BackCare Foundation
Retreat at Centro Santillan
Sunday 13 - Saturday 19 October 2024
6-night retreat in Malaga, Spain
Welcome to the information and booking pack for this retreat.
There are just 4 rooms remaining. We can't wait to welcome you.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Complete the booking form (link below)
2. We will EMAIL YOU to confirm your place. Please don't send the deposit or book flights yet.
3. We will send you deposit details. Once you've paid THEN you can book your flights!
Join Anji for her regular Autumn retreat in Malaga
Join Anji & her team for a 6-night retreat focused on health in a luxurious mountain setting with views to the sea. This is our 6th time at Santillan - it's a very special place to retreat.
Healthy food, supportive Yoga practices, fresh air & good company.
With busy lives, we all need time to pause & reflect, to rest, digest & repair. Not just at a physical level, but at mental & emotional levels too.
The whole-self science of Yoga is a practical tool in the journey to a more easeful self. In the 2020s, this is exactly what is needed.
Time for ourselves, to return refreshed, renewed and restored - and with a plan for continued good health.
"My goal was to see what I could hear when all the noise of our normal lives is dialled down, and I found the time to reflect and relax to be priceless."
VENUE
Our home will be the Santillan Yoga Retreat - regularly voted as one of Europe's top 10 retreat centres. We will have sole use of the whole venue.
Santillan is an Andalusian paradise, surrounded by the silence of the mountain and with wonderful sea views, yet only 25 minutes from Malaga airport. Malaga enjoys the most annual sunshine of any European city.
There are 22 rooms, all with air-conditioning and en-suite and each with a private outdoor space, with views of the gardens, hills or sea.
There is a heated freshwater pool, a small tennis court, and beautiful gardens. There is space - space to walk, to sit, to lie, to look at the stars.
“Overall fantastic retreat - lovely location, excellent food. I felt calmer and stronger. The yoga spaces and equipment really are exceptional”
YOGA
Yoga is a whole-Self science, designed to help us live a more easeful life.
Our practice will be a mix of active Asana (physical postures), more passive Restorative (resting postures), Pranayama (breathing) & Relaxations. There will be a sound bath, discussion time & an optional journal club.
Anji will incorporate Yoga for BackCare & other practices tailored for finding better health in the body you have. Yoga for BackCare is a gentle, practical and powerful approach to improving spinal health. We will stretch, strengthen, move, hang, lie, breathe and more.
Expect 2 yoga sessions of 2-2.5 hours a day - morning & afternoon - 12 in total. Santillan is the best equipped yoga studio in Europe, all equipment is provided. We will use props, the yoga wall and the outdoor yoga shala too if the weather permits.
Anji's teaching is clear, kind, sometimes challenging but always inclusive - previous retreaters have been different ages & stages - and practices are generally suitable for mixed ability groups. Lorna Nelson will be our assistant teacher & will teach at least one class.
Whilst most practices are suitable for all, we will be practicing physical exercise for several hours a day. Therefore this retreat is not suitable for absolute beginners or those with serious health concerns. Please contact us for a chat BEFORE BOOKING if you have any health issues or pain.
“The build-up of the practice content over the days was great, thought through very well. It helped increase confidence in our abilities as well. The equipment in the yoga studio made it possible to use props which in online classes are not available for students, e.g. harnesses, ropes.”
“Anji is a truly inspiring yet down-to-Earth yoga teacher who makes challenges, at whatever level, feel achievable. I was surprised how quickly two yoga sessions a day became normal and doable - and how I would miss them when they came to an end.”
MEALS
Food forms a huge part of health and we will eat well, from dinner on the first night to brunch on the last day, all catered by the amazing chef, Javier. Food is mainly vegetarian, but there will be some fish, including a special Paella night. Lunches will be simple fare, fresh salads and soups. Dinners have 3 courses.
All meals are buffet-style, hot drinks & fresh water are included and there is an honesty bar with soft & alcoholic drinks. We eat at communal tables with seating inside, outside and under cover.
