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About Ananda's
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Founded in 2017, Ananda Yoga Retreats was created as a space where people from around the world can step away from the demands of everyday life and take time for themselves in a relaxed and supportive environment.
The ethos of Ananda is simple: to offer a place where there is no pressure to perform or meet expectations — only the freedom to move at your own pace, practise yoga, rest, and reconnect with what matters.
Each retreat is held in beautiful natural settings and supported by nourishing food and thoughtful teaching, creating an experience that feels both grounding and restorative.
Our programs dive deep into the holistic essence of yoga, going far beyond just physical postures! Get ready to explore the philosophical foundations, embrace mindfulness, and reconnect with your true self through invigorating dynamic practices, restoratives, breath work, and sound.
I’m Madeline Diaz Meiners, known in my teaching as Ananda, and the founder of Ananda Yoga Retreats.
Yoga has been a central part of my life for nearly three decades. What began as a personal practice gradually evolved into teaching and, over time, the creation of retreats where others could experience the depth and restorative power of these practices in a supportive environment.
For the past 15 years I have been teaching yoga, teacher trainings and facilitating retreats, sharing practices drawn from Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Kundalini, meditation and sound healing. My approach is breath-led and grounded in the wider philosophy of yoga, encouraging students to explore both the physical practice and the deeper awareness that sits behind it.
My teachings have also been deeply influenced by the work of Tara Brach, Ram Dass and Michael Singer, whose perspectives on mindfulness, compassion and self-inquiry continue to shape the way I hold space for others.
Through retreats in Ibiza and the Lake District, my intention is simply to create environments where people can step away from their usual routines, practise with curiosity, and reconnect with themselves in beautiful natural surroundings.
Trainings include -
Satyananda Yoga Teacher Training, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, TCM Meridians, Kundalini Yoga, Rocket Yoga, Mandala Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga, Gong Sound Healing Practitioner.
LISA WESTLAKE
My first ever Yoga retreat, we booked last minute for New Year in the Lake District. There is no words to describe this truly wonderful and soulful experience. No detail is left untouched. An amazing atmosphere, attentive hosts and plentiful food to die for! The most amazing way to start the new year. Madeline’s experience and guidance through all the practices both yoga and mediation are just perfect. No need to worry about copying poses and feeling awkward. Not with Madeline. I have learnt so much in just these few days and have met the most wonderful people. Definitely an experience I would love to repeat again and again!!! Lisa Westlake - Google review
MARK MACNAIR
Just returned from my first ever yoga retreat, led by the amazing Madeline. What an incredible experience!! Loved every moment of the weekend, including all the yoga sessions, sound baths and meditation sessions. Madeline is a truly inspiring teacher and a beautiful soul. Many thanks to Cesar and Paula for the fabulous food!! Until the next time, Namaste Mark MacNair - Google Review
NICOLA
An incredible experience. My first yoga retreat so I was not sure what to expect. It actually surpassed my expectations. Madeline is an incredible teacher- talented, knowledgeable, sensitive and empathic. A wonderful combination of yoga, breath work and sound baths. Her partner provided incredible vegetarian food and the setting in the Lake District was peaceful and beautiful. I met some fabulous people and I can’t wait to attend again. 💕 Nicola - Google Review
MEGAN AUWKIT
Unbelievable! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ we’ve just returned from our second Ananda Yoga retreat and it did not disappoint! Incredibly wholesome, we’ve come back yet again feeling connected with ourselves, renewed and revitalised. It’s honestly such an investment in your mental and physical wellbeing. Madeline is just incredible, her knowledge, energy and practices are unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. You can feel the love and experience she pours into every retreat she does and I think that’s what makes it so special and unlike anything else. Can’t wait to return for a third time! Also the food is unreal! Settings are unreal. Just overall the best experience. Thank you Madeline and the team for another unforgettable and life altering experience we will carry with us in our every day life! Grateful for the experience Megan Auwkit - Google Review
SUSAN KENNEDY
The Yoga teaching was just outstanding, second to none! Ananda Yoga Retreats, you surpassed all my expectations! You are Amazing! The staff could not have been anymore helpful, each and everyone made you feel welcome and special. The Yoga teaching was just outstanding, second to none! The YIN was luscious, so much knowledge about around energy channels etc, The sound bath was out of this world and just so unexpected! So intelligently integrated into the class, it left me wanting more. The food utterly scrumptious! I will 100% be returning as a forever fan. Thank you all . Namaste 🙏 Sue Kennedy - Google review
SIOBHAN DILLON
This is by FAR the best - and most authentic- retreat I have attended here in the UK... Madeline is one of the most generous and thoughtful people I’ve ever met- pair that with exceptional knowledge, skill and kindness… this is by FAR the best - and most authentic- retreat I have attended here in the UK. I was going through a big health crisis when I attended this retreat and Madeline not only accommodated my dietary requirements but reignited my passion for yoga and meditation. I turned a corner during those few days. I released so much from my body during her Yin practice and sobbed through her sound bath… my body and mind needed this retreat and having studied these modalities myself in LA I can say without a shadow of doubt that you are in very, very safe and loving hands with Madeline. There were lots of elements of my life that had to change when I received my diagnosis in order to heal and I believe this retreat was what reminded me of my body’s innate healing abilities. It was also these practices that allowed me to release the anger and sadness that was necessary to move forward. If you’re unsure about any element of this retreat I would say trust that you’ve been directed to Ananda Retreats for a reason. You won’t be disappointed. Picture attached is from my bedroom window x 🙏🏼 Bliss. Siobhan Dillon - Google review
CHEF CESAR GASTARDELLI
The revolution starts with food....
