Exhale, Empower, Energize

Imagine...

You’ve just finished your morning yoga practice in the outdoor Garden Shala, surrounded by the beauty of the Mediterranean. With your first cup of Spanish coffee in hand, you settle into the tropical gardens overlooking the sea, feeling both energized and completely at ease.

Ahhh...

With nature all around you—lush gardens, rolling hills, and breathtaking sea views—you’ve stepped away from the noise and demands of everyday life.

The connection you’ve found with a group of incredible women has created a space where you can truly slow down and reconnect with what lights you up—a feeling that often gets buried in the busy-ness of life.

As you let out a deep, contented breath, you feel it: your mind is clear, your body is alive, and you’re finally coming back to you.

Tucked away at the top of its own private valley with views of the sea, Santillán is a peaceful 5-hectare retreat center surrounded by nature.

Born from the seeds of an ancient Andalucian olive farm estate, it later became the renowned Hotel Molino de Santillán.

Set in the quiet Spanish countryside, but just 35 minutes from Málaga airport, it’s the perfect place to escape. You’ll love the sound of birdsong, the lush gardens, and the rolling hills that make it feel like your own little slice of paradise.

Reboot your sparkly vibes with energizing morning yoga, meditation, breath work and evening yoga nidra; you've found the perfect place to reconnect, recharge, and feel alive again.

When it’s time to relax, you can lounge by the saltwater pool, explore the beautiful gardens, and trails, or dive into a good book. At night, the reduced countryside light makes for incredible star-gazing—a magical way to end your day.

You room at Santillán is your own peaceful retreat, complete with a private bathroom, comfortable bed, and unique handcrafted furnishings. Whether you’re gazing out from your balcony or terrace at the sea, the valley, or the lush tropical gardens, you’ll feel a world away from the everyday.

Thoughtfully designed with modern comforts like air-conditioning and heating—but free from distractions—these rooms invite you to relax, recharge, and let go.

Picture yourself on your yoga mat, surrounded by nature in every direction. You take a deep breath, your shoulders relax, and a sense of calm washes over you. As your practice ends, you feel strong, and your heart is full of gratitude—for the beauty and magic all around you.

The main studio has gorgeous south-facing windows that look right out to the sea.

For morning and afternoon sessions, the Garden Shala is a dream—an open space where you can flow to the peaceful sounds of the valley around you.

Your own private oasis

Rooms feature their own private balcony or garden terrace with views of the sea, tropical gardens, or rolling hills, offering a peaceful retreat to unwind.

Fully appointed

All rooms include en-suite bathrooms equipped with either a bathtub or shower, magnifying mirror, hair dryer, and thoughtfully selected welcome products, along with plenty of cupboard space for your belongings.

Connected to Nature

Each room is uniquely styled with careful attention to color, harmony,
and a seamless connection to the natural surroundings.

The focus is on fresh, Mediterranean, plant-based dishes, lovingly crafted from organic produce grown in their gardens, sourced from local farmers, or picked straight from their fruit trees and herb garden—all kissed by the Spanish sun.

The avocado, orange, lemon, mango, apple, mandarin, and tropical fruit trees provide an abundance of goodness throughout the year. You can even pick your own oranges for fresh morning juice or take a stroll through the farm to explore our gardens anytime.

Sharing these meals together, whether dining in the charming historic dining room or outdoors in the lush garden, creates a special sense of connection and community—moments to laugh, share stories, and savor the simple joy of eating well in great company.

It’s not just food; it’s a celebration of health, vitality, and togetherness.

Your arrival day

Step through the gates of Santillán and let the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean countryside welcome you. The gentle rustle of palm trees, the scent of fruit trees, and the lush gardens all around create a sense of calm that makes you feel grounded and at home.

After some time to settle in, we’ll gather for an opening circle to meet the incredible women sharing this journey with you. A short yoga practice will help you release tension from the day, before we explore the beautiful grounds and enjoy a relaxed dinner together.

Your Daily Flow

Start each day with a flowing yoga session overlooking the valley and sea. Breathe deeply, move your body, feel strong. Your mind is clear, your body energized, and any lingering tension released.

Breakfast is an abundance of fresh, local, and organic food to restore your energy and prepare for the day ahead. 

All of our leisurely communal meals, served buffet-style, are a time for connection, laughter, and great conversations—some of the best moments happen around the table.

Mid-morning is time to reconnect with what truly brings you joy and energy through transformative journaling and breath work sessions. This ensures you leave our week together with a roadmap to make your health and happiness a top priority.

The time after lunch is yours to unwind by the saltwater pool, hike scenic trails, visit Malaga city, or simply rest and recharge.

Late afternoons may include shorter yoga classes focused on mobility, breath work, strength or meditation, giving you the tools to continue your practice at home.

After a sumptuous dinner and an evening of stargazing, end your day with a meditative yoga nidra session, setting you up for a night of deep, restorative sleep.

Excursions

Yes we will have time for adventure. An excursion will be included with your retreat registration, highlighting the magic and beauty of Malaga and the surrounding area. More to come.

Go home feeling like this...

Can you imagine letting go of all the 'shoulds' and doubts that keep you up at night?

Empowered!

Immersed in the energy of ancient Malaga and supported by powerful women, you’re recommitted to taking care of YOU, returning home you feel strong, energized and so proud of yourself.

How about saying goodbye to all those nagging aches and pains? The ones that make you feel older than you are, and like you're fighting against your body?

Yes!

Your daily yoga practice has left you feeling STRONG, tightness and discomfort are gone, you've rediscovered your natural vitality; working with your changing hormones you feel energized!

Done!

Over our seven days in together in Malaga, through journaling and breath work you'll have a Roadmap for Living Your Life - no more being defined by other people's expectations.

Yoga nidra and meditation have allowed you to exhale and let go of worry and mind chatter; you return home with a simple daily practice to help you sleep well and wake up refreshed.

Donna Davis

Through her retreats, classes, and workshops, Donna empowers women to step boldly into their best lives and embrace the limitless possibilities ahead with confidence and joy.

Donna is an E-RYT 500 yoga teacher and trainer, proudly certified by Ashtanga pioneer Beryl Bender and Master Yogrishi Vishvketu.

Based in Ottawa, Canada, Donna has been honoured to guide and inspire hundreds of women—helping them run their first 5K or marathon, flow through their first Sun Salutations, or even balance in a handstand—unlocking their inner Powerful Woman.