our latest brochure as a PDF

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Spain’s leading centre for
personal development holidays
2016
finalCR2016_01-25_newyear.indd 1
16/12/2015 15:09
Early
Birds
Pay Less!
Pay a deposit six months
ahead and get £60 reduction – or three
months ahead for £30 off.
2
www.cortijo-romero.co.uk
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A real holiday...
A magnificent physical environment with the sunniest
climate in Europe, great people and a supportive
atmosphere where you can:
●
refresh and renew yourself
●
express the real you
●
explore your unique potentials
●
find new ways of relating
●
re-kindle the joys and excitement of living
– in what the National Geographic Magazine called
“one of the most inspiring and uplifting areas in
the world”.
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CONTENTS
ABOUT:
CORTIJO ROMERO
THE PROGRAMME
A Special Place
5
Introduction
13
A Rich Experience
6
Standard Course Weeks
14
A Unique Atmosphere
6
A Typical Day
14
Like-Minded People
6
What To Choose
15
How You Can Benefit
7
Longer Holidays Cheaper
15
Sampler Weeks
15
Optional Extras
15
AT :
CORTIJO ROMERO
Superb Climate
8
COURSES
Inspiring Location
9
Course Listings (by month)
See The Real Spain
9
La Roane Yoga & Activity Holidays
Healthy Food
10
Things To Buy
10
JOIN US
Comfortable Accommodation
11
Become a Friend of
Cortijo Romero
16 – 41
42
47
BOOKING
Hiring Cortijo Romero
For Your Own Events
43 – 44
Booking Form
45 – 46
Conditions
4
42
Practicalities
47
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CORTIJO ROMERO
A Special Place
This is a holiday centre like no other, nestled
among spectacular mountains in enclosed
gardens. Almost all visitors comment upon
its harmony, beauty and ambience. The
original farm house is built around an enclosed
courtyard, with the main group room opening
off it. It has a large flat roof, used for yoga, tai
chi and socialising.
The gardens are often used for course sessions,
as well as sunbathing, quiet times, reading and
games. There is also a beautiful meditation
room.
Dine on a delightful patio, relax in the lounge
and enjoy a roaring log fire on winter evenings.
Swim with the scent of jasmine in a pool
surrounded by mountains and palm trees.
As the area is completely private, swimming
costumes are optional.
The site is terraced, which adds to the charm but
may not be easy for those with severe physical
disabilities, although there are some ramps. We
will always help if we possibly can. Please ask if
in doubt.
The splendid gardens are filled with flowers and
fruit trees with intriguing scents and colours of
every hue.
This is not a hotel, but more like a large private
home, entirely devoted to alternative holidays.
It is truly unique, with a very special beauty.
What people say ...
“The idyllic setting, both within the grounds and in the
surrounding landscape, contribute an almost magical element to
the holiday experience.”
E.J.
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CORTIJO ROMERO
A Rich Experience
A Unique Atmosphere
Like-Minded People
Experience the delights of the surroundings,
with a course to help you appreciate them and
to express all that is in you – facilitated by some
of the finest group leaders from around the
world. There are up to 20 course hours in a
week, plus a variety of short complementary
sessions from dance, yoga, tai chi, meditation,
massage, life coaching and Spanish. A full-day
excursion to the mountains is an integral part
of the process too. Overall, our aim is to
provide nourishment for mind, body and spirit
– all combined with sharing and a sense of
community.
The most important thing for many people is
the intimate, supportive and hugely enjoyable
atmosphere for which we are famous. This
allows guests to feel safe and free to relax,
let go, experiment, take risks and show their
real selves.
Cortijo Romero attracts mainly solo holiday
makers, plus a few couples and friends. With a
maximum of 30 guests, ages range from 18 –
80. (The holidays are not suitable for children.)
Many guests have busy, demanding lives
whilst others may be going through unsettling
changes, or even be bored stiff! They share
many interests and values, especially in a search
for the authentic, meaningful and worthwhile
things in life, appreciating aspects of the Cortijo
Romero ethos such as:
There is a lot on offer but plenty of time is
available to rest, swim, walk, talk, explore the
area, meditate or just be, in this glorious and
peaceful oasis. People tend to completely lose
the urge to fill every moment with ceaseless
activity as soon as they arrive here.
Typical comments are:
“It is great to be away from
commercialism and in a more spiritual/
reflective and nurturing environment.”
Vanda Kvjatkovski
“A uniquely friendly and nurturing
atmosphere and attitude, which comes
from the staff; a sense of community”
Philippa Caithness.
In this atmosphere, groups of strangers
(although many are regular guests) rapidly
get beyond superficial relationships to make
real and meaningful contact. If you have never
been away on your own before, don’t worry,
you will soon feel part of it. A warm and
welcoming environment awaits you, offering
a service which combines human warmth
with efficiency; clear boundaries with freedom
and choice.
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“Warm-hearted, peaceful and caring
environment. I feel nourished,
replenished and challenged all at the
same time.”
Rafael Anderson
“Space and support to open up and
reconnect with myself and my
fellow travellers.”
Miles Bernie
Whether you are experienced or new to this type
of holiday, you’ll find plenty to nourish you. The
only qualifications to come are an open mind
and willingness to take part.
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CORTIJO ROMERO
How You Can Benefit
Take back far more than a suntan and
souvenirs and enjoy an experience that
many describe as “the best holiday of my life”.
Be nurtured and refreshed, find
new friends and a deeper sense
of yourself. Drop the role play and
the status games. Try things you
have never done before.
Understand life issues better.
Make decisions or life changes.
Develop more confidence,
feel more able to take risks and
be better able to go after your
dreams.
The more you put in, the more you’ll get
out. We’ll provide safety, support and a
rich variety of opportunities, in a magnificent
setting.
What people say ...
“A holiday at CR goes far, far beyond what any ordinary
holiday, no matter how enjoyable, can possibly give you.”
Rhiannon Chapman
life you want!
e
h
t
Live
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CORTIJO ROMERO
Superb Climate
Summer
Summer is effectively from early May to
the end of September – and often through
October. It’s hot, especially in July and
August, although tempered by breezes from
the sea and mountains. During this period,
Cortijo Romero and its pool form a shady
green oasis in the midst of shimmering, dry
heat, when a factor 20 sun cream and a
long siesta can seem essential. Swimming is
usually from April to October, although some
people go in all year round. Whatever the
time of year, it’s a wonderful place to sit and
sunbathe.
With 325 days of sun each year,
low humidity and little rain, this is
the mildest climate in Europe, where
much of life is lived in the open air.
Spring
Almond blossom is already out in January
and by mid-February spring is well under way.
In March and April, temperatures are often
up to midsummer ones in northern Europe.
Nature runs riot, with its huge variety of flora
and fauna reaching its peak in May and June.
Autumn
…is warm and mellow, often continuing
almost to the end of the year; November
temperatures can be up to those of May in
northern Europe; a perfect time for walking in
the surrounding mountains.
Winter
…lasts no more than two months. Lunch al
fresco can happen even in January and some
gentle sunbathing is often possible. In the
strong and brilliant sunshine, it frequently
feels warmer outdoors than in; some flowers
bloom throughout.
CORTIJO ROMERO
Average Maximum Temperatures ºC
LONDON
35
30
25
20
15
10
0
8
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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CORTIJO ROMERO
Inspiring Location
Our spectacular region is called La Alpujarra,
an unspoiled Natural Park in the foothills of
the Sierra Nevada, deep in the south of Spain.
Its skies are officially rated as the cleanest in
Europe. Part of the area has been designated
a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, with many
unique or rare species.
Cortijo Romero sits at 1300 feet in a fertile
valley, within an 800-year old olive grove,
surrounded by magnificent mountain views.
(And not only in daytime: watching the stars
over the mountains at midnight from the roof is
a magical experience!)
Our local town is Órgiva, the regional
administrative centre, a 15-minute walk away.
It has a typical weekly market, banks and all
basic shopping facilities. Further up in the
mountains is a string of wonderful villages
(many protected from development by special
status), tucked into sheltered hillsides amidst
glorious scenery at heights up to 5700 feet.
See The Real Spain
Each week includes a full day out, usually up to
the mountain villages where you can sample a
very different way of life, explore the marvellous
countryside, picnic or swim in wild mountain
streams. (Bathing under waterfalls is a favourite
summer sport here!)
MADRID
SPAIN
GRANADA
MALAGA
ALMERIA
CORTIJO ROMERO
Here in the real Andalucía, the duende (spirit)
of passionate living is revered. It was once ruled
by the Moors, who thought it was the paradise
promised to them by Allah. Part of their legacy
is the acequia, an ancient system of irrigation
that still brings water from the mountains
to our gardens and fields. Nearby, Granada
has the finest Moorish palace and gardens in
Europe, the breathtaking Alhambra – one of the
wonders of the world.
In the afternoons (or at weekends if you stay
for two weeks) you can walk or organise your
own excursions – although we strongly suggest
that you take things easy and don’t try to pack
in too much.
Recommended Reading:
Gerald Brenan’s classic South From Granada
(Penguin) gives an excellent idea of the area
and its history.
What people say ...
“I loved the day out – its variety; the journey up the gorge; the
shopping opportunity; the Bodega; the walk and pools.” Ray Charlton
Driving Over Lemons, The Parrot In The
Pepper Tree and The Almond Blossom
Appreciation Society (Penguin) by Chris
Stewart, are more recent accounts.
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CORTIJO ROMERO
Healthy Food
Things To Buy
All the food is vegetarian, using as much local
and organic produce as possible. It’s a diet
suited to the environment – delicious, varied,
nourishing and much appreciated by our guests,
including meat-eaters. There are free 24-hour
facilities for tea, coffee, herb teas, filtered water,
fruit and biscuits. Some guests choose to eat out
once or twice to sample the local fare.
Traditional local products include particularly
attractive rugs and pottery made in the
mountain villages. Delicious and unusual foods
are also available, including a ‘cheese’ made
from almonds; pollen preparations; and many
cakes and sweetmeats based on preserved figs
and other fruit. Local olive oil is excellent and the
wine distinctive, but by far the most famous local
drink is water! (The spa at Lanjarón, a delightful
town close by, is the most important in Spain.)
For meat-eaters, the cured hams produced in the
mountains are a national treasure.
We can supply vegan, dairy-free and wheatfree diets, as well as some medically-prescribed
ones (not ‘fashion’ diets) at a charge of £17 per
week, booked before you travel.
What our guests say about the food:
“Some of the best food you could
hope for anywhere. Every meal was
delicious.”
John Francis
“Excellent – to die for! Quantity
and quality. Creative, imaginatively
presented and tasty. Best vegetarian
food that I have ever eaten.”
Nina Frecknall
10
Our on-site shop is a treasure trove of jewellery,
ceramics, stained glass, art, soap, tea, raw
chocolate and more – all handmade by local
artists and crafts people.
Prices Include: Accommodation in twin
room; all meals; hot drinks, filtered water,
biscuits and fruit; the course; a dance session;
yoga or tai chi and a full day’s excursion.
Prices are valid until our next brochure,
due 01/09/2016.
Not Included: Travel to Spain; transfers
Malaga – Cortijo Romero – Malaga;
insurance; single room supplements; wine,
beer or bottled water; special diets; individual
sessions of massage; extra excursions.
16/12/2015 15:09
CORTIJO ROMERO
Comfortable
Accommodation
The bedrooms are simply but comfortably
furnished in local style, all with shower or
bath and central heating in winter.
Single supplement £100. (Double and twin
rooms sometimes let as singles, supplement
£140). There are four locations:
● Around the main group room and
pool area, opening on to a traditional
Spanish courtyard or garden terraces.
Best for those who stay up late, as this
area is a main one for socialising.
● In the orchard. (Doubles, sometimes let
as singles; quiet and separate.)
● Around a central garden courtyard
(Mostly quiet, with a mixture of single
and twin rooms.)
● Opening onto a second secluded
courtyard and shady garden. Very quiet,
all singles.
What people say ...
“I have been to many other lovely places but this is by far the
best overall, e.g., place, atmosphere, staff, accommodation, etc,
in relation to cost” Angelika Weinrich
There is a guest laundry. No television,
radio, internet or office facilities (internet
café in town).
