❋ November 10-14, 2026
Travel as Medicine: Southern Spain (near Granada)
What to ExpectWhat if your next chapter started in a 16th century olive oil plantation in southern Spain?
I mean it. We are taking over the whole thing. 🌿
November 10-14, I am hosting Travel As Medicine — a small, intimate retreat outside Granada, Spain, for anyone who is ready to slow down, go deep, and get a little closer to their ideal day.
Here's what we're doing together:
Learning the real story behind olive oil — how it's made, how to choose it, how to cook with it. Plant-based cooking. Crafts inspired by the cultures of the region. A visit to the iconic Alhambra. Hiking in the Sierra Nevadas. Yoga and mindfulness. And honestly? Some really good downtime with a book and a view.
But here's what it's really about.
We're going to talk about food as medicine. Travel as medicine. Community and connection as medicine. Longevity, cardio prevention, memory — the science of living well and the practice of actually doing it.
All meals from Tuesday evening until Saturday morning are included. All activities and transportation between included. Initial transfer included. Just 11 rooms in one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.
Early bird discounts available — don't wait on this one.
Visit the contact page to schedule one on one time to chat or register. I would love to have you with us. ♥️
❋ Intentional StructureWe blend guided moments, open exploration, and space to reflect—so the experience feels both focused and fluid.
❋ Collaborative EnergyConnection and community is a core part of the process. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content itself.
❋ Expert FacilitationLed by me, Sonal, an internal medicine physician who practiced cardio prevention and longevity medicine for her patients and has been vegetarian her whole life. I have long been a guide and know how to hold safe space, encourage participation, and keep things moving with purpose.Tours led by experienced local guides who know the region.
❋ A Supportive SpaceWe have the whole olive oil plantation and all the rooms to ourselves to protect your peace. Our events prioritize comfort, safety, learning, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
Day One, Tuesday, November 10Arrive & Meet
Check in at 3pm. As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here. Transfer from Malaga included. Welcome and introductions at dinner.
Nestled in the tranquil countryside near the white village of Nigüelas, Alquería Los Lentos is a charming rural boutique retreat set in the lush Lecrín Valley, at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The property occupies a beautifully restored 16th-century flour mill, where historic features such as original grinding stones and irrigation channels evoke the building’s agricultural past. Surrounded by olive groves, fruit trees, and fragrant gardens, the hotel offers a peaceful atmosphere where nature, history, and slow living come together in harmony.
The intimate property features a small collection of tastefully decorated rooms and suites, some set within the historic mill and others scattered throughout the gardens and olive groves. Each space blends rustic Andalusian charm with modern comfort, often featuring fireplaces and warm natural materials that create a cozy, welcoming ambiance. Guests can unwind in the hammam, relax by the swimming pool or jacuzzi, stroll through the gardens, or enjoy seasonal cuisine in the restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients and regional flavors take center stage. With its serene setting and authentic character, Alquería Los Lentos offers an idyllic escape for travelers seeking relaxation and a genuine connection with the landscapes of southern Spain.
Day Two, Wednesday, November 11 Olive oil or “Liquid Gold:”
Learn about nuances, omegas, polyphenols and how to benefit.
Olive oil is one of the most treasured cultural and culinary legacies of southern Spain, particularly in the region of Andalusia. This immersive gastronomic experience invites you to discover the traditions, landscapes, and flavors behind this celebrated “liquid gold.” Throughout the journey, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, health benefits, and sensory richness of premium extra virgin olive oil while exploring the rural countryside surrounding Granada.
Your private guide and driver will pick you up directly from your hotel and accompany you to a picturesque white village set at the foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada. Here, you will discover one of the oldest irrigation systems in Europe, where historic acequias (traditional irrigation channels), reservoirs, mills, and cultivated fields reveal centuries of agricultural heritage. As you stroll through the village and its surrounding landscapes, you will learn about olive cultivation, the ideal soils and climate of the region, and the traditions that have shaped Andalusia’s thriving olive oil culture.
