Yoga Sutra Shala Retreat Centre – La

More than a yoga retreat, it was a gift of nourishment for the body, mind and soul. I’ve always seen Yoga as so much more than asanas (physical practice or postures) but as a way of living that helps us to return to our inner wisdom and truth. I was thrilled to find the Yoga Sutra Shala as it is completely based on that, which I find very precious, especially as in western societies, yoga tends to be portrayed without its essence. Namit is an experienced teacher with great knowledge of anatomy, nutrition, and philosophy, combined with genuine kindness, intuition and generosity. It doesn’t matter what is your level of practice, if you engage in the experience with an open heart and mind, you will take back with you something more valuable that you can imagine. The retreat is very well organized, and everything is well thought out. The food is of high quality, organic and deliciously cooked with love by Bev, the chef. The location is beautiful and the accommodations are very nice and comfy. If you are searching for something more than a holiday to feed your heart and soul as much as your body, this is it. Last but not least, the people you’ll get to meet on the way will make the whole experience one-of-a-kind.

100% recommend a retreat at Yoga Sutra Shala. I understand yoga better in my body and in my mind thanks to Namit’s teaching and my practice is greatly improved through increased awareness of breathing and anatomy. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of yoga than ever before (after decades of practising and different teachers). Namit and Bev created such a warm and welcoming environment and it was wonderful to meet and share with the other participants at the retreat. We had a lot of fun and there was a lot of love in the room; a beautiful retreat to gentle loving kindness. The library is great with more excellent books than it’s possible to read in your time there. The food and accommodation are off the scale amazing. I got a lot more out of the retreat than I expected including in meditation, breathwork, and the philosophy and anatomy workshops. I’m so glad I chose this retreat. Thank you Namit, Bev and all :-)

The whole expérience there was wonderfull. First because Namit is an excellent teacher, very patient, full of knowledge and of generosity ! And Second because the place where we stayed during the formation was really perfect, also thé people around us where very carefull. If you want to discover/deepen your yoga knowledge this is définitely thé place to go to !

I am very happy and grateful I had a chance to take in a YTT in Yoga Sutra Shala, it was an amazing experience from the point of view of the student and future teacher. The days were intensive and well-organized. Namit created a great atmosphere full of love, peace, and understanding, which really helped in the learning process. We had a lot of joy, laughter, and fun every day. I love the family atmosphere we created after three weeks. The program was very interesting, well-structured, and holistic. I love the mix of scientific and traditional approaches we were taught. The adjustment classes were great, with a lot of focus on the anatomy and safety aspects of practice. I also felt very inspired by the philosophy classes and meditation. Namit explained many complicated philosophical topics making them interesting and much easier to understand. The food and accommodation were great. We had fresh and delicious vegan dishes made of organic products from local farmers. Also, the big advantage of this training was that we had teaching practices from the very beginning which helped to build confidence.

I did my 200hr YTT with Namit and i’m so glad I did it with him! It was wonderful. I loved his extensive knowledge and wisdom on Anatomy and Yogic Philosophy and also really enjoyed the fact that we were taught in a relatively small group. The food and all the things we learned about health were amazing as well!! I felt like it was a very holistic course. I loved how Namit was compassionate, open-minded, humble and how he really lives Yoga! The needs of the group were completely met and I enjoyed the classes a lot. It was quite a lot of information and an intense schedule, but it was also so much fun and mind blowing to learn all of this. I loved how Namit made it work and really conveyed Yoga so well. I also liked the fact that we practiced teaching throughout the whole course. Would really recommend booking here!

I am very happy to have got this option. This was the perfect package for what I was looking for: time and focus for myself. Namit is a great teacher. He shared his knowledge at anytime generously with us. It was a great holistic combination of many topics: yoga, philosophy, anatomy, nutrition.. The group was small and got into an harmony very soon. The house is renovated, located in the nature. The owner took care of everything we needed to feel comfortable in there. This combined with Bev’s and Rocio’s the healthy food throughout the week made the retreat just great. I have taken many interesting things which can help a lot in the way you live or see things . Thanks for the great job you all do and hopefully see you soon again;).

