Bear Retreat 2026 · Finca Argayall · La Gomera
A Return to Self
Unmasking, Softening, and Coming Home to Who You Are
Kundalini Yoga, Mantra & Meditation in Nature
La Gomera, Canary Islands · with Chiara & Anna
There is a quiet & true version of you
beneath the noise.
Anna & Chiara invite you to the peaceful & remote Finca Argayall on the magical Canary Island of La Gomera. Come rest and tend to your deepest layers through kundalini yoga, kirtan, yin and time in nature.
Like bears, who know when to retreat, when to rest, and when to re-emerge from hibernation, our Bear Retreat is an invitation to turn inward, stepping away from constant doing and performing. Together, we'll return to a more natural rhythm of being, with the beautiful natural environment of La Gomera as our guide.
Finca Argayall is a secluded eco-retreat nestled between mountains and ocean, far from the distractions of modern life. With its raw natural beauty, silence, and simplicity, it offers the perfect backdrop for this inward journey.
We will be based in a private valley - a green oasis between breathtaking cliff faces on the west coast of La Gomera. Steps from the ocean, surrounded by a lush permaculture garden, with hammocks, pools, day beds, and the shade of a magnificent rubber tree, you'll see spectacular sunsets over the sea every evening.
The Bear Within Retreat weaves together five qualities. Each one is an invitation back to what has always been there.
Slowing the nervous system and allowing the body to feel safe again. Moving away from tension and into presence, rest, and openness.
Rebuilding a relationship with ourselves through reflection, body awareness, and gentle curiosity.
Exploring the roles, identities, and protective layers we develop over the course of our lives. Creating space to set these down, even briefly.
Welcoming every part of yourself, both seen and unseen, with compassion and acceptance.
Rediscovering joy, warmth, playfulness, and the quiet beauty of simply being.
This retreat is not about becoming someone new.
It is about gently shedding what is not yours
and coming home to what is.
You do not need to arrive open, certain, or "ready".
You can arrive just exactly as you are.
This is a space where nothing is required of you: no performance; no perfection; no pressure.
Just a quiet, gentle invitation... to slow down & soften. To rediscover your inner Bear: steady, instinctive, and whole.
Each day will weave together practice, rest, and connection. Here is what we'll explore together:
Kundalini Yoga - dynamic practices combining movement, breath, and sound to awaken energy, deepen awareness and peel back the layers
Yin Yoga - slow, grounding sessions to support deep release, stillness, and nervous system regulation
Kirtan (chanting) - shared music and voice to open the heart, connect, and experience a sense of unity
Grounding & somatic practices in nature - becoming present through the body and the world around you
Partner & group connection - safe, spacious exercises in being seen and seeing others
Time for solitude, rest & integration - because rest is a vital part of the practice
Everything offered is invitational. You are encouraged to move at your own pace, honour your boundaries, and trust your own inner rhythm. 🌿
Each day will be unique, and open to change depending on the needs of the group.
Everything offered is invitational. You are encouraged to move at your own pace, honour your boundaries, and trust your own inner rhythm. 🌿
Here's an example of how a day might unfold. Some days we'll have a workshop after breakfast in the morning, and other days, the workshop will be in the afternoon.
🌿 All activities are optional. Please go with your own flow, honour your body, and trust your own rhythm.
Arrival from 4pm on Saturday 26 September · Checkout by 11am on Saturday 3 October
This retreat is not a quick fix or a performance. What tends to emerge, gently and in its own time, is something more lasting.
"The Bear Retreat was nothing short of transformative. Amid the stunning natural beauty of La Gomera, the gentle rhythm of chanting and the slow, intentional movement drew me out of a world overflowing with constant noise, stimulants, and notifications. Bit by bit, my mind and body relaxed back into harmony with nature. For the first time in a long while, I could truly hear my own thoughts. The people around me were kind, supportive, and quietly present, never intrusive, always authentic. The experience felt like stepping into a pocket of pure magic."
"A beautiful Kundalini yoga retreat led by two inspirational teachers in a stunning setting with the most amazing food next door to the ocean. It was truly extraordinary: clear, authentic, liberating, joyful, pleasurable, amazing."
