Calm in the Storm

A Yoga Journey of Self-Care and Loving Presence in Times of Crisis

19th - 24th April 2027

Book your place

Yoga, Meditation and Self-Care right at the beach

You are invited to visit the North of Spain, the Atlantic coast of the Basque Country. Right in the magnificent biosphere of Urdaibai, we will retreat into the beautiful nature. Overlooking Laida Beach, we will practice yoga and connect to ourselves, each other and nature.

The hatha yoga practice offered is guided by a deep understanding and appreciation for the yogic philosophy as well as its being less embedded in the contemporary world. The personal boundaries of every participant will define their practice. Together we will create a safer space for exploring asana, pranayama, meditation, and self-reflection.

A retreat for real life and real people. This week isn’t an escape from the world. It’s a training ground for returning to it with grace. We’ll balance holiday and practice, rest by the ocean, and inner work that builds resilience for daily life in a time of overlapping crises. With a maximum of 12 participants, this retreat will be intimate, personal, and direct.

The Practice

Morning Yoga

alignment, exploration, asana

We will practice alignment-based Hatha Yoga, go deep into the poses, and develop a sequence for you to take home. There will always be props and options for every body. No performance. We track what’s actually supportive rather than what looks “advanced.” Expect grounding, space, and a steadiness.

Evening Practice

breath, depth, meditation

Evenings are softer, slower, and stiller. Gentle flows will be accompanied by various yogic meditation techniques, mantra, and walking meditation at the beach. Looking inwards to regulate, calm down, and restore.

Inspiration

philosophy, reflection, discourse

Four sessions will provide you with an accessible toolkit for self-development alongside social justice work. We’ll explore yoga philosophy from the margins, resilience, and dealing with change. In this retreat we aim to develop a conscious and sustainable way of facing the world. We will have sharing rounds, self-reflection exercises, and philosophy readings.

The Place

At the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains, sessions may move outdoors when the weather invites it: walking meditation on Laida’s sands during low tide, breath practice facing the waves during high tide, and plenty of quiet time at the sea. The land and sea invite us to reconnect.

Three restaurants are close by, offering the local pintxos and other culinary experiences. Additionally, the region offers a wide range of beauty to explore. Numerous walks and hikes can be taken from Laida; there are caves to explore, and the painted forest of Oma and a bird center are close by. Buses from Laida go to Gernika, Bilbao, and Lekeitio.

You will be staying in the magnificent Maison Laida. Each of the deluxe apartments faces the sea and has a double bed, a balcony, and a private bathroom. There is a private kitchen in every apartment, so you have the freedom to retreat, rest, and take care of yourself in your own rhythm. The tranquil private garden next to the beach can be used at any time.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is ideal for people who are seeking grounding practices and rest that connect inner work with the outer world and the turbulent reality we live in.

All levels of yoga practitioners are welcome. In this small group setting, we will adjust to everybody’s needs.

This retreat is LGBTQAI+ friendly. We aim to create a safer space for everybody in every body. The work is accessible, trauma-sensitive, and non-performative.

Holding the Space

  • Care, consent, and choice. You decide how deep to go, and everything is invitational.
  • Community without pressure. Time together and time alone are both honored.
  • Land-led rhythm. Practice times harmonize with Atlantic tides, wind, weather, and light.

What this week is for

  • Relax deeply and reset.
  • Build resilience and inner stability in a turbulent world.
  • Building a daily yoga routine.
  • Activate gently.
A panoramic view of a calm estuary at dusk, with silhouetted mountains against a cloudy sky. The setting sun casts a soft golden reflection on the water, with a small town visible on the right shoreline.

Investment

Retreat & Deluxe Shared Apartment – €860        (per person; apartment shared among 2 participants; large double bed; private kitchen; balcony; private bathroom; beach front)

Bring-a-Friend Package – €1,570  → save 150 € book tow spots and share the room (early bird discount doesn’t apply)

Retreat & Deluxe Single Apartment – €1220        (per person; large double bed; private kitchen; balcony; private bathroom; beach front)

Retreat – €490                                                                (per person; camping at the Arketa campside available)

EARLY BIRD 10% until 31st December

 

What’s Included

  • 5 nights directly at Laida beach
  • Apartment with kitchen, bathroom, balcony, large double bed and beach front
  • Daily breakfast
  • Two communal dinners
  • 5 morning practices (90 min) — grounding, strengthening, breath-led
  • 5 evening sessions (60 min) — meditation, chanting, or walking meditation by the sea
  • 4 special sessions (90-120 min) dedicated to philosophy, building resilience, self-reflection and group inquiry
  • Use of all the yoga equipment (mats, blocks, straps, blankets)
  • Community circles and gentle guidance throughout the week
  • Plenty of time for ocean dips, walks, naps, quiet wandering, journaling, or exploring the region
  • Support to coordinate travel or rides, and personal recommendations for hikes, beaches, local food, or culture

Optional Extras

  • Airport pick-up & drop-off (30€)
  • 1-on-1 yoga sessions
  • Sauna evening
  • Tours around the region (Painted forest of Oma, Bird center, Gernika, Lekaitio)
  • Activities at Laida beach (surf classes, canoeing)

Voices from the retreat

“The retreat definitely moved something in me and set change in motion — carrying more of that stillness, strength, and mindfulness into my everyday life.”

– Jana

“It was exceptional how deeply grounded in the Basque Country the retreat is. Therese showed us so many beautiful and special places, brought the culture and the local people’s situation closer, and wove all of that effortlessly into the retreat. The structure of the program was very balanced”

– Sue

“Very inspiring retreat, surrounded by stunning nature! Therese is a wonderful yoga teacher, who’s able to harmonize different yoga levels in the group. Her authentic way of teaching is calming and motivating at the same time. She put a lot of heart and soul into making this retreat so magical for us. I really enjoyed this warm and open-minded group vibe we had!

I won’t forget this special moment on top of Ereñozar when suddenly three griffins drew circles in the sky above our heads!

– Lisa

Impressions of last year

Join us at Laida beach in April 2027

If the retreat speaks to you, you can check your options and reserve your place.
We look forward to practicing together by the Atlantic.

Book your spot