Mindspace Magazine Issue 1 | June 2016 | Page 16

Mindful Travels · Spain: The face of Renewal The face of renewal yourself in an enlivening Yoga & Hiking retreat adventure >> Immerse in Fuentes de Lucía, one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. S ometimes all we need is to unwind from our daily lives. Every day, whether it is due to work, relationships, or any other issues, we have to face challenges that accumulate and can make us feel stressed. For this reason, retreats that bring you some peace of mind are amongst the best options. So, how about a yoga and hiking retreat that can help both mentally and physically? Judy and her husband Juan Carlos, founders of the charming rural Hotel Fuentes de Lucía, know exactly how much us people need to travel mindfully and recharge our batteries from time to time. “People often arrive feeling stressed by their daily life challenges. By providing a physical and mental experience, people can refocus their energy and thoughts into a different space and return to their normal world with some renewed energy”, explains Judy. 16 · Mindspace Magazine · Issue 01 Tucked away right in the heart of the bewildering mountains of the south of Oviedo in Spain – Asturias – lies Fuentes de Lucía, the extraordinary rural house that offers a haven of peace, serenity, and one of the best yoga and hiking retreats each year. In fact, one of its biggest pulls is not only the combination of both activities, but the location. This blissful sanctuary is located in a natural park that has been named a reserve of the biosphere by the UNESCO. For Judy, this is one of the most positive aspects. “We are surrounded by nature, our television screen is a screen of mountains, meadows, open skies, offering a place to come and disconnect”, although, she adds, “we do have WiFi…”. The retreat lasts eight days in which you simply let go. This is also one of the major characteristics that make people return once and once again: comfort and a family-like feeling; which commonly results in longlasting friendships with customers. Since the start of the retreat you get personally picked up in Oviedo and taken to the enchanting rural hotel. Combining yoga and hiking for this retreat came naturally to Judy. Normally, one finds a purely yoga retreat, but this one covers a broader range of necessities. Judy took her first yoga class when only 16 and has since been traveling and in and out of yoga classes. Also, because her travels usually involve biking or hiking, the love for and usefulness of both activities made the idea of blending them ideal. Plus, it’s important “for both the physical and mental aspect, and to detox and de-stress. Getting out of the car, using our muscles, breathing clean air and listening to the silence”, says Judy. But, what if I’m no expert yogi or hiker? Not to worry. The yoga classes, twice every day, are taught by expert teachers from around the globe, each adapting to your level. Also, if you are concerned about not being an experienced hiker, the local guides will