Rustic Retreats Eco yoga center.
A place where humans work with nature and the planet we live on.
Escape to Spain's Premier Off-Grid Yoga Retreat in the Sierra Espuña Mountains

Themes for
2026/27
Yoga Hike Holiday
Teacher Emma Cunliffe
29th Dec 2026 to 3rd Jan 2027 5 nights 6 days from €480 all inclusive
Style of Yoga .
Mainly Hatha & Restorative In the sessions, you can expect to linger luxuriously in some postures to really reach those deeper places in ourselves on all levels and to delve into a deeper relationship with each posture too. Our morning sessions shall focus on an energising Hatha practice with the evening sessions focusing on a soothing more Restorative practice - a perfect balance. We believe, the philosophical aspect of yoga is just as important as the physical so you can expect to hear words of wisdom and inspiration as you make your way through your postures.
Your Rustic Retreats journey
The theme of Light & Lightness will be interwoven and felt throughout all our activities on the retreat: the meditations, the yoga and the workshops. Our meditation sessions will focus on guided meditations and sound meditations – two of the most accessible methods of meditation to begin with. Our meditation practice will culminate with trataka – candle gazing – letting the light from a single flame melt away anything not serving us and those around us. Each workshop serves the theme of Light & Lightness and we’ll discuss and share in more detail on the retreat as to how this is really and truly the case (even more than we think right now probably!). In our yoga sessions we are all probably guilty of taking things far too seriously from time to time... remember – it’s just yoga! We will be reminding you of this throughout in new and creative ways. Let’s keep things light and look for inspiration to assist us with this…
"It’s dark and heavy because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them. So throw away your baggage and go forward. There are quicksands all about you, sucking at your feet, trying to suck you down into fear and self-pity and despair. That’s why you must walk so lightly. Lightly my darling…” (Aldous Huxley)
We’ll recall some key learnings from our previous yoga, meditation and workshop sessions and slowly begin to connect the dots, forming a practice that is as holistic as possible. We have an “open-door policy” in that you can talk to the team as much as you like outside of the yoga, meditation and yoga sessions about anything we could help you further with.
Within the program we will incorporate 2 guided walks in the sierra espuna mountains, which will include a barbecue in the mountains .
Flow with the Moon
Mountain hiking/yoga Holiday
Teacher Marlene Sinclair
Thurs 25th to Tues 30th March (Easter weekend) 5 nights 6 days from €480 all inclusive
Style of Yoga.
Yin Yang Yoga blends two styles of yoga into one practice – bringing together the benefits of passively
holding yoga poses with more dynamic sequences and standing postures.
Yin and Yang are the Taoist concepts which describe the two relative qualities present in everything. Yin
is more internal, passive, cooling and downward. Yang is more external, dynamic, warming and upward.
When these terms are applied in yoga, Yin Yoga is a slower practice where poses are passively held for
longer. It works on the deep, dense (Yin) connective tissues and joints in the body. Yang Yoga, in contrast,
refers to a more active practice. This works on the (Yang) muscles and blood flow, building strength,
stamina and flexibility.
Your Rustic Retreats journey
Imagine pressing pause on the outside world, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and rediscovering a sense of balance you may not even realise you've been missing.
At Rustic Retreats, surrounded by the wild beauty of Murcia, your journey invites you to explore the dance between Yin and Yang: stillness and movement, softness and strength, the quiet of the moon and the warmth of the sun.
Through flowing yoga sequences, deeply restorative poses, and inspiring daily workshops, you'll have the chance to release the rush of everyday life and reconnect with yourself. One day, we'll venture into the spectacular Sierra Espuña mountains for a hike, a picnic in nature, and a yoga session surrounded by breathtaking views. As darkness falls, we'll turn our eyes to the stars beneath the waning moon, enjoying the rare pleasure of simply being present in the vastness of the night sky.
This is more than a yoga retreat. It's an opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, move your body, quiet your mind, and make room for a little magic. Whether you're seeking adventure, inner peace, or simply time away from the demands of everyday life, your Rustic Retreats journey is an invitation to return to yourself, naturally.
Discover Your Inner Balance
Journey through the chakras
Teacher. Emma Cunliffe
Wed 26th May to Tues 1st June 6 nights 7 days from €480 all inclusive
Style of Yoga.
This retreat brings together a variety of yoga practices, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Mandala Flow and Yin, offering a balance of energising movement and deep relaxation.
We'll explore the seven chakras, the body's traditional energy centres, and their connections with the elements of nature and our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Through movement, breath and meditation, you'll be invited to turn inward, discover new perspectives and explore what balance means to you.
Whether you're an experienced yogi or new to the practice, you'll find a welcoming, supportive space where you can explore at your own pace, listen to your body and do as much or as little as feels right for you.
Your Rustic Retreats journey
Imagine dedicating a whole week to yourself, slowing down and exploring the connection between body, mind and spirit.
