A group of people practice yoga in the early morning light by the ocean at A-Frame Surf & Yoga Camp, enjoying a peaceful start to the day
Katrin Rose-Michaelsen

Katrin is the co-founder of A-Frame and has built up the entire yoga area there. She is a trained yoga and meditation teacher and a qualified sports scientist. Her interest in people and their holistic health has shaped her path from the very beginning. Her classes are characterized by detailed instruction and a pleasant balance between calm and dynamism. She wants to create a space where everyone can come into their own and develop to the maximum. In addition to the physical aspect, Katrin loves yoga philosophy and psychology and incorporates this content into her classes through meditations, journaling and short lectures. For Katrin, yoga is a holistic approach to life that goes beyond physical activity and brings mindfulness into all areas of our lives.

The perfect destination for a yoga holiday in Europe

For many men and women, but particularly busy mums or anyone craving time away from daily responsibilities, Spain feels both restorative and easy to reach.

But with so many options available, choosing the right retreat requires a little thought.

If you’re considering yoga in Spain, our guide walks you through what really matters, so you can book a retreat (hopefully with us!) that supports your body, mind and stage of life.

  • View of El Palmar beach from the sea on a clear day
    Beautiful view from the sea to the wide sandy beach of El Palmar in bright sunshine and clear skies

Location: sun, sea, and a sense of calm

Location plays a major role in how a retreat feels.

Coastal settings like El Palmar are especially popular, as the ocean naturally encourages relaxation and presence. 

Being close to the sea also allows for gentle movement outside the yoga space. Think morning walks on the beach, sunset swims or just listening to the waves between sessions.

Southern regions such as Andalusia are well known for their sunshine, laidback pace of life and beautiful beaches. It’s one of the reasons Arne and I moved here. And why I’m such a big proponent of yoga retreats in this part of the world!

When choosing a location, look for:

  • A peaceful environment away from busy resorts

  • Easy access to nature

  • A setting that feels calm rather than overstimulating

The right location should help you exhale as soon as you arrive, not overwhelm you with traffic or crowds or busyness.

  • Katrin corrects the posture of a student in a yoga class in Spain
    Katrin, owner of A-Frame and lead yoga teacher, gently corrects a student's alignment during a quiet yoga retreat class in Spain

Experience: Yoga styles and knowledge

Not all yoga retreats are the same.

Some focus on physically demanding practices, while others are slower, more restorative and designed to support long-term wellbeing.

For women over 35 or those returning to yoga after time away, the experience of the teacher is crucial. An experienced practitioner will understand:

  • Changing energy levels

  • Hormonal shifts

  • Stress, burnout and mental load

  • Injuries or physical limitations

Rather than emphasising performance, a good retreat encourages awareness, self-compassion and choice.

Clear communication that all levels are welcome is a strong sign that you’ll feel supported. And it’s one of the things we focus on here at A-Frame.

  • Close-up of a decorated table with flowers in the yoga area
    Close-up of a table in the yoga area of A-Frame, lovingly decorated with fresh flowers, soft tablecloths and natural light

Lifestyle: A balanced daily schedule

Does your yoga retreat feel spacious and airy? Or are you bundled into a small basement or studio near a busy street? 

Do you have time to explore outside of yoga? Or is the schedule rigid and inflexible? While structure provides rhythm, there should also be time to rest and simply enjoy being somewhere new.

A well-balanced schedule usually includes:

  • Morning yoga or meditation

  • Nourishing meals

  • Free time to relax, surf, get your beach on or even journal

  • Optional workshops or gentle afternoon sessions

  • Calm evening practices

Especially for mums or caregivers, unstructured time can be one of the most valuable parts of the experience. 

Avoid retreats that feel over-programmed or intense unless that’s exactly what you’re looking for. Get in touch with me if you’re in doubt about how our retreats are run.

