Yoga near Alicante, Spain - July 2008
After a comfortable and pleasant car drive of aprox. 1 hour and 15 min from Alicante to Denia, stepping into Hotel Chamarel was everything and more than I expected. Yes, the pictures and description on the site were promising. However, one must feel this energy for themselves! This is fantastic family hotel, with unique rooms and beautiful art, fabulous dinners by the head chef, and a cute hotel cat by the name of Canela.
After ample time for relax from the journey, there was a welcome meeting with the yoga teacher Nicole Stone & the other 8 holiday guests. This was a good introduction and great way to get acquainted with the rest of the group.
The first yoga class started at 18:00 on our arrival day. After that a wonderful vegetarian dinner by head chef David (co-owner of the hotel with his wife Mila). The next day we did two yoga classes (before breakfast & dinner) and a guided walk along the coast. Great sights and warm weather. There is always a breeze, so the sunny weather is quite manageable. However, high SPF and a hat are strongly advised.
The following three days next to the twice daily yoga classes, there was enough leisure time, therapies & activities to occupy our time. The aromatherapy workshop with Valerie was very informative and fun – some theory, after that lots of smelling and mixing. Also, you can make your own aromatherapy products. You get a hand reflexology massage class as well.
There was a great meditation workshop by Gary where you get samples of four types of meditations. Very interesting. I never knew there was so much in a raisin…
On the last evening we had a fun dinner outside the hotel in town. Dénia is so lively Spanish, warm and peaceful at the same time!
The Yoga
Yoga classes were both practical and informative. The teacher checks the mood and energy of the group and is flexible to adjust the program. Also, focus is not only on the asanas (physical practice), but also on aspects such as pranayama (breathing) and gunas (energy states) in order to gain a more in-depth knowledge and holistic view on yoga. Additional variety is offered by having another yoga teacher teach some of the classes.
How would I summarise this holiday?
Nicole & Gary are great hosts
Fantastic hotel
Good yoga program
Great location
The details (welcome gift, yoga stone, beach mats)
This yoga break was a wonderful experience with a fun, interesting, fresh and practical yoga program.
