RETREAT : The Art of Sustainable Practice, At Purple Valley Tenerife
This retreat offers a warm, grounded immersion in Ashtanga Yoga in a stunning eco - retreat on the south coast of Tenerife.
Mornings are devoted to Mysore-style self practice, with attentive guidance to support everyone from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners. Optional Chanting and Pranayama deepen the morning sessions, while afternoons unfold into restorative Yoga Nidra, thoughtful workshops, and space for reflection.
Retreat Schedule
Please note that the schedule timings may be changed slightly, but will be confirmed during the welcoming meeting.
Arrivals: Saturday 2nd May, check-in after 3pm
Departures: Saturday 9th May, check-out 9am
Daily Timetable
7-10am: Morning Sessions
11am: Brunch
4-6pm: Workshop (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Thursday)
6.30pm: Dinner
*Tuesday & Friday afternoons there are no workshops
Saturday 2nd May
2pm: Check-In
6pm: Welcoming Talk and a chance to set our intention for the retreat.
6:30pm: Dinner
Sunday 3rd - Friday 8th
7-9am: Self Practice (aka Mysore style) Ashtanga Yoga
With slightly staggered start times so that everyone gets as much assistance as they wish, we will devote the mornings to the truly life enhancing method that Tom has been practicing since 2007. All levels of practitioner will be comfortable in this session, from absolute beginners to seasoned Ashtangis.
9.20-10am: Chanting (Mantra) and breath work (Pranayama)
Sunday & Thursday
4-6pm: Yoga Nidra, Guided Meditation
Often described as the yoga of sleep, a guided Nidra session is a deeply relaxing reset of mind and body. It’s so restorative we’re going to do it twice!
Monday & Wednesday
4-6pm: Afternoon workshop - Practice Related
I like to tailor the content of these to the suit the make-up and energy of the group, rather than fix the themes before we all get to meet. That said, the focus of these sessions will be on how we can deepen our understanding of why we practice, and what we can do to make it more sustainable once we return to our daily lives. Popular themes for these sessions are: the magic of the Tristhana, the true meaning of vinyasa and why it’s such a powerful modern method, how to keep your practice free of self judgment and how to never lose your sense of humour.
Saturday
9am: Check-out, followed by breakfast, a quick debrief and farewell hugs!
Yogapulia retreat : Mysore self practice and Olive harvest. Autumn 2026
This is Yogapulia’s first late autumn retreat and they’ve asked me to host it for a special reason. The olive harvest is a magical time to be in Italy where the arrival of “the new oil” is elevated into something very special. Many dishes at this time showcase the deep, rich flavour of the new oils. Puglia has a well deserved reputation for its exceptional olives and olive oils. If you’ve never been lucky enough to try extra virgin olive oil straight from the press, here is your chance.
Now in their 7th year, Yogapulia are seasoned growers of olive trees and producers of their own oil. During this week, we will be able to witness the harvest and join them for their pressing. There will also be time for cookery classes showcasing the new oil at the Shala, as well as learning about olive oil’s benefits and its place at the heart of so much that’s great about food in Puglia. We’ll also be venturing out for some local excursions to taste other specialities. There will be morning Mysore practice, of course, and the late autumn sunshine of Southern Italy. The pool will be open and we can even brave the sea (I know I will) or at least gaze out to it from the awesome beaches just a short drive away.
This retreat is suitable for practitioners of all levels including beginners. Because the afternoons will be kept free for cookery content and excursions no one will feel on the back foot if they’re new to it all. if you want to bring a friend or loved one for a retreat with a real difference, this might be the perfect opportunity.