Highly highly recommend Yoga Sutra Shala retreat in Spain! It was amazing, affordable, and the teacher, Namit, is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I learned so much from him about yoga, meditation yoga, philosophy, and nutrition. We went on some beautiful walks. The accommodation was really comfy and nice and the vegan food was tasty.

Highly recommend Yoga Sutra Shala Retreat to anyone looking to enhance their yoga and mindfulness practice surrounded by forests, a lake, and a serene mountain-top view. Namit is an amazing yoga and meditation instructor, as well as a nutrition and wellbeing coach. The retreat completely changed my perspectives and brought me back to my passion for yoga and meditation. Each vegan meal was designed with nutrition in mind by Namit and meticulously prepared by Bev and other members of the Yoga Sutra Shala team. Bev was supportive, upbeat, and always open to listening and sharing her experiences as a yoga teacher. Namit provided hands-on and personalized yoga classes in a small group setting, often asking us about our preferences so that each class could be tailored to meet our needs. His scientific explanations and anatomy workshop helped me better understand the theory and practice of different yoga poses. His teachings are practical and he offers advice on how to continue the mindfulness journey in our everyday lives. The retreat was great value for money; it not only included yoga and guided meditations, but also delicious meals, a modern hotel stay, and a guided walk up the mountain to visit the surrounding villages. I left the retreat centre feeling calmer, more grounded, and healthier than before. 10/10 would recommend!

I did my 200h YTT there February 2020 and wouldn’t have missed it for the world, it was worth every penny. A magical place in every respect: gorgeous surrounding, beautiful people, delicious food made with love, stellar and well informed teaching. Generally a perfectly nourishing environment for personal growth and development. I feel like I have really into my own as a yoga student and teacher. So much more to learn still but the love and confidence and the inspiration will remain. THANK YOU beautiful people of the Yoga Sutra Shala ❤️

I attended the four-week residential yoga teacher training course in December 2019. It was superbly well organized, a very high level of teaching, quite intense, accommodation first class, the vegan food absolutely wonderful and plentiful. Four teachers to eight students. Highly recommend. Also attended a week’s retreat previously. Same high standards.

My week at this retreat was so peaceful, it was lovely to be surrounded by nature, learn about practising yoga and meditation, and meeting some kind friendly like-minded people. The Yoga Sutra Shala family is also so welcoming and knowledgeable, I recommend picking Namit’s brain for facts about nutrition! Speaking of nutrition, the vegan food is delicious, and comes straight from farm to plate (local and organic). You can choose to hike, swim, or relax every day between the classes. I would recommend to anyone open to learning and connecting with themselves (note you should be open to a more spiritual approach for this retreat!) Thank you for a lovely time and hopefully see you all again soon :)

Highly recommend. Beautiful setting, food was amazing and the variety of yoga and meditation classes made it very accessible for a wide range of practitioners. It was a nice mix of classes, alone time and spending time with the other guests ( if you wanted to). Overall, a very well organized retreat in a warm and welcoming environment.

A very enjoyable week. The instruction was perfect for my level. I came away with a broader understanding of Yoga practice and philosophy. We had a combination of Yoga, meditation and out door activities. The teachers were very professional and knowledgeable in the teachings of Yoga. The food was all vegan and delicious. The meals were perfectly balanced and packed with flavour. All the recipes were shared. The staff and teachers also had a deep understanding of nutrition. I left with wonderful memories and some great new friends. I would certainly recommend the retreat and will consider returning again in the future.

Fantastic setting, great teachers, delicious vegan food. Fun, profound, beautiful experiences. I would return in a heartbeat. Highly recommend

Absolutely magical. A deep sense of welcome and being in tune with each of us and the group. I will carry the time spent here with me always in the changes that it inspired.

I had a wonderful time on this retreat. The food, the programme of activities, the people…all outstanding. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it and would gladly go back.

This was the best retreat, lots of extras offered and a warm relaxing atmosphere. Highly recommended!

