Santhosh
Sant Joan de Labritja, Ibiza
Energising, empowering, feel-good movement and dance retreats in refined surroundings
Based at an exclusive estate in a spacious, luxurious villa and an 800-year-old farmhouse, connected by a small courtyard, these empowering retreats on the north coast of Ibiza are for anyone with a passion for movement and wellness and/or dance and music. Reinvigorate your body and mind on a movement retreat, or master ballroom and Latin styles on a dance retreat. This is the ultimate hideaway for those looking for uninterrupted peace, spell-binding beauty and time in nature, overlooking the azure Mediterranean Sea and pine-clad hills.
our Reviewer Nicola corfield says:
‘We’re encouraged to bring our hearts and full presence to each encounter – in dancing and in life. I love this take on embodied learning, which feels like a moving meditation’
our Reviewer selda goodwin says:
‘There is palpable passion here as talented London based dance instructors take my hand with care and grace, until the music lulls me into a state of effortlessness. With genuine compassion my many mistakes are met with ‘that’s great’ or ‘perfect’. What joy!’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Santhosh means 'happiness' in Sanskrit, and founder Samiya Sahabdeen promises an injection of pure sunshine energy to cast aside worries, doubts and fears through the great alchemy of movement, music and dance. Expect deep belly laughs, warmly personal tuition, and a comprehensive schedule. At sunset, be sure to watch the colour of the sky turn into various hues of pink, purple and orange’
Experiences
The Movement Retreat blends invigorating, scenic hikes with an expert guide, movement classes to help with posture through dance, gentle stretching sessions, and dance fitness sessions with fun and laughter at their core. There are also daily motivational talks.
On the Dance Retreat you’ll have tuition on styles, including Argentine tango, American smooth, Latin ballroom and salsa. There are curated group and private programmes with experienced dancers for all levels. Expect to learn spatial awareness, mindfulness and nonverbal communication.
Between classes, walk among mature olive and palm trees and, in season, pick fruits from the pomegranate, fig and plum trees. The sea at the sandy cove of Cala Xucla is a three-minute stroll away or take a five-minute drive to whitewashed Portinatx. Relax by the infinity pool, with its decked lounge area and chic sails for shade. Massages, facials and private yoga lessons can be pre-booked.
Spaces
You have 30 acres of fragrant pine forest, rose and lavender gardens, and beaches with rocky bays a short walk away. There are plenty of quiet nooks and crannies for quiet moments. Dance classes take place on terraces around the Casa.
A tree-lined driveway leads you to the villa and a smaller, charming finca, each with three bedrooms. The villa has polished limestone floors, ornamental fountains, and a spacious living room, with a centrepiece fireplace, while the finca retains many of its original features, including the Sabena tree ceiling.
Designed by architect Rolf Blakstad, dance-themed rooms have terraces or balconies overlooking the sea or gardens. Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha and Kizomba have en-suite bathrooms, while Salsa and Rock n Roll share a bathroom. En-suite Jive Room, also en-suite, is set slightly apart from the main buildings. If needed, extra rooms are at Valley Club, a four-minute drive from the Casa.
Sustenance
A menu tastefully crafted by a master chef features flavourful and nutritious meals. Omnivores, vegans and vegetarians are catered for, as are people with allergies and intolerances if requested in advance.
Start the day with chia pots with homemade granola and berry topping, then enjoy squash, coconut and chill soup with pesto topping for lunch. Dinner might be mushroom and lentil shepherd’s pie with sweet potato topping, followed by raw brownie bars with peanut and rose petals.
A snack station offering hummus, fresh carrots and seeds with bread is open between brunch and dinner. Alcohol is available at extra charge.
