Blissful Yoga Retreat In Barcelona

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I honestly can’t think of a better combination than yoga classes and the bustling and vibrant city of Barcelona. The perfect balance. Starting the day with an energising roof top yoga session, followed by free time to explore Barcelona and then a sunset yoga session to unwind.

Yoga book at the Yoga Weeks Retreat in Barcelona

Location

The yoga retreat is in the heart of Barcelona, only a few minutes walk from Las Ramblas and behind the famous market, La Boqueria. The building itself was built in 1890 and is an art nouveau building with lots of original features, including the oldest lift in Barcelona. The accommodation and indoor yoga shala are on the second floor of this beautiful building which has been decorated in a simple modern style while retaining the character of the building.

View from roof top yoga weeks retreat Barcelona

Yoga sessions

The yoga sessions at Yoga Weeks either take place on the roof top, with gorgeous views over Barcelona, or in the shala when the weather is bad. As we visited in February most of our sessions were in the shala but we did manage to get up to the roof top on our last morning. I had really been looking forward to the rooftop location but actually found the sessions in the shala just as good, if not better, as it was quieter and more intimate. I was able to really focus on the yoga and not wonder what was happening a few floors below.

Yoga session on the roof top at Yoga Weeks Barcelona

The old fire place in the shala was lit with candles, to create a cosy, relaxing atmosphere which was perfect for the evening session as the daylight faded. As it was a small class the teachers were able to personalise the experience for everyone, no matter what our previous experience was. In our group there was someone who had never done yoga before and others who had been practising for years. I fall somewhere in between!

Morning Yoga

The yoga session in the morning was one and a half hours long, which worried me at first as I usually only do about half an hour at home. However, I REALLY enjoyed the session and it was just the right pace for me, with some longer stretches mixed in with a few flows. To finish the class we got at least 15 minutes in savasana, pure bliss.

Brunch

Brunch after the session is a selection of vegetarian dishes and is different everyday. We all sat around a large table and chatted about plans for the day or the hectic lives that we had managed to escape for a few days. We loved having a this time after practice every day and it makes it ideal for solo travellers.

Dining room at yoga weeks retreat

Bathrooms

There are two shared bathrooms for up to ten people that could be staying at the retreat at any one time. We didn’t have any problem getting in the shower after practice, but there were only 5 people while we were there. I imagine at busier times there may be a bit of a queue. The bathrooms are kept really clean and have lovely big showers, my only criticism would be that sometimes they weren’t that hot, but maybe thats because it was February?!?

Daytime

The central location means that in minutes you can be exploring the gothic quarter, wandering down Las Ramblas or picking up a tasty bite at La Boqueria. The beach and harbour are only a 10 – 15 minute pleasant walk away, straight down Las Ramblas.

Wandering the streets of the Gothic quarter Barcelona

Evening Yoga

After wandering around the city during the day the 6pm yoga session is perfect to unwind, stretch out those slightly achey legs and feel refreshed for your evening. The pace of the evening yoga sessions was a little slower and just what I needed after exploring the city all day.

Dinner

There is a shared kitchen where you can prepare your own food. It is well equipped with cooker, microwave and fridge. There is a selection of tea and coffee available at all times and also an overflowing bowl of fruit, which you can help yourself to whenever you are hungry.

However, we opted to eat out as food is a very important part of any trip in our family. Trying the local cuisine is one of my favourite parts of going anywhere. There are hundreds and thousands of options to choose from but our favourite area was El Born, this area is less touristy and where the locals are more likely to go. Always a good sign in my eyes!

We enjoyed stopping for pintxos (pronounced pinchos) in cute little bars as we wandered around or enjoyed some amazing tapas in restaurants we stumbled upon by chance.

Tapas in El Born Barcelona

Why We Loved Our Barcelona Yoga Retreat

The staff and yoga teachers were so friendly and accommodating that we immediately felt at home. They also gave you little insights into life in Barcelona and tips about the city, as well as delivering excellent yoga sessions. The location of the house was perfect for a short trip as no time was wasted travelling, everything we wanted was on our doorstep. Finally, the building we stayed in was gorgeous with Nolla colourful tiled floors, high ceilings and simple yet stylish decor. We will definitely be returning!

Yoga weeks sunset rooftop yoga
Laura Mills bio pic
Written by Laura Mills

Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.