My partner and I had a truly inspiring, memorable and life-changing experience at the retreat. We will never forget it. The location in La Vall de Gallinera is stunningly beautiful. The villa has the most amazing views of the mountainous valley. The team/volunteers are kind, compassionate and welcoming. The vegan food is carefully prepared, local, nutritious and tasty. The guided meditations will have you feeling totally zen, and connected. The workshops and breathing practices are calming, uplifting and rejuvenating. The yoga sessions cater to different levels of experience (I am a total beginner so most of what I focused on were those asanas aimed at alignment, hip movements, and spine straightening). The silent times give you ample opportunity to reflect on yourself. The hikes through the valley will allow you to touch, smell and see everything from almond trees, cherry trees, orange trees, rosemary, thyme, olive trees and so much more. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you so much.

This is such a lovely place! The people are amazing and the food is fantastic. I learned so much in just one week. Spend the week here and you’ll feel blessed!

We both (my daughter and I) had a fantastic, nurturing, peaceful and delightful week in Sutra Shala. The place is just amazing, the food delicious, the yoga and the hikes truly enjoyable. We benefited as well from the workshops on various topics such as alignment, active meditation and nutrition. We hope to visit again!

This place is magical, hidden in a small village and surrounded by beautiful nature. I felt relaxed immediately. Every room has a beautiful view on the mountains, lovely to wake up in the morning. The food is beyond delicious, fresh and healthy! The teachers are amazing, they help and support you without pushing your boundaries. There is also enough time to relax, to participate to a hiking or workshops without obligations. This retreat conquered a special place in my heart. Thank you Namit & all the volunteers/teachers!

My week at Yoga Sutra Shala was one of the best of my life. I will never forget it. The accommodation is luxurious, the food is heavenly, and the valley is nothing short of paradise. Although these things alone make up an exquisite retreat, it was the quality of the yoga and meditation practice that have led to immense life changes for me. I have been using spiritual practices to enhance and sustain my wellness for 10+ years, but I went away from this retreat with tools I’d never learnt before and a much deeper connection to myself. It’s been a month now since I came back from Spain, and I have been getting increasingly healthier & happier ever since. Thanks to: Kathy for being a fun, warm and welcoming host. Alison (yoga teacher) for being an incredible role model and making me feel like part of the yoga family. Marlene (yoga teacher) for gentleness, patience, generosity and her beautiful singing voice. Josie (yoga teacher) for a deeply compassionate and spiritual yoga practice, enabling me to truly fall in love with Hatha yoga. Stefanie (yoga teacher) for sharing her knowledge, wisdom and care for the practice at any given opportunity. Marie (volunteer) for reminding me of the abundant joy that comes from exercising mindfulness techniques in nature. Alice (volunteer) for her baking skills, hard work and selfless dedication to making the stay as comfortable as possible for the guests. Last, but not least, Namit (Yoga Sutra Shala Boss) for showing me how to work through my trauma with a single posture. I swear this man is a magician, so it’s no wonder his retreat is a magical experience. I will certainly be coming back.

expérience incroyable à tous les niveaux…à recommander absolument

Lieu splendide, accueil et cours excellents. Séjour parfait !

I had such an amazing experience, the teachers were so kind and generous. It’s in a gorgeous vally town and hour and half away from Alicante. From booking to arrival and departure everything was planned like clockwork and was effortlessly smooth. I met a lovely group of people and it was such a reinvigorating week. I couldn’t recommend it more highly. Thank you Namit and team for everything.

Went there about a month ago. Was looking for a place and time of peace and quiet. That’s what we found. On top of that, the place with its garden and the scenery around is magnificent. Staff was very warm and welcoming. I definitely want to go back some time.

Absolutely loved my time at the retreat. The staff were so supportive and friendly. The food was amazing and the scenery sublime. l would love to go again! Such happy memories of a truly special place.

I really enjoyed my time at Yoga Sutra Shala. The combination of the classes, nutrition, staff and beautiful location in the valley create a lovely and personable retreat experience :)

This was a wonderful retreat! Namit and all the people involved in the organisation were really nice and motivated to give us a great experience. The center is simply wonderful: nice rooms, amazing garden, plenty of space to relax and meditate, great terrace with amazing view. Food quality was top in quality and quantity. I liked the possibility to choose which yoga classes (Hatha or Vinyasa) were more suitable for me and the variety of activities proposed during the week: workshops, hikes, meditations. Namit has a a strong knowledge in yoga and nutrition and was really interesting to listen to him and take home useful advice. Thank you guys once again for the great time I could spend with you. All my best! Andrea

This was our second time visiting the retreat, which feels like home the moment you walk in. The place is homely and cosy, the staff are friendly and welcoming. The food is amazing. The routine is perfect. Just the right amount of Yoga, meditation and group walks. I cant recommend Yoga sutra shala enough. We will definitely be back.

