Back to the Source Retreat!
Connect to your True Nature,
A profound, intensive, certified yoga and meditation course (40 hours YACEP)1 to 7 October, 2024, in the Sierra Nevada, Southern Spain.
Get Back To Your Inner Source!
Through a profound and deep yoga & meditation practice and living for a week in nature, you will get more in touch again with your Inner Source and Essence! Feeling more grounded and in the present moment.
Deepen Your Yoga Practice
Refresh and expand your yoga knowledge and practice.
This retreat is registered with Yoga Alliance (YACEP), which means it counts as 40 hours of continued education for yoga teachers
Yogic Philosophy and Principles
Dive deep within the ancient knowledge and wisdom of the yogic lineage. Learn more about the spiritual principles of Shiva and Shakti and how the elements can be evoked and embodied as a living experience.
Who is this retreat for?
- If you feel the calling to go deeper in your yoga and meditation practice and feel the longing to connect deeper with the Source and your Essence, then this Retreat is for You.
- If you aspire to become a yoga teacher then this retreat offers an internationally accredited certification for Yoga Teachers.
- If you are already a yoga teachers but want some deepening experience for yourself again then this a great way to expand and refresh your energy and knowledge again.
- People who love being immersed in a natural setting; drinking water from the freshest mountain springs, enjoying breathtaking views from the Alpujarra mountains and sunbathing in the Spanish sun.
What can you expect from this retreat?
- To feel more energized and rejuvenated in your body, mind and Spirit from the deep yoga experience.
That your energy will flow more harmoniously, enriched by the practices you have learned.
That you will feel more loving towards yourself and others as your mind becomes more peaceful day by day.
- Being more in contact and deep connection with the nature and the elements.
- Your creative energies and projects will start to probably grow more smoothly because when you are in your center and grounded everything around you will start to flourish.
Our experienced facilitators…
The retreat is made by a collaboration between Sunfoodyoga Retreats and Amaratva Yoga; Together we are 4 highly experienced individuals which have organized many retreats. We each have our own unique domain of expertise, which will be brought together in this retreat.
Tara Esther Kleij
I started my yoga practice as a child living in the spiritual ashram called “Auroville”. Through continuous practice, I discovered the deep transformation and purification it can bring on all levels, body, mind, and spirit. Yoga and meditation have been my guiding light now for over 50 years.Later my journey led me to travel and study with many great yogis and gurus like ‘Poonjaji’ and ‘Amritananda Mayi’.
I spent half my life in the east, always furthering my yoga studies as well as natural healing techniques.
I like to share the knowledge of these ancient practices in a soft, gentle, and feminine way and add mantras, mudra, and pranayama to my teachings.
I teach yoga and meditation now for over 35 years and started my own retreats under the name “SunfoodYoga” in 2006.
I love to empower and support people to live in balance and harmony with themselves and nature.
Through yoga, meditation, and pranayama I help them to heal and awaken to their own inner wisdom and live an awakened life!
Floris Adriaenssens
I started my yoga practice in Belgium in 2008. Through continuous practice, I discovered the deep transformation and purification on all levels that it has brought and continues to bring.Since I met Paulina in 2011, I have been living mostly in yoga ashrams, communities, and schools in Mexico, India, Spain, and France.
I have been teaching over the last years more than 10 yoga teacher training, as well as many other retreats, courses, and classes.
I learned yoga from different teachers and traditions, being mainly influenced by the Bihar school of yoga, and completed two 200-hour yoga teacher training in Mexico and India.
My mission in yoga is to bring the knowledge of these different yoga traditions together while keeping true to the original spirit and essence of Yoga.
Apart from yoga, my passions and joys are found in traveling, hiking, nature, and gardening.
Paulina Gostomski
My curiosity towards yoga started as a physical exercise around 2003. However, everything shifted when I did my first 10-Day silent retreat in 2011. Since then yoga, in all its facets, is at the very core of my life and all else revolves around it.I have participated in and taught many silent meditation retreats, yoga modules, yoga teacher training courses, and workshops in Mexico and Europe.
I love to share the depth and light that meditation and yoga have brought into my life.
What keeps me enthusiastic is to see the transformation and peace that this way of life brings to people from all walks of life.
I have studied with many different teachers, took two 200-hour yoga teacher training, and in 2017,
I completed the 500-hour Hridaya Teacher Training Course. After moving around the globe in 2011, I now live in Europe
Our Venue, Ananda Forest
The land is home to many ancient olive trees, fruit trees, birds, wild animals, and has an incredible beauty and power to reconnect us to nature.
