Earth & Sky Yoga Retreat 2021

Begur, Costa Brava, Spain

MS
Maja Sidebaeck & Clare Ryan
  • Email address verified
3 reviews
May 31 - Jun 6, 2021
Group size: 10 - 17
Earth & Sky Yoga Retreat 2021
Begur, Costa Brava, Spain

Maja Sidebaeck & Clare Ryan
  • Email address verified
3 reviews

May 31 - Jun 6, 2021
Group size: 10 - 17

About this trip

Join Maja and Clare at beautiful Villa Pi Blau on the mediterranean coastline in Spain for a week of rejuvenating yoga, delicious food and peaceful surroundings. This serene getaway is perched on top of a pine-clad hill, surrounded by a beautiful garden and overlooking gorgeous crystalline water, coves and sandy beaches - all within walking distance. Constructed to high-eco standards, Villa Pi Blau is situated in the picturesque bay of Aiguablava on the Costa Brava, close to the iconic medieval town of Begur. Surrounded by nature you will have the time and space to relax and reconnect with yourself. The rhythms of our daily yoga practice will leave you feeling clear and calm. You'll return home carrying a little of the retreat vibe with you and feeling grounded and nourished by your time in this special place.

Yoga Classes

The peaceful and spacious Yoga Room at Villa Pi Blau is filled with natural light and has expansive  views of the Mediterranean. Expect a more active class in the morning,  interweaving mindfulness, meditation and philosophical explorations with a clear and safe approach to the physical practice. The afternoon classes will be slower and quieter and will include a deep restorative practice. Maja and Clare's expert guidance will ensure that you have a rewarding and meaningful experience regardless of whether you are a beginner or have been practicing yoga for years.  And with two teachers in the room you will get as much (or as little) individual attention as you need or want including plenty of hands-on support and savasana love.

Food

The chefs at Villa Pi Blau will treat you to healthy, home-cooked Mediterranean cuisine.  Ingredients are locally sourced and organic where possible. Vegetarian dishes are offered at every meal. On sunny days we will eat together at the large communal tables outside under the pergola.  With delicious flavors, good company and conversation, these shared mealtimes are usually a highlight of your retreat experience!

Free Time

Balancing the structure of the daily classes and our shared meals is the freedom to follow your instincts and do whatever you please. You may want to simply relax and absorb the beautiful surroundings, lay by the pool with it’s stunning views, or get a massage. You could adventure out on a forest or coastline hiking trail or take a short walk to one of the beautiful beaches and enjoy the Mediterranean waters.  You could explore the historical, charming town of Begur or venture further afield to Figueras with it's world famous Dali museum. You could even go horse riding on the beach or book yourself in for some water sports. Whether you want do everything, or nothing, we think your needs will be met!

Your Teachers

As well as being good friends, Maja and Clare have taught together in New York for well over a decade, both at Cyndi Lee’s prestigious OM Yoga Center as well as the lovely East Village neighborhood studio East Yoga Center. In many ways they are cut from the same cloth which is perhaps why they get along so fabulously. They both teach an alignment-based, breath-led, intelligent vinyasa flow steeped in mindfulness and curiosity. Their intention is to help their students cultivate clarity and ease. Their friendly and warm demeanor creates a space in which their students feel safe to explore their own practice and to deepen their understanding of how the benefits of yoga extend beyond our time on the mat.


Clare has been teaching yoga classes, privates and workshops in NYC since 2006. She received her original certification at OM Yoga where she taught weekly classes until the studio closed in 2012. She holds additional certifications in Prenatal Yoga (Mia Borgatta & Dr Eden Fromberg, 2007) and Restorative Yoga (Judith Lasater, 2009). She has studied meditation with Sharon Salzberg, Cyndi Lee and David Nichtern, and anatomy with many teachers over the years. She is on the teacher training faculty at Now Yoga in New York and at Awakened Life School of Yoga internationally.  For more info please visit: www.clareryanyoga.com


Maja started practicing yoga in her hometown of Stockholm, Sweden more than 20 years ago. After moving to NYC she was drawn to delve deeper into the practice of yoga and completed her first teacher training at OM yoga center in 2006 where she then joined the teaching faculty.  Since then she has completed her 500 hr certification, also at OM yoga center,  as well as many other trainings such as Restorative yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater, Anatomy studies with Leslie Kaminoff at the Breathing Project and Prenatal teacher training with Bec Conant. In the summer of 2017 Maja relocated to Mainz, Germany where she is currently teaching classes, teacher trainings  and workshops.  For more info please visit: www.majasidebaeck.com

Teacher Testimonials

I had a beautiful and transformative week with Clare and Maja at their yoga retreat in Mallorca. The setting was perfect, the yoga was both vigorous and calming, the food was incredible, and I made some lovely new friends. (Frances, NYC)

