TOP TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GO…
10. YOU WILL INCREASE YOUR LIFESPAN
Mediterraneans live longer… In 1976 ten U.S. doctors confirmed that Stamatis Moraitis had lung cancer and had nine months to live, so the Greek native packed his bags and moved back to his homeland. With the Mediterranean lifestyle of leisure, connecting with Nature, and relaxing with friends and a bottle of wine every afternoon, Moraitis outlived those doctors and enjoyed life another 36 years…
9. YOU WILL CONNECT WITH NATURE
Start your days meditating in the great outdoors of Spain. Whether it’s the crisp Pyrenean mountain air or the fresh sea breeze, we’ll be soaking up the morning sunshine sitting with the quietude of our thoughts, reflecting in self-study. As recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers at John Hopkins University conclude that mindfulness meditation can ease anxiety, depression, and pain…
8. YOU WILL TAKE SIESTAS
Spaniards take long afternoon breaks after their midday meals to digest and rest. Studies reveal that our minds benefit from this downtime to unwind and process, leading to greater productivity. Living like locals, we will take up this practice of daily afternoon siestas…
7. YOU WILL ENJOY ORGANIC LOCAL CUISINE
Spanish cuisine is all about fresh ingredients and responsible farming. Spanish farmers are the pioneers of “organic farming”. Tapas are sophisticated little appetizers or snacks that offer a sampling of local fare. We will enjoy these plus authentic cuisine prepared by a local private chef, lunch at a Spanish vineyard, and two prix-fixed meals at restaurants that serve freshly prepared local farm & sea-to-table dinners. Plus the Mediterranean Diet is not only considered to be heart healthy, but the most healthy of all diets in the world.
6. YOU WILL STAY HERE
For the first four nights we will stay in a 13th Century historical house in the Pyrenees. Every day you will have downtime where you can relax with a dip in the private pool, catch up with a good book, go on a nature walk, or sign up for kayaking or horseback riding.
5. YOU WILL SWIM IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
For the last four nights we travel to coastal beach town, Sitges. 35km from Barcelona, Sitges is a popular tourist destination. We’ll be there a couple of weeks after the heavy season has subsided, but still in time to take in the warm weather.
4. YOU WILL ALSO STAY HERE
We are staying in a luxurious modern townhouse in Sitges that is only a 5 minute walk to the beach. With ample room to spread out and find a spot of your own to journal, read, take a nap, or enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine, this spacious and newly renovated house will be your home away from home.
3. YOU WILL HIKE TO CATALONIA’S FIRST BUDDHIST MONASTERY
A 22km walk from Sitges will take us to Monasterio del Garraf, the first Buddhist monastery of Sakya Tashi Ling. Open since 1996, this is the first Buddhist monastery in Catalonia. This palace of tranquility and its buildings offer a look of the art and culture of Tibet. Founded in 1986, the Sakyapa tradition follows the ancient order of the spiritual leader His Holiness Sakya Trizin, a king from ancient Tibet. The monastery is ruled by Venerable Lama Jamyang Tashi Dorje.
2. YOU WILL VISIT LA SAGRADA FAMILIA
We will pilgrimage to Barcelona’s beloved La Sagrada Familia. This Roman basilica began construction in 1882 as a neo-gothic design. A year later the project was handed over to Barcelona darling Art nouveau architect Antoni Gaudi, who changed the design completely. He not only dedicated 40 years of his life to its construction, but also died on a tram accident in 1926 and is buried in a tomb there. It is still currently under construction with a planned completion in 2041 and hosts over 3 millions visitors a year.
1. YOU WILL PRACTICE DAILY SUNSET YOGA
Every afternoon Lori will treat you to a practice that balances, invigorates, and renews you for the next day. Honor the setting sun and practice yoga with your new friends. Beginners are welcome!