Each day, we'll journey through a different chakra, using its themes as inspiration for our yoga, meditation and personal exploration. We'll begin with the root chakra, Muladhara, exploring grounding, stability and what it means to feel safe, connected and at home in your own body.
Our mornings will begin with a guided meditation followed by an energising physical practice inspired by the chakra of the day. Through flowing sequences, mindful movement and breath, we'll explore different ways to connect with ourselves and awaken our awareness.
As the day draws to a close, we'll turn towards stillness with gentler yoga and guided meditation, creating space to unwind, reflect and settle the mind.
Our meditation practices draw inspiration from traditions around the world, including Hawaiian Ho'oponopono, Metta (loving-kindness), Mindfulness and Vipassana. Each offers a different way to cultivate awareness, compassion and a deeper connection with the present moment.
This is an invitation to step away from everyday demands, nurture yourself and explore something new in a peaceful, supportive setting. Come with an open mind, follow your curiosity and give yourself the space to discover a little more about yourself.
The Power of Now
Teacher. Emma Corkery
Sat 26th June to Fri 2nd July 6 nights 7 days from €480 all inclusive
Style of Yoga
This retreat brings together the grounding practice of Vinyasa Yoga with the deep relaxation of restorative and Yin-inspired yoga. Our morning sessions focus on mindful movement, alignment and building a deeper connection with the body, while our afternoon and evening practices invite you to slow down, release tension and find stillness.
Alongside physical postures, you'll explore pranayama (breathwork), mudras (sacred gestures), mantra, bandhas (energy locks), guided meditation and deep relaxation. Gentle flowing sequences, sound and visualisation will also be woven into the practices, helping you quiet the mind, deepen your awareness and reconnect with the present moment.
Whether you're new to yoga or looking to deepen an existing practice, these sessions offer an opportunity to explore at your own pace, finding a balance between movement and stillness, effort and ease.
Your Rustic Retreats Journey
What if you could step away from the noise of everyday life and rediscover the simple pleasure of being fully present?
The Power of Now invites you to slow down, reconnect with yourself and experience life at a gentler pace. Surrounded by the wild beauty of Rustic Retreats, you'll immerse yourself in the rhythms of off-grid living, waking with the light, breathing in the mountain air and making space to listen to the quiet wisdom within.
Your journey begins with a welcoming tea ceremony, giving you time to arrive, settle in, connect with others and set your intentions for the week ahead.
Through yoga, meditation and workshops, you'll explore what it means to meet each moment with greater awareness, acceptance and ease. There'll be space to let go of everyday distractions, quiet the constant chatter of the mind and rediscover the feeling of being grounded, connected and truly alive.
This is your invitation to press pause, breathe deeply and embrace the present moment. You'll leave with simple practices to help you return to that feeling of calm and clarity long after your retreat has ended.
Come and discover the magic of slowing down at Rustic Retreats, where nature sets the pace and the present moment becomes the greatest gift of all.
Your Life Your Masterpiece
Teacher. Mahalia Pellett
Sat 11th to Fri 17th Sept 6 nights 7 days from €480 all inclusive
Style of Yoga
Start your mornings feeling energised, alive and ready for the day with dynamic Vinyasa Flow. Through flowing sequences that link movement with breath, you'll build strength, develop flexibility and create space in both body and mind.
As the day winds down, we'll switch gears with a restorative Yin practice, inviting you to slow down, soften and let go. Using cushions and yoga blocks for support, we'll settle into postures for longer, allowing the body to relax without force and giving you precious time to turn inward.
Both practices offer something different: the uplifting energy of movement and the deep nourishment of stillness. Classes are open to all levels, with options to suit different bodies and abilities. You'll be encouraged to listen to your body, honour what you need each day and discover that yoga isn't about pushing harder, but finding your own balance.
Your Rustic Retreats Journey
What if your life really were your masterpiece?
Not a masterpiece that needs to be perfect, but one that is uniquely yours, full of colour, creativity, unexpected turns and room to grow.
This retreat is an invitation to reconnect with yourself and explore the beautiful relationship between body, mind, heart and spirit. Through energising yoga, restorative practices and creative artistic workshops, we'll explore what happens when we stop fighting our feelings, soften our expectations and give ourselves permission to be exactly who we are.
There's space here for every part of you: strength and softness, laughter and reflection, quiet moments and joyful expression. Rather than trying to fix or change yourself, you'll be invited to meet whatever arises with curiosity, openness and compassion, allowing fresh ideas and new possibilities to emerge.
And then there's Bagend itself: the peaceful natural surroundings, the delicious food, the warmth of shared experiences and the pleasure of meeting like-minded people from different walks of life.
Expect time to recharge, opportunities to express yourself creatively, meaningful connections and plenty of fun along the way.
Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and give yourself the freedom to explore what makes your life your own masterpiece.
Meet the Team
You’ll be looked after by Elliot, founder and chef of Rustic Retreats, along with one of our amazing yoga teachers — trusted collaborators who’ve been part of the Rustic Retreats journey many times over the 13 years we’ve been open.