Smoking: Spanish law does not allow
smoking, including electronic cigarettes,
in common spaces (indoors or out) nor in
bedrooms. There is a pleasant outdoor
space that you are welcome to use.
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THANK YOU
“This week has exceeded my
expectations and has been very
good value for money. It is clearly a
‘learning organisation’ which seems
to constantly use feedback and
guest response to refine, refresh and
‘grow’ its offering and delivery. It is
a ‘mature’ centre that benefits from
years of input, experience and is rich
in resources at all levels.
I particularly liked the meditation
room where there is a beautiful
peace to be found. The energy and
atmosphere here are special and very
therapeutic. I came here tired and
depleted as I have two demanding
jobs and loved being nurtured,
pampered and enabled to appreciate
the full cupboard of life. The gardens
are a particular delight.
12
Thank you also for the gift of beautiful
weather! This place works well with
nature and its local community. It is
an open system, not a foreign capsule
planted in a strange environment.
While English owned, it is Spanish
in its flavour. I felt like a guest not a
tourist, welcomed and looked after by
a genuine host. The fact that people
who work here have lives and work
elsewhere is important. This is a living
place with an in breath and out breath.
I got more than I expected on many
levels and am returning to the UK
refreshed and lighter. I hope the
photos I load on to my computer will
remind me of the peace and ease of
this place.”
Chrissy Ogilvie
16/12/2015 15:09
THE PROGRAMME
People frequently say they’ve had their best holiday ever at
Cortijo Romero and we plan to keep it that way.
So what part do the courses play in it all?
Firstly, they help participants get beyond superficial
relationships and to enrich and deepen the whole holiday
experience. Then there are three strands in our approach:
Celebration
of yourself, others, society, culture, nature,
the universe – simply enjoying life.
Personal growth activities to help you find and express
your potentials.
Therapy
to deal with anything which is blocking
the first two.
Most courses and workshops focus on
celebration and personal growth, with a few
on therapy. Whatever the primary focus, it is
nearly always necessary to spend some time
on all three aspects – especially celebration,
so that you can...
L
life y
e
h
t
ive
ou want!
The holidays include either tai chi or yoga,
expressive dance, songs, walking, Spanish
lessons and a full day’s excursion. Three or
four types of optional extra individual sessions
are available every week (see page 15).
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THE PROGRAMME
Standard Course Weeks
Most holidays are of this type, with 18–20 hours
of course or workshop time. They are for people
who want to learn, grow and move forward –
and can be life-changing. Usually up to 22
participants; a few work well with up to 30,
sub-divided at times, with two staff.
Far more group leaders want to work at Cortijo
Romero than we have space for, so we are able
to choose only the best, including some of the
world’s finest. They have brief biographies in
this brochure. More details are on our web site or
can be sent on request.
We create a highly supportive atmosphere to
help things unfold naturally, in an engaging,
enjoyable and rewarding environment.
The courses involve a lot of interaction between
participants, each contributing to the success
of the whole. This process can never be entirely
predictable and there needs to be a willingness
for everyone to take their share of responsibility
for it. What you get out is usually a product of
what you put in – no risk, no gain!
They can also help you to better understand
and deal with (or heal) some of the things which
may be holding you back: distress, blockages,
attitudes, life problems, etc. These are not
14
A Typical Day
usually the primary focus and are only dealt
with if and when they become an issue for you.
However, willingness to face and work with
this ‘dark side’ is usually necessary to reach
the joy and light beyond. This can be a deeply
rewarding experience, freeing the energy you
need to enlighten your life. With skilled help and
support, all is possible.
Benefits from the courses are extremely
varied. You might improve your ability to ask
confidently for what you want; appreciate
nature in a deeper way; sing, dance or play
freely; give and receive love; deal with fears or
life problems; relate more easily; express yourself
creatively; or just slow down, relax and meditate.
The possibilities are unlimited, ranging from
being simply enjoyable to truly life-changing.
Cortijo Romero is a centre for personal growth,
not a hotel, so the course is a key part of
most holidays. Participants get to know each
other quickly, often at quite a deep level,
which can leave you feeling out of things if
you don’t attend (quite apart from missing
the possible benefits of the course itself). If
you have plenty of relevant experience, nonparticipation in the course is possible but
please let us know in advance (The cost is
the same).
08.30 – 09.00
Yoga or Tai Chi
(one each week)
09.00 – 09.45
Breakfast
09.45 – 10.00
Meeting
10.00 – 10.25
Spanish lesson
10.30 – 13.30
Course group session
13.30 – 14.30
Lunch
14.30 – 18.00
Free time
18.00 – 19.00
Course group session.
(Alternatively, this may be
in the evening.)
Some days have an optional
extra session – usually
expressive dance or a
Spanish song performance.
19.30 – 20.30
20.30 – late
Dinner
Free time
(or short group session).
Groups assemble on the first evening of
the holiday, so most people travel on that
day. Return travel is usually around 08.30
on the last morning.
16/12/2015 15:09
THE PROGRAMME
What To Choose
Sampler Weeks
Optional Extras
If you are not sure which weeks will suit you,
we can help you make a choice – or you might
like one that offers a variety of approaches.
Call us for advice or log onto our website (www.
cortijo-romero.co.uk), where courses can be
selected under categories such as Bodywork;
Varied; Psychological; Nature and Outdoors, etc.
For those who don’t want a course devoted to
a single topic or method, we offer others which
have a variety, sometimes including extra
excursions.
You can book from a range of healing and
developmental methods on the spot, with
professional practitioners who have long
and deep experience. Three or four are
available most weeks, usually:
You can also stay on after any course at reduced
rates, just to relax and enjoy the place and its
facilities, provided that we are not fully booked.
Longer Holidays
CHEAPER
Add a consecutive week and get...
£150 OFF
£60 OFF
6 February to 12 March
‘Being Here’ weeks offer a variety of typical
Cortijo Romero activities. Half are provided by
one of our most experienced course leaders,
who also offers a daily point of contact, provides
continuity throughout the week and helps
participants build a programme that responds
to their interests. Further sessions are offered by
some of our resident staff.
The Open Space has no pre-set course. Instead,
participants organise their own programme for
the week, with help as needed from our resident
staff.
The Discovery Week offers an excellent
introduction, not just to Cortijo Romero course
activities but also the glories of its region.
Brian Barnes:
Thai Yoga, Relaxing
Massage and Reiki
Brenda Blades:
Aroma Therapy
Massage
Mick Soar:
Shiatsu (Japanese
Massage)
Maggie Whiteley: ‘Insights’ (structured
counselling) and Life
Coaching
Reserves: When a regular practitioner is
on holiday or unavailable, other equally
experienced ones take their place.
Most sessions cost 40€ per hour.
As on all our holidays, sampler weeks also have
pre-breakfast sessions of yoga or tai chi (not
both); a whole-day excursion and a session of
expressive dance.
Weeks starting 16 April
to 24 September
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JANUARY–FEBRUARY
January 3rd – 10th
January 10th – 23th
Working Holiday
Closed
Philip Davies
January 23rd – 30th
January 30th – February 6th
Winter Walking
Paul and Fiona Primarolo
A very cheap holiday helping us to maintain our high
standards.
Private Booking
Sunny days in mild winter weather and log fires at
night - invigorating!
While briefly closed after New Year, there is still lots
of activity at Cortijo Romero. Anything that does not
move may be cleaned and/or painted, the pool drained
and cleaned and all kinds of repairs done to generally
restore and improve the facilities. Our mountainside
tree plantation may also need attention.
Detox International
Explore this beautiful and inspiring region where
winter is like April in England. Discover the magic of
the Alpujarras, walking the valleys and mountains,
following footpaths, ancient drovers’ roads and old
Moorish trade routes. See the typical irrigation channels
(acequias) and terraces, with flat-roofed houses in
beautiful villages perched on the sides of mountains.
For details, see www.detox-international.com
You may help with any of these tasks for four hours a
day, cook for yourselves, have the run of the place and
enjoy the fabulous environment the rest of the time.
Philip has been a volunteer at Cortijo Romero and two
similar centres, so he has an excellent knowledge of what
it takes to make such places run well. This is his third year
leading this week, generating a great team spirit, fun
in work, satisfying achievements and enjoyable holiday
activities.
Price: £235 (N.B. No earlybird discounts)
Daily walks will vary in length and effort required,
emphasising relaxation and enjoyment. The weather
should be good for walking, with some sunshine
and the warmth of log fires to return to – or you can
star-gaze on the cleanest skies in Europe. If you have
enjoyed walking with Paul on our excursions and would
like to do more, here is your opportunity!
Paul and Fiona have lived and farmed in the area for many
years and share their love of it through their Bootlace
Holidays. They have a deep knowledge of the mountains,
their flora and fauna. Paul collects most of our guests from
Malaga and is our regular excursion guide. Fiona is also a
popular cook. (Se habla español.)
Email: [email protected]
www.bootlace.com
What people say ...
Price: £610
“Cortijo Romero lovingly transforms me into the best version of
myself; open, creative, loving and brave.”
Laura Pickerill
16
BOOK TWO CONSECUTIVE WEEKS STARTING 30-01 – 12/03, GET £150 DISCOUNT.
16/12/2015 15:09
FEBRUARY
February 6th – 13th
The Open Space
Go With The Flow
Spring Awakening
Cortijo Romero staff
Amanda Brown
Maggie (Star) Whiteley
Use your own recipe for making the most of Cortijo
Romero
Feeding and nourishing your life
Looking inwards and outwards to new possibilities
Learn creative practices that make us truly present in
our lives, with others and with our own inner voice.
Some life changes are big, dramatic and easy to spot;
we know exactly what is being asked of us. Others
that beckon may be more subtle, like delicate spring
shoots. At such times, we need to pay close and loving
attention, in order to discern what action, if any, we
need to take.
With snow on the distant mountains but many sunny
days in the sheltered valleys, February is usually an
invigorating time here. Come and build a truly restful
and refreshing programme together, making use of the
wonderful environment, a wide variety of resources and
the warmest winter climate in Europe.
Many of our regular activities will be available – yoga,
tai chi, dance, song, music, meditation, counselling,
coaching, massages, walks, personal development
groups, story-telling, lazing around log fires – or you
might also want to offer something to other guests – a
song, a poem, any kind of activity. There are plenty
of art materials, books, hi-fi equipment and discs,
instruments, board games and more.
Granada? Local history and culture? Then again, just
doing nothing and resting afterwards is also just fine!
It’s up to you and your fellow guests, with guidance
from our staff.
Price: £520
The days will be a mixture of light-hearted fun and
deep listening together in a supportive group where
we’ll be encouraged to go with the flow and respond
spontaneously and creatively to ourselves and each
other.
We will spend time finding free flow movement,
deepening mindful awareness, using postural
integration and relaxation techniques, voice-work,
collage and improvised reflections using Playback
Theatre forms.
This course is an opportunity to create together and
individually, being true to oneself whilst receiving life’s
infinite gifts that are all around us and within us.
Amanda is a professional dancer, choreographer, “Playback
Theatre” practitioner and teacher of integrative bodywork.
She is the artistic director for Mirror Mirror Playback Theatre
Company and Tarte Noire Women’s Playback Theatre, as
well as a lead artist for Moveable Feast Workshop Company
– a collaborative participatory arts collective.
Here, spring has already started – a good time to
consider the nature of what is emerging within and
around us. We’ll pay deep attention to the lessons of
nature and contemplate our inner landscapes to see
what is emerging from dormancy there; perhaps a
gentle leaning towards a new way of behaving, inspired
by a deeper inner wisdom; maybe a long held dream’s
time has finally come.
We’ll let our creative juices flow; writing, drawing,
sharing, dancing, laughing. Expect to return home filled
with hope and purpose for what is next in your life!
Maggie is a powerful coach and educator with a passion for
lifelong learning and experience of a wide range of group
methods. She has lived near Cortijo Romero for many years
and was its director in its early days. (Se habla español.)
www.playbacktheatre-sw.co.uk
www.maggiewhiteley.com
Price: £610
Price: £610
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16/12/2015 15:09
FEBRUARY–MARCH
February 27th – March 5th
March 5th – 12th
March 12th – 19th
The De-Stress Effect
Spring Into Life
Meaningful Living
Charlotte Watts
Nigel Shamash
Javier Rodriguez
Release and contentment through mindful yoga and
nutrition
Renew yourself, in tune with the season
Holistic tools for everyday life
Live life to the full, cherishing each moment and
renewing your passion for life! A mixed bag of activities
with special emphasis on singing and yoga.