A lovely place in a beautiful Valley. Different yoga styles and friendly and caring teachers, and delicious vegetarian and vegan food!

My time at Yoga Sutra Shala was absolutely wonderful! I was a total beginner and I feel I got a solid foundation from which I can now build my own yoga practice. Not only did I learn a lot about yoga and meditation, but I got to know a fantastic group of people and enjoyed the incredible surroundings, beautiful building, and amazing plant-based food. The warmth from the teachers and volunteers was incredible :) I couldn’t recommend this place more, and I will definitely be back!

Sutra Shala Yoga Retreat Centre was a perfect cure for an never ending Canadian winter. Both my husband (who had never done yoga) and I (a seasoned veteran) learned a great deal and enjoyed every minute. In addition, the delicious plant based menu was also an eye opener. The highlight of the Retreat was definitely the staff and the fellow attendees. Everyone was upbeat, friendly, kind and interesting. We will return!

Loved every second of my Yoga Sutra Shala experience! Amazing location and very warm people! Would recommend this to anyone who loves yoga, meditation, healthy food, hiking and beautiful nature..

Rien à redire. Expérience merveilleuse dans un endroit magnifique, excellents professeurs de yoga et atmopshère bienveillante. J’aurais aimé y rester plus longtemps et je reviendrai pour sûr :)

Upea miljöö, parasta vegaaniruokaa ikinä, ihania kävelyjä vuorille, ystävällisiä ihmisiä, osaavia joogaopettajia ja rentouttavaa meditaatiota. Aivan ihana viikko Shalassa! ❤️

Habe über den Jahreswechsel mein Yoga / Meditations-Paradies gefunden ! Wahnsinnig tolle Menschen, eine wunderschöne Location und feinstes veganes Essen: alles kann – nichts muss.

Great yoga retreat! Family like environment, delicious food, confortable and clean rooms, wonderful garden. The yoga teachers and all the staff are both professional and friendly. I spent a great week, I strongly recommend!

Sutra Shala center is an absolutely wonderful place. I felt that throughout the whole stay I am in a caring and kind hands of staff. We practiced yoga every morning and evening. Each class was great: I managed not only practice yoga but also gain knowledge about body, about philosophy, about postures. I am grateful that teachers are very open for questions and extremely caring ensuring that guests receive everything they need. Food deserves a separate acknowledgement :) it was AMAZING! Every breakfast, lunch, dinner we were spoilt with yummy, full of vitamins, freshly prepared choices I really loved everything, center itself is a very peaceful place but also nature and village are very quiet and relaxing. I can only recommend the place and give +5 stars for it!

Great retreat, really enjoyed it!

