All the details about
The Holistic Health Retreat
Valle de Vida serves as an extraordinary rustic retreat center nestled amidst the serene Gibralmora hills on semi-protected terrain. With a remarkable 16-year legacy, this hidden gem offers a tranquil escape, immersing you in a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here, you'll find yourself surrounded by boundless rolling hills, with only a solitary neighbor in sight, ensuring an unparalleled sense of seclusion and tranquility.
El Romero
El Romero
At the base of the track lies the Aljaima train station, a mere 11-minute journey away.
Within just 20 minutes by train, you'll find yourself in the vibrant city of Malaga, renowned for its iconic Alcazaba (castle), the illustrious Picasso Museum, delightful shopping venues, and an abundance of charming tapas bars.
For those seeking the sun and sand, the nearest beaches are a pleasant 40-minute drive away, along with convenient access to the Malaga International Airport.
Venturing in the opposite direction, you'll discover the renowned El Chorro gorge and the enchanting Ardales lakes. The King's Walk, a spectacular hiking trail, has earned the coveted title of Spain's number one tourist attraction.
Nestled perfectly equidistant between the charming towns of Pizarra, Alora, and Cartama Estacion, with distinct tracks leading to each of these destinations, Valle de Vida offers easy access to a variety of cultural experiences and picturesque landscapes.
This unique property consists of two splendid fincas nestled within an expansive 18-acre estate.
El Romero serves as the vibrant epicenter of our retreat center, bustling with energy and activity. Meanwhile, Finca Verde stands as the cherished residence for our family and operates as the central command post of the retreat. We extend the warm hospitality of El Romero to yoga instructors, as well as large groups seeking solace in activities like pilates, tai chi, family gatherings, special occasions, or simply an escape into nature.
This property boasts a unique arrangement with three distinct escrituras, or land deeds, each with its own character and purpose.
The first escritura encompasses the retreat center, studio, and spa facilities, sprawling across a generous 35,000 square meters of land. The second escritura encompasses 25,000 square meters of land, offering additional possibilities. The third escritura encompasses the family house, a second pool, a pool bar, a yoga platform, and a reservoir, making it a multifunctional space.
Water sources on this property are abundant, with two primary wells, an old traditional well (not in use), and a remarkable hunters spring nestled within a cave. Furthermore, a substantial 580,000-liter reservoir graces the landscape, situated conveniently beside the yoga platform. For added convenience, there is the option to access town water from the local village, as some neighboring properties have done. Additionally, a water purification system ensures the usability of embalse water during the summer months.
Electricity supply is robust, featuring three-phase electricity servicing both houses, all conveniently billed together. The setup is flexible, allowing for easy division should one choose to sell either of the houses separately. Notably, in preparation for sustainability and cost efficiency, a significant number (approximately 26) of solar panels were installed before the pandemic. These solar panels have dramatically reduced utility bills, ensuring minimal expenses and even the possibility of covering most of the daily electrical needs, especially during busy periods, with a capacity of up to 11kw.
El Romero
The Retreat Centre
This 150yr old finca has been beautifully restored with antique tiles and keeping many of the original features.
The courtyard on the eastern side has been renovated to create a huge daylight studio of 8x10m with glass doors that open along one side. The versatility of this space allows it to be multifunctional, perfect for art retreats, funtion room, conferences, winter dinners, workshops and Hot Yoga groups love it.
It has two super infrared heaters which heat instantly for the Hot Yoga groups who get it up to 50 degrees.
El Romero has 7 bedrooms and one meter thick walls. All bedrooms have AC.
Ground Floor
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2 traditional style bedrooms including another bedroom which is accessed from the outside seating area.
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The outside bedroom has a sink and a woodburner in.
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The large, comfortable, wooden beamed lounge has a glass fronted wood burner.
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Versatile ample sized kitchen which often caters for groups of over 25 people, and we have also done for weddings of 130 guests.
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There are also 2 charmingly original bathrooms within the house and another across the courtyard.
Upper Floor
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4 bedrooms with white wooden vaulted ceilings.
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The largest bedroom has access to the terrace overlooking the pool with hill views..
At the south facing front of the house there is a huge covered terrace 5mx 20m. This is where most meals and socialising take place (again please see photos on website).
To the eastern side of the house there is a large curved sofa, 17m long. It is an area we use for weddings and talks. At this point you can access the steps leading to the green oasis garden where you will find relaxation areas surrounding a beautiful 5x8m pool with black slate surround.
