Writer Mars Webb discovers the ultimate yoga retreat in Tarifa with Yoga Quarter Belfast, offering Vinyasa and Yin classes, nourishing plant-based meals, and a serene Spanish mountain escape perfect for beginners and experienced yogis alike.
Words and images: Mars Webb
New to yoga and having never been on a retreat, I spotted a poster in my local Yoga Quarter studio in Belfast. After chatting with one of the instructors whose classes I love, I asked the two most important questions: is there coffee, and what kind of food is served? Reassured on both counts — with plenty of coffee and delicious plant-based meals — I booked it as a combined Christmas and birthday gift for my 27-year-old daughter, who also loves yoga.
I was just starting to find my rhythm with Vinyasa, thanks to the expert guidance of founder Susan McEwen and her brilliant team at East Belfast’s Yoga Quarter, so the timing felt perfect.
First Impressions
We met the retreat group at Málaga Airport and travelled to El Cuartón, nestled in the hills above Tarifa. Huerta Belinda, our base for the week, was stunning — set in the mountains with breathtaking views across the Strait of Gibraltar to the Rif Mountains in Morocco.
The house is all terracotta tiles, bougainvillaea, and Moorish arches. It features a central courtyard, a kidney-shaped pool with plenty of loungers, a large BBQ area, an infrared sauna, and a beautiful treatment room in a tower with spectacular views. Inside, there’s a high-ceilinged lounge with antique furniture, a dining area, a games room, and a fully equipped yoga studio.
Bedrooms are arranged to allow both shared and private space, making it ideal for families, friends, or retreats. My daughter and I shared a twin room with a shared en-suite (Patio Room) and a small patio garden that smelled of orange blossoms. The room had everything we needed and was very comfortable.
Huerta Belinda’s rambling terraces offered space for quiet reflection or sociable moments with the lovely group of women on the retreat.
Flow, Yin and Finding Stillness
Each day started with two hours of Vinyasa Flow yoga from 8 to 10am, usually led by Susan. Her teaching is gentle yet empowering, and both she and co-host Shannon were always on hand to help with poses — great for beginners like me, but with enough to challenge experienced yogis too.
In the evenings, we enjoyed Yin and Restorative classes. Tess and I skipped one to sit outside and take in the peaceful surroundings, but across the week there were around 10–12 hours of yoga — the perfect balance of movement and stillness.
A Global Feast from Chef Raul
Meals became as memorable as the yoga, thanks to Chef Raul Crespo’s colourful, nourishing dishes inspired by global cuisines. From Thai curries to Lebanese feasts, Greek platters to Mexican street food, every plate was vibrant, generous, and full of flavour.
Breakfasts were a highlight after morning practice — creamy porridge, Spanish eggs and tomatoes, fresh smoothies, fruit, and Raul’s signature homemade granola. And yes, lots of coffee. Raul catered brilliantly to all dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and Crohn’s-friendly meals. He even baked a delicious birthday cake for one of the group.
Local Colour in Tarifa
While some joined Raul for a lively cooking workshop, Tess and I headed into Tarifa — Europe’s southernmost town where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. It’s just ten minutes away and full of charm: whitewashed lanes, Moorish battlements, boutique shops, and plenty of cafés and bars.
The area is a mecca for kite- and wind-surfers thanks to consistent Levante and Poniente winds, while calm mornings draw paddleboarders to the stunning beaches.
We sampled the region’s renowned bluefin tuna, caught using the ancient, sustainable Almadraba method. Spring marks the annual Ruta del Atún, where local chefs get creative with tuna dishes. We tried tartare tostadas at a bar off the Plaza de Santa María — light, fresh, and bursting with flavour — before heading back for evening Yin.
Massage, Magic, and a Sense of Unity
The retreat included a one-hour massage with Venerina, a gifted and intuitive therapist. She didn’t just work on our bodies — she seemed to tune into our emotional states too, offering insights and support that felt genuinely personal.
Her word for our group was “unity” — the perfect way to describe how we all connected. Many of us had just met, but friendships were formed and future meetups have already been planned. Some guests were returning for their third or fourth time — a true testament to the retreat’s magic.
A Week to Remember
With expertly guided yoga, nourishing meals, and a group of fabulous fun women, Tess and I left feeling genuinely restored. The weather wasn’t great at all and we were there during the power cuts that everyone had heard about but saying that this was so much for than just a yoga retreat for us. It was time together, a reset, and a shared experience we’ll always remember.
I’ll be first in line for next year’s Yoga Quarter retreat — and I hear there’s one in Goa this November…
Travel Facts
Yoga Quarter, Susan McEwen and Shannon Cunnigham at Yoga Quarter Belfast www.yogaquarter.com. Approx. £1,250 pp (shared room), includes accommodation, food, yoga, and one massage
Our chef was Private Chef Raul Crespo – global, nourishing – visit chefraulcrespo.com
Massages by the lovely Venerina – holistic, intuitive, transformational and who is opening a retreat in Sicily soon. Follow on Instagram at @venerinaconti
Retreat Location: Huerta Belinda, El Cuartón near Tarifa – https://www.huertabelinda.com
Price: Approx. £1,250 pp (shared room), includes accommodation, food, yoga, and one massage
Flights: Direct Ryanair from Belfast International to Malaga; return with EasyJet, booked early £160
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