Join Gloria Drayer of Yoga Simple & Sacred and Walker Wellness Retreats as we explore spectacular Spain! This all-inclusive retreat strikes the perfect balance between sightseeing, exploration, culture, relaxation, and rejuvenation. It also provides a mix of urban and countryside so you can experience both aspects of Spain.

Enjoy 8 nights/9 days in beautiful accommodations in different towns, including Barcelona ( 2 nights at a hotel), Valencia ( 5 nights at the retreat center), and Madrid ( 1 night at a hotel). You won't want to miss it!

Please note that everything is completely optional. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather and any other unforeseen circumstances. This retreat is a little more active, as we will be moving from place to place as we cover a lot of land, but we hope to provide you with a nice mixture of relaxation and excursions. Please also note that the retreat officially starts on the first day of the welcome dinner and ends after breakfast on the last day.

Please note that is you deviate from the retreat schedule, you will be responsible for any expenses accrued. Meals will only be provided during the scheduled meal times, alcohol is not included so please ask for a separate check or you can provide Amy with cash for your drinks, and airport transfers are only included on the first and last day of the retreat. 

Gloria Drayer is known for the intuition, empathy, and compassion she brings with her role as a certified Kripalu yoga instructor. She focuses her students on the present moment and encourages them to accept themselves as they are. Everyone is encouraged to work at their comfort level and make the progress they can in a non-competitive environment. She offers weekly yoga classes for all levels. Local yoga retreats and workshops covering many areas, including specialty workshops on meaningful life-altering topics such as grief and weight loss, are held throughout the year. Gloria also leads small, intimate groups on international yoga adventures annually.

Teaching yoga since 1995, Gloria challenges her students to go to their edge—breath by breath gently. She has lived and taught at Kripalu, the country’s most prominent yoga and holistic health center in Massachusetts, and currently holds a 500-hour certification with Kripalu and Yoga Alliance. She’s studied the Sri Krishnamacharya tradition in India, and her teacher in New Mexico in this tradition is Sonia Nelson. Gloria is the author of Yoga and Grief: A Compassionate Journey Toward Healing. She is also a certified Shiatsu practitioner.

Important Documentation:

• Travel insurance details (including emergency contact information)
• Valid Passport
• Copy of passport (both in physical and digital form)
• COVID-19 vaccination records
• Trip itinerary (including accommodation and transportation details)

Helpful Tip: Make two copies of your passport, travel insurance papers, and other essential travel documents. Diversify your copies by storing them electronically on your computer/smartphone and separating them in your money belt, carry-on bag, and checked luggage. Keep your vaccination records with your passport.

Money:

• Debit card (with a four-digit PIN)
• Credit card
• Petty cash (in euros, ~100)
• Cross-body bag or travel purse (to avoid theft when out walking around)

Helpful Tip: You can withdraw euros from ATMs, and it's usually the most convenient way to get local currency. However, it's always a good idea to bring some petty cash just in case of an emergency. Be mindful of the denomination you carry, as some shops and vendors may not accept large bills.

Clothing:

• Comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe preferred)
• Slip-on shoes (such as sandals or flip-flops)
• Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella
• Scarf (for covering shoulders when entering religious sites or dressing up an outfit)
• Warm sweater or jacket (depending on the season)
• Swimwear (if traveling in the summer or visiting a beach destination)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Undergarments and socks
• Casual clothing (shorts, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, etc.)
• Athletic wear (yoga pants, sports bras, etc.)
• Laundry bag

Helpful Tip: Pack for the season and be mindful of local customs and dress codes. If you run out of outfits, plan to do laundry or purchase clothes locally.

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
• Body wash or soap (travel-sized)
• Deodorant
• Razor and shaving cream
• Personal medications (in their original containers)
• Pain reliever (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)
• Anti-diarrhea medicine (such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
• Motion sickness medicine (if prone to motion sickness)
• Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
• Towel (microfiber or quick-dry)
• Hand sanitizer
• Earplugs

Electronics:

• Smartphone and camera
• Charger and adapter (for European outlets)
• Portable charger (if planning to use devices extensively throughout the day)
• Headphones
• Waterproof phone case
• Power strip (if traveling with multiple devices)
• VPN software (if needed for internet security and accessing geo-restricted content)

Additional Personal Items:

• Refillable water bottle
• Day pack or backpack (for carrying essentials during the day)
• Beach bag or tote (if visiting a beach destination)
• Dry bag (for storing wet clothes or electronics)
• Beach blanket (if visiting a beach destination)
• Book or e-reader
• Journal or notepad

Always keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of pickpockets and scams. If possible, leave valuable items at home or store them in a secure location such as a hotel safe. And don't forget to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and gifts!

