Relax and unwind at this Mallorcan yoga retreat | Travel

I take one foot back, and then the other, inhaling and exhaling as I move in unison with the fellow yogis in my class. We flow into downward facing dog, draw our feet in and rise up to the sky as we hear the sea lap on to the shore at Cala d’Or, Mallorca.

Even at 10am, Sardinia Yoga’s retreats take the crown when it comes to relaxation.

Sardinia Yoga is different to your stereotypical yoga trips. You don’t have to down a green juice, boast about your healthy diet or float around in a hemp shirt all day to qualify. This yoga retreat is not trying to cleanse you - it treats you to a daily practice which teaches and develops the fulfilling art of yoga.

This company prides itself on the freedom it gives to each student; in simple terms, do as much or as little yoga as you please and sit back to take in the surroundings. And when Sardinia Yoga holds their yoga havens in Croatia, Mallorca and Sardinia, how can you resist?

I arrive in Mallorca on a crisp autumn morning at the end of October and jump in a cab heading to Hotel Cala d’Or, host to the yoga retreat where I will spend the next four days. Located in south-east Mallorca and a 50 minute drive from the Spanish island’s Palma airport, Cala d’Or is known for its pine-fringed coves, luxurious yacht marina and beautiful blue shores. Even in October, I am not disappointed by the milder air and quieter resort, as friendly locals suggest to me that their end-of-season period is not a bad time to relax on the island.

With my bag bulging with a variety of gym leggings and T-shirt, I roll up to my first of four yoga sessions. Led by one of Sardinia Yoga’s many yogis, Gill Spibey advances both beginners and experts during our class, giggling as we go. You walk into her class dreary-eyed from sleep and leave in a peaceful zen bubble, feeling you have worked and stretched every muscle possible.

I can honestly say I didn’t know it was possible to ache and sweat so much from yoga. As a beginner, I enjoyed the challenge each morning, and even the aches which came with it the following day.

Each class is a mix of vinyasa and hatha yoga, ending with a 10 minute meditation. Before and after every morning two-hour class, my fellow pupils and I are welcomed to brunch in the hotel. The selection is superb, from croissants to omelettes and granola to bacon sandwiches as well as hot teas, coffees and fresh juices.

After the yoga session and delicious brunch, more often than not the yogis organised trips, including a day trip to Palma, traditional markets, the famous Drach caves and other excursions. I prefer to go on the hunt for some local delicacies in the town and down the hill to Cala d’Or yacht marina, home to a number of tourist cafes, bars and multi-million pound floating mansions.

Just a few minutes walk from the hotel, you will find yourself in the centre of Cala d’Or. Although the hotel food is delicious, their menu was not that extensive or cheap, so I enjoy scouring the menus of what seem like hundreds of local eateries. One of my favourites is Restaurant Can Trompe, one of the oldest in the town which serves a mixed paella that is to die for.

Hotel Cala d’Or is located on the seafront with its own adjacent beach. The hotel accommodates the yoga sessions on one of their wood-panelled decks, which is sheltered from the elements but still offers a breathtaking view of the beach, especially while the sun is rising. Our twin room is spacious and comfortable, with a great walk-in shower and balcony.

By the end of the week, I am standing slightly taller, my legs are slightly longer and my fingers can actually touch my toes – without bending my knees, thank you. I leave fulfilled and happy knowing that the art of yoga is all about breathing and relaxing, and Sardinia Yoga trips are all about enjoying yourself and are not to be missed.

Travel facts

- For bookings and information about how Covid-19 has affected bookings, go to sardiniayoga.com

- Two hours every morning on the private yoga spaces overlooking the beach, with yoga mats and other equipment provided.

- A private transfer to and from the airport is included in your package, once you book they'll be in touch for your flight details to arrange that.