To see exactly who will be teaching on your chosen retreat week, please head to the Retreat Details page.
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Elliot
Founder and Chef
26 years ago, I decided to realize my dream of living a better life. I wanted to live off-grid, and be as self-sufficient as possible. After looking at over 300 properties (my only criteria being water, land and seclusion) I came across 52 magical acres in the region of Murcia, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Espuna mountains. It was here where Bagend was born.
The dream has now developed with even greater passion to incorporate many exciting ventures: yoga and meditation retreats, workshops, sustainability, serious off grid living and too many other projects to name.
As a Chef my passion is to excite your senses with taste. The menu is all homemade in our mountain kitchen with locally produced organic produce. Can't wait to share the recipes & tastes you will experience!
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Marlene Sinclair
We have been collaborating together since 2017
Vibrant Venezuelan/Spanish, practitioner of Yoga and Buddhist philosophy. She is certified in Hatha Vinyasa 200 hours, Yin, Jivamukti SW and Trauma Yoga. She is also certified in Thai Massage, Reiki I,II,III , and Reflexology. A mother of two Queens and grandmother of two Princesses.
"I have been practicing Yoga for more than 20 years. This practice has seduced me and enriched me considerably, both on a mental, physical and spiritual level. This “union” is manifested in an inner balance, well-being, flexibility, strength, and a great awareness of the Being. Due to the great feeling of well-being achieved,
I undoubtedly wanted to spread this technique and therefore a become a Yoga teacher. In my classes I combine the meditation, asanas and pranayama. I put a lot of emphasis on the observation of each student, in
their actions, alignments and the awareness in the breath.
I believe that yoga adapts to one and therefore, each person is unique at all levels. I embellish all these virtues with a big smile, remembering that by smiling, both internally and externally, we turn this practice into a great dance dedicated to the Divine, to our Being."

Emma Cunliffe
We have been collaborating together since 2021
Over a decade ago, my yoga journey began in a small room above a café in Brighton, UK — at a time when I was feeling low and disconnected (and it definitely wasn’t love at first practice). But something quietly called me back, again and again. Meditation followed, and together these practices have become the cornerstones of my life, supporting me physically, mentally, and spiritually.
For the past ten years I’ve had the privilege of teaching and sharing these tools with others. Alongside my yoga teacher training, I’ve studied Yoga Therapy, with an approach that’s both scientifically informed and deeply holistic. I also weave EFT and Reiki into my work as a qualified practitioner and Reiki Master.
My teaching is rooted in presence and compassion — creating space to slow down, reconnect, and honour whatever is true in the moment. Facilitating this programme at Rustic Retreats, a place that means so much to so many of us, is a dream come true.

Emma Corkery
We have been collaborating together since 2015
I first started practicing yoga in 2004 and was initially attracted to the physical health benefits and the inner space created through meditation. My interest in both yoga and meditation grew steadily from that point on and really started to flourish when I was studying for my degree. This was probably the busiest time of my life so far juggling studying, working and becoming a mother but all the time I kept up a dedicated practice and felt grounded, ready and full of energy. I love that these practices change with us presenting new opportunities for growth when we are ready for them. In 2010 I started teaching children’s yoga and working with new parents and their babies. I found this so fulfilling and a lot of fun! It inspired me to train as a school teacher and share my other passions for art and creativity. I completed my 200 hour Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow yoga training in India and now enjoy spending my time creating fun and accessible classes for a wide range of ages and abilities. My style of teaching is gentle and fun, I love to teach wearing a smile and encourage everyone to enjoy the process without grasping at the result. I love helping people find space, access their creativity and most of all have fun with yoga.

Mahilia Pellett
We have been collaborating together since 2015
Yoga has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I watched my mum meditate and practise yoga regularly, and I was naturally drawn to the practice myself. Over the years, yoga and meditation have become much more than a physical practice, offering me a way to find balance, deepen my self awareness and navigate life with greater presence.
I have been teaching yoga since 2013, when I completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Since then, I have continued to expand my knowledge through many additional hours of training across a variety of yoga styles and complementary practices, including Yin Yoga and sound healing. My studies in psychotherapy and neuroscience have also deepened my curiosity about the mind, body and nervous system, and continue to shape my approach to teaching.
I teach Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin and Mandala Yoga, alongside meditation and Yoga Nidra. I love weaving together these different influences to create practices that are both meaningful and accessible, whether through dynamic, flowing movement or slower, more introspective experiences. My intention is to offer a welcoming space where guests can listen to their bodies, explore their inner worlds and discover what feels right for them.
I believe yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, experience or ability. For me, it is not about achieving a particular shape or getting something right, but about meeting ourselves where we are, with curiosity and compassion.
I am so excited to be returning to Rustic Retreats and sharing my love of yoga, meditation and deep rest in a beautiful setting. I look forward to creating space for others to pause, recharge and enjoy the experience of being present.
