I attended the Alaya Yoga Retreat in Spain for 5 nights and, unfortunately, my experience was very disappointing.
From my perspective, the retreat seemed more focused on making money than on the well-being of the guests. I booked the bunk bedroom, which online photos showed with four beds – in reality, there were 16. The mattress was so worn out that springs were sticking out, making it nearly impossible to sleep. At 12:30 am, volunteers in the adjacent room started the dishwasher, which was so loud that sleep was no longer possible. When I asked if I could switch rooms, I was told I was “too sensitive” and that a change wasn’t possible until the next night – and only for an extra €30 per night.
Many other guests had similar problems: rooms they had booked were not available, and “upgrades” were only possible with additional payment. My new room was extremely hot, with loud fans, and again I couldn’t sleep well. Eventually, I left the retreat earlier than planned.
On top of this, part of the house was rented out to a family, so during yoga sessions there was often loud children’s noise in the background.
To be fair, the location is beautiful and the food was excellent. And most importantly: the yoga teachers were truly kind, welcoming, and attentive. Their warmth and care were the best part of the retreat, and they did their best to create a nurturing space despite the circumstances. The yoga itself is quite simple – not physically demanding and not especially flow-based – but the teachers’ presence and heart brought real value to the experience.
Sadly, the overall setup felt chaotic, transactional, and stressful. Guests were constantly coming and going, which can be overwhelming if you’re in a personal process and seeking stability. I left feeling more stressed than when I arrived, so for me and the huge sum I payed it was only 1 star.