
24/08/2025
We all carry our own stories, different bodies, and unique backgrounds when arriving at a retreat. Ayurveda teaches us to honor that uniqueness by tuning into what our body and mind need in the moment—and what might not serve us.
But how do we approach this when a group of people gathers around the same table?
While constitutions differ, there’s one universal key we can always return to: digestion. When Agni (digestive fire) is supported, nutrients are absorbed, waste is eliminated, and ama ('toxins') don’t build up—so body and mind are nourished and filled with vibrant prana (life force).
When creating a retreat menu, I consider the purpose of the gathering. Yogis may need something different than athletes, for example. I also tune into the season.
Here in Spain, Vata season (cool, windy, rough) arrives in late autumn and continues through mid-winter. Then I focus on warming, oily, grounding meals to balance dryness and cold. From late winter into spring, Kapha qualities dominate, so lighter, cleansing, energizing dishes take the stage. And in our long summers, the focus shifts to cooling, grounding, yet easily digestible meals that help the body cope with the heat.
Whatever the season, I like to welcome guests with earthy dishes on arrival day—helping them gently land in the retreat space. And yes, I also love to sprinkle in a “cheat meal” or two—because retreats are also about letting go and enjoying. Think homemade pizza, a slice of cake, or a rich pasta dish… always paired with freshly brewed herbal tea to support digestion 🤓
I follow the natural daily rhythm: light mornings, a nourishing lunch as the main meal, and a gentle evening dinner. Everything I cook is made fresh, from scratch, full of prana. Spices are my medicine chest—supporting digestion and balancing the body in subtle, powerful ways.
At the heart of it, retreat food isn’t just about eating—it’s about nourishment, balance, and connection. If you’re planning a retreat in 2026, I’d be honored to craft a menu that supports your group’s journey. And to enrich the experience even further, I also offer practical Ayurveda workshops—so guests leave with tools they can carry into their life✨