Clare has irrevocably changed my practice, my attitude, my life! She's an exceptional teacher who has challenged me both physically and mentally, and in her gentle, nurturing manner, has made my body (and mind) move in all sorts of cool, crazy ways I never felt possible before. She's a force of good in this world, and I always look so forward to our time together. (Ashley, NYC)


Maja's classes offer a perfect combination of exploration, challenge, and care. I've been practicing yoga for over 15 years, and Maja will always be my favorite teacher because of the exceptional creativity, knowledge, and warmth she brings to each class. In Maja's classes, I could safely explore and expand my yoga practice, gaining strength and flexibility in my mind and body, with expert guidance and encouragement. Students at any level would benefit from Maja's inspiring classes. (Sigrid Von Wendel, NYC)


Clare is a truly gifted yoga instructor.  She is warm and playful, and has an exquisite capacity to communicate in a way that is clear and engaging.  Over the years I have had many teachers in a variety of fields, and Clare has been one of the rare few who could create an atmosphere of comfort and challenge.  I always felt that she was looking out for each person as an individual as well as the class as a whole.  I am fortunate to have found her. (Adam, NYC)


Maja embodies the rare yoga combination of technical expertise and a style I describe as flow joy!  She knows alignment, gently offering hands-on adjustments and suggesting alternative poses for varying needs.  What I love most about practicing with her, though, is the flow of poses and transitions and the energized feeling during and after a class with her.  Maja is a unique soul and I'd travel far for her grace, humor and expertise! (Shannon Curry Hartmann, NYC)

Cancellation Policy

DEPOSIT 

The deposit is non-refundable. 

FULL PAYMENT (due within 90 days of retreat - March 6th)

When you reserve, you may either pay in full or just pay the deposit. Upon receipt of your payment we will send you a confirmation of your deposit. Full payment is due 90 days prior to the start date of the yoga retreat.

CANCELLATION POLICY

 We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur. Your payment will be refunded if you cancel more than 90 days before the start of the retreat (March 6) minus the deposit which is non-refundable. Less than 90 days before the start of the retreat we will gladly reimburse you, less your deposit  if we are able to fill your space. However, if we cannot fill your space no refunds can be given. We always recommend the purchase of travel insurance just to be safe.

What’s included

  • Yoga
    Two yoga classes per day, a morning active class and an afternoon mellow class
  • Accommodation
    Six nights at Villa Pi Blau
  • Daily Meals
    Healthy, home-cooked Mediterranean cuisine
  • Swimming pool
    Salt water pool with stunning views
  • Gardens
    Sofas and hammocks for napping and relaxing

What’s not included

  • Flights
    Closest airport is Barcelona, about 90 minutes drive from Villa Pi Blau. Plan to arrive at the house by 3pm at the latest on Monday May 31st and depart the house around noon Sunday June 6.
  • Airport Transfers
    If you would like to be able to explore the area freely, we recommend renting a car. We can help organize shared car rentals or bus transfers if desired.
  • Massages
    May be booked directly with the location.
  • Travel insurance
    In the case of unforeseen circumstances we recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Available Packages

Triple room, private bathroom
€990
Deposit: €300
Double room, shared bathroom

Bathroom shared with one single room, so three people using it max.

€1,150
Deposit: €400
Double room, private bathroom
€1,250
Deposit: €400
Single room, shared bathroom

Bathroom shared with one double room, so three people using it max.

€1,350
Deposit: €400
Single room, private bathroom
€1,550
Deposit: €500
Single occupancy of a double room

Private bathroom. More spacious than a single room.

€1,700
Deposit: €500


Your Organizer


MS
Maja Sidebaeck & Clare Ryan
3 reviews
Joined in November 2016
See profile

Reviews

It was a wonderful trip. The location was spectacular, by all meanings. And Majas classes were as inspiring, demanding, calming and fun as Yoga can be! Big thanks to everyone envolved to make this trip happen. I'll join again! Birgit M.-Wandres
By Birgit M for Earth & Sky Yoga Retreat 2021 on Jun 20, 2021
SH
If you are thinking of treating yourself to a yoga retreat, you should! I usually practice two or three times a week at home and I wanted to challenge myself to do yoga everyday. This was my first yoga retreat and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. We had twice daily yoga sessions in an outdoor studio facing a beautiful garden surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains. Maja and Clare alternated teaching morning and evening classes. The morning class was a more vigorous flow class and the evening class was more restorative. Both instructors are encouraging and positive and made each session fun and dynamic. There was plenty of time to explore the area or relax by the pool and read. The food was plentiful and delicious and locally inspired. 100 % recommend
By Sandra H for Earth & Sky Yoga Retreat on May 27, 2019
I really enjoyed our time on Mallorca and doing so much yoga. The 2 of you have a great energy, work well as a team & are very social. All in all a great start to your first personal yoga retreat. Also a lovely group of women with interesting stories and lives.
By Katja A for Earth & Sky Yoga Retreat (Euros) on Jun 15, 2018