"The Bear Retreat was both nourishing and transformative. On one level it was relaxing, restorative, and a chance to reset. On another, it offered moments of real depth; a chance to connect with myself, others, and the natural world in a way that feels rare in daily life. It was a beautiful mix of community, stillness, and personal insight."
Healing work requires nourishing food, and we will have plenty. The team at Finca Argayall will lovingly prepare three nourishing, vegetarian meals every day, along with snacks of fresh organic fruit and plentiful herbal teas.
All meals are served buffet-style and can be savoured on the ocean-view terrace, poolside, or beneath the shade of the magnificent rubber tree - immersing yourself in the beauty of nature with every bite.
Gluten-free and vegan options available - please let us know in advance. Chocolate is also available for purchase in the Finca shop - in case you need some extra sweetness!
Retreat guests will stay in one of Finca Argayall's uniquely designed studios, rooms or garden huts, dotted around the beautiful permaculture garden. Each is a one-off - no two alike. A network of pathways connects the rooms to each other and down to the ocean path.
Options range from beautiful wooden huts nestled in the permaculture garden to ocean-view ensuite rooms and studios with private kitchen and pool. Accommodation is booked and paid directly to Finca Argayall.
* All rooms are unique and individually priced. Get in touch early - first come, first served!
The retreat fee covers all yoga, meditation, and practices. Accommodation is booked and paid directly to Finca Argayall - fees vary by room type.
Retreat fee includes: All yoga and meditation practices, workshops, ceremonies, and shared activities throughout the week, plus 3 delicious vegetarian meals a day.
Accommodation: Paid separately and directly to Finca Argayall - a range of rooms and garden huts available at different price points.
Not included: Flights, transfers, excursions, alcoholic drinks, or optional individual healing treatments (e.g. massage).
Pay the balance in one lump sum or instalments - payment plans available, just ask!
Chiara is an inspiring, gentle and down to earth yoga teacher, who specialises in yoga for health recovery. She knows all about the need for rest, relaxation and reconnection to self, having come to teach yoga through her journey to recover from M.E./CFS.
Trained in Kundalini Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Anxiety & Depression, Yoga for PTSD, and the Foundations of Yoga Therapy, she also worked as a Facilitator for Talk for Health - a mental health charity teaching therapeutic peer-to-peer talking skills. Chiara lives by the sea in Tenerife, just across the water from La Gomera.
Chiara loves to connect - do write to her if you have any questions about the retreat or anything else!
Anna (Amrit Jiwan) is a London-based teacher, musician and healer who creates nurturing spaces for deep rest and transformation through Kundalini Yoga, mantra, gong baths and Sat Nam Rasayan.
With a warm, intuitive and playful approach, she supports others in accessing profound states of awareness and healing. She is also the organiser of the Great British Kundalini Festival and hosts regular Kirtan and yoga sessions.
How do I reserve my place?
Pay a deposit of £250 to secure your spot, then choose to pay the remaining balance in one lump sum or in instalments. We're happy to discuss a payment plan - just reach out and ask!
What are the accommodation options?
Options range from ocean-view rooms with private bathrooms to cosy garden huts with shared bathrooms - something to suit every budget. Accommodation is booked and paid directly to Finca Argayall. Get in touch and we'll share all the current AVAILABLE options!
Are there dietary options available?
All food is vegetarian, fresh and organic. Gluten-free and vegan options are available - please let us know in advance so the kitchen can prepare for you.
Do I need to attend all the sessions?
Not at all. Everything is invitational. We'd love you to join when it feels right, but please honour your own body and your own rhythm. Rest is part of the practice.
Do I need previous yoga experience?
No experience is needed - just an open heart and a willingness to explore. All practices are accessible and you are always encouraged to go at your own pace.
What are the arrival and departure times?
We welcome you from 4pm on Saturday 26 September. On the final day, Saturday 3 October, checkout is by 11am. You are welcome to stay on the Finca for the rest of the afternoon. If you'd like to stay extra nights before / after the retreat, this may be possible - let us know and we'll see what we can do!
How do I get to Finca Argayall?
While La Gomera has a small airport, flights there are infrequent and tend to be higher in price. Fly instead to Tenerife South airport, then get a 50 minute ferry over to La Gomera. We'll help you with all travel arrangements - just get in touch!
