If you're looking to practice yoga in beautiful rural surroundings, Santillan is for you. Simon Low shares his home and knowledge with open arms and integrity. Whether you’re a guest of his, hold a retreat there as a teacher or attend with your own yoga group, you will be made welcome. Do bear in mind this an authentic retreat destination, not a sterile spa resort or a Hilton hotel. Santillan has character, soul and a magic that helps you forget the daily grind and disconnect from negativity.
Being relatively new to Yoga I was nervous ahead of our first visit last year. We needn’t have been. We’ve just returned from our second retreat, and it will not be our last.
I cannot imagine anyone leaves Santillan feeling hungry because the chef and his team are wonderfully talented serving nourishing veggie / vegan / GF food three times a day. He’s also a dab hand at blissful sound baths ;-) People chat and mingle over dinner or by the pool but there is no pressure. Join in as much or a little as you like. We went as a couple, but lots of people attend on their own and make friends along the way. As the sun goes down after evening practice, enjoy a glass or two of wine or beer from the honesty bar, and drift off to sleep in simple, comfortable bedrooms.
We have been blessed with meeting lovely, fun people on our retreats who share peaceful yogic values – both the staff and other guests. In my opinion, I feel lucky to have found Santillan. If you’re looking for a boozy pool party, perhaps Santillan is not for you.