nights – check in after 3pm on 26th June and check out by 9am on 3rd July. Guests need to vacate their rooms by 9am on the last day, however are welcome to stay on at the retreat venue until midday.
- Meals, beginning with dinner on arrival day and ending with breakfast on departure day. On Thursday the kitchen will be closed after breakfast, guests receive a packed lunch and can order food or go out for dinner.
- Yoga and dance, starting with an opening circle Saturday evening and ending Friday evening.
Not included: Flights, transfers, on-site purchases, massage sessions, dinner cost on Thursday evening and additional activities.
Any questions before booking? Please get in touch – info@yogasara.co.uk
FAQs
Where is the retreat?
Finca del Alamo is near the traditional Andalucian village of Nijar, in the Almeria region of southern Spain, on the edge of the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. The retreat has exclusive use of the entire finca for the week.
It is about 35–40 minutes’ drive to the wild beaches of Genoveses and Monsul – two of the most beautiful and unspoiled stretches of Mediterranean coastline in Europe, set within the Cabo de Gata National Park. The quieter beach at Agua Amarga, a charming fishing village with a sheltered bay, is a similar distance to the east. The pretty resort village of San José, with its seafront, cafés and restaurants, is about 30 minutes away.
See Finca del Alamo’s website and google maps link.
How do I get there?
The nearest airport is Almeria (LEI), approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the finca, with direct flights from London and several UK regional airports. Malaga (AGP) is an alternative, with a wider range of UK departure options, and roughly a 2.5-hour drive from the finca.
Depending on flight timings, we will help to arrange transfers for any participants keen to travel as a group at a more affordable cost (transfers arranged at additional cost).
You are also welcome to arrange your own taxi or hire a car if you would like more independence during the week.
Activities
Thursday afternoon is free after our morning practice — for resting, swimming, exploring Nijar or heading out on a group excursion.
Excursions are optional, agreed together as a group, and at additional cost. The most likely excursion is a trip to the Cabo de Gata beaches — Genoveses and Monsul, two of the most beautiful and unspoiled stretches of the Mediterranean coast – at approximately €40–50 per person for transport.
Other options in the area include wandering the village of Nijar, visiting the Rodalquilar Botanic Gardens, hiking in the natural park, or a day in the historic port city of Almeria.
Food
Meals are included, beginning with a group dinner on the day of arrival and ending with breakfast on the last day.
On Thursday 1st July the kitchen is closed after breakfast. You will receive a packed lunch for excursions and in the evening can order pizza to the finca or go out in Nijar (walking distance), San Jose or the surrounding area for dinner.
On full days we will provide a light breakfast (for those that want it, as we’ll be doing a morning yoga practice!), lunch and dinner. Meals are seasonal, locally sourced and largely vegetarian – fresh, homemade Mediterranean cooking that nourishes a week of deep practice. Dietary requirements are accommodated; please let us know at the time of booking.
Teas and coffees are available all day in the dining area.
What should I bring with me?
A high-SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, beach towel, refillable water bottle, sandals and at least one pair of closed-toe shoes for walking. Light layers for cooler evenings, mosquito repellent, and a two-pin plug adaptor for Spanish sockets. Some cash in euros is useful for excursions and personal purchases. Please make sure you have travel insurance in place.
Bring a yoga mat if you have a special one you like to use! The shala at Finca del Alamo is fully equipped with mats, blocks, straps, blankets and bolsters.
Is the retreat suitable for beginners?
This retreat is open to people with some experience of yoga or embodied practice. You do not need to be advanced, but you should be comfortable taking part in regular movement, breathwork, meditation and self-inquiry. If you are unsure whether the retreat is suitable for you, please get in touch before booking.
