In November 2023, I hit the bottom rock of my healing journey. I had severe insomnia, depression, and anxiety. I did not see the way out of my health problems, so I thought that it was worth taking the risk and going to the retreat centre that I had thought about already for a while.

The path towards this move was long and difficult. I even thought of cancelling the trip because I felt very weak from not sleeping, my heart had rapid palpitations, and I felt like I was just done with life. I felt like giving up on myself.

This trip, however, held the key to solving my problems. It made me realize the importance of changing the environment and following our life’s purpose. My health issues were just a manifestation of me resisting the path that was better for me. I clearly had to move out of the place where I was living, and I did that once I returned. All this happened only because, during the retreat, my health improved significantly, and I was sleeping a lot better. I understood the power of environment, social connection, sun, good food and joy.

About Suryalila

I found out about Suryalila during my search for a host entrepreneur for the program Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs. However, at the time, I had a feeling that I would rather attend it as a guest, so after a while, I did.

Suryalila is a yogic centre located in Andalusia. It can be approached from two major cities — Malaga and Seville. The closest village is Villa Martin, from which you can also take a bus. It is voted as the number 1 retreat centre by Om Yoga Magazine, and I can easily see why. Here are the reasons that make Suryalila a great place for regeneration and healing.

Excellent food

All the food offered at Suryalila is local, organic, and vegan. You will be inspired by the variety of plant-based recipes, such as coconut-turmeric butter, sunflower seed Bolognese, date and cacao Nutella, chia puddings and many other exciting and beautifully created recipes. The local cuisine even makes its own banana-coconut ice cream!

For me, as someone who used to do my own food blog and wants to return to it soon, this place was full of inspiration and joy, and I felt like taking some of the ideas home with me to implement in my daily routine. They also offer a cookbook for those who want to try recipes at home.

Great weather all year round

Sunbathing in November? Totally possible in Andalusia. The weather is just excellent, allowing you to take the vitamin D and joy. The countryside of Andalusia during this time of the year has very dry soil, many olive trees with olives, and mandarin trees as well ready for harvesting. I did not experience any rain during the week and took the chance to swim in the pool. The quietness and tranquillity of the place allow for contemplation, meditation and yoga in nature, as well as yogic facilities.

Yogic classes for everyone

Even if you are not good at yoga, you can still go to Suryalila. I personally discovered for myself Yin yoga, which is very slow and allows for muscle relaxation. As a result, you can practice Yin yoga every day without feeling achy muscles or pain. You will get acquainted with many different yoga styles and choose what resonates with you. On top of that, we also practised breathwork, sound healing and devotional chanting, which was wonderful.

A small boutique for souvenirs

In the small shop, you can find all kinds of useful gifts, such as locally produced olive oil, beautiful lotus candles, yoga books, smudge sticks, crystals and many other cute souvenirs. They also have their own small café, which makes all kinds of nice smoothies, lattes and vegan chocolate treats.

A salt pool for relaxation

The pool and sauna are available for a beautiful spa experience! It was very popular with the guests. You can watch the sunrise and enjoy the sunset as well. You will feel sunbathed and also salt-bathed! The centre also offers massages, different day trips, horse-riding and many other activities.

Waking up from the dream

Suryalila left me with beautiful memories of contemplating creative ideas and life under olive trees, roaming around the Spanish countryside looking for an old monastery, enjoying Turkish Hammam in Jerez de la Frontera, trying out local Spanish tapas, and so much more! Being so close to nature and the sun was a very healing experience.

If you feel called to immerse yourself in the nature of Andalusia, explore the Spanish culture of the nearby cities, enjoy eating vegan and doing yoga, or you just want to rest and tap into your Yin energy, then this place is for you!

See you soon, Suryalila! ❤