“I met some of the most wonderful people on my trip to Agua Amarga. It was only their second week of hosting a retreat there and they had found a great, charming place for us to stay, with a lovely swimming pool. The hotel provided a delicious daily breakfast of fruits, homemade yoghurts, pastries, breads, pates, cheese spreads and cakes.
As it was a hotel (unlike their Granada retreat), we got to eat dinner at one of the local restaurants where we had a choice of a starter, then a choice of a meat, fish or vegetarian meal plus a desert. They were great and let us order chips and wine etc if we wanted (which we did most nights). The only thing was that we were eating very late often around 9.30-10pm and I would prefer to eat much earlier - straight after the evening yoga session so that we could go to bed earlier.
Carmen is a fantastic yogi, with the most calming influence over you. Her Ayurveda workshops were fascinating and if you have an interest in deepening your understanding of this I highly recommend them. For the morning sessions we opted for doing them on the beach at sunrise. Although it's tricky practicing yoga on sand, it's so worth it for the beautiful sunrise you get to be part of.
If you're more into a faster paced vinyasa or ashtanga style or wanting to really deepen your current practice you're likely to find it a bit slow and like going back to basics as there will probably be beginners in your class but ask for alternative options and Carmen will give them to you.
I've been on a few retreats now and although I didn't really develop my yoga further in the way I'd hoped, the break completely relaxed me and the people I met made me laugh and enjoy every day.”
“The location for Samyama by the sea was perfect (along with the weather of course, not sure about the location inside for yoga if it had been each day bad weather) and everything was well organised. The hotel was also beautiful.
I was lucky in that it was a great sized group (7 of us) and they were all such nice people.
My personal opinion was that the yoga was aimed at those with experience rather than any level as had been indicated. Understandable considering there were people who were well experienced and looking for more; others who were considering returning to yoga; and 2 of us who had no experience.”
“I had a strong feeling that I was about to experience 7 days of pure relaxation, such a passionate & caring team who really wanted to create something truly special for us all.”
“I had a fabulous week in Granada meeting some wonderful people. The food was delicious and the Samyama staff were really welcoming and caring. Initially I was a little anxious about going on holiday on my own but the Villa was really inclusive and friendly. The Yoga was accessible for both novice and experienced Yogi's, especially if you are looking to recharge your battery. I would definitely recommend a Samyama holiday.”
“I had a lovely time at the retreat, despite my apprehensions about being a complete novice in yoga. The group size is such that the teachers can adapt to individual skill levels, and you do get some individual attention in the classes. On my week, there were 6 guests, which was a lovely number, but I think 8 is more typical.
I was also apprehensive about being a solo male traveller, but it wasn't an issue at all. I was the only guy, but all the other guests were solo travellers too, so it was very sociable and easy going.
I'd reccommend taking the Albaycin walking tour and the hanging bridges tour. The latter was really worthwhile, especially as all 6 of us went, making it a really fun shared adventure.
The food was good and I generally enjoyed the vegetarian dishes. There is a honesty fridge for cold drinks, which is a great idea. I think it would also be good to have some simple food items available to make snacks during the day, but having said that, it's only a short walk to the shops. The wifi needs improving though, as it's pretty much only usable in the lounge, and even then it drops frequently.
It was a overall a great experience, and I'm very glad that I went. Thanks to all the staff that made it so special x”
“The week at Samyama gave me a chance to remove myself from a huge problem I have in my life and think more clearly about difficult decisions I have to make. It was a wonderfully peaceful and beautiful setting although close to the vibrant centre of Granada. I enjoyed the yoga classes with Carlos who I found was a patient and understanding teacher. I would have preferred more Hatha yoga classes but this is just my preference. All the team were friendly and helpful - lovely people as were the other guests. The breakfasts prepared by the team were delicious. However I found the evening meals a bit samey in textures and tastes and could have been a bit more imaginative - some cheese and pasta perhaps would have been welcome. I enjoyed my Spanish classes too and the massage was great. All in all a lovely experience and I would recommend it.”
“It was a second time at Samyama and I had a great time there. The villa is beautiful, comfortable and superbly located.
The team is extremely friendly and helpful.
However, I was a tad disappointed on 2 major ingredients - yoga and food.
I found yoga classes to be dominated by talk/meditation and fairly little and easy physical exercise. As the teachers were mostly changing, there was a long-ish introduction and general slow start. All guests agreed that Ashtanga was the favourite class of all. Some classes were plain boring and childish. Would be great the teachers manage expectations and adjust classes according to guests wishes. Unfortunately, I came back less fit than I went to to the retreat and that was a huge impact for the overall experience.
As for the food, I was looking forward to Kunle's great recipes and was devastated he was not at the retreat. I found the food good but unexciting. But maybe it's just my high expectation and great memories from last time. Also it was a small group of us, so I understand that the selection could have been reduced. Just an observation.
As always, hanging bridges is a huge hit and great day out. I enjoyed the dinner Esther took us at a local restaurant some 30min from Granada. I would recommend this be offered to the guests as an option for Thur dinner.
I mostly enjoyed the beautiful room and the view and exceptionally accommodating team.
Many thanks!”
“Nice group of people, including Staff. Loved the Yoga particularly and the Pilates. Lunch was tasty. Unfortunately, I didn't really find the "nutrition chat" that informative. Venue was great. Felt too tired by the time we did the meditation so I didn't really benefit from it as I dozed off, sorry! However, I am sure it was very good. Carmen knew her stuff and it showed. I really enjoyed her sessions. I was glad I attended and all in all it was a good day out. Thank you.”
“Professor very good, and listening to the possible problems of each participants. Food quite good, however petit déjeuner a little bit late for us who are used to have it just after getting dow,; for the rest I am not very good, as I was ill during part of that week unfortunately. Also place was well suited to these courses, swimming pool added to that, a very nice garden, lectures, everything was good, weather very good, not yet too hot as it can be in this town, very interesting town Granada which can be visited any time and some entertainments, even from Samyama fitness, whole day, part of day and night. And the participants were all nice, I liked it very much, Excuse my English, I am French”
“A good selection of yoga classes for all levels. The retreat is beautiful and well-placed for either relaxing quietly or enjoying all the treats Granada has to offer. Delicious healthy food (but indulgent delights available just down the road like Iberico ham and local wine). Just remember to bring some sensible shoes.”
Holla Janet,
We are so pleased you enjoyed your week with us in Granada. We also love the indulgent delights of Granada and happy that you did to. After all it is a holiday!
Speak soon
Team Samyama
