My Yoga Retreat Near Barcelona: A Relaxing 3-Night Stay at Alaya Retreat Center
A yoga retreat near Barcelona had been on my mind for a while. I went on one in Thailand a few years back and absolutely loved it, so I knew I wanted to do another this year. But instead of traveling far, I started looking for something closer to Barcelona.
A quick search led me to Alaya Retreat Center, located just an hour away. They offer different retreats, but two stood out to me:
- Yoga & Chakra Bliss Retreat (available year-round)
- Yoga & Healing with Horses Retreat (offered on select dates)
When I saw the meditation with horses, I was instantly drawn in—something about it felt unique and special. I had never heard of an experience like this before, but I knew that horses are deeply spiritual animals. That sealed the deal for me.
I booked the Yoga & Chakra Bliss retreat for a 3-night stay—the perfect amount of time for a little reset. And since it was happening over Valentine’s Day, I figured what better way to celebrate than through self-care and self-love?
Getting to the Retreat
If you’re coming from Barcelona without a car, the easiest way to get there is by taking the R4 train from Barcelona Sants Station—it costs just €5. You can also take a cab, but it would be much more expensive. I took the train, and it was super convenient!
Day 1: Settling In & Heart-Opening Yoga
Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the Alaya Retreat team and the owner, Ellen. The retreat is surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills, and lots of animals—two beautiful horses, chickens, a parrot, dogs, and cats. If you love animals, this is definitely a great place for you.
I had booked a Junior Suite with a private bathroom—which was a must for me—but they also offer shared rooms and bunk beds if you’re coming with a friend or prefer a budget-friendly option.
The first evening was very chill, easing us into the retreat. Since it was Valentine’s Day, our first yoga session was focused on heart-opening poses to align with the energy of the day. We also had a book circle where we read about chakras and discussed different energy points in the body.
Dinner followed shortly after, and before bed, we were served Golden Milk—a comforting mix of turmeric, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of black pepper.
Day 2: Dance Yoga, Bracelet-Making & Meditation with Horses
We started the morning with Dance Yoga—which, to be honest, I thought would be actual dancing. But it was more of a flowy yoga sequence set to music. As someone who’s not a huge dancer, I was relieved! It was the perfect way to wake up and shake off any stiffness from the night before.
After breakfast, we were originally supposed to go on a waterfall hike, but since the weather was a bit gloomy, we rescheduled it for the next day. Instead, we had a bead crafting session where we could make bracelets, necklaces, or sunglasses chains. I hadn’t done something like this since I was a kid, but surprisingly, it was super therapeutic. I made a sunglasses chain, and I love that I now have something useful to take home from the experience.
After lunch, there was some free time, which was when I scheduled my massage—a much-needed treat that made my stay even more relaxing.
At 5 PM, it was finally time for Meditation with Horses—the experience that made me book this retreat in the first place.
We gathered outside, surrounded by the horses, as Ellen guided us through a meditation session. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, but the experience was incredibly calming. At one point, I felt a deep sense of connection with the horses—they were so peaceful and present, and I could feel their energy. It was a mix of relaxation, healing, and stillness.
Afterward, we reflected on the experience and shared our thoughts. I truly believe horses have a way of grounding us—it’s something I didn’t know I needed.
The evening wrapped up with another delicious dinner (seriously, every meal here is colorful, fresh, and filling) and a sound bath session, which was the perfect way to relax before bed.
Day 3: Acro Yoga, Waterfall Hike & Reiki with Horses
I had the best sleep the night before and woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
We kicked off with Acro Yoga, which was actually so fun! It’s not just about cool acrobatic poses—it’s about trust, communication, and balance with a partner. I had never done Acro Yoga before, but I loved the experience!
After breakfast, we finally went on the waterfall hike since the sun was back out. The hike itself was not too strenuous, so if you’re worried about that, don’t be—it’s more of a scenic nature walk with a small waterfall at the end. Being out in nature was the perfect mid-day reset.
After lunch, I had some free time again, so I booked another extra session: Reiki with Horses.
I’ve done Reiki before and always turn to it when I feel out of balance or need to clear negative energy. Since I was already at a retreat, I figured, why not do it with horses?
Ellen led the session, and she truly has a gift. The combination of energy healing and being around the horses made for such a deeply relaxing experience. If you ever come to this retreat, I highly recommend booking it!
The evening ended with Yin & Yang Yoga before dinner, followed by a Brazilian Rhythms session where we learned some Brazilian dance movements and even a bit of Samba. It was a fun and high-energy way to close out the day!
Final Day: Morning Yoga & Meditative Walk
On the last morning, we got to sleep in a little before our final morning yoga session, which included face yoga and mudras (hand positions used for energy balance).
After brunch, we went on a meditative walk, taking in the beautiful surroundings one last time. It was a peaceful and grounding way to close out the retreat.
Overview of my Experience
If you’re looking for a yoga retreat near Barcelona, I highly recommend Alaya Retreat Center. From the peaceful surroundings to the amazing food, yoga sessions, and unique experiences—this retreat was everything I needed. The days felt both long and short at the same time, and it was such a nice break from city life.
Even though I don’t do yoga regularly, this retreat made me realize how much I enjoy it—and how important it is to take intentional time for myself.
Here’s a recap of my full overview experience! Hope you enjoy and it helps you make your decision. <3
If you’re interested in booking, I did their Yoga & Chakra Bliss program (available year-round), but they also offer a Yoga & Healing with Horses Retreat on specific dates throughout the year. If you can make one of those dates, I’d say go for it!
