HIKING: Discover the natural beauty
The Vivir wellness program offers daily guided hiking excursions through the magnificent and varied Andalusian countryside. What better way to recharge your physical and mental health than by connecting with nature? Balance your heart, soul, and spirit while experiencing views of Africa and Cape Trafalgar, breathing in the aromas of pine forests, or listening to the sounds of waves breaking on the Andalusian cliffs.
The Andalusian countryside
The striking natural beauty and majestic terrain of Andalusia are prime for exploration. A variety of hiking tours are designed specifically to promote physical well-being and inspire, nurture, and renew the soul. Guests will discover many memorable hiking tours set within the incredible Andalusian countryside and along the Atlantic coastline.
The tours
Each Tour has been carefully planned to give you a unique experience of Andalusia
- La Breña Tour: Breathtaking views of Africa (Duration: 4 Hours)
Hike in the Natural Park of La Breña, taking in the views of Africa and Cape Trafalgar. Learn about Mediterranean aromatic plants in the La Breña Natural Park and finally, enjoy the scent of the sea breeze while relaxing with your feet in the sand at El Palmar Beach.
- Los Alcornocales: Explore the Cork Oak Forest (Duration: 4 Hours)
On this hiking tour (Sendero del Buda) in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, you will pass through a diversity of landscapes including hiking through a forest of cork trees. As well, you will be able to take in unbelievable views of Tarifa and the Jebel Musa mountain in Morocco.
- Bolonia Beach: Discover the "Ancient Ruins" (Duration: 4 Hours)
Start on Bolonia beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Enjoy hiking a trail with the best views of the Cadiz coast between Zahara de Los Atunes and Bolonia. Climb up to one of the highest shifting dunes in Europe to take in the views, relax, and breathe in the sea air. Afterwards, explore the Roman ruins of Baleó Claudia.
BODY TONING: Increase muscle tone, flexibility, and strengthen your core
The key to a balanced wellness lifestyle is to add stretching and muscle contouring along with cardio/aerobic exercise. Daily afternoon stretching and muscle toning sessions work in perfect harmony with the cardio benefIts from morning hikes. Toning your body doesn’t just improve your overall appearance but can help your posture, improve strength and energy, give you more confidence, and can even help prevent certain diseases.
A more enjoyable lifestyle
With a healthier and well-toned body, you’ll be able to enjoy more experiences. Increased stamina results in the ability to participate in physical activities that lead to a more enjoyable lifestyle. Whether you feel overworked, overweight, or just need some time to unplug and focus on your well-being, at Vivir, the goal is to guide and motivate you towards regaining control of your health
YOGA: Reduce your stress level
Guests will be guided through morning and afternoon yoga/meditation sessions by the expert yoga instructor whose knowledge, experience, and techniques will help guests focus on their energy centres, helping them feel more balanced physically, energetically, and emotionally.
Slow flow yoga or Vinyasa is a dynamic form of yoga with a slow rhythm, combining movements with controlled respiration. By synchronizing body movement with conscious breathing, stress levels are dramatically decreased. Other benefits include releasing emotional blocks in order to increase mental clarity and open up personal awareness. Slow flow yoga is recommended for guests of all levels, regardless of age and physical condition.
Yoga sessions
The yoga sessions are meticulously planned to ensure your complete relaxation and inner well-being.
Morning session: 20 minutes each day
- Meditation for five minutes: Includes a guided meditation before the physical practise in order to feel more balanced and focused for the rest of the day. This relaxation exercise is vital for connecting with inner peace in order to properly relax, therefore, balancing body and mind in a more complete way.
- Yoga stretching for 15 minutes: A sequence of yoga exercises and poses designed to prepare and awaken the body.
Afternoon session: 45 minutes each day
- Arrival relaxation for five minutes: Same as the morning guided meditation.
- Yoga poses for 30 minutes: A series of asanas (yoga poses)
- Final relaxation/Guided meditation for 10 minutes: This is the time for guests to integrate all the benefits of their daily activities and where they will embrace and connect with their full potential. They will be guided to listen to their inner self by releasing emotional blocks, thus opening up to an expanded awareness of themselves and the world around them.
Sample daily schedule
Morning program
- 06:00 Soothing wake up to the sounds of nature
- 06:45 - 07:00 Morning yoga stretch and light meditation on the rooftop terrace
- 07:00 Breakfast in the 17th-century courtyard patio
- 08:00 - 12:30 Hiking tours through the Andalusian countryside and Atlantic coastline (varies daily)
- 12:30 - 14:00 Picnic lunch safari-style surrounded by Andalusian nature
Afternoon program
- 14:00 Return to Vivir Retreat Center and freshen up
- 15:30 - 16:15 Low impact strength conditioning and body toning
- 16:30 - 17:15 Restorative yoga and meditation
- 17:30 - 18:15 Soothing massages
- 18:30 - 20:30 Free time. Guests may enjoy walking through the village of Vejer de la Frontera or reading on the rooftop terrace or relaxing with a freshly made fruit and/or vegetable cocktail
- 20:30 - 22:00 Organic gourmet vegetarian or pescatarian dinner in the Vivir Retreat Center communal dining area
- 22:30 Buenas Noches!
Are there fitness requirements for participating in the program?
Vivir requires that you are able to walk up four flights of stairs without stopping and feel comfortable hiking three to four hours daily to participate in the program. A signed release form is necessary before the start of the program.