Lovely people, beautiful place, ‘great things are done when men and mountains meet’! The Yoga Sutra Shala has a distinctively warm and friendly atmosphere, which I think is created in part by the homely feeling accommodation and also by the kindness of Namit and his team. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with a lot of care taken to preserve the individual character. I was excited that a candle was even provided- really nice for relaxing in the evening. Log burning fireplaces were lit in the morning and the evening to sit by quietly, read, and chat to other guests, which felt really cosy and now a gas fire seems a poor substitute! There was an interesting range of teas which you could help yourself to (my favourite was the vanilla rooibos) in a family style kitchen and bookshelves with books on yoga and other subjects in a variety of languages. The outside space is extensive, with beautiful gardens that span far enough to be seen from the surrounding mountains. The gardens open up to a valley and small village, which in turn lead to the mountains. There were hardly any cars on the roads when we were there; the air was clear, smelling of rosemary rather than car fumes. I definitely agree with previous reviews: the food was delicious, creatively thought out and it was nice to know that it was planet-friendly. It was also really nice to learn more about the nutritional value of different grains and legumes. Care was taken to reduce waste, with hardly any plastic, and has made me realise how unnecessary a lot of the waste generated is. It has made me more mindful of what I choose to buy! The yoga and meditation classes are really good; I learnt a lot of useful techniques to improve and vary future practice, while deepening understanding of how to live more consciously and interact with the world. It also gently challenged my way of thinking which I had taken for granted. I loved hearing everyone’s different views and think that the world leaders and politicians would really benefit from a week at the Sutra Shala! Gradually, all the noise in my mind fell away and it began to be easy to feel calm, happy and peaceful. I understand now much better what Blake meant when he said ‘if the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite’. The classes, workshops, walks, conversations and environment blended really well together and were clearly well thought out. Namit and his team went out of their way to be helpful and nothing was too much trouble. There was a strong family atmosphere which felt very genuine. To feel like that in such a short time is a tribute to their warmth and skill. Underlying the whole retreat was an awareness of Namit’s enthusiasm to help and inspire people. I was also impressed by how knowledgeable he is, seeming to have read every book mentioned by anybody, which made for interesting discussions. Each member of the team also brought something special to the table and without exception were kind-hearted and interesting people. I am really grateful to have had the opportunity of staying at the Yoga Sutra Shala and would absolutely recommend it if you are thinking of going! I am now thinking of becoming a hermit and living inside a cave in the mountains (I’ll maybe choose one a bit deeper than the one we visited though).

An old yoga novice, here I was running off to a rugged beautiful valley between Valencia and Alicante. What was I thinking?! I so enjoyed learning about Hatha Yoga and will definitely keep going. It was so much fun but also mindful at the same time! I thought I was a healthy eater until I discovered gorgeous vegan dishes prepared lovingly by the kitchen. Brilliant walking in the mountains and great conversations with my group ! So have returned stretchy and wholesome! I met the best people in our group from all over. Terrific fun – Just loved them! Thanks to Namit, Gabriella, Robbie and the whole team for your warmth and attention to detail. Take Care…

Spent a wonderful week at the retreat. Fantastic atmosphere, great people, healthy food. A very relaxing and calming holiday

Everything about this retreat was amazing from the instructors to the volunteers, the lovely food and the beautiful surroundings, this retreat was everything it promised to be and then some. I can’t believe how accommodating the team were, particularly the volunteers who went out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed. The retreat also ticked all the boxes in terms of the spiritual content, wonderful yoga and stunning meditations. I left a little bit of my heart at Yoga Sutra Shala so I may just have to go back again …… A massive thank you from me for a very special retreat.

A wonderful relaxing place the Hatha and yin yoga was so relaxing all three teachers were just great. All the staff always had a smile on their faces, and the best energy. The vegan food was fab, first time I have eaten it for a week….. The puddings and treats were the best………….Walking in the hills and the very special meditation with the flute being played. MAJIC…… thanks again

The week at Yoga Sutra was fantastic! I have practiced yoga for many years but I learned soo much at the retreat and the food was out of this world. I was looking forward to to the vegetarian dishes as I had already spent three weeks in Spain eating pork dishes and Ibérico jamón. I must say that the food at the retreat was even tastier and more satisfying than my ham dishes. So good! Namit and his team of instructors and volunteers were top notch and so patient with us yogis. I cannot wait to return in the near future.

I loved our stay at Yoga Sutra Shala. The minute you get there, you immediately feel at home. The retreat has a lovely mixture of self reflection time (silence in mornings/during class), but also time for connection and socializing (dinner time especially nice for this). The food is some of the best vegetarian food I’ve ever tasted, the scenery is inspiring but the people here I believe make this place the most special. Namit makes a great effort to get to know everyone and what they need from the week, Lieke is a great listener and organizer, Robbie is an amazing yoga practitioner- really kind and considerate to everyone’s level and ability, Charlie is so gentle and sweet and does amazing meditations. There is also Lu, Melika, Fernada and probably a few other people I’m missing out on too. All I can say is if you are trying to decide on a yoga retreat- this place is a really solid choice. You will leave with your mind, body and soul refreshed and inspired