The visit continues at a family-run olive estate, where you will explore a centuries-old “Nazarí” olive grove, carefully preserved alongside newer varieties such as Lechín, Picual, and Hojiblanca. At the estate’s internationally awarded olive mill, you will discover every step of the production process—from harvesting to pressing—while learning how high-quality extra virgin olive oil (AOVE) is crafted with precision and care.
A guided olive oil tasting workshop will follow, allowing you to engage your senses as you learn how to recognize the aromas, flavors, and quality markers of exceptional oils. This sensory experience will reveal the many culinary uses and health benefits of olive oil while helping you distinguish truly superior varieties.
The experience concludes with a delightful and intimate farm-to-table meal at the family’s olive estate, Alquimia Verde. Hosted by José Manuel, his mother Natividad, and his wife Clara, you will be welcomed into their home to enjoy traditional Andalusian dishes prepared with olive oil as the central ingredient. All ingredients are seasonal, organic, and locally sourced, many coming directly from the family’s garden. Surrounded by the olive groves and warm hospitality of this Andalusian family, you will savor authentic regional flavors in a truly memorable setting.
Day Three, Thursday, November 12“Motion is Lotion” for our joints.
Being outdoors releases dopamine.
This gentle half-day walking experience invites you to discover the natural beauty of the Lecrín Valley, beginning in the charming white village of Nigüelas. Following the scenic La Pavilla Trail, the route unfolds through a peaceful rural landscape shaped by centuries-old irrigation channels, terraced orchards, and dramatic ravines. It is an easy and enjoyable walk, perfect for experiencing the countryside at a relaxed pace while admiring sweeping views of the valley and the nearby mountains of the Sierra Nevada.
Accompanied by a local host, you will begin the route near the village and follow a picturesque path running alongside an ancient acequia (traditional irrigation canal). Much of the trail gently traces this historic water system, sometimes crossing small walkways or hillside sections that reveal stunning viewpoints over the gorge of the Torrente River and the fertile orchards below. This ingenious irrigation network, developed centuries ago in southern Spain, continues to shape the landscape by directing mountain water to the valley’s fields and groves. The walk meanders through this serene environment before returning to Nigüelas, where its narrow streets and tranquil atmosphere provide the perfect conclusion to a refreshing experience in nature.
For those wishing to extend the day, the Lecrín Valley is also known as the “Route of the Orange Blossom”, where centuries-old olive trees from the Nazarí period create a unique ecosystem beneath their canopy, supporting orange, lemon, and almond trees along with vegetable gardens. Depending on the season, you may enjoy fresh oranges (February–May) or experience the fragrant bloom of orange blossoms (September–March), discovering the white villages of the valley and their welcoming communities.
Simple Ideas,
Big Impact.
Driven by curiosity on how to live our best lives and built on purpose, this is where simple but bold thinking meets thoughtful execution. Let’s create something meaningful together.
Day 4, Friday, November 13
The Magical Alhambra and Generalife with a Specialist
Explore the Alhambra palaces and the Generalife Gardens with this private tour, expertly guided by a seasoned local expert. This immersive experience transcends the ordinary, offering you a comprehensive journey into the heart of these iconic treasures.
Situated majestically atop a strategic hill, commanding panoramic views of the captivating city of Granada, the Alhambra citadel unfolds an enchanting ensemble of vibrant gardens and captivating palaces. These palatial wonders, the lone surviving royal residences of an Islamic dynasty from the Middle Ages, transport you to a world of refined oriental courtliness, where beauty transcends boundaries.
Your expert guide will skillfully reveal the intricate details, cultural nuances, and architectural marvels that characterize the palatial city constructed by the Nasrid sultans, the last Muslim dynasty of Spain (1238-1492).
