“A fabulous team of people looking after my every need, the food is delicious, the accommodation amazing and the views across Grenada old town sublime.
This was my first yoga retreat and I had no idea what to expect. Thanks to all the team involved and the great Yoga instructors this was one of the most relaxing yet invigorating holidays I have had in a very long time.
I needed to restore my batteries and came back totally refocused and re energised.
Irazu is a fabulous tour guide as well as an awesome cook, Marina always there for anything you need and always smiling, Juan the same. Anna made our Yoga fun, Carmin and Carlos made it insightful.
I recommend Samyama to anyone looking to get away from the rat race. The local Hammam is a must for all as well as a visit to beautiful Alhambra. Im looking to book my next trip soon!
And I recommend getting the recipes for the homemade granola and porridge too.”
“I had a lovely time at the retreat, despite my apprehensions about being a complete novice in yoga. The group size is such that the teachers can adapt to individual skill levels, and you do get some individual attention in the classes. On my week, there were 6 guests, which was a lovely number, but I think 8 is more typical.
I was also apprehensive about being a solo male traveller, but it wasn't an issue at all. I was the only guy, but all the other guests were solo travellers too, so it was very sociable and easy going.
I'd reccommend taking the Albaycin walking tour and the hanging bridges tour. The latter was really worthwhile, especially as all 6 of us went, making it a really fun shared adventure.
The food was good and I generally enjoyed the vegetarian dishes. There is a honesty fridge for cold drinks, which is a great idea. I think it would also be good to have some simple food items available to make snacks during the day, but having said that, it's only a short walk to the shops. The wifi needs improving though, as it's pretty much only usable in the lounge, and even then it drops frequently.
It was a overall a great experience, and I'm very glad that I went. Thanks to all the staff that made it so special x”
“What a wonderful week! So relaxing! Everything was superbly arranged, right from my initial enquiry to the care and attention showed to us by the team at the villa. The team are amazing, so warm and friendly with nothing being too much trouble for them. They geniunely cared that we were happy and content and I was so sad to say goodbye to them all.
The villa is comfortable & ideally situated in the city - the views from the yoga terrace are stunning! I really enjoyed the different yoga sessions and learned so much from each of the teachers.
I arrived on my birthday and although I hadn't mentioned this, I was greeted with hugs and best wishes from all the team and even found a lovely gift waiting for me in my room. I was so touched by the efforts that they went to in order to make my day a special one. I have to follow a gluten free diet & they took such care with this for me. The food was amazing & they even made a gluten free birthday cake for me!
All in all, I would highly recommend Samyama and hope to return!”
“The week at Samyama gave me a chance to remove myself from a huge problem I have in my life and think more clearly about difficult decisions I have to make. It was a wonderfully peaceful and beautiful setting although close to the vibrant centre of Granada. I enjoyed the yoga classes with Carlos who I found was a patient and understanding teacher. I would have preferred more Hatha yoga classes but this is just my preference. All the team were friendly and helpful - lovely people as were the other guests. The breakfasts prepared by the team were delicious. However I found the evening meals a bit samey in textures and tastes and could have been a bit more imaginative - some cheese and pasta perhaps would have been welcome. I enjoyed my Spanish classes too and the massage was great. All in all a lovely experience and I would recommend it.”
“I loved this holiday & met some great people . The yoga & Pilates were very good.
This holiday was over a year ago & have not had any emails to send me any information about future holidays .”