One of today’s greatest challenges is how to stay
aware of and “in tune” with our bodily felt experiences,
our open heart and inner wisdom, while engaged in a
busy world. Living out of touch with what is real and
authentic within us carries a great cost, sapping life of
vitality, meaning, sense of purpose and joy.
● Feel the effects that your own challenges have left
and meet how your stresses are showing in your body
● Protect yourself from the effects of stress, through
an explorative yoga practice, body awareness,
mindfulness and nutritional choices
● Be whole again – calmer, more able to cope and
free from stress-related symptoms such as anxiety,
depression, insomnia, IBS, weight gain and skin
issues.
The background science is explained in a palatable
way to help you understand your own cravings and
responses, create new habits, adapt and become more
resilient to life’s pressures. Through guided practice you
will feel, rather than think your way to calm, happiness
and health. The course is based on Charlotte’s latest
book, The De-Stress Effect. On booking, you can buy it
at a reduced rate if you wish to read it beforehand.
Charlotte is an award-winning Nutritional Therapist, Yoga
Teacher and author. She currently teaches for Yoga Campus,
runs many classes elsewhere, lectures for The Minded
Institute and writes for Om Magazine, Healthista and What
Doctors Don’t Tell You.
The singing will be mostly informal, with no pressure
to perform: “non-singers” are welcome. There will be
daily yoga sessions before dinner, with an emphasis
on breathing, relaxation, chanting and meditation,
rather than on physical exertion. Dance, massage, chi
kung, ‘laughter therapy’ will be included according to
the needs of the group, leaving time also for glorious
springtime walks in Europe’s warmest climate.
Nigel was the founder of Cortijo Romero and now runs a
smaller programme at his house in France. He has had a
profound interest in all aspects of the spiritual path for over
35 years. With great warmth and energy, he brings a light
touch and a sense of humour. (Se habla español.)
www.nigelshamash.com
Price: £620
www.charlottewattshealth.com
We’ll explore a holistic set of tools that can be
integrated into our everyday life, to cultivate being fully
Present. As an inner compass, this will show us when
we are “in tune” or not, helping us to orientate our
inner and outer life towards what is essential, real and
meaningful.
The tools include grounding, intentional silence,
meditation, somatic tracking, self inquiry and self
awareness through movement. These will enable us to
develop and deepen our full selves, our connection with
each other and with the world in which we live.
Javier has an M.A. in Psychology and in-depth trainings
in different approaches to personal development and
transpersonal psychology. He has been a workshop leader,
therapist and coach, for twenty years – five of them in
charge of the Membership Programme in the renowned
Findhorn Foundation. (Se habla español.)
Price: £620
Price: £620
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BOOK TWO CONSECUTIVE WEEKS STARTING 26/03 – 29/10, GET £60 DISCOUNT.
16/12/2015 15:09
MARCH–APRIL
March 19th – 26th
March 26th – April 2nd
March 26th – April 2nd
Private Booking
Express Yourself
Easter Walking
Detox International
Diane Samuels
Writing From Your True Core
Get Spring in your legs!
Whether you are looking for creative inspiration or wish
to use writing as a tool for personal exploration and
growth, this course offers the opportunity to connect
more spontaneously with your true core as a source of
authentic expression.
A mixture of easier walks and mountain hikes taking
in some of the sights and pageant of Holy week in
southern Spain. As always, we’ll also visit some of the
beautiful mountain villages of the area.
Writer Diane Samuels brings many years of experience
in her own personal and professional practice to
offer a wide range of activities, including free-flow
and stream of consciousness writing, role play,
dialogues, monologues, word collage, story-telling and
visualisation.
Diane’s career spans over twenty years and includes the
award-winning play “Kindertransport”. As well as writing
for the stage and radio she has taught creative writing all
her adult life alongside stints as Pearson Creative Research
Fellow at the British Library and has recently collaborated
with musicians on two full length musicals.
www.dianesamuels.com
Price: £630
April brings the fragrant spring flowers and blossom,
while the backdrop of the peaks of the stunning
Sierra Nevada is still lined with snow. Migratory birds
arrive from Africa: swallows and colourful bee-eaters
skim the tree tops, while the calls of the golden oriole
and cuckoo can be heard. The willows lining streams
and tumbling mountain rivers provide shelter for the
nightingales.
With walks to delight, tasty picnics and convivial
evening meals, what better way to celebrate the arrival
of the new season?
years and share their love of it through their Bootlace
Malaga and is our regular excursion guide. Fiona is also
www.bootlace.com
Price: £630
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16/12/2015 15:09
APRIL
April 2nd – 9th
April 9th – 16th
April 9th – 16th
Move With Ease – The Feldenkrais
Method®
Private Booking
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Teen Yoga
Alison Armstrong
Teen Yoga organises courses for teenagers and their
parents – sometimes in school and sometimes, as in this
case, together on holiday.
Open to all. Content equivalent to full 8-week parttime course
www.teenyoga.co.uk
Mindfulness has gained huge support over the
past decade as research confirms how effective it
can be for psychological wellbeing, for managing
emotional distress, unhappiness, anxiety, depression,
relationships and parenting – as well as assisting
with physical health conditions such as stress, weight
and pain management. It is now also being used
in the workplace. Mindfulness builds resilience,
resourcefulness and is fast becoming a necessary
addition to our personal and professional development,
and to our approach to life.
This is the complete mindfulness-based stress reduction
programme (MBSR), equivalent to the standard 8-week
course – with a great holiday thrown in! It includes
guided practices and exercises to explore what it means
to be mindful and to experience each moment of our
lives. You will gain sufficient knowledge and practice of
mindfulness to take it into your everyday life for your
long-term well-being. It may also be applicable as a
pre-cursor for further mindfulness-based training.
20
Tina Lehmbeck
“...to make the impossible possible, the possible easy
and the easy elegant”
The Feldenkrais Method® is a unique way to let go of
old patterns, explore new ways of being and realise
our potential more fully through gentle movement,
suitable for all ages and abilities.
Group lessons and partner work develop and deepen
awareness of how you are in your body, how you move,
and what you find easy or challenging. Explore new
movement patterns that may work better for you;
release muscle tension and stress, ease chronic pain;
breathe more easily and feel more grounded and
balanced.
The movements take place lying on the floor, sitting,
standing and walking. Different areas and functions
of the body are explored, including breathing, the
shoulders, neck and upper body, the spine, hips, pelvis
and limbs. Gentle touch aids self-awareness.
“Movement is life. Life is a process. Improve the quality of
the process and you improve the quality of life itself.”
Alison is an experienced mindfulness and yoga teacher, and
has completed a pioneering research PhD on mindfulness
and its link to sustainability.
Tina trained in massage and deep bodywork and as a
Feldenkrais practitioner. She teaches internationally,
believing that everyone has the potential to move more
easily and freely, whatever their starting point.
www.presentminds.org
Price: £630
Price: £630
16/12/2015 15:09
APRIL
April 16th – 23rd
April 16th – 23rd
April 23rd – 30th
Five Rhythms Dance And Creativity
Mindful Photography
The Gift: Being Man, Being Woman
Dilys Morgan Scott
Ken Scott
Jan Day
A moving journey through “The Wave”
Rediscover the joy of seeing!
Exploring the 5 rhythms catalyses change, encourages
release and increases self-awareness. Each rhythm is
a teacher, a quality of energy and a place to explore
patterns held in the body and to release them. Together
they are called The Wave.
By experiencing fully, we can rediscover the beauty
in everyday things around us. By being mindful and
immersing ourselves in our surroundings, photographs
flow to us; there are pictures in everything. When you
see something, learn to ask ‘what stopped me’ and
to REALLY see what is there for what it is, without
judgement. Making the photograph is just the final
step.
Love your being, life and relationships – free of selflimiting patterns
They stir, express, reveal, inspire and are available to
everyone who is prepared to move and be moved. This
process grounds the body, opens the heart, stills the
mind, embodies spirit and invites soulful expression,
always gently.
After the dance is the poetry, the art and the theatre –
creative expression to reveal ourselves. Whilst the work
is profound and soulful, it is also simple, authentic and
often humorous; available to everyone.
Dilys has been a trained teacher of the “5 Rhythms” work of
Gabrielle Roth for over twenty years. She has developed her
work and travelled throughout Britain and Europe, sharing
and learning about the healing process of movement and
dance – available to everyone.
www.soulwindows.co.uk
Price: £630
Our camera work can be a joyful and therapeutic
pastime in itself, allowing us to express ourselves
and ideas in new and individual ways. Lightness and
spontaneity in will be key.
Suitable for all abilities and with any camera. If a
beginner, we will encourage you to see with fresh eyes,
learning the principles of visual design and camera
control as you go. (A basic knowledge of exposure and
depth of field would be an advantage.) For seasoned
enthusiasts, a fresh outlook could start a whole new
phase in your work.
Ken has been a photographer for 35 years. His approach to
photography is very simple; it is about experiencing, feeling,
sensing and responding to any environment. He is an
Associate of the Royal Photographic Society and works with
photographers as a coach.
www.touchingthelight.co.uk
A carefully guided journey back through your
significant relationships to the start of your life. It‘s
designed to restore and awaken inner resources that
you have lost or put to sleep as you grew up, and to
help you learn to enjoy your life and relationships free
of the influence of old patterns. This offers a way to
experience and appreciate the gift of your unique being
as man or woman and to bring more joy and ease into
your connections with others.
Methods includes guided journeys and processes; touch
and nurturing physical contact with others; trance;
guided meditations; circle work and dance. How far
and how deeply you travel is up to you. The course is a
way to come to love your being as man or woman and
to live more fully every day. It can help you to make
fundamental changes and to create your life anew.
Jan is an Art of Being® teacher, coach and mediator
offering workshops focused on intimacy, sexuality,
relationships, forgiveness, self-acceptance and life vision.
Working extensively in Europe and Hawaii, she is held in
high regard for her compassion, integrity and insight.
www.janday.com
Price: £630
Price: £630
Early Bird Prices:
£600 (booked before 16/01/16)
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Price:
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16/12/2015 15:09
APRIL–MAY
April 23rd – 30th
April 30th – May 7th
April 30th – May 7th
The Essence Of Healing
Yoga And Meditation
Untangling Your Life
Thomas Warrior
Andrea Newman
Ed Rowland
Tools for a balanced and peaceful life
For Health and Harmony
Are you yearning to understand the true causes of
illness and suffering and to learn tools that promote
profound healing? Longing for a more balanced life and
inner peace?
Would you like to:
Explore and resolve personal, family and vocational
issues with the powerful Constellations approach
We’ll blend the simple yet powerful hands-on healing
techniques of Polarity Energy Balancing with teachings
and practices drawn from Tibetan Buddhism, creating
a gentle healing environment to explore the art of
healthy and loving relationships with ourselves and the
world around us.
Methods include ‘just being’ meditation, visualisations
and mantras, t’ai chi breathing and partner exercises,
as well as meditation in nature. We’ll explore the
healing power of the group, cultivate qualities of
compassion and wisdom, and learn how to conduct
polarity healing sessions. Whether a beginner or
experienced healer, join us on this sacred journey into
its essence.
Thomas has 30 years’ experience in holistic health care in
the U.K. and abroad. He has a successful naturopathic clinic
and also leads sacred journeys and pilgrimages to Nepal,
Tibet and India. His teachers include the Dalai Lama and
other Tibetan Lamas.
www.bioresonance-scotland.com
Price: £630
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move more fluidly
be comfortably upright
let go of held areas of your body
improve your posture
be more relaxed and less stressed
learn ways to realise all these and more?
Enjoy how body movement and the quiet stillness
of meditation bring flow and balance into your life.
Explore how you inhabit and experience your body.
Develop a more relaxed awareness of your body’s
movements using yoga postures. Find more grace,
poise and good health.
