Situated in the heart of a National Nature Reserve, El Convento is a former Barefoot Carmelite Monastery founded by Sister Teressa de Avillia over 500 years ago. Dedicated to spiritual development.
Categories
Eco Friendly Venues
Outstanding Views
Swimming Pool
Included Amenities
Wi-Fi
Swimming Pool
Parking
Yoga/Seminar room
The former hermitage of San Juan has a shaded roof terrace 10 x 11m.. Spacious for up to 20 persons.
Overlooks virgin forest to the south, sunrise above mountains down the valley 10km away. Northwards the semi ruined monastery and church of El Convento. Stunning views every direction! Clean pure air often with eagles soaring high above. Reassuring smells of delicious food cooking below always.
Eco practices
- All off grid
- Solar electric and spring water for washing and drinking
- Situated within a UNESCO protected nature Reserve
- No electricity lines and very limited radio masts
- Mobile reception limited
- Conventional flush toilets and compost toilets. Compost for almond trees.
- Outdoor and indoor showers
- Vegetable garden, kitchen compost fed
- The retreats own organic olive oil and almonds
Video
Rooms
Outdoors/Pool
Yoga Studio/Meeting Room
What Our Clients Say
Dawn Wright
Every time I arrive and have my first glimpse of the hermitage I can feel my stresses fall away and my heart lift.
I love everything about it. Sunrise over the mountain in the morning, the beautiful view from the rooftop shala, freshening off in the water tank, the breathtaking stars at night.
Nic and the team take such good care for us as well – I leave feeling truly nourished, mind, body and soul, and eager to return the following year.
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Description
Welcome to El Convento
El Convento is an oasis of stillness nestled in the mountains of the Sierra de las Nieves, Andalusia. Once a Carmelite monastery and now a simple, soulful retreat space, it offers a rare invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and hold space for deep inner work.
Hidden away on the edge of wild forest and mountain paths, El Convento is not a luxury venue — it is something far more precious: a place of authenticity, peace and restoration.
Bell tents and eco-huts are scattered through olive groves and wildflowers, each with plenty of space and privacy.
Sunrise yoga on the rooftop shala, shared meals beneath the vines, and the rare pleasure of an outdoor shower under blue skies are moments guests remember long after leaving.
A group size of 15 students is ideal. Plus teacher who comes free.
Accommodation
Casitas (Eco-Huts): Five simple solar-powered huts, double occupancy (10 people). Each has twin beds that convert to doubles, quality mattresses, duvets, and fresh linen.
Bell Tents: Six spacious canvas tents (4–5 m diameter), usually single occupancy but can be shared. Furnished with carpets, beds, mattresses, duvets and sheets.
Equipped with floor covering, mattress’s and bases, and all bedding.
Food. El Convento retreat centre Spain 's resident chef provides healthy, inspiring, vegetarian, cuisine, organic and locally sourced. We cater for gluten free, vegan and intolerance's. Coffee and teas available.
Facilities
Rooftop Shala: 10 × 11 m terrace with sunshade and panoramic views — sunrise,
mountains, ancient ruins and forest.
Main Communal Terrace: Shaded, open-sided dining and chill-out space adjoining the
restored hermitage kitchen.
Swimming Tank: Fresh, spring-fed water shared with the family who have tended this land
for 150 years.
Sunrise Terrace & Chill Out Hut: Quiet spaces for rest or small group gatherings.
Yoga Platform: Open on all sides — perfect for smaller sessions or personal practice.
Bathrooms: One conventional bathroom plus two outdoor showers and two compost
toilets, each set beautifully in nature.
Bedrooms
Five eco casitas, all sleep 2 persons. selection of builds, straw bail, adobe brick and 3 wooden casitas.
6 Bell Tents, all equipped with full bedding, bed bases and mattresses.
Bathrooms
3 Bathrooms, 2 with compost toilet and 1 conventional water flush toilet.
1 indoor shoer and 2 private outdoor showers in beautiful nature.
Catering
Meals are prepared in the restored San Juan Hermitage, where the resident chef creates inspiring vegetarian cuisine. Three meals a day are provided, offering plentiful, nutritious dishes with vegan, gluten-free and dietary variations available.
Coffee, teas and snacks are available throughout the day.
Kitchen and Dining room
Seating for 16 persons on main terrace plus additional eating location for 10 persons on sunrise terrace.
Outdoor
Outdoor spring water pool available.
Things To Do Nearby
Transfers & Day Trips
Transfers are from El Burgo town.
Attendees get the local bus from Malaga to here (€8.50). On arrival days there is a morning
and afternoon pick up (restricted numbers on each). Transfers from El Burgo to El Convento
run at 9.40 am and 3.40 pm (€35 each way). Private transfers: €60. On departure day they
are to the 8.40am bus to Malaga.
Excursions:
• River Picnic & Swim — A nature park journey to a pristine, spring-fed river. Includes
picnic, swim, and a stop in El Burgo (€35).
• Trip to Ronda — A 30-minute mountain drive to the historic city for culture, cafés and
shopping (€40).
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Gallery
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Location
Malaga, Spain
Set in the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves, 1 hour from Ronda and 1 hour 45 minutes from Malaga. Closest village El Burgo.
Map
Convento Virgen de las Nieves, Carril del Convento O de la Fuensanta, 29420 El Burgo, Málaga, Spain
Nearest Airport
Malaga is 1 hour 40 minutes away by car.
Nearest Town
Ronda is 1 hour away. This is the famous village capital, inland at an altitude of 800 meters. Moor architecture and incredible bridge over the gorge.
Nearest Station
Malaga to local village of El Burgo is 90 minute by coach. Ronda is 1 hour away.
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Booking Conditions
Cost on application per guest for 1 week.
Min 10, Max 15.
Plus teacher who comes free.
To reserve hire week :
• 6 months plus before start date, payment for 2 guests due.
• 6 months before start date, payment for 5 guests due.
• 2 months before start date, payment for 10 guests due.
• Start, balance due.
