Yoga Breaks in Spain – Altea

WOW!!! This is second time I have participated in their UK yoga retreat for three nights!! Last year was so good, my friend and I immediately booked for the following year and also for the Spanish yoga and hike retreat later this year. I can’t emphasise how much this has transformed me both physically and spiritually. Nicole and Gary are seriously the dream team. They are absolutely passionate about what they deliver, and really care. I can’t praise them enough. Thank so very much from the bottom of my heart for your commitment, passion and humanity!! I appreciated the simplicity this retreat presented. Until next time!! Kim x

Wonderful restorative and uplifting yoga retreat. It was my second time and Nicole and Gary were just the most wonderful and inspirational hosts yet again

I’ve just returned from the yoga flows and forest feasts weekend. This place was magical and an incredible space for reconnecting your mind, body and spirit. I came home feeling more connected to nature, inner harmony, peace and renewal. The food, the yoga and the great companionship and spirit of the group…. WOW!! First time at a retreat and in a yurt, it was really cosy and the bed so comfy. This has been on my bucket list for a long time and the timing to do it now was meant to be. I’m so pleased I chose this one. I feel utterly renewed through excellent yoga classes from Nicole. Meditation and Forest Bathing and Fire & Cacao Ceremony from Gary. A relaxing wonderful massage by Zuzu, relaxation and beautiful walks plus the delicious plant based vegetarian meals cooked by Beth, I never knew food as healthy as this could be so flavoursome! Nicole & Gary – thank you for your hospitality and being such wonderful hosts. Truly an amazing experience all round that I will never forget. Nameste.

This retreat (Pilates and Yoga) was the first one I attended with Nicole and Gary. It was recommended to me by a great friend and I am so happy I followed her advice. Not only did I have great classes (and a very special thank you to Carolan!) but the most important thing (to me) were the amazing people I met. Everyone, from the organizers to the participants were people I hope I’ll meet again and stay in touch with. One good advice: do not hesitate to go on your own: you will definitely meet new friends : ) Thank you Nicole and Gary.

This was my first solo retreat and I can highly recommend! It was organised to perfection, and although I was a novice at both Pilates and yoga I went at my own ability and the instructors were absolutely brilliant. The hotel, food and staff were so lovely – and the option to book extras like massages, facials etc was much appreciated. I made a lot of new friends and memories to last a lifetime – will definitely be returning! Thank you to Nicole and Gary for the warmest of welcomes.

The Spanish Yoga breaks retreat was pure bliss. 5 days of self care and relaxation in the company of wonderful like-minded people looking to develop their practice, meet new friends, rest and recuperate. I had no idea what to expect and right from my arrival I was welcomed by Nicole and Gary and shown to my beautiful room, given a written, detailed itinerary and encouraged to rest and ‘arrive’. We then met later in the afternoon for a welcome meeting where we met all the retreat family. The hotel was a beautiful peaceful space with a pool, conveniently close to the shops, cafes and bars of Altea and within walking distance to the beautiful coast and beach. Each day started with an optional refreshing hot drink, where we were encouraged to take some quiet time to welcome in the day ahead of our first practice. We were split into two group’s, so while half the group attended a morning Pilates class the other group practiced Yoga (this timetable was reversed in the evening). We then chose how to spend our day following a hearty breakfast. A light lunch was available for those who were in the hotel in the afternoon, and we eat at the hotel on three evenings while eating out locally for two. The local Tapas restaurant is recommended for both meat and vegi options. The teachers were outstanding in their chosen discipline, while friendly and attentive. Each class was different and themed to ensure we got the most from our practice. There were optional daily activities to join (if you wished) and I joined a local 9km walk on the first full day, which helped orientate me to the local area and get to know some of my fellow yogi’s. I also booked a couple of treatments and would highly recommend Miguel, an experienced Thai massage therapist. This was the best massage I have ever experienced! The retreat has given me the opportunity to take time out from my regular life and commitments, prioritise myself and my well-being and consider how I would like the rest of my life to pan out. I have already contacted a local Spanish teacher to start Spanish lessons and I have plans to commit to more regular yoga and Pilates practice. My body has thanked me for the regular daily activity my hip osteoarthritis symptoms have improved. I’ve had the most amazing retreat with Nicole and Gary and I look forward to meeting up with my new yogi friends at future retreats.