Breathing and walking are our most frequently
repeated movements. They make a big impact on
body structures and postures, so there will be practice
in doing both in a way that suits your uniqueness.
Breathing will also be used as an aid to meditation.
Yoga will be complemented with aspects of the (much
newer!) body re-education approach called Rolfing.
Andrea taught yoga since 1994 and trains yoga teachers
through The British Wheel of Yoga. She was trained as a
rolfer at the European Rolfing Association and was founding
Director of The British Academy of Rolfing.
www.yogaandrolfing.co.uk
In a safely supportive environment, Systemic
Constellations offer a profound methodology that
enables us to find the healing movement or resolution
to complex or sometimes seemingly intractable
personal issues. These issues may arise from family,
relationship, career or existential and spiritual
difficulties.
We’ll work together to support our wellbeing in the
various groups (or ‘systems’) to which we belong. We
will explore the forces that underpin healthy, loving
connection and look at how key events and traumas
in previous generations may be affecting our lives and
relationships today. We will work together to restore
peaceful purpose and gentle life-loving connections.
The non-profit Centre for Systemic Constellations (CSC), is
the leading UK provider of such methods, which are among
the most important innovations of recent times for handling
difficult human issues. Ed is one of its Directors and a
leading British practitioner for both personal and leadership
work; for over 16 years leading groups and helping people
find and unfold their unique creative potential. Previously,
he was a barrister, theatre actor and psychotherapist.
www.centreforsystemicconstellations.com
Price: £650
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
22
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Price:
16/12/2015 15:09
MAY
May 7th – 14th
May 7th – 14th
May 14th – 21st
Sing Your Heart Out!
The Discovery Week
Step Into Summer
Roxane Smith
Trevor Taylor
...together in sumptuous harmony
A great way to get to know Cortijo Romero’s
activities and its fabulous environment
A glorious time to walk in magnificent mountain
country!
Firstly, there will be excursions to wonderful, unspoilt
mountain villages and the fabled city of Granada.
Secondly, a sample of typical Cortijo Romero courses, to
try out as the fancy takes you: yoga, tai chi, song, dance
and some easy-going development groups.
Our routes take in the peace of high meadows and
pastures watered by Arab irrigation channels, as well
as the local colour of the mountain villages. The new
leaves of Pyrenean oak and chestnut give shade and
freshness to hillside walks. Cherries load roadside
orchards and the air is scented everywhere with all
the different varieties of broom found in the Sierra
Nevada. We see shepherds on their way to summer
grazing and pass sheepfolds of ewes and lambs, nanny
goats and kids.
We’ll learn to sing together in an effortless and fun
way, with luscious songs in beautiful rich harmony as
well as upbeat, funky ones; enjoying getting to know
our own voices (and each other) in a relaxed and
supportive environment.
No need to read music; all songs are taught by ear,
with each session tailored to individual needs. No solo
singing unless desired.
We’ll enjoy a wide range of styles and influences from
Bulgarian harmony to the Beach Boys, from African
songs to a-capella pop songs. For those who love to
sing – whether you think you can or not – and to share
the joy and pleasure with others!
Roxane has been running harmony singing groups for
longer than she’ll admit to! She has a laid-back style,
infectious enthusiasm and loves sharing a wealth of
gorgeous songs with new people. She has run a group in
West Wales for over 14 years and co-runs “Sing for Water”, a
700 strong choir that sings on the bank of the River Thames,
raising money for Water Aid.
www.harmonyjunky.co.uk
Price: £650
Thirdly, enjoy our superb gardens and pool, with nature
truly bursting out and looking its most beautiful.
Not least, let our excellent masseurs and life coach help
you gently into better shape.
Perhaps the most important thing for many is simply
to relax into a different world where real human values
and relationships flourish and the frenetic pace of life
is slowed. Try it the Spanish way, with long leisurely
lunches and good conversation, followed by a siesta
before surfacing to sample more delights.
Optional extras will include the occasional meal out.
Trevor was our resident tai chi and chi gong teacher for
many years. He ran an organic farm, played in a local band
and has an intimate knowledge of the area.
Start summer with this refreshing week of walks to suit,
al fresco picnics and good company!
years and now share their love of it through their Bootlace
Malaga and is our regular excursion guide. Fiona is also a
www.bootlace.com
Price: £650
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Price:
23
16/12/2015 15:09
MAY
May 14th – 21st
May 21st – 28th
May 21st – 28th
Life Stories
The Roots of Happiness
The Garden Of The Heart
Jamie and Sarah Jauncey
Judi Ledward
Beverley A’Court
Releasing creativity and becoming more fully You
“The very source of all happiness is your being-ness;
be there!” – Nisargadatta Maharaj
Art, mindfulness and communion with nature
We welcome anyone who would like space and time
to look at their life stories – reflect on the changes and
challenges they face, and explore new and creative
ways of making inner connections and relating to
others.
We use story in the sense of personal narrative - your
experiences, what you know about yourself and where
you come from, how you find meaning in these stories.
This is not about creative writing or storytelling, but
we use elements of both as tools to gain insight and
discover more about who we are.
We encourage you to explore your stories in a playful
and imaginative way – and we hope you’ll have fun
and leave feeling enriched and expanded!
Jamie has published several novels, sits on the board of the
Edinburgh International Book Festival and is co-founder
of The Dark Angels programme of creative writing in
business. Sarah was a textile designer before retraining
as a counsellor and counselling skills trainer, working with
individuals and couples in private practice and the NHS.
Between them, they have many years’ experience of
facilitating groups in many parts of the world.
www.jauncey.co.uk/stories/home.html
Price: £650
Modern lives are full of distractions: 24 hour news,
smart phones, long hours, family demands. It can be
difficult to find a calm centre, knowing who we are,
how we feel and what we truly want. We may even keep
busy to avoid strong feelings, tormenting thoughts
about the past or fears of the future. In staying
distracted, we forfeit living fully in the present moment.
The course offers ways to fully connect with ourselves,
others and our environment, fully present in our lives
and our being. Methods include movement, music,
song, creativity, meditation, the power of the present
moment, the therapeutic process of the group and
personal work if wanted.
Once present in our bodies, feelings and experience, we
can be fully aware of who we are and whole-heartedly
ride the tides of life. By dropping into rather than
avoiding our felt experience we can discover what
we need and move through suffering to happiness,
savouring the beauty, pleasure, creativity and aliveness
available to us in the present moment.
Judi is a registered psychotherapist with over 35 years
experience of helping people to empower themselves.
www.elantraining.org
Price: £650
A gently therapeutic week for development and
ecological awareness. Relaxing and nourishing, restful
and challenging, a blend of mixed media art-making
(no conventional artistic skills necessary), meditation
and mindful garden walks.
We will explore the following but as the emphasis will
be on awareness and creativity, our process will be
sensitive and flexible to meet the group’s needs:
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Gardens of childhood, myth, memory and dream.
Mindfulness, body sense and field awareness.
How is it in the “garden” of your life?
What tender new shoots need attention?
What seeds lie dormant?
What needs to compost down?
Who is the gardener?
Discover and create secret and sacred gardens.
Art from discarded materials and found objects.
Especially suitable as CPD for artists, therapists,
teachers. Come down to earth and let nature gently
wash away the stresses of everyday life!
Expressive art has been a vital process for Beverley from
childhood; art therapy a vocation and life-long practice,
enriched with many years’ experience in body therapies,
Buddhist meditation practices, deep ecology and poetry.
www.beverleyacourt.wordpress.com
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
24
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Price:
16/12/2015 15:09
MAY–JUNE
May 28th – June 4th
June 4th – 11th
June 4th –11th
The Real Spain
Flamenco Dance: Power And Passion
Learn Flamenco Guitar
Maggie (Star) Whiteley
Ana Duenas Leon
Jose Leon
What most tourists miss
Let go, be proud, show off and enjoy it - whatever
your age or shape!
Solo, or accompanying dance and song
A holiday with only English speakers inevitably misses
some of the essence of the country. This one is to
learn directly from local people, whilst exploring the
magnificent natural environment. It’s summer in Spain
but not yet at full heat – a great time for being out and
about.
Spain’s biggest national park, the Sierra Nevada, is
close by, with many unique species of flora and fauna.
The sources of the famous irrigation system put in
by the Moors hundreds of years ago - and which still
waters the area - are also there. Traditional farming is
mainly based on olives, oranges and almonds, with pigs
and goats for meat and cheese. Modern additions are
a great variety of fruit and vegetables. We’ll also visit a
visit a vineyard and winery.
Our special area, La Alpujarra, was the last refuge of the
Moors, who ruled most of Spain for 700 years, mostly
in harmony with Christian and Jewish communities.
Many aspects of their culture remain, especially in the
wonderful mountain villages.
Maggie has lived near Cortijo Romero for twenty five years
and was its director in its early days.
www.maggiewhiteley.com
Price: £650
Improve your co-ordination, grace and strength
and – through this majestic and powerful dance –
find the freedom and confidence to be comfortable
with yourself physically and emotionally. All human
moods and feelings can be included and expressed in
flamenco, which is both a way of celebrating yourself
and a highly enjoyable social activity.
Classes start by learning various footwork exercises,
building strength and stamina. They also cover
posture, arm exercises, rhythm, choreography and
improvisation. Particular attention is given to grasping
the very special spirit of flamenco.
There will be an optional extra visit to a local restaurant
for an evening meal, where you can also experience an
authentic flamenco performance.
Ana is a professional flamenco dancer and a warm,
encouraging teacher, creating a supportive and fun
atmosphere and giving a clear understanding of flamenco.
She has performed throughout the world from Madrid
to Marrakesh and runs a successful flamenco school in
Brighton. As well as her teaching and performing, Ana has
instructional DVDs and downloads that sell throughout the
world. (Se habla español.)
www.amorflamenco.co.uk
The captivating sound of the Flamenco guitar is
unmistakeable. Rhythmic, percussive, melodic, haunting
and intensely passionate, it is a pivotal element of an
art form renowned for its fire, mystery, spirit and drama.
The course gives an authentic insight into the rhythms,
accompaniment, techniques, forms and their origins.
Elusive traditions and conventions are demystified
in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, imparting
confidence and a deeper understanding.
Flamenco guitar is part of an oral tradition and José’s
teaching follows a time-tested method relying more on
the ear than any written media. Learning is reinforced
by demonstration, repetition, explanation and
encouragement, which helps connect with the music in
a more instinctive and intuitive way.
Jose studied flamenco from a young age in Spain and
performs internationally with his sister Ana in their
group ‘Amor Flamenco’. He teaches in the U.K. and
Spain, sharing his invaluable experience accompanying
dancers and singers – and is himself also a singer. Jose
loves teaching, believing that learning should be fun,
with no pressure or stress. (Se habla español.)
Price: £650
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Price:
25
16/12/2015 15:09
JUNE
June 11th – 18th
June 11th – 18th
Body Wisdom
Write In The Moment
Javier Rodriguez and Ana Rhodes Castro
Charlie Moritz
Listening and restoring our organic intelligence
Draw on your personal story to fire-up the writer
within
In our most challenging physical experiences lies
a powerful creative wisdom. From this perspective,
symptoms and disturbances are appreciated not
as pathologies but as the key to unlock our growth,
happiness and enlightenment. We can’t always quickly
rid ourselves of physical complaints but we can cultivate
curiosity to explore the deeper processes taking place
inside us.
Learning the language and recognising the wisdom
of our own body signals can lead to a profound and
expansive sense of self. The approach is experiential
and pragmatic, defined by the collective experience
and the issues that you bring. It draws on two
complementary methodologies: Somatic Experience
and Process Oriented Psychology. This unique workshop
is at the leading edge of practice. Not to be missed!
Javier has an M.A. in psychology and in-depth trainings
in different approaches to personal development and
transpersonal psychology. Ana is a transpersonal
psychotherapist, working to maximise the potential
of individuals, groups and organisations in several
countries. Both have been leaders in The Findhorn
Foundation in Scotland (Se habla español.)
Drawing on the power of the group, we will use an
exciting mixture of drama, movement and reflective
group work to put you right in the moment and discover
exactly what it is you want to put down on paper. A
user-friendly fusion designed to inspire, fire-up and finetune your creative writing – be that poetry, drama or
prose. Join us on this richly expressive week as together
we sensitively draw on your personal stories, banish
those inkier demons and rouse your writer within.