There will always be fruit, bread & hot drinks available (self-served) – including in the early morning prior to practice.
A TYPICAL DAY
Our programme builds day by day as we explore, enquire & understand our bodies & minds. Practices will be varied, sometimes serious, sometimes fun, always useful.
Typically we start morning practice around 8am, followed by breakfast at 10.30am.
During the day there is free time: to gaze, swim, walk in the hills, lounge in the many seating areas, sleep, eat, read, chat & ponder as you breathe it all in.
Treatments are available daily, including massage, sound healing & more from a hand-picked team of therapists.
There will also be optional activities available, depending on our group - perhaps an extra practice at the wall, perhaps a cookery lesson. Remember though, a retreat is just that - time to get away from all the 'doing' - so we won't overfill your day!
Evening Yoga takes place around 5pm - these sessions are typically slower and quieter, more focused on going deeper and relaxation.
Both morning and evening yoga sessions are around 2 to 2.5 hours long.
There will be one day free for excursions if you wish to explore the local area.
We will also seek to arrange a walk around the hills and one morning we hope to arrange an early morning walk too.
“What a great retreat! A lovely group of people, delicious vegetarian food & a perfect location. The yoga was a lovely combination of challenging and relaxing. Anji’s warmth, skill and enthusiasm made me look forward to every class. She is an outstanding teacher and communicator. Can’t wait for the next one!”
TRAVEL
Centro Santillan is 36 km east of Malaga. The closest international airport is AGP (Malaga) and serviced by a large number of airlines from many countries.
We will arrange a taxi transfer for you: fee ~ €60 each way for a regular passenger car, which may take up to 4 people (depending on luggage). Cash paid directly to the driver. We will allocate guests to shared taxis closer to the time.
Arrive Sunday 13th October at Santillan from 3.30pm & depart Saturday 19th October by midday. First class will be on Sunday evening around 5pm.
TREATMENTS & EXCURSIONS
A range of hand-picked therapists are on site daily (payable locally in Euros) and we will help you choose the right one for your needs. Having a treatment on retreat adds to the renewal of your body & mind - we highly recommend taking a treatment.
Malaga is a beautiful port city, with a Picasso Museum, shopping and fabulous Spanish cuisine, and it's close to other cities in southern Spain.
At previous retreats, some guests chose to spend an extra night in the city before or after the retreat. On booking, we will share more information about excursions
ROOMS
Santilan is a traditional hotel built in the Spanish style. that has been equipped & refurbished by the family owners in a sympathetic & loving way.
All rooms are ensuite & air conditioned. Some face the sea, others the exquisitely manicured gardens. All are peaceful and well equipped in a homely style.
All solo occupancy rooms have a double bed. Shared twin rooms are also offered.
“I loved the time and space that the retreat with Anji gave for reflecting and noticing things about body and mind. I came home having had lots of thoughts about the path I’d like to be following, and the changes I’d like to make as well as seeing how regular yoga practice can be the grounding anchor that I need, which was a revelation as I hadn't felt that before.
It wouldn’t have happened without Anji’s teaching - I feel very grateful for that – and I can’t wait to see what happens on the next retreat"”
PRICE
Retreat price Per Person:
Single Room, en-suite £1850
Twin Room, shared as double or twin, en-suite £1450
Non-refundable Booking Fee: Single - £900, Shared - £825
The balance is payable in Euros at the venue on arrival
Retreat price includes: 6 nights accommodation, full programme of Yoga, 3 meals a day, use of yoga studio and other facilities, wifi, tea, coffee and drinking water. Sound bath & Group walk also included.
Bonus: After retreat you are offered a 1:1 online consultation with Anji worth £185.
Retreat price does not include: airfare, transfers to / from the retreat (c. €60 each way per vehicle but shared), excursions, massage treatments or travel insurance.
NB: You are required to have appropriate travel insurance for an activity holiday.