A really special few days extending our Pilates practice and giving yoga a first go. It’s difficult to put into words what a unique and lovely time this was, such an amazing effort by Nicole and Gary to make everyone’s experience the best it could be. A gentle, unpressured programme with excellent tuition; new friends; warm days and evenings; plenty of good food; a beautiful hotel with kind, friendly staff; the sea and gorgeous old town nearby. We loved it!

I have been back in England for about a month now after the most wonderful yoga experience in Altea…and I can’t stop raving about it to everyone I meet! It was a truly fantastic break- everything was so perfectly organised by Nicole you just soak up everything that is on offer- brilliant yoga, gorgeous hiking and some great cycling. The yoga sessions with Nicole and Dionne were incredible, you are pushed but within your limits, I felt so strong after the week both physically and mentally – I will definitely be back – Thank you x

I have just got home from my first yoga retreat feeling and feeling very happy that I found Yoga Breaks Spain. What to say…a written review can’t express how fantastic this retreat is! I chose combined yoga and hiking as I enjoy all outdoor activities and this made for a perfect combination. Being relatively inexperienced in yoga, I found the classes (on the good side of) challenging but they are designed so well to cater for all abilities and absolutely every person in class is looked after. Both Nicole and Dionne are fantastic teachers and the yoga is brilliant; I have learnt a ton in just a few days and feel empowered and excited in developing my ability now that I am home. The hiking with Kris and Adam was also incredible, as was the biking. Gary was a great guide on the beautiful 15K walk around Altea and surrounding area and also hosted a guided meditation session one evening which was super powerful. Treatments are also available as an add on extra and I highly recommend the full body massage from Miguel. Nicole and Gary have truly created something very special here – it’s clear they work tirelessly to make it what it is and there are so many extra, thoughtful touches that I won’t put on here so they are nice surprises if you choose to go for it… Thank you so much Nicole, Gary and all the team – I really hope to return!

Just back from my third yoga break with Yoga breaks in Spain. Always a great few days away. Lovely people and fabulous hotel and the old town of Altea is beautiful. It doesn’t matter what level you are at you are still included and feel welcomed. Great for people travelling as a singles or as a group of friends. Nicole organises all the yoga and extra activities brilliantly. Highly recommend.

Just back from a fabulous time on a yoga and hiking retreat with Nicole. My first retreat but definitely not my last! Expertly organised from start to finish with the perfect mix of rest and activity. I’m a relative yoga beginner so don’t be put off if you are too. It’s a relaxed, welcoming environment, great classes, treatments, and a beautiful hotel. Just go for it!

2024 has been my third, and hopefully not last spring here. The hotel is beautiful, well appointed and comfortable. Special mention to all the staff who helped me with my asthma flare up this year. ❤️As usual, I’m going home in a better state than I arrived! The Yoga Breaks Spain, team are as exceptional as ever in their knowledge and patience both in terms of the yoga on offer and other activities such as walking and treatments. Third visit, third group I’ve met here. In all honesty everyone is friendly, and some folks I’ll be seeing again soon. No one is standoffish at all, mostly singles just out for fun & relaxation.

I can’t recommend this enough – the yoga, the care and skill of the team , the traditional Spanish hotel and the unexpected beauty of Altea . All of it was perfect – this was my first solo trip following the death of my husband several months ago and I felt welcomed, safe and cared for by Nicole, Gary and Dionne – and the rest of the group. Just working out when to come back and do it all again

I have just returned from my 3rd Yoga Break in Spain with Nicole and Gary, and it didn’t disappoint. You always feel well looked after and safe. Airport transfers are arranged, the Altea hotel (an old olive farm building) is delightful, clean and well equipped. It is just a 10 minute walk to the beautiful Old Town with plenty of choice of restaurants for the 2 nights off. The standard of the classes is well designed to accommodate all levels of experience, and there is a choice of beauty treatments and a hike in the mountains to help make the 4 days full and memorable – but nothing is mandatory. Most of the guests are travelling solo, but it feels like being with friends very quickly! I thoroughly recommend this yoga break.