Everyone welcome, no special experience of writing or
drama required. Just bring a favourite pen and prepare
to be amazed at yourself.
Charlie is a drama therapist, a writer and an accomplished
workshop leader who has led many groups with people of
very different ages and backgrounds in the U.K. and abroad.
He aims always to promote a warm and strongly supportive
atmosphere where feelings and expression can flourish
and flow.
www.charliemoritz.co.uk
Price: £650
Email: [email protected].
[email protected]
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
26
Early Bird Price:
16/12/2015 15:09
JUNE–JULY
June 18th – 25th
June 25th – July 2nd
June 25th – July 2nd
Private Booking
The Amazing Power Of Your Voice
Your Home Team
Detox International
Sarah Warwick
Marlyn Donovan
For details and booking, contact www.detoxinternational.com
A vocal journey of exciting discoveries
How to get it together and thrive
Lose inhibitions and enjoy the thrill of singing in a
safe and supportive group. Relax with simple chi gong
breathing exercises, movement and dance.
Psychosynthesis, once described as ‘a psychology with
a soul’ takes an optimistic view of human beings – we
live in the light of the future as well as the shadow of
the past. Sub-personalities (our ‘home team’) are the
bedrock of this approach. We’ll see how they form and
how they shape our lives. Getting them to work well
together gives us a greater sense of empowerment and
aliveness, more control of our own lives and releases
more of our creativity and playfulness.
● Let sound arise freely through fun improvisation
exercises.
● Learn the beautiful and gentle art of toning, using
pure vocal tones.
● Sing beautiful uplifting songs and chants from
around the world, in harmony with others.
● Express yourself writing simple heartful songs and
chants.
● Learn simple, effective healing sound and
visualisation techniques.
Overcome limiting beliefs and inhibitions about singing.
Discover how easy it is and how much fun you can have
with your voice!
For beginners and experienced singers. No solo singing
unless desired.
Sarah is a singer, songwriter, performer and teacher with
eleven years of international success in the music business,
mainly known as Sarah Washington. An exceptional teacher,
she brings fun, life and innovative techniques to help even
complete beginners learn to sing from their hearts.
www.lifesong.co.uk
The week is not just about healing and transforming,
but realising more of the riches within us, our
inner wisdom and potentials. Using imagination,
visualisation, drawing, writing, dialogue and
meditation, we’ll aim to discover the ways in which we
can live more fully in the moment, expressive of our
dreams, values and aspirations.
Marlyn’s background was originally in education and
she has many years of experience as a psychotherapist,
group leader and former Director of Training at the
Psychosynthesis and Education Trust. She has a lifelong
interest in spirituality, its many diverse forms and in how we
make meaning of ourselves and our lives.
Price: £650
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Price:
27
16/12/2015 15:09
JULY
July 2nd – 9th
July 2nd - 9th
The Courage To Change
An Open Space
Malcolm Stern
Alan and Anne Dale
Being authentic and radically alive in a changing
world
A chance to use Cortijo Romero as you wish
What if you could live life to the full, with serenity?
We live in extraordinary times. All around are signs of
breakdown and decay; the old ways no longer work. Yet
there are also signs of rebirth and beauty, with which
we can align ourselves and realise our potential to
change outmoded habits and destructive behaviour.
To transform ourselves and begin the process of
transformation in the world around us, we need the
support of others of like mind to share the journey into
the unknown.
To authenticate our own needs and desires and to
explore how we see ourselves and the world, we will
use psychotherapy, dance, bodywork, sharing, ritual
and healing. We will create a vision of hope for the
future in a group committed to the nurturing process of
reflective honesty, compassionate attention and trust.
Malcolm has been a group and individual psychotherapist
since 1985. He trains other therapists, was a co-founder of
‘Alternatives’ in London, has had two television series and is
the author of ‘Falling in Love/ Staying in Love’.
www.malcolmstern.com
It’s thirty years since Cortijo Romero opened and nearly
twenty-three under the current leadership, who feel
they have earned a holiday themselves! They invite
anybody who has been before to join them in building
a truly restful and refreshing programme together,
making use of the wonderful environment and a wide
variety of resources.
Our regular resident facilitators will offer their usual
sessions of yoga, tai chi, dance and an excursion.
Alan and Anne will offer one or two sessions each and
participate in others that take their fancy. The rest is
up to you, with guidance from our staff. You might
want to offer something yourself and you will also be
able to call on a few other local facilitators for more.
Extra excursions are optional extras. Doing nothing and
resting afterwards is also just fine!
Alan and Anne each have a lifetime’s experience running
personal growth groups of many kinds and between
them have played leading parts in several of the major
organisations in the field. They took on Cortijo Romero as a
hobby in 1993, but it soon took over their lives and became
a labour of love.
Price: £650
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
28
Early Bird Prices:
16/12/2015 15:09
JULY
July 9th – 16th
July 9th – 16th
Tai Chi Essence
Untangling Your Life
Angus Clark
Chris Williams
How to move with ease and restore your vital
energy
Explore and resolve personal, family and vocational
issues with the powerful Constellations approach
Come and play tai chi! You’ll learn moves that free
your joints, relax your muscles, engage your mind
and simply fill you up with bubbly, creative energy.
Working with set moves as well as innovative ways
of exploring tai chi principles, Angus will help you to
find your tai chi body. Special attention is given to the
idea of release; to principles of body alignment and
relaxation; to grounding, balance and connecting with
nature in a way that’s easy to learn and remember.
Systemic Constellations offer a profound methodology that enables us to find the healing movement
or resolution to complex or sometimes seemingly
intractable personal issues. These issues may arise
from family, relationship, career or existential and
spiritual difficulties.
You’ll take home a treasure store of simple, tai chi and
qigong moves and exercises to keep the chi (life force)
flowing in your life.
Angus’ great skill lies in helping people from all walks of
life access and experience the core principles of tai chi
and qigong in a modern-day setting. He is an honorary
Vice-President of the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain, the
founder of ‘Living Movement’, a ‘Movement for Health’
practitioner and a prolific author of books and DVDs.
www.livingmovement.com
Price: £650
We will work together to support our wellbeing in the
various groups (or ‘systems’) to which we belong.
We will explore the forces that underpin healthy,
loving connection and we will take a look at how key
events and traumas in previous generations may be
affecting our lives and relationships today. We will
work together to restore peaceful purpose and gentle
life-loving connections.
The non-profit Centre for Systemic Constellations
(CSC) is the leading U.K. training provider of such
methods, which are among the most important
innovations of recent times for handling difficult
human issues.
Chris is a Director and Faculty Teaching Member of the
CSC. As well as running Constellations workshops in the
U.K. and overseas, he has deep experience since 1989 as
a Gestalt psychotherapist, counsellor, clinical supervisor,
trainer and coach, working in a wide variety of settings.
www.constellationsense.co.uk
Early Bird Prices:
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
29
16/12/2015 15:09
JULY
July 16th – 23rd
July 16th – 23rd
Finding Meaning, Living Passionately
Keeping A Sketchbook Journal
Jessica Williams-Ciemnyjewski
Roger Hart
A Transformational Journey
A uniquely personal way to recall experiences
In a supportive group, participants will be invited to
set out on a secular ‘pilgrimage’ and through this
powerful and highly creative process, connect to
the fire that lies within the heart, opening us up to
transformation at the deepest level. A pilgrimage is a
ritual journey, a time of reflection and contemplation,
when the pilgrim looks within and in which ‘new and
old places in the heart are visited’.
Most of us carry a camera on holiday, to record
significant events. Although we may get a lot
of images they don’t usually recall our personal
response to an experience. There is another way…
We will allow the symbolic language of dramatic
narrative, expressive art, movement and ritual to
guide our inquiry into our individual and collective
sense of what lends meaning to our lives. We will
explore our beliefs, values, sense of connected-ness,
and our longing and desire for a passionate and
meaningful existence.
Jessica is a drama therapist (HPC regd), supervisor,
actress and writer, with an extensive career as a group
therapist and facilitator. She has explored deeply the
power of working with improvised story-making and
dramatic roles in the exploration of what it means to be
human and is passionate about artistic expression giving
breath and life to the soul.
www.jessicawilliams.moonfruit.com
A sketch enables us to record only what is significant
for us, leaving out everything else to make a unique
record. It takes longer too, so we are obliged to pay
more attention and be more fully in the experience.
As Roger puts it:
“For much of my life I carried a sketchbook when
I’ve been travelling or simply going out locally.
Generally, not to make a sketch which I could turn
into a painting later but as a way of seeing right
now. When I look back at a sketch I can recall the
place, its flavour and my feelings in a way that a
photograph fails to capture.”
Roger is an artist, art therapist and Alexander Technique
teacher. His friends urged him to share his long and joyful
experience of keeping a sketchbook journal.
www.rogerhart.org.uk
Price: £650
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
30
Early Bird Prices:
16/12/2015 15:09
JULY
July 23rd – 30th
Private Booking
July 30th – August 6th
Change Your Posture, Change Your Life
Richard Brennan
The Alexander Technique
Poor posture is very common and can be responsible for
a multitude of health problems. Many people think that
it can be improved by ‘sitting up straight’ or ‘pulling
the shoulders back’, but this just makes things worse.
Instead, the Alexander Technique releases unconscious
muscular tension throughout the body that has
accumulated over many years of stressful living, helping
you re-discover the free and natural posture that you
had as a child.
You will also learn new ways of moving while
performing everyday tasks and discover ways of sitting,
standing and walking that will put less strain on the
bones, joints and muscles, thus making your body work
more efficiently. Since our physical state also affects
our mental one, the benefits can extend into many
areas of life.
Richard has been teaching the Alexander Technique
since 1989 and is the author of 8 books on the subject. He
teaches internationally, with his work featuring on t. v.,
leading magazines and newspapers in several countries. He
is the director of Ireland’s only Alexander teacher training
college.
www.alexander.ie
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
31
16/12/2015 15:09
JULY–AUGUST
July 30th – August 6th
The Light of Laughter Within
Being Here
Tig Land
Hazel Carey
Breakthrough to your potential by re-creating reallife experiences
A sampler week to create what you most need for
yourself
Opportunities often pass us by because we are so busy
with work, life and its complications. We don’t allow
enough time for ourselves to be truly present – and
forget the effective philosophy that “less is more”.
These popular events are ideal for people who just
want to relax and enjoy a variety of short sessions that
best meet their interests – all in beautiful surroundings,
a highly supportive atmosphere and good company.
They include yoga, tai chi and expressive dance - plus
an excursion in spectacular mountain scenery. The
lead facilitator offers aspects of personal development,
arranged in consultation with participants.
● Explore ways of removing those blocks we put upon
ourselves, to become more creative.
● Open up the often forgotten channels of expression
through a rich mix of dance, movement, voice, play,
story-telling and therapeutic techniques.
● Feel more in tune with your heart, mind and body allowing real connection and creativity with the self
and others!
● Learn the art of saying “Yes, let’s...” rather than “Yes,
but...” and the freedom to create major changes in
your personal and professional life!
Tig has deep and wide experience leading workshops. For all
kinds of groups. She has been Director of the Random Acts
Theatre Company since 1998, trains other Playback Theatre
practitioners, is a consultant in change management and a
visiting lecturer at Goldsmiths College and elsewhere.
www.randomacts.freeuk.com
Price: £650
Optional extras include individual sessions of massage,
Thai yoga, shiatsu, life coaching or an evening
performance of Spanish songs.
All of the centre’s art materials, books, musical
instruments, CDs of music and DVDs of Spanish culture
are freely available for use. Expect average daily
temperatures of 32 Celsius and a slow, dreamy pace.
Hazel has a rare talent for creating a warm and infectiously
happy atmosphere. She has a vast experience in training
actors, choreography, African dance, directing plays and
transpersonal counselling. Her innovative workshops
support participants to reclaim their potential and make
contact with their unique gifts.
