Luxury Christmas Yoga & Meditation Retreat

This Christmas yoga and meditation retreat in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, is a seven-day, six-night stay at a private villa, led by yoga, meditation and breathwork teacher Ladan Soltani. It suits anyone who would like to spend the holidays in winter sun with daily yoga, quiet evening practices and good food. Beginners and advanced students are both welcome, and many guests come on their own.

What to Expect

Each day begins with a yoga class from 9 to 10:30am, followed by a vegetarian brunch. The middle of the day is left open, from 11:30am to 5:30pm, for the beach, a massage, a one-to-one yoga session, an excursion or a book by the pool. From 6pm to 7pm there is an evening practice, which varies between guided meditation, breathwork, yoga nidra and yin yoga. One evening includes a sound healing session at 8:30pm. Dinner follows, and the first night begins with a welcome dinner and group introductions.

Ladan trains in several styles, including Sivananda (Hatha) and Ashtanga, and teaches intuitively, tuning into the group and adapting the classes to it. She makes adjustments for individual students, offers modifications, and can give more advanced versions of postures for those who want a challenge. Every session is optional, so you can join as much or as little as you like.

About Ladan Soltani

Ladan Soltani is a yoga, meditation and breathwork teacher and health and well-being coach based in Ealing, West London. She began her career in health and fitness in 1989, teaching studio classes and working as a personal trainer, and became a sought-after fitness professional in London, training high-profile clients and teaching at many of the city's exclusive health clubs. She went on to study weight-loss NLP, hypnotherapy and time-line therapy. She leads yoga and wellness retreats in the Canary Islands and the UK, runs an online yoga and wellness membership, and teaches corporate wellbeing sessions, all gathered under the name "meditation is my medication". After 30 years of teaching, she says she is still excited to help people reconnect with themselves through movement, stillness and simple practices.

The Setting

The retreat is held at a villa on a 6,000 m² plot, with a heated swimming pool, a tennis court, gardens and a dedicated experience room with views of both sunrise and sunset. All bedrooms are ensuite. Rooms can be shared by three, or by two as a twin or double, or taken as single occupancy. There is also a separate, self-contained one-bedroom apartment with limited availability. Solo travellers who would like to share a room can ask Ladan to help arrange it.

Brunch is prepared by one of the island's top chefs, who also runs a cookery school focused on healthy eating. Vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free needs can be met. Lunch at the villa can be ordered on days you prefer to stay in.

Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands, about 125 km off the coast of Africa. December highs average around 22°C. Lanzarote Airport (ACE) is 10 minutes away by taxi, and Ladan sets up a WhatsApp group beforehand so guests can share taxis and cars. Puerto del Carmen beach and the town of Tías are 8 to 10 minutes away by taxi. Nearby sights include the Fire Mountains in Timanfaya National Park, the lava caves of Cuevas de los Verdes and the green lake at El Golfo.

Before You Go

Check-in is from 3pm, and guests should aim to be at the villa by 7pm. Departure is at 10am. The price includes morning yoga, the evening sessions, the sound healing session, six brunches, five vegetarian dinners and six nights of accommodation. Flights, transfers, treatments and the optional Christmas Eve dinner, which can be arranged with transport, are not included. An extra night before or after is available. Yoga mats, blankets and props are provided, along with towels and hairdryers, WiFi and free parking. Guests are responsible for their own comprehensive travel insurance.