  • Sunshine and blue skies on the terrace of the surf and yoga retreat
    The terrace of the A-Frame surf and yoga retreat is bathed in sunshine under a bright blue sky and invites you to relax and recharge your batteries

Setting: Accommodation that feels nurturing

Accommodation sets the tone for your stay.

While luxury isn’t essential, comfort and atmosphere matter. We’ve worked hard to create spaces that feel like a home away from home. That means inspiration from our homeland of Germany, combined with a cool local Spanish influence. 

Look for spaces that offer:

  • Quiet, comfortable sleeping areas

  • Options for private or shared rooms

  • Inviting communal spaces

  • A connection to nature, such as terraces or gardens

Essentially, yoga retreats in Spain should feel like a home rather than a hotel. This way, you can relax and feel at ease from day one.

  • Healthy breakfast bowl with granola and fresh fruit
    A colorful breakfast bowl with homemade granola, fresh seasonal fruit and nutritious ingredients - preferably regional or organic

Meals: Food that supports wellbeing

Food is a key part of any retreat experience.

Meals should feel nourishing, satisfying and enjoyable, not limited or overly strict. 

Have specific dietary requests? Let us know! We’re happy to accommodate your needs to ensure you feel looked after. 

When it comes to diet and meals, a great yoga retreat in Spain will focus on:

  • Fresh, seasonal ingredients

  • Vegetarian or plant-forward dishes

  • Flexible options for dietary needs

  • Shared meals that encourage connection

  • Women stretch their arms to the sky during yoga
    An artistic photo shows female yoga practitioners in flowing movement, stretching their arms towards the sky. A moment of connection and calm

Atmosphere: Group size and vibes

The group dynamic can shape your entire experience.

Smaller groups often allow for more personal attention and a stronger sense of connection. 

This is the main reason why we focus on more intimate classes. We can provide a better level of support and service. You can maximise your precious time off and really embrace your practice.

Before booking, consider:

  • Whether the retreat is women-only or mixed

  • The typical group size

  • The overall tone

  • Is it gentle and supportive or structured and intense?

  • Van silhouetted against a glowing sunset on the way to El Palmar
    A van is silhouetted against a dramatic sunset with orange and deep red hues - an atmospheric moment on the way to El Palmar

Access: Travel ease and practical details

Spain is one of the most accessible retreat destinations from central and northern Europe, with good flight connections and reliable infrastructure. 

Still, it’s worth checking the practical details before booking. Pay attention to:

  • Distance from the airport

  • Whether transfers are included

  • Language spoken by teachers and staff

  • Retreat length and arrival days

A retreat should feel like a break, not a logistical challenge. Here are the easiest ways to reach El Palmar from other parts of Europe.

FAQ: yoga retreats in Spain

Yes. Spain offers sunshine, varied landscapes, excellent food and a relaxed lifestyle that naturally supports yoga and wellbeing. It’s also the perfect place to combine surf and yoga!

No. Many retreats welcome beginners and those returning to yoga, offering modifications and a supportive, non-competitive approach.

Absolutely. Many retreats are designed with mature bodies and busy lifestyles in mind, focusing on balance, restoration and sustainability.

Yes. Many women who travel solo to yoga retreats find them to be safe, welcoming environments where it’s easy to connect with others.

Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures, while coastal and island retreats often run year-round thanks to mild climates.

This depends on your schedule. Week-long retreats allow for deeper rest and immersion.

Most well-designed retreats balance structured sessions with free time, allowing you to rest, explore or simply do nothing. That’s totally ok too!

Final thoughts: choosing the right yoga retreat in Spain

The best yoga retreat in Spain isn’t about doing more! To us, it’s all about creating space. 

Space to slow down. Space to reconnect with your body. Space to enjoy being cared for in a beautiful setting. 

By choosing a retreat with experienced teachers, a calming location near the sea, nourishing food and a supportive atmosphere, you set yourself up for a genuinely restorative experience. And one that leaves you feeling reenergised when you return home, not flat.