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
32
August 6th – 13th
Early Bird Prices:
16/12/2015 15:09
AUGUST
August 6th – 13th
August 13th – 20th
Wordplay
Yoga And Alexander Technique
Mandy Wheeler
Simon Owen
Get creative with words, on paper and in speech
Learn the art of change
On and off the page, we’ll play with words with
the aim of making ourselves happier and more
spontaneous. Without striving for an outcome we’ll
simply enjoy the process of letting words and stories
tumble out. Expect plenty of exercises, games and
story starters, with me on hand encouraging you to
be wise, foolish, adventurous and insatiably curious.
Yoga and the Alexander Technique are different
disciplines with the same goal, to bring mind and
body into harmony and enable us to be at our best.
Yoga gently eases tension from muscles and joints,
leaving the body feeling refreshed and alive. This style
uses movement coordinated with breath to focus
the mind and achieve states of deep relaxation. In
stillness we can start to see how our mind is working.
This cheerful, light-hearted course will do wonders for
your sense of wellbeing – it may even send you off on
a journey of self-discovery. It’ll certainly boost your
confidence for speaking in front of others and could
kick-start a creative practice to feed your imagination
for years.
If you’ve never done anything like this before, come
and try something new. If writing and presenting
are a part of your work, treat this week as a break, a
chance to let words run where they will, with no brief
or deadline in sight. Bliss!
Mandy is a writer, radio director and workshop leader
teaching creative practice and presenting. She runs
sessions in Universities, businesses and works extensively
in the creative industries.
The Alexander Technique sessions show how to
change our most common habits such as how we
sit, stand, walk, use a phone or computer. Through
changing habits and releasing unnecessary tension
in such common patterns of activity we rediscover
freedom and ease in movement, leaving you feeling
stronger, lighter, calmer and more confident.
No experience of either yoga or Alexander Technique
is required.
Simon was a research chemist before becoming an
outstanding teacher of yoga and the Alexander
Technique, known for his sensitive response to individual
needs. He has taught in a wide variety of settings and
enjoys making the disciplines accessible to everyone,
whatever their ages and abilities.
www.yoga-breaks.com
Price: £650
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Prices:
33
16/12/2015 15:09
AUGUST
Lyrical Songwriting
Pilates Plus
The Inner Artist
Trixi Field
Jan Davies
Catherine Vase
Releasing the song within
A rich set of methods for fitness, flexibility and bodymind integration
Releasing your creative potential
Songwriting can be a way to express feelings and ideas,
perhaps more effectively than the spoken word alone.
Come and learn the tools for crafting and shaping
songs or, if you already have experience, nurture and
develop your skills. We’ll explore lyrics, expressing
ideas, shaping the words, finding rhymes, rhythm and
mood. Then, speaking the words, we’ll find their natural
melodic and rhythmic flow to create a song together.
From there on you can start crafting your own songs.
Lyric-based songwriting is the main method we’ll use,
but we may touch upon others if time allows.
Don’t worry if you’ve never written a song or think
you might not be good enough; just enjoy exploring a
new creative skill with other like-minded folk. (Bring an
instrument if you like.)
Trixi composes for choirs and individual performers of
all ages and in many genres. She has won honours in the
prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition and
songs from her collections “Blues All Round” and “Jazzicle
Pops!” have featured in the Festival of Voices at Wembley
Arena. She is also a jazz singer, voice workshop leader,
pianist and author.
www.trixifield.co.uk
[email protected]
Price: £650
Pilates combines western and eastern ideas and
traditions aimed at developing fitness, strength,
posture, co-ordination, flexibility and body-mind
balance, working the whole body safely through a
series of mat exercises. Attention is given to alignment,
correct breathing and integration of the core
abdominal muscles into each movement.
There will be two hours of Pilates on five days,
supplemented with 8-10 hours of taster sessions in
related bodywork methods such as Bowen Technique,
Emmett Technique and Indian Head Massage – an
unusually wide-ranging and holistic approach to
getting your body and mind into good balance.
Suitable for those who just want to improve their core
stability and have a good workout – but can also often
be beneficial for a variety of physical problems, such as
back pain, a shoulder injury or reduced mobility. The
exercises can be adapted to suit each individual.
Jan was so impressed with the improvements that Body
Control Pilates made to her serious chronic back problems
and other health issues that she trained as an instructor
herself and transformed her life. After adding several other
bodywork methods to her repertoire, she can offer support
suitable for almost anybody.
www.movementandhealth.co.uk
Early Bird Prices:
34
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
Sometimes we lose our connection to creativity, but still
yearn to express our birthright to be an artist. That’s
possible for everyone, has little to do with talent and is
truly about getting comfortable with play, exploration,
spontaneity and making a mess!
Every day, the course will have different inspirational
exercises to get you in touch with your creative flow. As
well as making use of the art materials available, you
can experience alternative ways of making marks and
develop an adventurous relationship with your inner
artist.
We’ll make the most of the beautiful surroundings,
creating art both indoors and out. Courageous
expression will be encouraged, as well as space for
peaceful and meditative creativity. Guidance and
constructive feedback will be available in a safe and
nurturing environment.
Open to all wanting to express themselves through art.
No previous experience needed.
Catherine is a best-selling children’s book illustrator and
author, also involved in art projects with children, charities,
education, families and prisoners. Her workshops empower
individuals and bring them together, using the arts to
create a safe, playful and supportive environment to explore
creativity and expression.
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
16/12/2015 15:09
AUGUST–SEPTEMBER
August 27th – September 3rd
August 27th – September 3rd
Singing Your Socks Off; Playing For
Pleasure
Choose Life At Any Risk
Words to Catch the Light
Ari Badaines
Rosie Jackson
The greatest risk in life is to risk nothing at all
Writing to lift and transform your life
People often get “stuck” – for example, with low selfesteem; inaccurate self-perception; in unsatisfactory
relationships or work. Getting unstuck requires some
discomfort so, instead of risking that, we often avoid
the associated anxiety, or even sabotage our own best
efforts.
When we translate our experience into writing, it can
make sense of our lives, reconnect us with our deepest
selves and effect lasting transformation. In a rich
and inspiring exploration using journals, fragments,
memoirs, poems and stories, we will retrieve and share
memories, encourage creative thinking, celebrate our
epiphanies and invite in a more radiant future. As the
poet Rumi put it:
Kate Daniels
Let your spirits soar!
Whether you are a secret singer, have never sung
in your life, or sing all the time and in public, have a
wonderful time performing songs from across the
world from the Pacific Islands to Europe and the Great
American Songbook. On the way we’ll explore harmony,
rhythm, phrasing and improvisation. The emphasis is
on fun and enjoyment, enabling you to:
● Subdue the critical voices that make you self●
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conscious
Indulge your love of music - be it folk, jazz, blues or
beyond
Notice your confidence building
Gather together to create wonderful harmonies
Overcome your nerves
Uncover hidden talent
Trust your voice
Learn how you get stuck, how you keep yourself there
and how it started. Then, try taking the necessary risks
to do the things that would make a positive change.
The content is whatever issues you bring to the group;
the process is intensely practical and the choice to
change is yours.
It’s challenging but the benefits can be great:
enhanced awareness; emotional release; richer
connections with others; clarity and direction instead of
ambivalence; increased self-esteem; a deepening sense
of your own humanity.
Musicians are welcome. Some guitars, a keyboard,
chord charts and backing tracks will be available.
The methods used are based on gestalt and psychodrama, with others as needed.
Singer and psychotherapist Kate has been both performing
and helping people find their own voice for 30 years, rapidly
getting them singing in wonderful harmony. She has
recorded two well received albums with some of the UK’s
top jazz musicians.
Ari is one of the world’s most experienced and respected
group leaders, gestalt therapists and psychodramatists,
running workshops and training other practitioners in many
countries. Originally trained in the USA, he is now based in
Australia.
www.katedanielsjazz.com
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
September 3rd – 10th
“Climb out on the roof if you want more light. If you
don’t want to live depressed any longer, move into
the sun. The sun!”
Rosie is passionate about the healing power of the creative
arts, and runs workshops in health care and for personal
growth. She has taught at the University of East Anglia,
trained in psychotherapy, and run writing groups on Skyros,
Greece and in community settings worldwide. Her spiritual
life has taken her to India and a Sufi training in California.
Widely published, with books of fiction and non-fiction, her
memoir The Glass Mother and her collection of poetry The
Light Box will both appear in 2016.
www.rosiejackson.org.uk
Price: £650
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Prices:
35
16/12/2015 15:09
SEPTEMBER
September 3rd – 10th
September 10th – 17th
Being Here
Living In The Light
Doors To Invisible Worlds
Amanda Brown and resident facilitators
Jason Chan
Sarah Deco
A sampler week to create what you most need for
yourself
Transform your emotions for a fulfilling life
A journey inwards through myth and story
Understand the power of your mind and your energy
field; learn practical tools to raise your energetic
vibrations and consciousness; begin to ‘live in the light’.
Re-awaken your sense of wonder and aliveness by
working with myths, folk tales and wonder tales. These
stories contain deep wisdom distilled over generations
and allow us to see our own lives as meaningfully
connected to universal patterns. Walking their paths
brings back a sense of magic into our lives and guides
us in moving forward. We will explore the riches of
these stories, through creative visualisation and writing,
movement and simple art activities.
These popular events are ideal for people who just
want to relax and enjoy a variety of short sessions that
best meet their interests – all in beautiful surroundings,
a highly supportive atmosphere and good company.
They include yoga, tai chi and expressive dance - plus
an excursion in spectacular mountain scenery. The
lead facilitator offers aspects of personal development,
arranged in consultation with participants. Local
resident facilitators offer a range of different sessions.
Optional extras include individual sessions of massage,
Thai yoga, shiatsu, life coaching or an evening
performance of Spanish songs. Visits to the fabled city
of Granada are possible.
All of the centre’s art materials, books, musical
instruments, CDs of music and DVDs of Spanish culture
are freely available for use. Expect average daily
temperatures around 28 Celsius.
Amanda is a professional dancer, choreographer, “
Playback Theatre” practitioner and teacher of integrative
bodywork. She is the artistic director for “Mirror Mirror”
Playback Theatre Company and “Tarte Noire” Women’s
Playback Theatre, as well as a lead artist for “Moveable
Feast Workshop Company” - a collaborative participatory
arts collective.
Emotions such as fear and anger vibrate at such a low
level that they cannot support long-term happiness and
fulfilment; raising them to the level of love and light
transforms your life and the lives of others.
Practise simple but profound Infinite Tai Chi and
Chi Kung sequences that will help you harness the
awesome power of nature, and return to your natural
state of being filled with love and joy.
Connect to love and light in Infinite Meditation.
Experience the pure, transformative power of Jason’s
energy healing. Relax and share with a true Master of
the Infinite Arts.
Jason is a Tai Chi Master, inspiring spiritual teacher, a
powerful energy healer and author of “The Radiant Warrior”
(Hay House 2009). “Kindred Spirit” readers voted him Most
Inspirational Individual of 2008. Jason teaches his own
“Infinite” versions of Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Yoga..
www.lightfoundation.com
This will be a relaxing and enlivening week, leaving
plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful setting of Cortijo
Romero at this lovely time of year.
Sarah has been working in the psychological development,
health and well-being field for over 30 years. She creates
safe spaces in which each individual can unfold at their
own pace and which combine fun and “serious play”. As a
professional storyteller she brings a deep love of ancient
wisdom and the sense of enchantment of traditional tales
into her work.
www.sarahdeco.org
www.sarahdecostoryteller.com
Price: £650
Price: £650
www.playbacktheatre-sw.co.uk
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
36
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Prices:
16/12/2015 15:09
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER
September 24th – October 1st
The Way of The Heart
Drawing And Painting
Movement For life
Javier Rodriguez
Sandy Grant
Judy Greenman
The process of human transformation
Working from life with line and colour.
Re-educate your body. Move Freely. Live Fully.
The embodiment of our wholeness is a journey
not unlike that described by the ancient art of
alchemy. Inviting us into the continuous process of
transformation, guided from deep within, it offers an
opportunity to utilize the divine spark hidden in our
painful experiences for the creation of an awakened
state of being.
Enjoy the relaxing and almost meditative effect of
letting go of preconceptions of how we feel things
should be, by improving skill in observing and drawing
things in the way they actually appear. We’ll create
fairly large drawings based on our surroundings nature, buildings and people, including a life model
- before producing paintings using good quality chalk
pastels or watercolours.
