The trip was great! I think that it was a bit hectic with the constant touring and early mornings which was tiring and it became tough to rest and be energized the next morning. I do wish there was some form of religious activity, like praying together or doing dhikr sessions.

I recently attended a 7-day retreat in Bayacas in La Alpujarra mountains and Granada, Spain, and had a wonderful overall experience. The stunning mountain views, the comfortable and clean retreat center, and the peaceful environment made the trip truly memorable. I enjoyed hiking in the mountains, exploring local villages, and learning about the Islamic history of the region. The yoga, breathwork, and creative writing sessions were fantastic, and the leaders were incredibly supportive throughout the trip. I also made many connections with the other sisters and am so grateful for the experiences I shared with them. A highlight for me was having access to the private salt pool, which I used daily—it was a unique and refreshing experience. However, there were a few areas for improvement. The retreat center being vegetarian was not disclosed in advance, which was disappointing for many attendees who expected a more varied menu that included meat options. The remote location in the mountains meant we were unable to leave or explore on our own, something we wish we had been informed about beforehand. While the ladies and I organized a beach trip ourselves, a dedicated day for a water activity would have been a great addition to the schedule. Some logistical issues could also be addressed. The packed lunch for example after the Alhambra visit seemed unnecessary since we were already settled city, and it would have been better suited for the bus ride back from the mountains to Granada city and the lunch at the restaurant in Granada after arriving from the mountains would have been better suited after the Alhambra tour instead. I genuinely loved the Alhambra Palace tour, but it was disappointing that transportation was provided there but not back, requiring us to walk 30 minutes in the heat or pay out of pocket to get a taxi back to the hotel. Lastly, transportation was provided from Malaga Airport to the mountains but not for the return trip, which felt inconsistent, especially when coach bus tickets are only about 16 euros. Additionally, covering the extra taxi fare to the bus station would have also been appreciated. Overall, the retreat had many beautiful and enriching aspects, and I’m grateful for the connections and experiences I had with each and every sister that attended! With some improvements in planning and communication, it could be even better.

This trip came through in the perfect time. So grateful to have come across this amazing retreat via instagram. Incredible memories and beautiful souls to call friends. Can't wait to book my next trip inshallah.