If sunshine, ocean air, and mindful movement are calling, A-Frame in southern Spain offers an ideal place to step away from everyday life. Get in touch to book your yoga experience today!

Woman does yoga in El Palmar and stretches her hands to the sky
A woman does yoga in the fresh morning air of El Palmar and stretches her hands towards the sky in a calm stretch

What others have to say

  • Sebastian Münkel

    2 months ago

    Absolutely fantastic time we had here, great beaches, lovely staff, fantastic food, -- no really, the food is among the best I have ever had, day after day -- very lovely guests and super convenient distances to the surfing.

    - Surfing: the whole schedule is centered around the surf times, and for good reason. The staff make sure that the groups always get the best waves of the day, even if that means taking a short drive somewhere else. The equipment is great for learners (I cannot judge the hard tops etc) with clean, relatively new, and fitting wet-suits. In addition to the lessons we can always go for more sessions privately, with access to the equipment.

    - Lessons: The teachers are fantastic, their joy is contagious, they made learning super fun. In addition to great individual feedback there are additional offerings in terms of lectures, e.g. on wave theory. The video analysis also really helps to internalize some additional feedback. But again, the teachers are great!

    - Food: Great food, always accommodating dietary restrictions, and with great variety. Every meal is different to the last, the meals are flexible if you're almost an hour late it's still usually fine, and they make sure you have enough of all the food you could want. Unlimited coffee, tea and fruit is also a great addition. Beer and wine cost extra, but at basically no markup. But once again: best food, fantastic, 6/5.

    - Lodgings: Apartments where you will either be with the group you traveled with, or other guests. Clean, quiet, daily cleaning, everything you really need if you want to retreat during the day, or even cook a meal. WiFi is fast enough to fulfill most use cases.

    - Common areas: allow all levels of socializing, provide fantastic views, promote meeting your fellow surfers.

    - Yoga: I am not a fan of yoga, so I didn't do any, but the ones who did said is was great.

    - Additional services: Photos from your surfing adventures and mishaps are available, massages, additional outings outside of the surf lessons (for example surf-skating) are on offer as well, providing a beautiful well rounded programme for the entire day.

    - Vibes: 10/10, chill, social, down-to-earth, helpful.

    Overall, better holiday than for example a ski trip in November (and I love skiing too). Come here!

  • Tobias_ keller.t

    8 months ago

    This has already been our second stay at A-Frame and again it was a super relaxed week and overall a holiday that can‘t be much better. We, a family with a toddler, can ony recommend this place to other families who are looking for a relaxed holiday with yoga, surf and amazing food. The people at A-Frame from surf coach to kitchen staff are just super friendly and you feel very much taken care at all times. Thanks so much to the whole team for another great holiday experience. We‘ll be back for sure.

  • Victor Lombardi

    8 months ago

    Pretty much a perfect vacation. I learned to surf, did a lot of yoga, soaked up the beautiful weather, ate delicious food, and met some wonderful people. I don't speak German or Spanish and the staff switched to English to make everything easy for me. El Palmar is a very chill area and from there it's easy to make day trips to Conil, Vejer, and Cádiz.

  • Yoav Nassau

    a year ago

    Thoroughly enjoyed our stayed at A-Frame. Super friendly and helpful staff. We were always received with a smile and welcoming attitude. Shoutout to the kitchen people who were kind, and did an incredible job of serving tasty, healthy, and varied food that we all loved. We came with three small children and they all had a great time - surf lessons, board games, ping-pong table among other fun activities.

    The house was spacious, well-kept, and clean. Would definitely stay there again if visiting El Palmar in the future.

  • Inga

    3 months ago

    One of the best sufcamps I´ve visited so far. Excellent sufcoaches with a great accomodation and catering nearby the beach.

🥳 Celebrating 20 Years of Surf, Yoga & Community 🥳