A retreat in rhythm with nature
Tucked into the Sierra de las Nieves nature reserve in Andalucía, this award-winning retreat centre is a spacious, quirky sanctuary of mountain air, sunshine and waterfalls, reserved just for the group. It’s only 50 minutes from Málaga airport.
Days unfold gently through Qi Gong, acupuncture, meditation and Settling the Shen, guided by the wisdom of Chinese medicine.
At the heart of the retreat is the Chinese clock. You’ll learn how each hour of the day supports a different part of you, and how to live in step with it as everyday self-care. You’ll also discover your own BaZi (astrology) chart, a glimpse into your signature energy and how best to look after it.
No pressure to perform. Just delicious food, a gentle rhythm and space to properly rest, with simple tools you’ll carry home with you.
Single Ensuite Room
For those travelling solo. Featuring a single bed and all the comforts you’d expect from a luxury retreat centre. Pay in full or instalments.
Single Room £1249
Twin Ensuite Room
For those travelling with a friend or family. Featuring two single beds and all the comforts you’d expect from a luxury retreat centre. Pay in full or instalments.
Shared Twin Room £1099pp
Deluxe Ensuite Room ( King )
Includes stunning glass conservatory, features a king size bed (which can be separated) this room is ideal for couples or those who’d like a little extra space.
Deluxe Twin Room £1199pp
Deluxe Twin Room Single Occupancy £1,429
What Kind of Retreat is This? A Unique Blend of Healing & Wellness
Jo has created an immersive retreat that weaves together many facets of Chinese medicine. With acupuncture, Qi Gong, meditation, and self-care practices, this experience offers a unique deep dive into restoring balance, vitality, and inner harmony.
Designed to be accessible to all, whether you're familiar with Chinese medicine or completely new to it, Jo makes each practice accessible, simple and relatable. This retreat in Spain offers a uniquely integrated approach to well-being, welcoming everyone to reconnect with themselves in a supportive and inspiring environment. Sessions take place outdoors whenever possible, allowing nature to become part of the medicine
This retreat is for you if
You’re craving sunshine, mountain air and real space to breathe.
You’d love to swim, wander to waterfalls and spend your days outdoors.
You’d like to understand your body’s natural rhythms and how to live in step with them.
You’re curious about your own signature energy and how best to look after it.
You want delicious food, a small group of women and plenty of time to rest.
You’d like simple self-care practices you’ll actually keep up at home.
How this retreat works
The days follow the Chinese clock, with gentle movement in the morning, learning when the mind is clearest and rest when the body asks for it.
Mornings begin with Qi Gong outdoors, then brunch and a workshop. Afternoons are yours to swim, read or simply rest. Evenings bring a guided self-care session before dinner.
Along the way, you’ll explore your BaZi chart and learn how best to look after yourself.
Nothing is compulsory. Join in as much or as little as feels right.
Your Host Jo Darling
Jo has spent almost 20 years supporting women to live happier, healthier lives. She holds a degree from the International College of Oriental Medicine, teaches Qi Gong and practises BaZi, blending the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine with simple, practical self-care.
Her retreats are built around Yang Sheng, the art of nourishing life. Guests come away knowing themselves a little better, and with simple ways to eat, sleep, move and rest in harmony with their bodies and nature, long after they’re home.
In Your Nature Retreat - The Setting
In any room type, what is included?
* 5 nights ensuite accommodation
* 2 buffet style meals daily (brunch & dinner)+ fresh cake at lunchtime
* 4 energy restoring Chinese medicine workshops
* 1 x Group acupuncture treatment (relaxing acupuncture treatment in a group setting)
* 4 x Qi Gong (simple movement, suitable for all)
* 4 x guided selfcare wellness sessions (eg acupressure, meditation & Shen settling)
* mountain walks (optional)
* Tea, coffee, (a range of plant-based milks included) and honesty bar
* Exclusive use of outdoor spaces - pool, hammocks, day beds
* Saltwater swimming pool
* Cooling caves for quiet time or meditation
* Access to yoga space & caves outside of workshops
* All linen, pool and room towels
* Wifi in the restaurant area
* Organisation of transfers to centre
What is not included?
* Airfare
* Cost of transfer
* Massage treatments
Testimonials
Jo is a great teacher, extremely talented and so much fun. She held the space for us all to be safe and open and flawlessly had the balance to be on the same level as everyone else.
Her healing talents are in her listening, understanding and communication as much as in her teaching and treatment sessions
Jayne
Molino Del Rey 2023
Video Testimonial
Frequently Asked Questions
Terms and Conditions
What's Included
What is group acupuncture?
The opportunity to experience relaxing and energising
acupuncture treatment in a group setting.
If you're new to acupuncture with Jo, you'll be asked to
complete a new patient form before you retreat so that she knows your full
health history.
If you have any concerns about the treatment
please email hello@jodarling.co.uk before travelling.
I'm new to Qi Gong what does it entail?
The type of Qi Gong that Jo shares is self-healing Dao Yin style. She chooses simple, meditative practice to share with you so that you can get maximum benefit in minimum time.
Jo's mantra is 'if you like it take it home'. She sincerely hopes you will!
What food is included?
Delicious freshly cooked vegetarian meals are conjured up by Simon, the retreat chef for over 25 years.
Sumptuous brunch and dinner are served at 10am and 6.30pm with fresh cake and 'snacks' at 2pm.
(Timings subject to change. Vegans can be catered for on request.)
Do I have to pay extra for drinks?
Tea and coffee making facilities are available in every room and in the restaurant area.
Filtered water is on tap.
There is an honesty bar for beer, wine and soft drinks.
Payment
Do you offer payment in installments
Yes. Payment plans are available to make the retreat accessible. You can reserve your place with a deposit and pay the balance in instalments before the retreat begins (full payment is required 60 days in advance).
You can also choose to split your purchase into 3 interest-free instalments with Klarna at checkout.
Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. Subject to status. Ts&Cs and late fees apply.
If you would like a bespoke payment plan outside of website checkout, please get in touch (additional admin costs may apply).
Can I pay by Klarna
You can also choose to split your purchase into 3 interest-free instalments with Klarna at checkout.
Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. Subject to status. Ts&Cs and late fees apply.
What payment methods do you take?
Credit or debit card, paypal, shop, klarna are all available.
Getting There
How do I get there?
By air - take a plane to Malaga.
Check in is 3pm and check out 10am.
I suggest arriving at Malaga airport around 2pm on the first day. Departing Malaga around 12:30pm or later on the final day.
Transfers will be arranged from the airport and are payable locally with cash. Depending on the number of people sharing the cost is usually around 20 euros each way.
How much is the transfer?
Transfers will be arranged from the airport and are payable locally with cash. Depending on the number of people sharing the cost is usually around 20 euros per person each way.
Location And Facilities
Is there a hairdryer in my room?
Yes
Do I need to bring towels?
All towels, both for the room and pool are supplied.
Is there Wifi?
Yes there is Wifi throughout.
What is the temperature?
Average temperature in May is around 24 degrees during the day.
What's the accommodation like?
Molino Del Rey is nestled in the beautiful nature reserve “Sierra de las Nieves” in Andalucia, Southern Spain.
Built by hand with love its comfortable and quirky retreat centre. Featuring hammocks, swing chairs and plenty of nooks and crannies torelax in alone or with company.
Choose between single, twin or double rooms.
Accessibility issues and questions
We want to make sure our space works for you. If you have any accessibility requirements or questions, please email hello@jodarling.co.uk before booking. Please note that deposits are non-refundable (though you are welcome to transfer your booking to another person).
