Ibiza, the Balearic island known for its wild partying, superstar DJs and 24 hour clubbing culture is not perhaps the first place you’d think of for a relaxing retreat. But, think again. This beautiful, mystical destination has been much-loved by hippies and yogis for decades and Ibiza retreats are the perfect way to discover why, as I found out at the weeklong Magic of Ibiza yoga and walking retreat.
Annie Scott
Annie discovered the restorative natural beauty of Ibiza with a retreat on the Spanish island. Image © Annie Scott
This is a yoga retreat with extra oomph. Based at a secluded villa in the stunning northeast of the island, you are surrounded by nature and the emphasis is on getting out and exploring. The daily hikes are challenging and exhilarating and morning and evening yoga provides the perfect opportunity to stretch out and re-centre.
When it comes to retreating, I’ve learned that the needs of your body and mind at the time will always dictate the experience you have. I wanted exercise, laughter and adventure. And that’s exactly what Kirsty Gallagher and Toby Clarke, the creators of “Magic of Ibiza”, provided for me.
Annie practicing by the retreat villa pool in magical Ibiza. Image © Annie Scott
Daily Yoga Practice
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A typical day starts with morning Vinyasa flow in the outdoor yoga shala nestled next to the pool to watch the sun as it rises over the ocean beyond. Kirsty, a London-based yoga teacher well-known for her retreats, is a magnificent host and a terrific teacher. She’s fun, caring and immediately puts the group at ease.
We were a diverse group, ranging from first timers to very experienced yogis but the teaching catered effortlessly for this, giving options and alternatives for those who wanted a deeper practice. Extra inspiration for the perfect downward dog is provided by Cosmo, Toby’s trusty hound, who hilariously joined most yoga sessions on his own mat at the front of the class.
Later in the day we practised Yin yoga before our evening meal. Kirsty cleverly tailored these classes to requests from the group for areas that required extra attention, typically shouting hips, tight hamstrings and tired shoulders from hiking hills carrying rucksacks. This pre-dinner ritual was the perfect way to wind down for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Daily practice at the Ibiza retreat includes a mix of Vinyasa flow and Yin yoga. Image © Annie Scott
Daily Walks Around Ibiza
It’s the daily walks that really make this retreat unique. Ibiza is unbelievably beautiful. Lush pine forests cover the island, making it surprisingly green (I found it oddly reminiscent of Jurassic Park) and the sandy coloured cliffs and azure sea combine to make it absurdly picturesque. I’d often find myself running to catch up with the group during walks, having been side-tracked by photographing yet another killer view.
Stunning, rustic walks with water glimpses at every turn in beautiful Ibiza. Image © Annie Scott
Over the course of the week we explored much of the island, from the rugged cliff-tops in the north, to watching the sunrise over the salt-flats in the south-west, then watching it set while bobbing in sea kayaks to the strains of hippy drummers on Benirras beach.
Toby has been guiding walking tours on the island for years. He has a wealth of local knowledge and an infectious enthusiasm for all things Ibiza. Through these expeditions we learned the history of the island, its worship of the goddess Tanit (including a visit to her shrine) and the myths and legends that make Ibiza such a special place.
Breathtaking island views during retreat walks in Ibiza. Image © Annie Scott
I was fascinated to discover that Es Vedra, the large rock just off the southwest coast is the third most magnetic point on the planet, after the North Pole and the Bermuda Triangle. With such ancient energy and a long history of hedonism, it’s easy to understand how the partying side of the island developed.
Craggy rocks, beautiful blue water and lush green typify the landscape during daily walks at the retreat. Image © Annie Scott
The walks are a good length; typically about 2-3 hours. So there’s a decent amount of exercise involved for the active. But I also found a significant mental benefit from this too. Just being away from city life and out walking in nature was strangely meditative. There’s no better way of processing thoughts and feelings than a good walk or of just being mindfully present in the moment. With every sunrise and sunset I witnessed, I felt my perspective shift a little and all those tiny things that seem to matter so much in everyday life just melted away.
The retreat villa pool is the perfect spot to cool down and unwind. Image © Annie Scott
Ibiza Villa Life
The villa feels like a comfortable relaxed home, with lots of communal areas and plenty of space outside to get away from it all. Behind it are fragrant pine-cloaked hills and stretched out in front is the view to the ocean – about a 15 minute drive away. There’s a tempting pool, numerous hammocks slung between trees, a picturesque swing and even (for the young at heart) a trampoline. After dark, the fairy lights strewn around the house and garden give it a magical feel.
Accommodation for the retreat is simple and comfortable. I shared a room in the main house with an enormous balcony that enjoyed spectacular sunrises every morning. Depending on budget you can choose a private or shared bathroom, and there’s a separate ‘casita’ in the ground which sleeps four – perfect if you’re coming away as a group.
If you’re missing the spa, local masseuses can be easily arranged as well as Chakra balancing treatments if you want to embrace that island vibe.
The retreat accommodation was simple and comfortable with plenty of space to unwind and reflect. Image © Annie Scott
