Family Holidays: Yoga, Mindfulness, Art & Nature

Reconnect with yourself, your family, and the natural world in a setting designed for shared presence and joy.

This family retreat invites mothers, fathers, children, and extended family members to slow down, listen deeply, and cultivate inner peace together. When adults learn to care for one another with love and attention, children naturally absorb those same qualities. The most meaningful gift we can offer them is a sense of happiness and calm from within.

Set at an eco-friendly house surrounded by nature, the retreat blends yoga, mindfulness, art, and hiking into one nurturing experience. Throughout the days together, families are encouraged to deepen their appreciation for life, the land, and one another.

Yoga, mindfulness, art & nature for the whole family

Families will explore yoga and practical mindfulness tools that support harmony and togetherness. The program includes essential “mindfulness seeds” for family development: freshness and joy, gratitude and respect, loving kindness, deep listening and loving speech, and ecology and interdependence.

Art and nature are woven into the experience as natural ways to awaken creativity, curiosity, and presence. Yoga and mindfulness also bring physical and mental benefits, while helping children and adults develop generosity, honesty, self-confidence, and respect for all beings, beginning with themselves.

The benefits of mindfulness

For children, mindfulness can support concentration, calmness, reduced stress and anxiety, better impulse control, empathy, and practical problem-solving skills.

For adults, it can deepen self-awareness and family connection, strengthen empathy toward children’s needs, support emotional balance and management, and encourage healthy relationships.

Activities

All activities are optional, though participation in the full program is recommended for the most complete retreat experience. A familiar adult must accompany children aged five and under during child-specific activities.

• Yoga & mindfulness for adults: Daily classes are suitable for all levels and combine Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, movement, and mobility exercises. Progressions and variations are always offered. Classes take place after the meditation session, and children who wake early may stay in the yoga shala with books, drawings, or building blocks.
• Yoga & mindfulness for children: Sessions include games, natural movement inspired by animals and nature, yoga postures, and mindfulness activities designed so the whole family can play yoga together.
• Walks in nature: Short and longer walks with professional mountain guides include nature interpretation, local history, and observations of plant and animal life. Longer excursions include a picnic and time to swim in the river.
• Trekking & camping in nature: A two-day trek with the option to sleep under the stars is included for those who wish to join. The route and difficulty will be adapted to the group. Food will be carried and camp will be set up.
• Meditation: Early mornings include meditation for adults followed by yoga. Children join according to their natural rhythm, and before breakfast and on some afternoons, the whole family practices concentration and contemplation.
• Sharing circles: Satsang offers space to share questions, concerns, insights, meditation, nature contemplation, mindfulness activities, and meditative songs or mantras.
• Karma yoga: Families will practice awareness through simple shared tasks such as gardening, drying dishes, sweeping, and fetching water, building responsibility and cooperation.
• Vegetarian food: Meals are prepared with care and are as organic, local, and seasonal as possible. The food is balanced, healthy, delicious, and family-friendly.
• Joyful silence & rest: Each day from the end of the last activity until after breakfast the next morning, the house keeps joyful silence. This quiet time supports rest, clarity, and healing, and children often enjoy it deeply.

Facilitators

Daniel Benito is co-director of Casa Cuadrau, a yoga and meditation instructor, mountain guide, and ecological builder. His practice is rooted in Buddhist teachings and inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh and S.N. Goenka.

Katya Ríos is co-director of Casa Cuadrau and has 17 years of experience in yoga. Her training includes Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa, Therapeutic Yoga, and postgraduate study in mindfulness for children and teens.

Duration

The retreat runs from Tuesday, July 21st to Sunday, July 26th, ending at 12:30 pm after lunch. Check-in is from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, followed by a yoga class, introduction, dinner, and the opening of the retreat.

Accommodation options

• shared bedrooms
• private rooms with shared bathroom
• private rooms with private bathroom
• parking area for vans and caravans
• nearby rural house

Sliding scale

Casa Cuadrau is a Cooperative Society of Social Interest, and the program uses a sliding scale contribution system so it can remain accessible to as many families as possible. Rates are based on trust, solidarity, and reciprocity.

Options include Assisted, Basic, Sustainable, and Generous contributions. Minimum rates are available for the dormitory or no-accommodation option if you stay in your van. Prices start at 1270 euros for 1 adult and 1 child in shared accommodation at the basic rate. This includes all meals, activities, insurance, taxes, and accommodation.

Please bring the items listed for the hike and overnight camping trip, including a backpack, sleeping bag, suitable clothing, walking shoes or boots, raincoat, sun protection, flashlight, and a 1-liter water bottle.

Come with your family and share a retreat experience that brings together yoga, mindfulness, art, nature, rest, and connection across all ages.