Begin to re-learn the ease and fluidity you knew as
a child but lost as your life and body movements
became more repetitive and restricted. Explore how to
re-awaken your body’s capacity for self-healing to:
As we learn to trust this inner call towards
transformation, we start to surrender to a life-affirming
flow that supports and welcomes all that is. The
magic elixir is the non-judgmental acceptance and
mindfulness of all that we experience on our path.
This unique workshop links the three elements of
our human condition: physiology, psychology and
spirituality. Affirming and validating the wisdom of
our own body in supporting our unfolding, we will
use somatic mindfulness tools, devotional practices,
movement and sharing in the group to turn our lead
into gold.
Javier has an M.A. in Psychology and specific in-depth
trainings in different approaches to Personal Development
and Transpersonal Psychology. He has been working for the
last 20 years as a workshop leader, therapist and coach.
There will be group tuition and guidance at the start of
each session, one- to-one assistance during the sessions
themselves and a coming-together at the end of each
to reflect on our work. Tuition will follow each person’s
direction, with no pressure to work in any way other
than at your own pace.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the approach
is the sense of calm and peace enjoyed by participants.
It provides an oasis in life’s busyness, fitting perfectly
with the atmosphere and ethos beloved of visitors to
Cortijo Romero.
Sandy is an established artist, based in Glasgow and
exhibiting nationally and internationally. He has 15
years’ experience as a tutor running groups and individual
sessions, notably in his studio in Glasgow’s famous Botanic
Gardens.
www.artclassesinthebotanics.com
Price: £650
release chronic pain and stress;
restore mobility and ease of movement;
increase vitality,
take lasting care of your neck, shoulders and back
improve overall emotional and physical well-being.
Techniques used - appropriate for all ages and
conditions - are based on The Feldenkrais Method®,
Cortical Field Re-Education® (CFR) and Integrated
Awareness®. These re-educate your brain-muscleemotion connections to create new and healthier
patterns of moving, thinking and feeling.
Improve your flexibility and take lasting care of neck,
shoulders, back and overall health! Results often include
sounder sleep, clearer thinking and a gentler attitude to
self and others. Leave more ‘alive’, with a smile on your
face and a swing in your step!
Judy trained with the originators of CFR, has a private
practice in Florida and teaches at the Esalen Institute in
California. (Se habla Español)
E-mail: [email protected]
www.bodybrainfreedom.com
Price: £650
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
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Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Prices:
37
16/12/2015 15:09
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER
October 1st – 8th
The Splendour of Being
Private Booking
October 15th - 22nd
Autumn Walking
Julian Russell
Relax, revitalise and taste the wonder of life!
Being in the present moment is relaxing, enjoyable,
reduces stress and can be used with body-mind
meditations to promote physical, emotional and
psychological well-being. It also offers the possibility
of releasing emotional pain or opening to joy and
even bliss. Combined with a warm, open heart and
simple counselling tools, it enriches conversation and
relationships. When attending to “being” our potential
naturally blossoms.
We’ll use meditations, mindfulness exercises, paired
conversations, group sharing, discussions, exploration
of nature, movement, dance, poetry and gentle touch
– with methods from many traditions for working with
awareness and the body-mind (the unconscious). In an
atmosphere of self and mutual respect, we’ll adopt the
motto “I am not a problem to be solved, I am a mystery
that is unfolding”.
Learn to be present both for the pleasure of it and as
a routine for replenishing your energy and having real
connection with others!
Julian has vast experience as psychotherapist and coach;
holds a black-belt in Aikido; practises “Five Rhythms”
dance and is a long-term student of a Buddhist master.
He combines the best of Western with Eastern traditions –
integrating body, mind, emotions and spirit.
October 8th – 15th
Private Booking
Detox International
Mountains, sea and city.
A great introduction to walking in the Alpujarras
mountains and a perennial favourite with participants,
this is a week of varied hikes at a perfect time of year
for walking in the south of Spain. With autumn arriving,
there will be fruits to gather, trees ablaze with gorgeous
colours, glowing sunsets to enjoy and wonderful
company to share. Average temperatures are still in the
twenties.
There will also be an opportunity to visit the Arab
Baths in Granada and a lunchtime meal out at the
beach after a stroll along the coastal nature reserve at
Cantarrijan.
years and now share their love of it through their Bootlace
Holidays.They have a deep knowledge of the mountains,
Malaga and is our regular excursion guide. Fiona was for
many years a very popular cook at Cortijo Romero and still
helps out from time to time. (Se habla español.)
www.bootlace.com
Price: £650
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
38
Early Bird Prices:
16/12/2015 15:09
OCTOBER
October 15th - 22nd
October 22nd - 29th
Pilates
Mindful Photography
Penny Little
Ken Scott
For fitness, flexibility and body-mind balance.
Re-discover the joy of seeing!
Pilates combines western and eastern ideas and
traditions aimed at developing fitness, strength,
posture, co-ordination, flexibility and body-mind
balance. This wide-ranging approach works the whole
body in a safe way through a series of mat exercises.
Attention is given to alignment, correct breathing and
integration of the core abdominal muscles into each
movement.
By experiencing fully, we can rediscover the beauty
in everyday things around us. Being mindful and
immersing ourselves in our surroundings, photographs
will flow to us naturally; there are pictures in everything.
When you see something, learn to notice when we see
something, to ask “what stopped me” and to REALLY
see what is there for what it is, without judgement.
Making the photograph is just the final step.
Suitable for those who just want to improve their core
stability and have a good workout - but can also often
be beneficial for a variety of physical problems, such
as back pain, a shoulder injury or reduced mobility. The
exercises can be adapted to suit each individual.
Photography can be a joyful and therapeutic pastime
in itself, allowing us to express ourselves and ideas in
new and individual ways. Lightness and spontaneity
will be key.
Penny trained in Brighton at the New Pilates School with
Helge Fisher and has since done further training with
Polestar Pilates, the Kane School of New York and Eric
Franklin (the Franklin Method). She runs a variety of regular
classes in the south of England and is also a qualified
nutritional therapist.
www.corepilates.co.uk
Price: £650
Suitable for all abilities and with any camera. If a
beginner, we will encourage you to see with your
fresh eyes, learning the principles of visual design
and camera control as you go. (A basic knowledge
of exposure and depth of field is an advantage.) For
seasoned enthusiasts, a fresh outlook could be the
catalyst for a whole new phase in your work.
Ken’s approach to photography is very simple; it is about
experiencing, feeling, sensing and responding to whatever
environment he is in. He is an Associate of the Royal
Photographic Society and works with photographers as a
coach.
www.touchingthelight.co.uk
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
Early Bird Prices:
39
16/12/2015 15:09
OCTOBER–NOVEMBER
October 22nd - 29th
October 29th - November 5th
November 5th - 12th
Yoga And Sound
Tibetan Meditation Retreat
The Trees of Life
Fiona Agombar and Leah Barnett
Thomas Warrior
Trevor Taylor
A gentle retreat, suitable for all abilities.
“To benefit others, practice loving kindness... to
benefit yourself, practice loving kindness”.
(The Dalai Lama.)
A vital contribution to this marvellous region and a
great holiday at a low price.
Experience a week of peace, happiness and joy.
Using gentle flowing movement, mantra and breathwork, classical hatha yoga releases knots and held
patterns, creating space so that energy can move more
effectively. In this way vitality, well-being and a deep
sense of peace arise.
This retreat will include an evening of chanting and
also some laughter yoga. Both teachers have a wealth
of experience; come and join them while the sun is still
shining; a great way to prepare for the Winter!
Fiona has been studying yoga since 1993 and also studies
Vedanta - the science of self-realisation. She is a registered
teacher in the tradition of Krishnamacharya and uses gentle
flowing movements together with sound and breath. Her
books are “Beat Fatigue with Yoga” and “Endless Energy”.
Leah trained with a variety of Indian teachers, as well as in
Feldenkrais and Chi Gung. She has been teaching yoga since
2003 and now trains other teachers in “Yoga for M.E., Stress
and Burnout.” She was previously a human rights lawyer.
Price: £650
Since exile from Tibet, the Dalai Lama has devoted
himself to rebuilding the shattered lives of its people
and promoting world peace through an unwavering
policy of non-violence and loving kindness. How
is it possible that he and his people continuously
practice compassion and forgiveness even towards
their oppressors? The roots of these qualities and the
answers to this question are found in the 2500 year-old
teachings of the Buddha.
This introduction explores how we can benefit ourselves
and others in everyday life. It includes discussions and
practical advice on authentic and proven meditative
practices; methods to deal with strong emotions such
as anger, depression and desire; and how to cultivate
wisdom and compassion. A visit to Osel Ling Buddhist
Retreat Centre and daily chi gong breathing exercises
are woven into the programme.
Thomas has led workshops and retreats on Tibetan
Buddhism, meditation, holistic healing and shamanism for
over 20 years, as well as sacred journeys and pilgrimages to
Nepal, Tibet and India. His teachers include the Dalai Lama
and other Tibetan Lamas.
After our decade of Tree Planting holidays, many trees
that were tiny when planted are now a sturdy three
metres or more. Others still need regular attention to
protect them from being eaten by goats, from low
rainfall and from other natural challenges. This year
will be devoted partly to the on-going care of the
established trees and partly to a small amount of new
planting. Four or five hours each day will be spent
working out-of-doors but there is also tai chi, masseurs
on hand for tired bodies and evening sessions around
log fires - all in a tremendous community spirit.
Trevor has been one of the creators and leaders of this
project since it started. He was also our resident tai chi
and chi gong teacher for many years, ran an organic farm,
played in a local band and has an intimate knowledge of
the area.
Price: £365
www.bioresonance-scotland.com
Price: £595
Early Bird Prices:
40
Early Bird Prices:
16/12/2015 15:09
CHRISTMAS NEW YEAR
December 21st - 28th
December 28th - January 4th 2017
Christmas Week
Singing In The New Year
Alison Goldie
Polina Shepherd
Camaraderie, creativity and pleasures both simple
and profound.
Tradtional Russian harmony singing and Spanish
winter sun!
Take time to make merry, enjoy being with others and
have peaceful rest in an atmosphere of warmth and
friendliness. Alison will facilitate games, art and writing
in the mornings, and lead a coaching group on a theme
of your choosing if desired. In the afternoons there will
be ample time to relax and unwind. Enjoy walks in the
beautiful nature surrounding C.R. or crash out with a
book. In the evenings there will opportunities for party
games, singing and shared storytelling around the fire.
Most people familiar with choral singing know the
wonderfully rich, very different sounds of Russian choirs
– and if you have never heard them, you are in for an
ear-opening way to a joyous community experience.
Alison is a performer, theatre director, television presenter,
life coach and author of The Improv Book. She has long
experience at Cortijo Romero, with a rich repertoire of ways
to suit your needs and interests.
www.thedramabusiness.co.uk
Price: £650
N.B. The Christmas and New Year weeks run
WEDNESDAY to WEDNESDAY. Book early to
get cheaper flights!
You don’t have to be Russian to do it; this week is
for anybody who wants to have a go, regardless of
previous experience or musical knowledge. The content
will be drawn from traditional Christmas and New Year
songs; ritual music for pagan holidays; wedding and
folk dance songs; Cossack music and beautiful lyrical
pieces.
Born in Siberia, Polina Shepherd (Skovoroda) started her
musical training as a child around the family table. Whilst
studying at the State Academy in Russia, she toured the
dark Soviet theatres and performed to Boris Yeltsin and to
the world in 1998-2002. As a programme director, educator
and performer she has been involved in music festivals,
conferences and seminars in eastern and western Europe,
the USA and Brazil. Now living in Britain and with over 20
years of professional experience, Polina leads several choirs
and continues to tour internationally.
www.polinashepherd.co.uk
www.russionachoir.wordpress.com
Price: £650
Early Bird Prices:
22/06/16)
21/09/16)
Early Bird Prices:
Now
booking
for
2017
Hiring Cortijo Romero
For Your Own Events
For groups, workshops, courses, retreats or smallll
conferences, Cortijo Romero is truly special, a
highly supportive environment in every way.