The Ananda kitchen is managed by Chef Cesar, partner of life and business with Ananda. Originally from Argentina, Cesar trained as a chef 15 years ago in the Hoffmann Training School in Barcelona. As a Michelin trained chef, Cesar's meals in the Ananda kitchen focus on vegetarian ingredients, fostering compassion, connection, and creativity through nourishing cuisine.
Chef Cesar’s dishes allow people to discover the joy of healthy, intentional eating. Our meals are crafted to promote well-being, happiness, and a deeper connection with ourselves, each other and our beautiful planet. By embracing a more mindful relationship with what we consume and how we interact with the earth, we elevate health and vibration for everyone.
SARAH HOCKLEY ~ Retreat Coordinator
After moving to Ibiza in 2016, Sarah co-founded a stand-up paddleboard business with her then-partner, leading SUP tours and teaching paddleboard yoga—a practice that wove together movement, breath, and connection to nature.
In 2018, Sarah trained in vinyasa flow and hatha yoga, expanding her commitment to holistic well-being. Over the years, she has supported clients in a variety of roles—hosting yoga retreats, working as a client care manager, and running a successful property business.
In 2023, Sarah began a MA in psychosynthesis psychology, a holistic and transpersonal approach to psychology that honours the whole self—body, mind, soul, and spirit. Currently working with clients as a trainee counsellor, she is devoted to supporting others on their own journeys of growth and transformation.
Passionate about the healing power of nature, Sarah focuses her work around outdoor and personal development pursuits - hike guiding, paddle board and kayak instructing, yoga and meditation teaching and counselling. Her work is grounded in presence, purpose, and community—empowering others to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the natural world, and to live lives of greater joy, clarity, and meaning.
ANANDA'S WELLNESS SPA
Where Healing Meets Indulgence
Unwind in a nurturing space devoted to your wellbeing. Our therapists bring together traditional healing practices and modern expertise to create bespoke treatments that restore, rebalance and deeply relax.
BELEN ~ Retreat Therapist Ibiza
Belén has been a vibrant force in the Ananda Yoga Retreats holistic therapy team at our Ibiza Yoga Retreat centre for over five years. With over 14 years of expertise as a professional acupuncturist and massage therapist, her inspiring journey began in 2008 in Santiago, Chile, where she delved into the wonders of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Since then, she has passionately embraced integrative therapies, committed to guiding each individual on their unique healing adventure.
Belén believes that every mindful touch not only provides physical relief but also unlocks emotional blockages, helping the body release and let go. Her focus is to a safe and nurturing space where everyone can reconnect with their bodies and their true selves!
FERNANDO - Retreat Therapist Ibiza
Fernando, originally from Argentina, has over 12 years of experience and a deep passion for holistic health and wellbeing — for his clients and himself alike.
Rooted in the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fernando works to restore balance between the mental, energetic, and physical bodies — an essential foundation for vitality, healing, and a truly fulfilling life.
No two bodies are the same. Through many years of study and hands-on experience across a wide range of therapeutic massage techniques, Fernando has developed the ability to truly listen to the body and respond with the most appropriate treatment, creating deep, lasting benefits rather than temporary relief.
Fernando offers his knowledge, presence, and healing energy to support your day-to-day wellbeing. Each session is fully personalised, intuitive, and adapted to your unique needs in that moment.
Known for his patience, sensitivity, and empathy, Fernando creates a safe, grounded space where you feel heard, supported, and cared for. Clear communication and genuine connection are at the heart of every session.
CLAIRE - Retreat Therapist UK
Clare is a warm, intuitive, and experienced holistic therapist offering massage, Reiki, reflexology, and hot and cold stone therapy. Working from the heart, she creates a safe, nurturing space where deep relaxation and healing can naturally unfold.
Drawing on her background in yoga, meditation, and energy work, Clare weaves these practices seamlessly into each session. Every treatment is thoughtfully and intuitively tailored to support the body, soothe the nervous system, and restore balance on both a physical and energetic level.
With a gentle yet grounded approach, Clare invites you to slow down, reconnect, and return to a deeper sense of harmony and wellbeing.
Why Our Retreats Are Different
Ananda Yoga Retreats is an independently run retreat company, and every retreat you see on our website is personally hosted and thoughtfully designed by our team.
Rather than operating through large retreat booking platforms, we create and hold each retreat ourselves so that every part of the experience reflects the same intention and care.
From the yoga practices and meditation to the food, the setting, and the rhythm of each day, the retreats are carefully curated to create a space where guests can truly rest, reconnect, and feel supported.
The five-star reviews shared by our guests reflect the experience we strive to create, and many of our students return year after year or join through personal recommendation.
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Explore Our Retreats
If you feel called to experience one of our retreats, you can explore our upcoming yoga retreats in Ibiza and the UK below.