This was my first yoga retreat/holiday and I really can’t recommend it enough. As a relative newcomer to yoga practice, the sessions catered for all levels of experience, ages, bodies and energy levels. Nicole, Gary, Dionne and Kris, who guided our walk in the mountains, are all fab – very welcoming, warm and encouraging. The hotel, its facilities, staff and standard of food provided were of a very high standard and Altea and its surrounding areas are beautiful. I will definitely book onto an upcoming retreat in the coming year.

I loved every moment of it! Nicole and Gary could not be better hosts. Everything was orginised perfectly and with no pressure – everybody could be active to his/her own level/desire. A wide range of treatments and activities on offer – for every taste. I loved Nicole’s focus on sustainability. The choice of hotel was very good, the food in the hotel and in town was fantastic. The weather was perfect. What else to wish for? And the company was great – really lovely people come for Nicole’s sessions. Highly recommended to all regardless of your yoga ability. I will be back.

This was my third yoga retreat with Nicole and Gary Stone, so I am hooked. I have been to Altea twice and it is an ideal setting with lovely scenery. The hotel is very clean, typically Spanish and the food is divine. Gary and Nicole are very hospitable, and they create a culture that is family orientated, welcoming and a sense of community. Whether you are single or with a partner you are totally included in the activities and guaranteed to make new friends. It is also rewarding to meet yogi returners on the retreats. Whatever yoga experience you have, the yoga practice will be geared to suit you. The teaching is very professional with explanation provided as to the science and wellbeing for the body. The activities and therapies are varied and very enjoyable. The yoga is optional, and you are advised to take this time on the retreat to listen to your body and enjoy the moment. You can also expand your knowledge and practice after the retreat if you are interested and this is available. There are a lot of yoga retreats being offered which makes the choice difficult. I would certainly recommend Yoga Breaks in Spain and guarantee that you will not be disappointed and want to return like me. Tanya Hawkins

I’ve just returned from this amazing retreat. Nicole & Gary gave such a warm & genuine heart felt welcome, right from my initial booking enquiry & questions, to arriving at the hotel. The hotel is set in a peaceful location so surrounded by beautiful views, yet only 10 mins walk to pretty Altea old town, and 20 mins to the beach. Nicole & Dionne are fantastic yoga teachers, each practice carefully thought out and aimed perfectly for our group. Nicole was very supportive & attentive throughout the whole retreat, yet it was very fun and relaxed with the option to do as little or as much as you wanted. I came back feeling, nourished, nurtured and grounded & can fully recommend.

This was my first experience of a Yoga/Pilates retreat and I am so happy I chose Yoga Breaks in Spain …..I had a superb time! Nicole and Gary have everything down to a fine art, nothing is too much trouble and they really do provide the personal touch. The yoga and Pilates instruction (mine was with Dionne and Carolan) was brilliant and the instructors really catered for everyone’s ability. The location is beautiful and the traditional family run hotel is in a great position at the back of the lovely old town of Altea. All in all I had a wonderful time with a lovely group of people and I can’t wait to return! Tracy R

What a blast this yoga/pilates break was. Nicole and Gary there is something very special going on here. I returned for a second time which I have never done and everything was totally amazing exceeding the expectations i had which were already high. The teaching, the company, the therapies and the hotel. Top class. Thank you!

