Retreat yourself Ibiza

I think it’s safe to say that the little Spanish Isle of Ibiza is greatly misunderstood. When I was offered this posting, I too had my suspicions. ‘Surely this party island is about as spiritual as a cornflake’, I thought to myself.

It was Siobhan that changed my mind. She told me of the high vibrational energy of the island and how for many years it has pulled a different kind of tourist towards it. It is rooted in Es Vedra, a dramatic and uninhabitable rocky outcrop protruding from the Mediterranean sea.

This almost island is the third most magnetic place on the planet and for many years, barefooted eccentrics would make their way to the island to tap into the energy of this place. This ‘hippie’ culture grew and morphed into the club scene we hear about today.

While the party side of the island is very much alive, the majority of Ibiza is populated by real salt of the earth locals and respected Spanish holiday makers. There’s a side to this place where the culture is alive, the beaches are worshipped and the sunsets are applauded.

My role was to provide 3 vegan meals a day to 12 guests on an all women’s yoga retreat. The days were long, rising before the sun to prepare food timeously enough to join the morning asana session with the clients.

Guests would stay for the week and myself, the yoga teacher and retreat owner would show them the beauties of the island - from ancient markets to the historic old town and most beautiful beaches.

We helped these women to learn to breathe again, to feel empowered to take on the challenges in their lives and to expand their yoga practice. Most of them hadn’t eaten vegan food before and were pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of their meals.

I hold a special place in my heart for Ibiza. I’ve never seen more incredible sunsets. In this time I really got to know myself again and understand the importance of working with people are sharing a food and yoga journey with them.