Around the pool you will find:
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The mosaic tiled Haman style 3x3m steam room, which seats 16 people.
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The cave sauna, complete with speakers.
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A large decked area with a shower to the side.
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The decking often used for small yoga classes
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We attach sails to shade in the hot months as well as 3m high poles where we attach a 3x4m screen to project films for a swim-in cinema.
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Just past the pool there is a 6mx3.5m bathroom block with 3 tastefully designed units. - one full bathroom, one shower room and one toilet room.
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To go with the pool 8x5m there is a cover and roller, and a shower,
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We also have a pipe system which we use to heat the pool in early months and later months of the year.
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Two lovely wooden covered areas-one with railway sleeper designed seats another has a big bed underneath- surrounded by a grape vine-perfect for siestas.
On the far side of the pool area the path begins to the Yoga platform. The meandering walk brings you to a 9m x13m wooden, bamboo shaded Yoga platform. The design is completely original and was the largest wooden yoga shala in Europe... Maybe it still is?
Additional outside accommodation is provided in:
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2 Tepees
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3 modern designed Geodesic Domes
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All have electricity, comfortable beds and terracotta tiled floors and furniture.
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2 gorgeous, Moroccan styled Me-pod…our own design. With woodburners and ceiling fans. The floor space is 51/2m in diameter, also with AC. These are not on the house deeds however have been there for 12 years.
Most land is planted with olive trees. We picked 800 kilos last year and got the best oil ever-. All land has not had chemicals, pesticides on it for at least 10 years or more. There are also about 80 almond trees . There is one big orange tree, a huge nispero tree and a few lemon trees (which we make great marmalade from and juice). And we have planted a further 10 or so fruit trees and nut trees, pomegranate, papaya as well as many other plants around the pool.
The house has;
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7 bedrooms all of which are big enough to be double- two have three single beds in and are still roomy.
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2 lovely bathrooms.
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large kitchen/dinner
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large lounge with old features and wood burner.
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wifi connection
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a further bathroom off the side by the storage areas.
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One storage area contains a huge walk in Fridge.
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Almacen is 5m x 3m.
There are also two treatment rooms- approx3mx5m, and an outdoor shower/changing area.(3x3m).
Another decking area -we use for Thai massage- 3x4m approx
An outside bamboo shower area under the trees.
A lovely decking area which has at the moment a Hydrotherapy tub -rather old but still in working order, was planning a star gazing area there.
Also two depositos for 12,000l and 15,000l
Finally 2 septic tanks, one for 14 and one for 16 people- the three tiered type which processes the waste safely.
Finca Verde
The Family House
This is a 200m build plot on 30,000m2 of land, with a beautiful garden terrace swimming pool above which is 4.5m x 10.5m, it also has a small kidi pool/beach area of the side and a wooden beach bar. The pool can be accessed from the house below or via a bridge from the master bedroom…,as well as walking down a pathway from the yoga platform. All bed rooms and lounge have AC.
Ground Floor
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Open plan lounge /kitchen area-4mx 10.5m with large patio area to all sides.
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Office/Bedroom 3x4m..
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Hallway 3x3m with wooden staircase to upper floor.
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Spare bedroom 3x7m with doorway onto lower terrace
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Bathroom/shower room 2.5x2.5m
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The whole of the ground floor is tiled with natural smooth grey slate.
Upper Floor
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Large wooden circulation space with Velux above
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Upstairs has wooden floors throughout and a vaulted wooden ceiling- the house is designed like an old finca with the rooms in the eves and low windows.
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There is a huge bedroom 7x5m which could always be divided into 2 smaller rooms
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The 3rd bedroom is 3.5x7m with a large deep bath at the far end opposite a wood burner. There are amazing views out over the hills and double doors leading onto the terrace and bridge to the pool. There are also bespoke wooden fitted wardrobes along one wall.
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The final bedroom has large windows on all 3 sides 3x4m.
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2.5x2m toilet and shower room.
There are two futher outhouses, 3.5mx3m and 3mx3m approx. one currently used for storage and the other as a gym/extra bedroom/music room . There is also lower terrace below the house which has a large cabin structure 150m2 which is used for storage and has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen / living room which is used for staff/volunteers. A septic tank is also on the lower level. for the house and cabin for 15 people.
