What My First Awful Retreat Experience Taught Me About the Magic of Real Retreats
- Lenka Powell
- Apr 5
- 5 min read
So, you’re thinking about going on a yoga retreat in Spain? Maybe it’s your first time, and you’re not quite sure what to expect. Or maybe it’s your third (because once you’ve been, you get it) and you already know the magic that happens when you step away from your everyday life and drop into a space where everything is done for you.
Let me start by saying this: a retreat is not just a holiday. It’s not just yoga. It’s a portal into something much, much bigger. It’s an experience—one that has the power to shift things deep inside you, to reconnect you with who you truly are, and to give you the space to breathe, move, feel, and just be. And Spain? Spain is the perfect place to do it.
My First Retreat Experience (And Why I Do Things Differently)
I have to be honest—my first retreat experience back in 2014? I hated it.
I was so excited, thinking I was about to step into this beautiful, transformative space, but instead, I found myself in a random house in Kent with people I had never met before. The energy of the retreat host didn’t sit well with me. The yoga? Not great. And the food? Oh god. Bland, lifeless, and so lacking in love that I found myself daydreaming about actual nourishment. A sad-looking salad. Overcooked lentils. Meals that felt like an afterthought rather than something made to nourish and restore. And then, to top it off, she squeezed a third person into what was supposed to be a two-person shared room, and I was fuming!
That was the moment I decided—if I was ever going to hold a retreat, it was going to be pure heaven.
Pure bliss. Because we all deserve it.
And as much as I tried to make the most of it, at some point, I just couldn’t take it anymore. Me and another woman (I can't even remembered her name)—equally unimpressed—escaped. We ran away from the retreat for an afternoon (yes, really), found a pub, and sat there watching the Euros with half pints in our hands. And the funniest part? I don’t even like football. I’m all about ice hockey. But sitting there, sipping that beer, watching men chase a ball, I knew this:
.....when I finally created my own retreats, they would be nothing like this one. They would be full of love, full of care, and full of deep, soul-nourishing experiences that actually change you....
Why Spain?
Sunshine. Nature. The pace of life that forces you to slow down. And let’s not forget—Spain is where our retreat is happening. And trust me, this isn’t just any retreat.
Every year, I carefully select the most breathtaking locations—ones that feel like stepping into a dream. Think rolling hills, infinity pools, warm air that smells like lavender and citrus, and food so good it should come with a warning label:
May cause deep happiness...
This year’s Renew & Thrive Retreat is set in the heart of Andalucía—a place that makes your nervous system sigh in relief the moment you arrive. It’s where deep rest meets deep transformation, and where we laugh, cry, dance, breathe, and move in ways that remind us what it means to be alive.
Who Is This Retreat For?
Let me guess—you’re busy. You give so much to everyone around you, and when you finally get a moment to yourself, you’re either too exhausted to enjoy it or your brain won’t stop reminding you of the 500 things you should be doing instead. Sound familiar?
This retreat is for you if:
You crave a break but want more than just lying on a beach with a cocktail (though, no judgment if that’s your thing!).
You want to dive into a space where your only job is to show up and receive.
You’re ready for a real reset—one that goes beyond self-care Sundays and actually leaves you feeling brand new.
You secretly (or not-so-secretly) love the idea of being surrounded by like-minded souls who get it. Who get you.
If You’re Unsure, Start With a Day Retreat
If you’re on the fence about committing to a full retreat, I totally get it. Maybe it feels like a big step, or you’re not sure if it’s the right time. That’s exactly why I created Ananda Yoga Luxury Spa Day—a one-day retreat in PAUS, Cambridge that gives you a taste of the magic without the full-week commitment. It’s a chance to experience deep relaxation, incredible yoga, breathwork, and the healing power of community—all in a single day. It’s like dipping your toes in before diving all the way in.
Making It Accessible—Because You Deserve This
I truly believe that a retreat is an inevitable luxury—one that every single person needs in their life. And money should never be the reason that stops you from coming. This is why I offer payment plans—so you can say yes to yourself without stress. You can save up for your week of bliss, knowing that it’s waiting for you.
You can come. You deserve to come. And you have my word that this retreat will be one of the best things you ever do for yourself.
What Others Say…
I could tell you how transformative this retreat is—but I’d rather let those who’ve been tell you:
✨ “Food was insane, it was fab!! The place was incredible. Lenka and Kim made us feel so looked after and cared for.”
✨ “I loved it. Great location, and I loved how it pushed me out of my comfort zone. The support from you, Kim, and the girls was incredible. The food, the classes, the mix of elements—it was all amazing.”
✨ “Thank you so much for all that you do, Lenka and team. I have so much gratitude and never take for granted the healing, time, and energy you put into this. I am becoming more and more of myself after coming across Yoga with Lenka, anchored in this safe and beautiful community.”
✨ “The venue and location were exceptional! All fantastic! Don’t change a thing!”
✨ “I didn’t expect this level of transformation. I arrived feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from myself, and left feeling stronger, more present, and so deeply held.”
How to Know If This Retreat Is Meant for You…
If you’ve read this far, let’s be real—you already know. Your soul is whispering yes, even if your brain is making a list of reasons why it’s not the right time, why you should wait, why you should put everyone else first (again).
Here’s the truth:
💛 You are allowed to put yourself first.
💛 You deserve time to rest, reset, and remember who you are.
💛 You don’t have to do it alone.
So if you feel that little pull inside you, if your heart is saying this is what I need—then come. Join us - 4 spaces left only! Step into the magic of retreat life, and let yourself be held in a way you may have never experienced before.
This is your invitation.
Are you coming?
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