Karmavida — 03720, Spain

A mountain villa for retreat hosts on Spain's Costa Blanca

On retreat days at Karmavida, the host arrives first. Check-in for hosts is at noon, two hours before the guests, so the leader has time to walk the property, settle in and set the tone. The house is an unhurried stage, and the arrangement shows who it is built for. The name carries the mission. Karma means action and vida means life, and the stated aim is to inspire and support positive actions that lead to more fulfilling lives. The home base is a mountain villa in the Costa Blanca, set among tropical gardens and orchards of lemons and oranges, with panoramic views of the local mountains. It was founded by Tessa, a qualified events manager. The accommodation is registered for tourist use and run with a licensed local operator, while each retreat's programme is handled by its organiser. The spaces are designed around practice. An infinity yoga and pilates deck holds 20. A garden room shala, closed in winter and warmed by a wood fire, holds eight to ten. An aerial yoga rig takes six students and a teacher. There is also a Bali-style infinity pool with waterfall seating, a jacuzzi for seven, an outdoor kitchen with a gas paella ring, and a cinema area. Ten bedrooms sleep a recommended 14 retreat guests plus two staff, or up to 20 for families and close friends. Hosts bring their own themes, from yoga and sound retreats to personal development and sacred ceremonial work, and can book a Basic, Plus or bespoke package. First-time hosts can work with a retreat coach, Maartje. The villa also runs its own day events, among them an Aerial Yoga Floating Sound Bath and Candle-light Yin Yoga with meditation. Around the house are guided hikes, stand-up paddling, wild swims to La Olla Island, goat trekking and cold-plunge breathwork. Professional cycling teams have used it as a training base each year. Alicante is an hour away by transfer.

Traditions: Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Yin Yoga, Sound Healing, Reiki, Breathwork

Programs: Aerial Yoga Floating Sound Bath, Candle-light Yin Yoga with Meditation, Basic Retreat Package (5-night), Plus Package for New Hosts, Retreat Coaching, Wim Hof–inspired Breathwork and Cold Plunge, Wild Swim Adventure to La Olla Island, Goat Trekking