It is a place to come home to your true essence. Ananda forest exists out of several beautiful terraces, each one having its own
From the top of the land, you can enjoy stunning views over the mountains. character and energy.
Ananda Forest offers different low-cost options for accommodation.
You can pitch up your own ten in the shade of one of the many ancient olive trees. or stay in a set-up tent, where we will provide you with a matrass, blanket, sheets, and towel.
Sleeping close to the earth, with the energy of a round structure is incredible. Our belltent has a diameter of 4m and feels very spacious.
Also here we will provide you with a mattrass, blanket, sheets, and towel.
Our cozy wooden cabin is surrounded by flowers, an ancient olive tree and a spacious beautiful patio.
Enjoy sleeping close to nature, but with all the necessary modern comfort (included your own fridge).
The cabin and glamping tent(s) have all the necessary items provided: a comfortable bed, sheets, blankets, pillows, closets, towel, etc.
And in the middle of the land we have a wooden octagonal temple/yoga hall waiting to welcome people for deep transformational healing, and blissful yoga sessions and meditations.
Apart from your selected accommodation, you have access to the beautiful shared living area and gardens.
Enjoy the sweet combination of natural comfort, and simplicity.
We are providing a space that is physically and energetically clean and uplifting.
“
Lena Mareike
“I can recommend that beautiful journey of a week long advanced Yoga training to everyone that is interested in Yoga and Spirituality. A really individual, deep and powerful training experience:) Thank you”
”
Start you day in full alignment1
When we start our day with a morning yoga practice and meditation with the first light, we set the mood for the rest of the day, we get into a state of relaxedness and peace that accompanies us through the day.
By emphasising our yoga sessions on breath awareness, posture alignment, and self-exploration of the body, mind and spirit; we connect with our true selves and tip into the peacefulness of the Source.
You will learn to get back to your inner Source and connect to its unity, harmony, serenity and peace.
Learn and practice more advanced pranayama (breathing techniques)
Pranayama is traditionally considered to be the most powerful practice of Hatha yoga. By slowing down the breath, and shining the light of awareness on it, the mind naturally becomes still, transparent and ready for meditation.
We will also learn and practice powerful methods of fire breathing, to awaken every cell of the body and fill our system with Prana, the life force energy.
As an ancient text on Yoga says: ‘Prana is our best friend. Without it, nothing can be done.’ So, in order to be successful and fulfilled in whatever we want in life, let’s get the prana flowing through our system.
Experience stillness, depth, and transformation
All branches of yoga, traditionally, are aimed at bringing Unity and Self-realization. Yoga cannot be separated from meditation.
During this retreat, there will be several meditation sessions in which you will be guided back to the source within.
Especially in this busy time of constant and rapid change, it is essential to reconnect to the anchor and unchanging background of our being.
We will explore several meditation techniques and we happily assist you in finding the technique that suits you the best, as everyone is unique.
Experience divine love through Bhakti yoga
Bhakti yoga is the yoga of devotion and pure Love. Only when love flows, can we experience unity.
In Bhakti yoga, this love is directed towards the source, in whatever way you may see it or name it. The source is not just outside, it is the very essence of our being.
We will connect to the healing vibrations of singing mantras and come together in a circle to chant kirtan and devotional songs. For people that may wonder about it; yoga is not a religion.
Connect deeply to the elements within and all around us in nature
Every day will be dedicated to one element. We will experience its quality through the yoga sessions, and there will every day be time to find a spot in nature, in silence and solitude, in which you feel the resonance and connection with that specific element. During this time you are invited to meditate and write in your journal.
Another beautiful way to honor the mystery and energy of the elements is by making a mandala (sacred form/altar). We will bring together offerings from nature (wood, seeds, flowers, grass, stones,…) and weave them together with prayer or mindful action, into a vibrant and beautiful form.
The Cuisine, let food be your medicine!
‘In Yoga Philosophy, the physical body is called the ‘food body’. Thus, we are literally what we eat. Food is one of our main medicines, nourishments and joys in life. When our digestive system and gut is healthy, our mind is crystal clear. So, if we want to experience the subtle and profound bliss of the source, it is important that we start with a healthy diet!’
All meals are included and prepared with great care by our talented chefs.
They serve healthy, delicious, nutritious, and well-balanced vegan meals (an option for eggs may be available) using home-grown and where possible organic and always locally-sourced ingredients, to prepare nutritious raw, vegan, and vegetarian dishes.
Our chef will show you how to give yourself what you are craving, without giving in to unhealthy habits, for example, sharing delicious raw cake recipes and healthy raw chocolate and probiotic foods.
