Are Yoga Retreats for Men? This Man on the Mat Reports Back
- Julian Gore-Booth
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
Being a relative newcomer to encountering my toes, the idea of an actual “yoga retreat” felt just a wee bit intimidating for this not-so-flexible, middle-aged man. Visions of tofu, impossible contortions, and monastic discipline swirled through my brain as my wife enthusiastically suggested a six-day sojourn at Iberian Wellness Retreats—a new yoga retreat with locations in Spain’s Andalucía and Portugal’s Algarve.
I’ll admit, it wasn’t the promise of deep breathing or downward dogs that won me over. Rather I was seduced by thoughts of Iberian sunshine and, more specifically, the local delicacies. After all, jamón is a specialty of the Huelva region of Andalucia, home to The Olive Mill, one of three yoga retreat venues in the Iberian Wellness Retreats portfolio. I therefore duly signed up to this stretch of both mind and body comforted by the thought that, although billed as a vegetarian escapade, there would surely be opportunities for the wine-loving meat eater in me to indulge as well.
We flew into Seville, one of the world’s most romantic cities, but with no time to linger, we were soon whisked away to our home for the next six days—just under an hour down the road. Any lingering apprehension began to melt away the moment we arrived at The Olive Mill. First built in the 1800s, it is nestled among extensive private forests, flanked by oak, chestnut, and cork trees. With its expansive gardens, natural flowing water, swimming pool, hot tub, and a cast of resident animals (more on them later), it was clear this place was designed to nourish the soul as much as the body.
Inside, the exquisite restoration of this seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom gem was just as impressive. Our room was a welcoming delight and provided some of the best sleep and a warm embrace from the moment we stepped in, with even the dressing gowns, soaps and shampoos bringing a smile to the face of this often cynical traveller, yes it turns out that having more than a toothbrush and toothpaste to pamper yourself with is quite fun, and there we were, slippers on – standing, quite literally – in the clover.
From standing to lying down is a move I have developed some mastery of over the years, but I was nervous as we made our way into the stunning, almost abbey like, mill room for our first meditation and “sharing circle”. At this point I should admit that I was the only man in the group and the thought of sharing anything, let alone my “intentions” was fueling either a mild level of anxiety or a macho aloofness (I was never quite sure which), but in the first of many discoveries during the week I found the whole experience great fun and with the added boyish opportunity to play with (and gaze at) the fire under the stars just outside the yoga room I thought I might just get the hang of things. “Man make fire”… well actually women made the fire, but who can resist the hypnotic effect of flames.. Yes, despite no marshmallows, all was looking and feeling good by night one.
Quickly settling in to the rhythm of the days we began each morning with a coffee and a smoothie (yum!) followed by some meditation and yoga, then a proper breakfast, a walk / excursion to lunch, some rest (or pool time), more yoga in the evening and a lovely dinner. Like many newcomers the meditation made me want to giggle, but with the right guidance (which I would call gentle but knowledgeable) I was well into it by the end of the week. Who knew it could be so restorative?
The same applies to the yoga, challenging enough for the experts, accessible for the novices – well, with a bit of adjustment here and there and the odd moment of “how on earth do you do that?”... Novices and experts alike then indulging in the lying down bit (which even has a name “Savasana”) that came along gratefully at the end of each session like a sorbet for the soul… And just when you thought things couldn’t get any more blissful, real live harp music to carry you away to that mountain top or that riverside meadow (you’ll get it when you do it, I promise).
Equally restorative for this man on the mat were the walks. Favourites being an impossibly romantic cobbled path through hills and fields that takes you to the nearest village and a local restaurant that delivers the feel good factor (plus some of that wine and sausage for those who were interested), as well as a donkey accompanied stroll through olive groves and cork trees to a picnic location that was like something out of Karen Blixen but with the Sierra de Aracena replacing the Ngong Hills. Far reaching views, some suitably flamenco guitar and some of that “vino joven” with my new friends. Turns out that misty-eyed donkeys are wonderfully therapeutic companions and the people were pretty good too, cue for much laughter over a sun-dappled afternoon and a real sense that we were all in this together. Llamas, goats and dogs made up the Noah’s ark and by now we were starting to float.
With things getting seriously relaxed, once impossible yoga positions were becoming that little bit more attainable and meditation that little bit more meditative. 'Bumble bee breathing' (I kid you not) and a shiatsu massage capped it all off and by day four a middle-aged inflexible man found himself dancing and laughing with the group and holding himself (and his shoulders) in a whole new way. Kinder to himself and kinder to others was the achievement – not a bad result for me, and not a bad result for my wife and family as well.
The Olive Mill is a paradise. If, like me, you find yourself looking for soul food and a place to eat then you can’t go wrong, add in some yoga, meditation and sound healing and you do actually feel yourself getting better and enjoying the progress and the support of those around you. In my case this was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Would I go back? You bet I would. Head, shoulders, knees, and toes—this man on the mat firmly believes yoga retreats are for men.
To find out more visit www.iberianwellnessretreats.com or call +351 960 293 601
About Iberian Wellness Retreats
Iberian Wellness Retreats is a new collection of intimate, nature-infused yoga retreats set in beautifully restored historic homes in Spain and Portugal. Designed to foster deep connection, self-discovery, and well-being, each retreat blends expert-led yoga, holistic healing, and immersive nature experiences in stunning off-the-beaten-path locations. Led by owner Simone A Marca, Iberian Wellness Retreats is redefining the luxury wellness experience for mindful travellers worldwide.
A five-night retreat costs €1950 per person based on two sharing or €2950 for single occupancy in a double room. All stays include: airport transfers from either Faro (The Manoir) or Seville (The Olive Mill and The Yellow House), daily meals (a nourishing brunch, a seasonal vegetarian or vegan evening meal, water, tea and coffee, and snacks), plus any listed activities and excursions. Yoga mats, blankets, bolsters and props are also provided. Retreats run in selected dates in March, May, June and September.
Comments