“WOW, WOW, WOW, I have no words except WOW!!!!! Seriously I cannot tell you how lovely the retreat was. The team who organise the villa are AMAZING, from sorting and confirming transfers, to Juan carrying my heavy case up the 92 steps from La Fortuna Cafe to the villa... but what a view!!!! I have no problem recommending this holiday. I went as a single traveler but can say I have made some amazing friends. In some respects I want to write a rubbish review so that no one finds out about this little piece of paradise. As a non yoga person (i have taken around five classes over the past five years) the sessions were great fun and met all abilities, with different options for newbies like me, to the more advanced poses for those who have bendy bodies! I am going to go back LOTS... it is truly AMAZING. Don't waste time reading this post... just book it. I came home relaxed, refreshed and with much more flexibility... I couldn't touch my toes before I came but by the end of the week I was able to put my palms under my feet (gorilla pose!). The villa is stunning, the pool lovely, the hammocks and little garden areas beautiful. The food was great and plenty of it... lots of choice and I was never hungry... my group laughed because I brought cereal bars and cuppa soups for lunch but non of it was needed. The staff cannot do enough for you and you become a family after one week... missing everyone already.”
“I had the best week ever - the team were fantastic, I was a yoga beginner and now feel more confident and the teachers were so lovely and encouraging. I would thoroughly recommend Samyama Fitness I cannot fault them for anything. I came back feeling very relaxed and positive. I am not a vegetarian and I found the food variety excellent and very interesting.”
“I've never been on a holiday like this and I was pleasantly surprised. The villa was in a great location with great views and my room was lovely. The food was delicious and a real treat.
All of the team were so friendly and couldn't do enough for you.
I loved all the yoga sessions and I went home feeling so relaxed. I would definitely recommend this place and also if you are travelling on your own it's a real adventure and a great place to go. I met some amazing people and would definitely go back again.
Thank you Team Samayama for making my trip so special and memorable.
Paula x”
“Namaste the retreat in Granada is an absolute must. I went on the yoga and fitness week which I thoroughly enjoyed and did not want to go home. The energies in the villa alone are so powerful that you instantly feel relaxed and know you are where you are supposed to be!! Spacious rooms and exquisite views.Extremely high quality food and lots of fun outings, I particularly enjoyed the classes of bread making etc and the Thai massage was awesome.
I have also been to the weekend retreat in London and found it extremely helpful for resetting my mind and once again feeling totally balanced and in harmony with myself.
I will go to many more and am actually waiting patiently for the next London retreat as I could not make it back to Granada this year. Well not yet!!!
Joanne
Huge fan”
“I stayed for the villa for a month in July 2016. Having never been on holiday by myself before I was a bit nervous about the venue, the heat, the staff etc however it was the best decision I ever made! Everything about this retreat is amazing! The staff are welcoming, knowledgable and go over and above to ensure you have a fantastic time. The programme is designed to ensure you get the chance to experience a range of different kinds of yoga and classes are tailored to the individual needs of the group. The villa is spacious, comfortable and you really feel at home. The location of the villa is perfect as guests have the option of lazy days chatting by the pool or exploring the city. There is plenty to see in Granada. Prior to my trip I was also worried about how I might cope on a vegetarian diet, the breakfasts and dinners were delicious, filling and plentiful.
I honestly cannot rate this place highly enough and can't wait to go back again next year! Thank you to everyone at Team Samyama for making my summer so special! Xxx”
“My yoga holiday with Samyama Fitness was a wonder. Lovely people, fantastic location, great yoga. We were all made to feel exceptionally welcome and there was just the right mix of socialising and down time. I got off to brilliant start plotting my novel, with beautiful spaces to hide away and work and plenty of healthy encouragement from the other yogis.”
“My week at Samyama is one of the best experiences of my life and I would recommend it to anyone whatever the reason - yoga, relaxation, experience, friendship. It is a wonderful healing and joyful place that is made even more special by all the fabulous people who look after you - truly came away with a new family and some fantastic friendships. When can I come back ????”
“I had the most amazing time at Samyama Fitness. My overall rating is off the scale. It was simply magical. I have nothing but praise for everyone.
I have come home feeling totally re- energised and have made some fantastic new friends.
I am already wondering when I can return.
You should all be extremely proud of the experience you provide, and I will definitely be spreading the word.
I wish you all the success in the world.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the best holiday ever
Au revoir( as I will definitely be back
Jacqui??????????????????????