We can see this retreat as a wonderfully gentle way to cleanse the mind, body, and spirit, your body will be renewed in several ways.
We are happy to accommodate the needs of guests with allergies to particular foods and often prepare gluten and dairy-free meals – all served with love!
PS Please write to us if you have any special needs, so that our chefs can take care of them.
Imagine breathing deeply and thanking yourself as you gaze up at the vast sky full of stars that you gave yourself this precious gift!
Daily Schedule
14:00-16:00 – Arrival
17:00 – Opening ceremony
18:30 – Dinner
20:00 – Yin Yoga
7:00- 7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00-13:15 – A lecture on Yoga philosophy
13:30 – Lunch and resting time
16:00-17:00 – Elemental meditation and journaling in silence
17:00-18:15 – Workshop
18:30 – Dinner
20:30-20:30 – Evening activity (Yoga Nidra/ Meditation/ Bhajans/ Sharing Circle)
7:00-7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00-13:15 – A lecture on Yoga philosophy
13:30 – Lunch and resting time
16:00-17:00 – Elemental meditation and journaling in silence
17:00-18:15 – Workshop
18:30 – Dinner
20:30-21:30 – Evening activity (Yoga Nidra/ Meditation/ Bhajans/ Sharing Circle)
7:00-7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00-13:15 – A lecture on Yoga philosophy
13:30 – Lunch and resting time
16:00-17:00 – Elemental meditation and journaling in silence
17:00-18:15 – Workshop
18:30 – Dinner
20:30-21:30 – Evening activity (Yoga Nidra/ Meditation/ Bhajans/ Sharing Circle)ng circle)
7:00-7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00-13:15 – A lecture on Yoga philosophy
13:30 – Lunch and resting time
16:00-17:00 – Elemental meditation and journaling in silence
17:00-18:15 – Workshop
18:30 – Dinner
20:30-21:30 – Evening activity (Yoga Nidra/ Meditation/ Bhajans/ Sharing Circle)
7:00-7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00-13:15 – A lecture on Yoga philosophy
13:30 – Lunch and resting time
16:00-17:00 – Elemental meditation and journaling in silence
17:00-18:15 – Workshop
18:30 – Dinner
20:30-21:30 – Evening activity (Yoga Nidra/ Meditation/ Bhajans/ Sharing Circle)ng circle)
7:00-7:55 – Mantra and meditation
8:00-9:45 – Hatha Yoga (including pranayama)
10:00 – Breakfast
12:00 – Check-out
What you will be taking home:
- A deepened Yoga Practice and the motivation to continue at home.
- Advanced Pranayama techniques.
- Inner Peace.
- A better understanding of the Yoga Philosophy.
- Bhakti Yoga concepts and practices.
- A bigger connection with the nature around you.
- New motivation and passion to work on your projects and dreams.
- 40 hours on your continuing teacher training.
- New friends that will last a lifetime!
Bonus: Once the retreat is finished you will get a free 30 min Zoom Consultation call where one of the facilitators will connect with you and help you implement the learned practices into your daily life and give advice on any other issues.
Arrive at the Malaga Airport before 14 pm if possible so we can pick you up and get you settled in before dinner.
If you want to come earlier or stay later for some exploring – call us and we can help you design something fabulous. Feel free to ring us at +34-699 035 695.
PRICES ‘back to the Source’ Retreat
Early Bird price until July 1st, 2024
Shared glamping tent (2 people max)
7-day retreat:
€888,-
Early bird price: €788,-
Shared cabin
(3 people max)
7-day retreat:
€888,-
Early bird price: €788,-
Private tent
(1 person)
7-day retreat:
€888,-
Early bird price: €788,-
Dear Tara,
Thank you so much for a wonderful, relaxing retreat. I enjoyed the food, yoga, and people. Raw food has not been a major focus until now, but Sam, Pam, and Amanda are the magicians in the kitchen.
I enjoyed every bit of food that was on our plates – nourishing me so greatly. I am very keen on continuing a big part of it and I’m really inspired by the variety of raw food.
The yoga practice was kind, gentle, and very self-focusing. I was just in the right place, at the right time. And I am more than grateful for this experience.
I learned a lot about myself, and I am happy to continue my journey towards a self-aware and self-conscious life. When it comes to the people, it is super how we all connect together in just one retreat.
I found it the most wonderful collection of people I can imagine.
We shared and laughed so much. Younger and older women connecting so greatly and we made it a truly memorable experience. We will keep this in our hearts forever.
Thank you so much for providing this time and space. Your effort is truly remarkable.
Love and peace,
Simone