My daughter and I did our first retreat with Yoga Breaks in Spain in 2019 and vowed we would return. We have just completed our return retreat and cannot express how valuable and enjoyable this was. I very much needed to refresh my practice. The instructors here are excellent and with their help, and the focus of 2 classes per day plus workshops. I am not only back on track but feel I have taken a huge leap forward in my practice! Thank you Nicole and Gary for a brilliant retreat :)

From the moment you make contact with Nicole at Yoga Breaks in Spain you know you’re in the best hands. Every detail of the holiday is taken care of – all you have to do is show up and enjoy wonderful yoga teaching, nutritious food and chill by the pool in a charming family run hotel. Nicole and Gary offer a host of other activities like hiking, sea kayaking and paddle boarding but everything is optional. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned yoga practitioner you’ll get an huge amount out of this holiday and you’ll leave feeling renewed and revived.

Loved this retreat. Mark and I came for a second time. We love the 90 minute yoga in the morning, which included Yin. The instruction from Nicole and Dionne was clear and instructive and felt safe at all times. The hotel feels like it is far from everything but is a 5 min walk to Altea old town. Nicole also arranges therapies and activities. Rebecca was amazing for my massage and facial. Paddle boarding was fun too. We will definitely try some of Yoga Break’s other retreats. Both times we have hired a car. Although lots is very close by in walking distance it was useful having a car to visit other local towns and beauty spots. Heartfelt thank you Nicole and team for making this just perfect in every way.

I treasured my time on my Yoga & Pilates retreat in Altea. Nicole has created something special. I was drawn to the retreat because I love Pilates and was thrilled to see they offered it as part of their program and with a wonderful and skilled instructor. The hotel, location, staff, accommodations and food were perfect. The balance of classes, workshops, add ons and down time was perfect. I’ll be coming back soon!

This was my first time attending one of the Yoga Breaks retreats, and I’ve quickly become a big fan. Nicole and Gary do such an incredible job organizing the whole five days, from putting together a well-crafted itinerary to ensuring you have a perfect balance between workouts and activities and a relaxing time by the pool. The pilates and yoga instructors, as well as the attentive hotel staff and skilled masseurs, were all an absolute delight. They were kind and exceptionally knowledgeable in their respective fields. The hotel in Altea is also very cute and well-located, and the restaurant is truly incredible. Will definitely be joining again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.

I returned from a yoga and Pilates holiday, refreshed, energised and strengthened. The organisation was both thorough and thoughtful. The teachers were excellent. They had such deep knowledge and adapted the classes to the mixed group. I really can’t fault this holiday. This was my second year and I plan to return. Thank you Nicole and Gary.

Very well managed. Peaceful location with only a 10 min walk into the lovely town of Altea. Whilst it was good to try yoga I had booked for Pilates – quite hard to find Pilates only trips – and the teacher was excellent. I booked an optional paddle boarding session. The only thing I would say about this was that it would be nicer to go out from a location that didn’t have jet skis and boats going out continuously which made it much harder to stay upright. Also irritating engine noise around all the time. Perhaps find beach location instead? Wonderful holiday with a great group of people. I will be returning next year and staying for a week.

I can’t fault the yoga and Pilates retreat I have just returned from. I loved everything; the hotel, the pretty town of Altea, the food and the fantastic yoga and Pilates instructors. Not to mention the hosts Nicole and Gary who not only organised the whole thing brilliantly but were attentive, charming and helpful. I said last year I would be returning and I did. I may well be back for a third time.

I had a fantastic time on the yoga & pilates break. Nicole and Gary and their team really made things special for us. The classes were pitched at the right levels so pushing me a bit! The walk with Gary was so informative and enjoyable. The paddleboarding was fun. The food at the hotel is amazing and you feel so nourished and healthy on this break. Definitely thinking about coming back next year as by the end you feel like you’re leaving family! Would recommend to anyone with any level of yoga and Pilates.

This was my first trip to Altea on a Yoga & Pilates retreat & I had a fantastic experience. Nicole & Gary are the perfect hosts with a detailed itinerary in place from the outset .Infact prior to arriving the pre communication was excellent too. The hotel, staff , food , facilities & the all important Yoga & Pilates were all first class. In addition the optional activities complimented the overall trip. Altea is a lovely town with charm & character & was the perfect setting for the retreat. The Yoga & Pilates instruction was of a high standard @ although I only practiced Pilates it made a huge difference to my overall health & well being. I highly recommend this trip & I am strongly considering returning next year.

