Retreat Centre

This is a multi-functional space which provides for accommodation, classes and workshops. Meals are served in the bright, open-plan communal kitchen and eating area, or outside on the patio, with wonderful views over the Mediterranean sea and the Sierra Nevada. From this tranquil setting one can easily access and enjoy all the facilities and beautiful natural surroundings of La Loma. 

The centre is the main area where we host our courses and retreats. It is available to hire for workshops, events and eco-holidays. For more information on prices, please click on this link below...

Accommodation

Nestled in the cave-like structure of the retreat centre are seven bedrooms. Each room has it`s own private access to the outside patios and gardens, is south facing and has a stunning view over the Mediterranean. Five of the bedrooms are twin rooms and the other two can sleep 3-4 people, with a maximum capacity of seventeen guests.

The rooms have a simple decor with an almost monastic feel, designed to create an ambiance of tranquility, perfect for the true retreat experience. We provide comfortable cotton bedding, bathing and pool towels and there is cupboard space for belongings. All guests are provided with organic soaps and other bathing products. We use only organic natural products here as all the shower water is recycled and used for irrigation. The bathrooms are all adjacent to the bedrooms. There is solar powered air-conditioning in the main dining area.

Class Spaces

The Retreat Centre has a large serene studio space, with lots of natural light, perfect for all types of classes. Yoga and teaching equipment, tables and chairs, boards and a television screen can all be provided where necessary. There are multiple outdoor spaces which can be used for classes year round in good weather. They all have spectacular views. The main dining area can be easily converted into another bright, sunny learning space or classroom with wonderful views. There is also a large, modern, open-plan kitchen which makes a great place for cooking classes, demonstrations and talks related to food or nutrition.

Sustainability and Eco-building

Our main ethos is to demonstrate more regenerative living practices, in harmony with nature and valuing natural resources, without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. The centre has been built using ecological design principles and using as many natural products as possible. La Loma Viva is totally off grid and we produce all of our own solar energy. Water comes from seasonal local water sources and we are extremely conscious about our water usage. 

The retreat centre building is cave-like, surrounded by earth on 3 sides and benefits from that natural insulation. It is south facing, thus maintaining a fairly constant temperature all year round with minimal use of resources for heating and cooling. Hot water is supplied by solar panels. Wood burning stoves also provide hot water and heating. The interior is covered with a natural eco-plaster and painted with mineral based paints. The bathrooms are made with clay-stone product, similar to that used in Arab and Turkish baths, incorporating all natural ingredients and pigments.

All the water from showers and basins is re-cycled for irrigation to the gardens and all the black-water (sewage) is processed on site and further purified using specific plants in a constructed wetland. Our water is supplied by two ancient mountain springs constructed by the Moors, called gallerias or qanats (supported by a borehole when needed). Most of the rain water is collected from the roofs and hard surfaces and stored in a tank for irrigation .