● Accommodation for up to 30 participants and
2 staff (exclusive use). 12 or 20 if shared.
● A separate, self-contained area is sometimes also
available for up to six staff members.
● All meals, with high-quality vegetarian food.
● Use of all facilities, materials and equipment.
● An outstanding team of dedicated people to help
you get the best from your stay.
● A day out to the mountains, Granada or the coast.
For details and prices:
Cortijo Romero, PO Box 813, Amersham, HP6 9ER
Tel: +44 (0)1494 765775
“We have been running detox retreats at Cortijo Romero for
since 2007 and can definitely recommend it as a perfect venue
for courses and workshops. The mountain setting is visually
stunning and provides a true retreat from the world outside.
The staff take care of everything behind the scenes, which
allows course leaders the freedom to concentrate purely on
their clients’ needs. And it goes without saying that the food is
wonderful.” Midi Fairgrieve, Detox International.
41
16/12/2015 15:09
42
16/12/2015 15:09
PRACTICALITIES • CORTIJO ROMERO
GETTING TO US
Groups assemble for dinner on the first
evening of the holiday so most people travel
that day.
Cortijo Romero is in Órgiva, 1½ hours drive from
Malaga and 1 hour from Granada.
By air. There are numerous direct flights
to Malaga from most UK and many other
European airports. Indirect flights are also
available, or extend your holiday by flying into
a different Spanish city and arriving by hire car.
There are flights to Granada from London City
airport and from internal Spanish ones; thence
to us by taxi, hire car or public bus.
By rail or bus. There are good bus services and
high-speed trains from all over Europe, including
London. See www.seat61.com or www.renfe.es
1½ hours.)
Most guests come this way; it’s direct, you travel
together and it minimises vehicle pollution.
However, if you can’t get a flight for these times,
we can send a taxi for you. (£65 each way, a
subsidised rate.) N.B. CALL US FIRST!
There is a public bus service (3½ - 5 hours) and
car hire at the airport is another option.
on charters in off-peak times. Book early for all
public and school holiday periods.
Flights can be booked direct by phone or online:
agents charge a fee to do it for you. We can
provide a list (that changes frequently) of UK
airline numbers and web sites. There are plenty
of flights from most other European countries.
DISCOUNTS AND SUPPLEMENTS
INSURANCE
To get free medical care, you must have
the European Health Insurance Card. For
ambulances, hospital residence charges and all
kinds of losses, you also need travel insurance,
which is a condition of booking. We are required
by law to advise you of the importance of this
and can supply further details on request.
Book six months in advance and get £60
discount; or three months to get £30 discount.
Book a second consecutive week starting
06/02/16 to 12/03/16 for £150 off; or from
16/04/16, £60 off (except The Trees of Life).
Single room supplement £100 p.w. Twin or
double let as single, £140 p.w. (Please call to
check availability before booking.)
BOOKING TRAVEL
BURSARIES
WE GIVE A £25 DISCOUNT TO THOSE
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN.
By car. It takes 12–16 hours driving from
Northern Spanish ports. Please ask for an
information sheet.
Transfers Malaga – Cortijo Romero.
There will be pickups by minibus or taxi for
flights due by 12:15 and 15:30. (£23 each way,
We use a specialist travel agent, Star Travel,
on 020 8998 2931. (Tell them you’re going to
Cortijo Romero, as they know the timings to fit
our transfer service). They have full ABTA and
ATOL bonding. You can use others but, to use
our transfer service, first check the timings under
“Transfers Malaga–Cortijo Romero”.
If you are on a low income, you may be eligible
for a bursary for part of the cost. Please ask
before booking.
Airlines offer cheaper fares if you book early.
Last-minute bargains are now scarce, except
43
16/12/2015 15:09
PRACTICALITIES • CORTIJO ROMERO
BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY
Please contact us first to check availability and
reserve a place. (Note: prices in this brochure are
valid until 01/09/2016, when a new edition will
be available.)
Then book on our secure web site, or complete
the form on pages 45-46 and send to:
Cortijo Romero
PO Box 813, Amersham, HP6 9ER
Telephone: +44 (0)1494 765775
Deposit: £100 per person per week, or
full fee if less than six weeks before the holiday.
Bank transfers:
Cortijo Romero
Royal Bank of Scotland,
Sort code 16-21-22, Account 10020842
No charge for debit cards; credit cards 1.5%
Cheques to “Cortijo Romero”
Payments from outside the UK can be made by
credit card or bank transfer. Those in euros can
be made direct to our account in Spain (details
on booking form).
44
Office hours: 10.00 – 16.30 (Monday to Friday).
Out of office hours: answerphone.
When you book, you’ll get detailed information
about all aspects of the trip. Meanwhile, if
unclear about anything, do call us.
STAYING ON
If there is space, you are welcome to stay on
for a few days as a non-participant after your
course week, at reduced rates.
WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR COSTS
● Book six months ahead for £60 discount
or three months for £30.
● Book two weeks and get £60–£150 off.
● Book flights early and save up to 70%.
● Book on-line with the carrier and save £10.
● Join the Friends Of Cortijo Romero and
get exclusive special offers.
● If you have a low income and are on any
kind of state benefit, ask us about
a bursary.
● Come on a working holiday or a Tree
Project week.
Getting More
Information
We have more detailed
information on all courses and
course leaders; room availability
on all weeks; flights and routes;
making your own way to
Cortijo Romero; train and bus
timetables in Spain; staying
on in the area; the weather;
and more.
Telephone:
+44(0)1494 765775
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
16/12/2015 15:09
BOOKING FORM • CORTIJO ROMERO
Please telephone +44 (0)1494 765775 to check availability, then complete both sides in
BLOCK CAPITALS and send to: Cortijo Romero, PO Box 813, Amersham, HP6 9ER
PERSONAL DETAILS, 2nd PARTICIPANT
Name:
Male
Passport number or DNI No:
Female
Date of birth:
Female
Date of birth:
Address:
Country:
Postcode:
Email:
Tel: Day
Male
Passport number or DNI No:
Address:
Postcode:
Name:
Country:
Email:
Evening
Tel: Day
Mobile
Occupation:
Evening
Mobile
Non-smoker
Smoker
Occupation:
Non-smoker
Smoker
How did you first hear about us?
How did you first hear about us?
Special diets (Must be ordered now):
Special diets (Must be ordered now):
Any condition for which you needed medical or psychiatric treatment in the last 12 months:
Any condition for which you needed medical or psychiatric treatment in the last 12 months:
(A doctor’s certificate of medication and fitness to travel and take part may be required. Your insurance policy
and contract with us may be invalid if you don’t disclose relevant facts.)
(A doctor’s certificate of medication and fitness to travel and take part may be required. Your insurance policy
and contract with us may be invalid if you don’t disclose relevant facts.)
Anything else we should know:
Anything else we should know:
INSURANCE
It is a condition of booking that you have
travel insurance. We are required by law
to advise you of its importance and can
supply details on request.
I am covered (Enclose copy of certificate)
INSURANCE
It is a condition of booking that you have
travel insurance. We are required by law
to advise you of its importance and can
supply details on request.
Please send details
Emergency contacts while you are on holiday:
Please send details
Emergency contacts while you are on holiday:
Name(s):
Name(s):
Tel:
Tel:
I am covered (Enclose copy of certificate)
FOR OFFICE USE:
PERSONAL DETAILS, 1st PARTICIPANT
N.B. If you prefer, you can book on our secure website
www.cortijo-romero.co.uk/bookings
NOW
TURN
OVER
45
16/12/2015 15:09
BOOKING FORM • CORTIJO ROMERO
YOUR REQUIREMENTS
PAYMENT DUE – (Amounts shown are per person)
PAYMENT DETAILS
Please book me/us for:
Please book me/us for:
Deposit/full amount of £
Dates:
Holiday price
£
Course/s:
Single room supplement £100 p.w.
£
*Credit card payments incur 1.5% fee per transaction.
Twin or double let as single £140 p.w.
£
Card number:
Transfers Malaga – Cortijo Romero £23
£
(OR: late pickup by taxi, £65– Call First!)
£
Room: Twin
Double
Single
Twin/double let as single
I have chosen this course/workshop because:
by: Debit card
Cheque
Valid from:
Expiry:
Issue No.:
Transfers Cortijo Romero – Malaga £23
£
(OR: early departure by taxi, £65 – Call First!)
£
Special Diet (£17 per week)
£
Discounts
£
If you would also like us to take any balance from the card
when due, please tick
Sub-total
£
(If euros, please call us for the exchange rate.)
Credit Card fee (1.5%)
£
I/We have read, understand and accept the booking and
insurance conditions set out in your brochure.
TOTAL
£
Signed:
Security number:
(Last 3 digits on back of card) important
Bank Transfer in £
train
By air
car
My/Our flights to Malaga are:
Date:
Flight no:
Departs:
Return from Malaga :
Date:
Flight no:
Departs:
1. Deposit £100 per person per week.
* Credit card payments incur 1.5% fee per transaction.
2. Balance is due 6 weeks before departure.
46
Date:
train
car
OR I/We are travelling by other means, as follows:
Out from (airport):
NOTES
or €
TRAVEL WITHIN SPAIN
TRAVEL TO SPAIN
By air
Credit card*
Due:
3. Payments to ‘Cortijo Romero’.
Account 10020842. Sort code: 16-21-22. RBS Hemel Hempstead HP1 1XY
Euro account: Cortijo Romero S.L. IBAN: ES0521002505080210018167
BIC (For SWIFT transfers): CAIXESBBXXX
4. You can also book and
pay on our secure web site
www.cortijo-romero.co.uk.
16/12/2015 15:09
CONDITIONS
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you are insured and we are required by law to tell you of its importance.
Insurance covers you against having to cancel for any good reason, as well as for sickness, losses and
all the usual risks.
N.B. Be sure to obtain a European Health Insurance Card. (In the UK from tel: 0300 3301350; on-line:
www.nhs.uk/healthcareabroad.) It covers medical treatment but not ambulances or the costs of a
hospital stay.
Cancellations (Must be confirmed in writing.)
– Received up to 8 days before departure: deposit lost.
– With less notice: entire fee lost.
– No refunds once at Cortijo Romero.
Transfering to another week (Must be confirmed in writing.)
– With six weeks notice, free transfer (once) to any week in the next year.
– Less than six weeks notice: £25 transfer charge, to any week in the next year.
– Less than a week’s notice: half of the fee is retained.
Become a friend of
Join the Friends (£18 p.a.) and get:
Exclusive offers, advance booking, regular
news and information, prize draws to win
a free holiday... plus much more!
For more information:
Tel: +44 (0)1494 765775
Health
If you have been under medical or psychiatric supervision in the twelve months before your holiday,
you must provide a doctor’s certificate confirming your fitness to travel and take part. Our courses are
not suitable for those who are currently too emotionally disturbed or too physically disabled to take
responsibility for themselves. In any case, all health problems should be disclosed when booking.
Exclusions
All information is correct at the time of going to press. However, due to mechanical faults, weather
conditions, or what insurers call ‘Acts of God’, some amenities may be temporarily unavailable. Very
occasionally, we may have to vary the advertised programme due to staff sickness or other problems,
in which case we will always try to provide an equivalent replacement.
We do not accept liability for:
– any of the above events, or others beyond our control.
– loss of or damage to your personal property.
– medical or psychiatric conditions developing during or after your holiday.
Your holiday travel insurance policy should cover these and other contingencies.
Contract
Your contract is with Cortijo Romero S.L. for whom the UK representatives are Life Rhythms Ltd, registered
in England and Wales, number 3395003, at 12/13 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AD
47
16/12/2015 15:09
Spain’s leading centre for
personal development holidays
UK
Cortijo Romero
PO Box 813, Amersham, HP6 9ER
Tel: +44 (0)1494 765775
Spain
Cortijo Romero
Aptdo de Correos 31
18400 Órgiva
Granada
Tel: +34-958-784252
Cortijo Romero S.L.
Registered in Spain, CIF: B18353938, at: Cortijo Romero S/N
Carretera de Tijola, 18400 Órgiva, Granada, Spain
Printed on FSC certified, 50% recycled paper.
16/12/2015 15:09

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