I had the pleasure of going to one of Nicoles yoga retreats last summer in June and it was just what I needed. Nicole is a wonderfully, skilled yoga teacher and made me feel at ease in the yoga sessions. She is a great host too and made each day of the retreat very special with fun treats! It was lovely to meet a great group of yogis and have a lot of laughs. Altea is a gorgeous place to visit and I would highly recommend booking up for one of Nicoles yoga retreats! I am looking forward to going to another one this year in the forest!

Can’t thank Nicole and Gary enough for my recent Yoga Break. It was superbly well organised and an incredibly welcoming experience. The quality of the surroundings and the yoga was fantastic with an empathetic understanding of my limitations due to a chronic inflammatory condition. I have already recommended YogaBreaks in Spain and will definitely be booking again!

The positive effects of this retreat away with you for a lifetime….Nicole puts everything of herself into her teaching and her kindness and thoughtfulness as a host is beyond compare. The quality of her teaching is right up there and her attention to detail regarding food and activities is also incredible. I can’t recommend this retreat highly enough. Its great if you want to deepen an existing knowledge of yoga, or chill out or your approaching yoga as a relative beginner. You will feel cared for and in safe hands.

Just returned from my first fabulous YOGA holiday in Altea close to Alicante with Yoga Breaks in Spain. From the first booking to arriving by private transfers to a beautiful 4 star hotel Yoga every morning followed by buffet style 2 hours help yourself to as much as you can eat breakfast. Surrounded b y beautiful scenery, the beach 20 mins walk through the old style typically Moorish/Spanish town ,,,Go with the flow yoga holiday very much recommend it Excellent Holiday thanks to the team. I will be back.

I’ve just come back from a fantastic 5 day yoga retreat. It was so well organised and Nicole was the perfect host. The morning yoga was varied and well led, the hotel was lovely for relaxing during the day and Altea old town is a charming place to explore in the evenings. I can thoroughly recommend it!

It was my very first yoga holiday, and I must say it was fantastic. The host Nicole is truly wonderful. The 6 days went so fast. The yoga was really good and a fabulous way to start the day-thanks Dionne. I hadn’t done much Pilates previously but Carolan is such a great teacher I’ve taken it up since I’ve returned home. The hotel is beautiful, amazing food there and Altea is a beautiful place. I cannot recommend this trip enough. Thanks Nicole, Gary and all ❤️

The 5-day yoga and Pilates break I just did was wonderful. The experience was managed very well, with options to relax and/or adventure as participants wished each day. The food was both healthy and delicious. The exercise classes had excellent instructors who gave me new ideas for how to work out more safely and efficiently. I had a great time and would definitely recommend this to a friend.

The retreat was a lovely break after 2 years of Covid, very well organised in a beautiful location. I loved the hotel which has all facilities, lovely outdoor dining on a terrace, swimming pool and view of the mountains and the history associated with the hotel as it was originally an olive farm. Very conveniently located – 10 minute walk into centre of Altea. Very enjoyable guided walk, bike ride and reflexology treatment, in addition to the yoga and Pilates. Thank you so much.

a great holiday ,Nicole and Gary provided a memorable break and tailored it exactly on what was offered.mary

Just returned refreshed and happy from a 5 day yoga and hiking retreat in Altea, Costa Blanca. Met a wonderful group of people and made new friends; did a challenging hike into the mountains; had a cookery lesson; swam in the sea; ate some great food; learnt some new yoga moves. Big thanks to Nicole, Gary and all the team at the hotel for making this such a brilliant experience.

I waited two years to attend this retreat, and it was worth it. Gary and Nicole did everything to make this a perfect holiday. The yoga, hiking, and other wonderful people I met at the retreat made my first visit to Spain very special. I will miss my new friends, but hope to return again.

