Tai chi to balance body and mind, to tap into your own energy and essential life force; reflexology to stimulate mind, body and spirit, indian head massage to release stress and strains; walks in stunning countryside, time out from busy lives to recharge and get in touch with self and environment; good food, good wine, comfy sofas, stimulating conversation, laughter; a dip in the pool, an absorbing book, sounds of goat bells, warmth of the sun on skin, quiet time in olive orchards, afternoon siestas, the colourful market in Pollensa Old Town.

What to expect

The pre-breakfast session sets us up for the day, and kick-starts a healthy appetite for breakfast! Gentle exercises to waken and stretch the body as the sun comes up over the mountains. Mid-morning classes, mostly outside, will explore the Living Movement principles of tai chi which provide simple yet powerful ways to revitalise, and to rediscover and attune to the strength of our own bodies and minds, whatever our age or ability.

Tapping into that essential life force will be a key theme for the week, in addition to learning a short piece of tai chi form.  You are sure to take home with you something practical, inspiring and directly applicable to your day to day home and working life, and feel the benefits of that long after the course is ended.

On afternoons when we are not out walking, there will be a late afternoon class, with a chance to pick up on some themes which might emerge as the week progresses, plus a chance to have some fun learning some Indian head massage techniques.

One day and at least two afternoons will be for exploring the area on foot, breathing the clean mountain air, taking in the early autumn sunshine and beauty of the landscape - be it azure blue seas, gnarled and ancient olives or the timeless and majestic beauty of the mountains. There will be time to chill out or explore on your own, and to enjoy some quality rest. You can join in as much or as little as the mood takes you. The choices are yours.

You will also receive a full reflexology treatment, or Indian head massage, from Jane our resident holistic therapist. This ancient treatment involves the gentle massaging of the feet to treat the whole body, restoring the body’s natural balance and helping to maintain its equilibrium. Indian head massage with its gentle rhythms helps to clear blockages and release tension, restoring energy flow to the body, creating a feeling of balance and calm. Each treatment will include a consultation and be tailored to the individual.

Good food is an essential element of a retreat at La Serrania. Carefully and freshly prepared each day, sometimes directly from the garden, meals are packed with vitality and local flavour and accompanied by well chosen wines.

Vegetarians and omnivarians are all catered for.

Is this for me? This retreat is ideal for those new to tai chi or wanting a refresher, as well as for those looking for simple ways of moving, to tap into their own creative energy, become more grounded and better deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life. If you are thinking that chilling out, have a week of quality rest, good food, a battery recharge at a purpose-built retreat centre in a stunning hillside environment, whilst being open to new ideas, is a good idea, then this is the week for you!

Who's Who?

HELEN VINES is a qualified Living Movement tai chi instructor, skilled in enabling everyone to participate, to move and develop their own tai chi, whatever their ability.  She offers simple and practical ways for people to tune into their own energy, and of that around them. Helen teaches regular classes in Exeter and provides one-to-one tuition. She has run tai chi sessions in corporate settings, and at residential music and singing courses in the UK

Helen’s interest lies in sharing the principles of Living Movement and the wisdom of tai chi to help people better manage the challenges of modern life, and to help them tap into that life force that exists in each and everyone. Some fun and laughter is an inevitable addition into the mix during Helen’s classes.

Helen studied with Angus Clark, the founder of the School of Living Movement in Devon, UK for over 8 years.

TIM PENNELL, the Canadian co-founder of La Serranía, has been exploring the mountains of Mallorca since childhood and will choose walks to suit the abilities and interests of the group.


JANE MARSDEN (BEd, MSc, Reiki level 3, Dip Anatomy and Physiology, Dip reflexology, Dip IHM) runs her own holistic therapy business on the Wirral, England, offering reflexology and Indian head massage.  She very much believes in treating the whole person, through mind, body and spirit.

To support this belief Jane offers reflexology and Indian head massage as the main therapies in promoting the restoration of the body’s natural balance and helping to maintain its equilibrium. Aside from the deeper impact of the therapies, they can achieve a great sense of relaxation and wellbeing!

For information about joining this workshop Click Here.