the hacienda, granada
This is whYoga's second year at The Hacienda. The Hacienda is situated in Granada, the heart of the Andalucian countryside and just an hour from Spain's most southerly ski resort, the Sierra Nevada.
Bedroom at the Hacienda
Just 15 minutes away is the town of Montefrio, 830m above sea level, this friendly village enjoys one of the region's most striking settings, with one of its churches perched on top of a bare, rocky pinnacle, overlooking the town and its surrounding hillsides clothed in olive groves and fields of cereal crops. It nestles between two memorable hilltop churches; you can't miss either of them since they dominate the skyline.
The Hacienda is a farmhouse housing 7 bedrooms based on 2 people sharing. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and private balconies and mountain views. There is a large moorish style lounge with seating for 14 people and French windows which open up on to a terrace. The farmhouse kitchen has a wood burning oven and outside there is a barbecue area in the courtyard. There are two dining tables that seat 14 each one inside the house and one out in the courtyard. There is underfloor heating throughout and a sauna for the cooler months and a lovely infinity pool and sun loungers for summer month bathing and relaxing.
The Hacienda's beautiful daylight studio and tranquil surroundings provide the perfect setting for Yoga. The Hacienda's location is ideal for a whYoga retreat where silent walking is so much a part of the experience. Here we can literally walk out the door and begin our discovery of the Andalucian countryside. Next Date: 20 - 24 May 2010 and 01 - 05 October 2010.
The infinity pool at the Hacienda, Granada
I had been promising myself a get-away-from-it-all-on-my-own-without-husband-kids-or-dog break for a very long time. After a particularly stressful year I decided to take the plunge and book on one of Vicky Oliver's retreats for four days in May. The destination was a place called the Hacienda high up in the Andalucian hills. To be honest, so desperate was I for some time away I would not have cared if it was a cardboard box and I had not really paid much attention to where we were going and that was part of the fun. In addition, I decided to go alone and to take a chance on getting to know some new people. My safeguard was the fact that I have been taught by Vicky for over 9 years. I trust her implicitly and I knew whatever else the yoga would be life-enhancing and that we would laugh. I am now back and ready to wax lyrical. Hacienda is a very generic term in Spanish meaning estate, land or place. I don't know what the translation would be for 'heavenly haven run by considerate, kind and happy people in stunning location' but that is what I would call it. The Hacienda is wonderful, it is peaceful, it is surrounded by olive groves. The owners Jason and Tracie are welcoming, warm and fun, it must be all that blue sky and Spanish sun.
Vicky ensures that everyone feels completely at ease and the fact that she knew us personally meant that even though we did not all know each other we had a connection. After one session of yoga we were all old friends. Four days of yoga morning and evening, relaxing by the pool, massage given by Jason, smiles in plentiful supply from Tracie and delicious, plentiful food and wine has had a wonderful effect on me. I loved every minute of it and am hesitant to trumpet it any louder given that places are limited to 14. If you get the chance, go and see you there.
Rebecca Redding, London
What a great four days we had at the Hacienda in Spain! Fabulous company, fabulous hosts, fabulous food and fabulous weather! To wake to the sounds of the Sierra Nevada and the sun streaming though the shutters is magical. A swift dip in the infinity pool is followed by an invigorating yoga session run by Vicky and a relaxation session preparing you for a wholesome breakfast and a day exploring the countryside or relaxing by the pool in readiness for your evening yoga. Simply the best yoga retreat I have been on. Loved it and I have already booked my place for next year.
Catherine Connolly, London
You will love this retreat! Completely chilled, a fantastic venue (with lovely hosts), in a stunning location, delicious (and plentiful!!) food, great company and wonderful, inspiring yoga from Vicky, whose classes I have been attending for 9 years now. If you want to completely unwind and switch off from the world, go to the Hacienda with Vicky!
Evelyn Webster, London