Just completed my first yoga and hiking retreat in Altea. The folks that run Yoga Breaks are professional, caring and they work hard to make sure they get to know their attendees and their individual needs. It was a pleasure to have Gary lead one of our hikes and guide us in a meditation. I enjoyed the yoga classes with instructors Nicole and Dionne. Nicole also made sure we knew what to expect each day by providing a detailed agenda. Dionne provided a wonderful massage and reflexology treatment for me. The location of the retreat was ideal, the hotel was comfortable. The women I met were all amazing people, will never forget them! Hope to join Gary and Nicole for another retreat in the future

What a truly fabulous yoga & pilates break we had in Altea! The hotel was 10 mins walk from the old town but very quiet and secluded. Rooms were very comfortable and big, and food was lovely! Although I went with a friend most people were lone travellers and from all over the world. There was plenty to do (if you wanted to) but also a lovely pool to chill out by. I most definitely recommend this break to people of all levels of experience.

What a wonderful experience! Just finished the Yoga and Pilates Retreat! I left feeling pleasantly exhausted, inspired and an overall feeling of well-being. From the amazing and knowledgeable instructors (Dionne and Brenda) to the delicious plant-based meals to the additional activities, it was an absolutely amazing retreat. I did one of the hikes as well as the cycling. Both were great! The hotel and pool are gorgeous, and within a few minutes walking distance to the charming town of Altea. There was lots of time to stroll to the beautiful old town for coffee or very cheap wine! The daily schedule is a perfect blend of activity and down time. No pressure! Nicole and Gary are such kind and positive people, keen to share their lives, their knowledge and their passion for the Costa Blanca. This is a very special place! I went alone, all the way from snowy Canada, at the very last minute and felt right at home. I look forward to my next Yoga Break in Spain!

Just home from the most amazing time in Altea with Gary, Brenda my favourite yoga teachers Dionne and Nicole. Hotel great, food great, pool great and the odd G&T refreshing! Best part the people, again a fabulous bunch of wonderful likeminded people of all ages and stages in life. This is my second year in a row and I will be back next year Keep up the good work and extremely high standards everyone To anyone hesitating, going alone is great! Make some new friends and some new memories ‍♀️

We had such a great holiday – thank you Nicole and Gary! It had been a while since I’d done any yoga and my husband had only tried it twice(!) but we needn’t have worried – there was a whole range of abilities from novices to yoga teachers and Nicole tailored each class to us all! No mean feat! We met a lovely group of people, went walking in some beautiful scenery and ate delicious paella. And I’d definitely recommend the massages! Although it was only 5 days, we felt we’d really been away for a while – the sign of a good holiday. And after initial reservations, my husband is now a yoga convert! A holiday to remember.

I have been in Altea with Yoga Breaks twice and loved it! Super comfy hotel with amazing food, great yoga shala and needless to say that the hosts Nicole and Gary do anything possible to make your stay with them a memorable one.

As a first timer to a yoga retreat I arrived full of mixed emotions; excitement, concern; fear; openness… The usual things. At the start I felt welcomed, and valued. The other participants were so friendly, the hotel comfortable, clean and with lovely food. Nicole’s teaching was inspiring, respectful and encouraging and Gary knowledgeable and warm. Thank you both for a great 5 days. I’ve sung your praises to anyone who asks and I fully intend to come again, as so many others do- a true mark of success!

I have been on two yoga holidays and loved them! Such genuine and heartwarming people, rejuvenating yoga classes, delicious vegetarian food, most charming and unique hotel Chamarel from walking distance to the centre and the beach. A perfect combination for a holiday.

I have very fond memories of my three Yoga Breaks with Nicole and Gary. Nicole’s twice daily yoga offers just the right balance of challenge and relaxation. Gary guides you through some interesting meditations, and takes you out on beautiful coastal or country walks. There’s no pressure to take part in activities – if you’d rather just relax, that’s fine and there’s time built into the programme to explore Altea, my favourite town in Valencia province.