BOOKING
If you would like to attend, don’t delay. There are just 22 rooms at Santillan. Because of minimum room requirements, some rooms will be allocated to sharers. If all single rooms are taken, you will be offered a sharing room.
Email [email protected] to register your interest or ask any questions. You can copy Anji if you want to contact her: [email protected]
ALSO complete the booking form below. BUT PLEASE DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS until we have confirmed you have a room.
Please note that your place is not finally confirmed until we have received your booking fee.
"This was my second-ever retreat, both with Anji at Santillan, and it was another amazing trip, with new and different experiences. Even though our group was broad in age and yoga knowledge, with a range of reasons for being there, we were brought together by Anji’s inclusive, skilful and caring teaching."
Meet Anji
Anji Gopal, M.Ost, BSc (Hons) is a London-based back pain expert who focuses on using Yoga as a practical and gentle way to improve spinal health.
Anji’s approach is to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and restrictions to find better health through the application of simple and accessible yet powerful and transformative yoga practices. Nothing too esoteric - practical and useful - but also tapping into the healing power of working with body & mind.
As an ex-banker, she understands the stress of modern city-living, and as a health professional, working in the NHS & private practice, she uses her knowledge and skills to help anyone who needs to improve their experience of living in the world today.
She is a kind, caring & welcoming teacher who has students from around the world. And she really does know, from personal experience, that Yoga is the key to a better lived experience.
FAQ
What is a Yoga retreat?
A yoga retreat is the gift of TIME. Time for you to explore your Yoga practice, time for the benefits of the practice to settle in body & mind. Time to work out who & where you are. Time to rest, to reflect, to renew.
Who goes on Yoga Retreat? Will everyone be a Yoga Expert?
NOT AT ALL! If you have taken a class with Anji, you know that her teaching attracts a range of NORMAL PEOPLE. Her teaching is accessible to all & focused on what each individual can do. Whether you are new to Yoga or have many decades practice – at the end of the day, we are all students, seeking to learn more.
On this retreat, Anji welcomes anybody with an enquiring mind. Your fellow seekers will be a range of interesting & interested beings who also want time & to explore Yoga a little more. You don’t need to bring anything with you, or wear special gear – just bring yourself.
I might be on my own, will that be strange?
It’s pretty common for retreat-goers to attend alone – so don’t be nervous about being a solo-traveller. Retreat groups are always welcoming & friendly, but time to be alone is also precious. You are the boss of how much you interact (or not) with your fellow retreaters.
FOUR & A HALF hours of Yoga a day?
A typical 60-75 minute Yoga class flies by – and often we wish for more time to explore. To explore movement, breathing, rest, just being.
Think of a workshop as being a LONG class – with the TIME needed to truly enjoy the practice & explore how they sink it. Rather than a sprint finish, think of the Yoga time as a long mountain walk.
I have some health concerns, will I be able to keep up?
You will be asked to complete a health questionnaire before you come along, and are encouraged to have a chat with Anji prior to booking if you have any health concerns. Remember, Anji’s approach to teaching is to be inclusive with modifications if necessary.
Listening to your own body is all part of our growth as Yoga students & you will be encouraged to rest if needed. This is Advanced practice as far as we are concerned!
I know Anji is a Registered Osteopath – will health advice be given?
Anji’s teaching is focused on finding health through Yoga. The practices will include elements of Yoga for BackCare, therapeutic sequences, exploration of what health & wellbeing means for us all and more. Modifications during yoga practice will be offered.
However, nothing will be constituted as ‘treatment’ or individual healthcare recommendations, beyond a normal yoga experience. Anji will not be offering individual consultations during the retreat. Again, please complete the health questionnaire on booking – or give us a call & have a chat if you have any questions.
How big will the group be?
The Yoga studio is big enough for 30+ & the centre has capacity for 40 guests, so there will be plenty of space. We anticipate around 20-25 retreaters and we have the whole place to ourselves.
What do I need to bring?
All yoga equipment is provided. The centre is fully equipped with more Yoga kit than we will need. We will provide a packing list when you book.
