When I booked my Tenerife yoga retreat, I imagined early nights, serious silence and very green smoothies. Instead, I arrived at a beautiful villa in the mountains and was greeted with a glass of cava. That small, sparkling surprise instantly broke the script of what I thought a yoga retreat was supposed to look like. The team were so warm, relaxed and welcoming that within minutes I felt like I had stepped into an easy, social environment rather than a strict wellness regime.
Day 1: arrival with an exhale
After a tour of the villa and my room, I sat outside and watched the light change over the mountains. The air was soft and warm, and the atmosphere at the retreat felt calm but not overly serious. Some guests chatted by the pool, others read quietly in hammocks. There was no pressure to be a certain type of “retreat person”, which was a huge relief.
During our first evening circle we introduced ourselves and shared what had brought us there. Some guests were recovering from burnout, others from big life changes. A few simply needed a break from constant responsibility. Listening to everyone, I realised how common it is to feel tired, overwhelmed and disconnected from our bodies. I already felt less alone.
Day 2: vinyasa with a view
The next morning began with a flowing vinyasa practice on the terrace. As we moved, the sun slowly rose, lighting up the ridges of the surrounding mountains. The class was strong enough to wake the body but gentle enough that beginners felt comfortable. By the time we lay down for relaxation at the end, I could feel my nervous system dropping several gears.
Breakfast afterwards was colourful, fresh and satisfying. We sat together outside, sharing stories about our lives at home. Guests had come from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA, yet we all seemed to be seeking similar things: rest, clarity and a sense of reconnection. It was surprisingly easy to talk honestly with people I had only just met.
Exploring Tenerife between practices
One of my favourite aspects of the retreat was the balance between yoga and free time. Mornings were usually dedicated to practice and brunch, while afternoons were left open. Some days I stayed at the villa, reading by the pool or napping in the shade. Other days I joined optional trips to the coast, wandered along black sand beaches or explored small local towns.
Tenerife felt much more varied than I had expected. In the space of a few days I saw volcanic rock formations, dramatic cliffs, quiet mountain villages and lush green valleys. There was always the feeling of being held by nature, even when we were not on the yoga mat.
Day 5: candlelit Yin at sunset
The most memorable evening for me was a Yin class held indoors as the sun went down. The yoga shala had large windows that framed the mountains, and as we settled onto our mats the sky turned from gold to pink and then to deep blue. When darkness arrived the teacher lit candles around the room, and we practised in soft, flickering light.
The Yin poses were held for several minutes at a time, encouraging deep release in the body and a kind of emotional unwinding I had not expected. I felt safe enough to let go of tension and thoughts I had been carrying for months. After the class we walked out into the night air in silence, each of us a little softer and quieter than before.
The values behind the retreat
What made the week feel so special was not just the schedule, but the intention behind it. The teachers spoke often about nervous system health, gentle self inquiry and creating a supportive community rather than chasing extreme transformation. If you want to understand the philosophy in more detail, you can read about the Bliss Yoga Retreats ethos.
Day 7: leaving lighter
On the final morning we shared one last practice together, followed by a closing circle. As we reflected on the week, it became clear that everyone was leaving with something slightly different: more confidence, more calm, a new perspective or simply a sense of being rested for the first time in a long while. For me, the retreat was a reminder that taking time out is not selfish; it is essential.
For anyone considering a similar experience, you can explore different options for Tenerife yoga retreats and find a program that fits your needs.
I left Tenerife feeling lighter, clearer and more connected to myself. It did not feel like the end of a holiday; it felt like the beginning of a kinder way of living.