Xxx”
“Just back from my week at Samyama , where do I start ? I am so overwhelmed by the outstanding hospitality the expertise from all of the yoga teachers , the staff ,nothing to much trouble always happy to help . I have had the best holiday ever, it is life changing .I am on a high thanks to all at Samyama. Also I have made some new friends that is the cherry on top of the cake ???? Thank you Samyama ????”
“Overall, extremely good, made so by the people, the place and the programme.
It would have been helpful to have an outline programme before coming as i could have booked my visit to the Alhambra so as not to miss a yoga session. Not a big problem, though.
It was a slight shame not to have my own bathroom. I was in Hemingway on the top floor and used the bathroom two floors down. Again, not a big problem.
Fantastically warm welcome and service.”
“It was a second time at Samyama and I had a great time there. The villa is beautiful, comfortable and superbly located.
The team is extremely friendly and helpful.
However, I was a tad disappointed on 2 major ingredients - yoga and food.
I found yoga classes to be dominated by talk/meditation and fairly little and easy physical exercise. As the teachers were mostly changing, there was a long-ish introduction and general slow start. All guests agreed that Ashtanga was the favourite class of all. Some classes were plain boring and childish. Would be great the teachers manage expectations and adjust classes according to guests wishes. Unfortunately, I came back less fit than I went to to the retreat and that was a huge impact for the overall experience.
As for the food, I was looking forward to Kunle's great recipes and was devastated he was not at the retreat. I found the food good but unexciting. But maybe it's just my high expectation and great memories from last time. Also it was a small group of us, so I understand that the selection could have been reduced. Just an observation.
As always, hanging bridges is a huge hit and great day out. I enjoyed the dinner Esther took us at a local restaurant some 30min from Granada. I would recommend this be offered to the guests as an option for Thur dinner.
I mostly enjoyed the beautiful room and the view and exceptionally accommodating team.
Many thanks!”
“This was a wonderful trip and so much better than I was expecting (and I had quite high expectations!). The villa is so beautiful and tranquil and full of character, and couldn't be in a better location. The food is delicious and healthy. I think what really made this holiday is the people who look after you whilst at the villa (whose very genuine welcome and great attitude to life makes such a difference) and the quality of the yoga sessions. My yoga practice has greatly improved, I feel that I learned a lot, increased in confidence, and there was also food for thought in terms of stories and poems that can help you to explore yourself and think more clearly about how you live your life. I hope to go back sometime, as I'm missing that morning yoga on the terrace already..”
“It is not uncommon for it to take a while to switch off from the daily grind when starting a holiday. But from the moment I stepped through the door of the Carmen de Santa Ana retreat, I was made to feel at home. The warm welcome from the team in the beautiful surroundings of the villa was enough to dispel any worries. The day time schedule is yours to decide, from relaxing by the pool, to walking tours and visits to the Alhambra - you are in total control of your time. Twice daily yoga accommodated all levels and was personal to ability. The opportunity to experience different types of yoga was an added bonus of the retreat and one that makes Samyama unique. The location is superb; just a stones throw away from central Granada, faultless views across Albaicin, lush gardens with the soothing sound of water creating a sanctuary on the hillside. But what really makes this retreat special is the wonderful team behind it whose kindness, knowledge and energy have stayed with me even once home.”
“I had always wanted to attend a yoga retreat and decided to go in the few weeks off I had between leaving my job of 10 years and starting my new employment...I wanted to be in a calm place! I researched a few places but decided on Samyama as it looked so relaxed and in such a beautiful location. Having now returned from Samyama I can say that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Upon arrival Juan, Esther and Marina were so lovely and welcoming, doing their very best to immediately make us all feel relaxed and cared for. When I was shown around the villa I was overwhelmed by the beauty of it, better than I could have imagined. My room was gorgeous and the view from the terrace where we did our yoga practice is something I'll never forget. Food is absolutely delicious! All yoga teachers were brilliant and attentive to all levels of experience, with the lovely Carmen also able to offer fantastic Thai massages. So thank you once again to Kunle and his whole team, this really is an amazing place, made all the more special by your love and care. You should all be so proud x”