Money:

• Take out Euros from an ATM. Conversion rates are about equal to the dollar.
• Be mindful that some ATMs charge a crazy conversion rate, like 11-15%. Do not use these ATMs. Also, avoid taking money out of EuroNet ATMs, as they charge a lot of conversion fees.
• Use the XE currency conversion app to show you the conversion rate when you buy something. 
• Don't pay in USD. They probably won't take it, and if they do, you won't get a good conversion.
• Always use the local currency, the Euro, if a merchant asks if you want to process your card in USD or Euro.
• Cash is widely used, especially for small things like drinks. Keep small bills and coins for the bathroom.
• If you leave a tip anywhere, round up. No need to tip out the standard 20%.
• Make sure you use up all your coins before leaving Europe, as you cannot exchange them back.

Financial Safety:

• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.
• Split up your cash, cards, and important documents into different places (e.g., some in a wallet, some in a money belt, and some in your luggage).
• Keep your wallet or purse close to your body, and never leave it unattended.
• Use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas and avoid those with suspicious-looking devices attached to them.
• Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for any unauthorized charges or transactions.
• Use credit cards for larger purchases as they offer better protection than debit cards.
• Use a travel credit card that offers benefits such as no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance.
• Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans to prevent them from flagging your purchases as suspicious and freezing your account.
• Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi to avoid identity theft and fraud. Use a virtual private network (VPN) and avoid accessing sensitive information (e.g., bank accounts) on public Wi-Fi networks.

Personal Safety:

• Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert.
• Avoid carrying valuables or expensive jewelry.
• Use a money belt or cross-body purse to keep essential items secure.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unlit areas.
• Keep your wallet in a front pocket or money belt.
• Use a cross-body purse with a secure zipper or buckle.
• Be wary of strangers who approach.
• Stay alert in crowded places, such as train stations and tourist attractions.
• Register with the embassy or consulate in case of emergency.
• Always keep emergency contact information with you.
• Learn basic phrases in the local language, including how to ask for help.

Transportation:

• Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding.
• Use trusted ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis when taking a taxi.
• Official transportation services should be used at airports and train stations.

Delight in beach and yoga holidays in the province of Valencia on the Eastern Coast of Spain. This area has been layered in history since its founding in the Roman era. It captures attention with its tropical climate, soft sand beaches, and charming old town. From the historically rich city center with quaint Medieval Era streets to the impressively modern City of Arts and Sciences with the largest Aquarium in Europe, a visitor to Valencia is dazzled by the variety of attractions.

The Mediterranean Retreat Center is located 1 kilometer from the beach on the road near a small rural seaside town outside of Valencia City. Practice yoga in the large shala with natural light and high ceilings. With four classes daily, learn from different teachers, experience different yoga styles for all levels, and have the opportunity to deepen your practice and escalate your health.

Take pleasure in the open spaces and quiet spots to lounge in the garden patios, take a plunge in the dipping pool after spending time at the beach, and book time for a massage or to unwind in the on-site spa with a jacuzzi and dry sauna. Rooms have ensuite bathrooms, air conditioners, and heaters, and there is WiFi in the central lounge area of the retreat center.

A few optional services are available at an additional charge once you arrive at the retreat center:

- Massage and spa (jacuzzi & sauna) sessions (cash only)

- Souvenir and gift shop (cash only)

- Drinks from the bar (credit card or cash)

- Laundry services (15 Euros per 6-7 kg bag)

To learn more and see photos, click here.

If you cancel your trip before the 90-day deadline, 25% of the total trip price is non-refundable, as are any airfare, train tickets, or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers (if applicable).

Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement. 

In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking. 

Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms that have separate deposit and cancellation policies. If you book through a third-party partner, please refer to their specific cancellation policies.

Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.

The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.