A boutique wellness retreat in the Gipuzkoan countryside combining daily yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions with farm-to-table organic Basque cuisine and nature walks.
The Amanaci Basque Retreat is a boutique wellness centre set in the Gipuzkoan countryside of the Basque Country, offering structured immersive programmes that combine daily yoga and meditation with farm-to-table organic Basque cuisine and guided nature walks through the region's oak and beech forests. The retreat is designed for visitors seeking a genuine pause from urban or professional life, rather than a luxury hotel add-on or a fitness-focused bootcamp.
Programmes run from three to seven days and are built around a daily rhythm of morning yoga, guided meditation, mindful eating, and late-afternoon nature immersion. The yoga practice draws on Hatha and Yin traditions, with sessions adapted for mixed-ability groups from complete beginners to those with established practice. Meditation instruction follows a non-sectarian mindfulness approach accessible to first-time practitioners. Sound healing sessions using Tibetan and crystal singing bowls are offered as optional evening additions on most programme nights.
The organic Basque cuisine served at Amanaci reflects the retreat's commitment to the region's agricultural heritage. Meals are prepared from produce grown in the retreat's own kitchen garden or sourced from neighbouring Gipuzkoan farms. The food is largely plant-based, with local Basque dairy and occasional fish from the Bay of Biscay incorporated in smaller portions. Retreat participants eat together in a communal dining setting, which fosters connection among the group.
Accommodation is in simply furnished rooms with views of the surrounding hills and farmland. The retreat deliberately limits television, Wi-Fi, and noise to support genuine disconnection from daily life. Outdoor spaces include a covered yoga deck, a meditation grove, and walking trails that connect to the wider Gipuzkoan rural path network.
Retreats are limited to small groups—typically between eight and fourteen participants—to preserve the intimate character of the programme. Bookings fill months ahead for summer and early autumn editions. Participants are advised to contact the retreat directly for programme dates, dietary requirements, and transfer options from Bilbao or San Sebastián.
| Price | €600–1,500 |
|---|---|
| Session length | 3–7 days |
Treatments
- Hatha yoga session
- Yin yoga session
- Guided mindfulness meditation
- Pranayama breathwork
- Forest bathing walk
- Sound healing with singing bowls
Highlights
- Structured 3–7 day programmes in the Gipuzkoan countryside combining yoga, meditation, and organic Basque cuisine
- Daily Hatha and Yin yoga sessions adapted for all ability levels on an open-air deck overlooking farmland
- Farm-to-table meals from the retreat's own kitchen garden and neighbouring Gipuzkoan organic producers
- Optional evening sound healing sessions with Tibetan and crystal singing bowls
- Small cohort size of 8–14 participants preserves intimate, non-commercial retreat atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- Book at least three months in advance for summer and early autumn retreats, which fill earliest.
- Arrive without fixed expectations for mobile or Wi-Fi connectivity—the limited signal is intentional and part of the programme.
- Participants with existing injuries or medical conditions should notify the retreat at the time of booking so yoga sessions can be adapted accordingly.
- Pack layers for morning yoga sessions—the Gipuzkoan hills can be cool even in summer and the outdoor deck is unheated.
- The retreat suits first-time meditators as well as experienced practitioners; the non-sectarian approach does not require prior knowledge or belief system.
Frequently asked questions
Do participants need prior yoga experience to join the Amanaci Basque Retreat?
No experience is required. Yoga sessions are led by instructors trained to work across all ability levels, and participants are encouraged to work within their own range of movement. Experienced practitioners find the sessions adaptable to a more advanced practice.
What does a typical day at the retreat look like?
A standard day begins with morning yoga and pranayama before breakfast, followed by a guided nature walk or free time in late morning, a communal lunch, an afternoon meditation or workshop session, and an optional evening sound healing before dinner.
Is the food at the retreat purely vegan?
The menu is predominantly plant-based but includes local Basque dairy products and occasional Bay of Biscay fish. Fully vegan options are always available, and dietary requirements should be communicated when booking.
How do participants travel to the retreat from Bilbao or San Sebastián?
The retreat can arrange a shared transfer from San Sebastián or Bilbao at an additional cost. Participants arriving by private car should allow approximately one hour from either city, with the final stretch on rural roads.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms vary by programme dates and booking conditions; full details are provided at the time of reservation. Bookings closer to the retreat date typically carry a higher cancellation fee, so early booking with travel insurance is advisable.