Dive into the mesmerizing realm of the Nasrid Palaces, exploring the Meshwar, the administrative and political complex, the majestic Palace of Comares with its stunning Hall of the Throne, and the Edenic Palace of the Lions that faithfully recreate the imagery of the Quranic paradise.
As you meander through the Generalife Gardens, absorb the breath-taking views that once served as a retreat for Granada's sultans. Your guide will illuminate the design philosophy, the mathematical marvels, and the poetic metaphors intricately carved into the walls, showcasing the perfect symbolic fusion between nature and architecture.
With personalized insights and a profound understanding of the complex, your guide ensures a truly immersive and enlightening experience. They will unveil the secrets and stories that have sculpted the Alhambra and Generalife throughout the ages, leaving you with a profound appreciation for these historical gems.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited capacity within the monument, securing your tour well in advance is strongly recommended. Tickets for this UNESCO World Heritage site are personalized, requiring the full name and passport number of each participant during the booking process. It is essential for all visitors to present their valid and original passports (no photocopies) on the day of the visit. GRANADA EXCLUSIVE cannot be held responsible for any entry refusal to the Alhambra monument in the event of clients not having their passports on hand.
Tasting Supreme Olive Oils and Tapas at the Market
Embark on a sensory journey through the rich historical and culinary heritage of Andalusia, focusing on the liquid gold that is olive oil. Our immersive tour unfolds in the vibrant Granada central market, where your local guide will guide you through stalls adorned with regional products, setting the stage for a captivating exploration.
Seated at a table in a small gourmet spot, you'll delve into the fascinating and tasteful world of Andalusian olive oils. Andalusia proudly claims its position as the world's leading producer of this golden elixir, and our experience is a curated odyssey through the varieties of superb extra virgin olive oils originating from different provinces: Cordoba, Granada, Jaen, and Almería.
Prepare your palate for a remarkable tasting of up to six extra virgin olive oils, each celebrated among the best globally, having garnered awards in esteemed national and international competitions. From the milder to the most intense, this sensory journey traverses the diverse Andalusian geography, as reflected in its oils.
Guided by your knowledgeable host, you'll unravel the secrets of olive oil collection and processing, gaining a profound appreciation for the myriad benefits it brings to both palate and health. As you sip and savour, the complexities of this precious liquid gold will unfold, enhancing your understanding of its cultural significance.
To complement the olive oil experience, our tasting will be paired with an array of tapas and regional products sourced from the very market where we find ourselves. This culinary ensemble transforms our exploration into a gourmet lunch, allowing you to indulge in the flavours of Andalusia in a holistic and delightful manner. Join us on this flavourful expedition where history, culture, and gastronomy converge, offering you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the essence of Andalusia through its most cherished culinary treasure—olive oil.
Private Yoga Class at Alquería Los Lentos
Enjoy a deeply relaxing and personalized yoga session in the peaceful surroundings of Alquería Los Lentos. This exclusive one-hour class is hosted by a professional yoga instructor and designed entirely around your needs, level, and preferences—whether you are seeking gentle stretching, mindful breathing, restorative relaxation, or a more dynamic flow. Set in a serene natural environment, the experience offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your body and mind while embracing the calm energy of the Andalusian countryside.
This private session allows for complete flexibility and individual attention, ensuring a comfortable and tailored practice. The instructor will guide you through carefully selected postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises, creating a harmonious balance between movement and stillness. Ideal for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, this intimate yoga experience provides a moment of well-being, tranquility, and renewal in a truly inspiring setting.
Day Five, Saturday, November 14Checkout 8am. Breakfast included for your last meal in this paradise oasis.
Either Federico at Granada Exclusive can help arrange other parts of your tour if staying in the area or you can arrange on your own. I highly recommend visiting Cordoba and Sevilla if time allows.
Thank you for joining us on this journey toward health, hope, and harmony not only in our bodies but among the other wonderfully caring humans that inhabit this earth.
How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.