Its funny I have really struggled to write this blog post, I think this is purely down to the fact I had such a wonderful few days in Catalonia on this retreat I can’t physically put it into words. Or maybe because I just I still want to be there so much if I keep imagining I haven’t come back to England then somehow magically I will open my eyes and appear back in Catalonia….here’s hoping.

Seeing as that is very unlikely its about time I wrote this blog post so you guys get a glimpse into my amazing few days with an amazing bunch of people.

So if you follow me on Instagram or Twitter (or both preferably) you will know I recently went on a 3 week trip to Ibiza and then Catalonia. It was honestly the dreamiest 3 weeks ever and SO needed. I love London but its a love hate relationship, when I am there I feel like I am on fast forward and my stress levels are through the rough. I knew I needed to get away and have some time to clear my head in the sun and come back refreshed and ready to take on the craziness once more.

So after two and a half weeks of Ibiza it was time for the last leg of my journey. And what better way to end the trip than a few days relaxing in the Catalonian sunshine with my babe Lottie Murphy at Kimberly Parsons retreat celebrating the launch of her new book The Yoga Kitchen.

The location and Villa

I had never been to Catalonia before and wasn’t sure what to expect but I was surprised how beautiful the landscape was. Rolling hills and the most serene landscape, Catalonia was certainly a very calming way to end my trip. If you are looking for picturesque countryside amazing food and weather then Catalonia might be the place for you.

The Villa was also beautiful, very different from the white crisp buildings in Ibiza. This was more elegant countryside chateau. With the most incredible infinity pool….perfect backdrop to our morning meditation and yoga.

The Food and Recipes from The Yoga Kitchen cookbook

Now the main reason we were invited to join Kimberly was to celebrate the launch of her new cookbook. The menu was vegetarian and refined sugar free and all recipes from the book. Over the last few months I have been eating less and less meat opting for more vegetarian options and eating fish. So I was intrigued to try some delicious vegetarian meals….oh and they didn’t disappoint!!

The food was heavenly. I would happily pay for Kimberly to live with me and cook all my food it was that tasty. The food and flavour combinations were amazing. Also the best bit….we had three course breakfasts every day. Now honestly this made my life, you know how I feel about breakfast!!!! With three courses you got to try out a selection of meals and flavours and you don’t get food envy of everyone else’s food.

I can’t describe to you just how tasty the food was as you need to try it for yourself. But luckily for you you can….Kimberly’s book The Yoga Kitchen is available to buy online HERE.

In The Yoga Kitchen, Kimberly offers meal solutions to align your physical and mental energy, and boost your overall happiness. With recipes ranging from Dukkah eggs with broad bean & avocado mash, One pot masala dhal, Soba noodle buddha bowl to Raw caramel slice with bee pollen, it has never been simpler to bring healthy, nutritious and balanced dishes directly into your kitchen.

Each chapter has been divided into the seven chakra, energy centres within the body. Each chakra is associated with different emotions, organs and body systems, therefore the recipes and foods within each chapter have been designed to strengthen our energy, body systems and minds by eating food that will support our core. Creating synergy between mind, body and spirit.

A few of my favourite recipes which we made in the cooking lessons:

• Kaleola – granola with kale….the perfect granola for me, not to sweet but so tasty. The perfect start to any morning.
• Raw crackers- the quickest easiest recipe and the perfect
• Raw caramel slice with bee pollen – utter indulgent gooey deliciousness

The Yoga with Kathryn Fielding

Now although it sounds like it, we actually didn’t just eat on this retreat, we also did two yoga sessions a day with the incredible Kathryn Fielding. We started each morning off with half an hours silent meditation by the pool. The sun was just coming out at this time in the morning and there is honestly nothing more peaceful than sitting listening to the birds in silence with the sun warming our bodies up. This was then followed by a good hour/hour and a half vinyasa flow yoga class. These morning yoga sessions were tough, Kathryn pushed us hard and it really was a workout. For those of you who still think yoga isn’t a workout you are so wrong and you evidently need to try one of Kathryn’s classes. I love being pushed in class and challenging my body so I loved our early morning sessions in the sunshine. Basically a hot yoga class except in real sunshine, with just the same amount of sweat!

Then in the evenings before dinner we had a much calmer yin yoga class. This style of yoga is very different from the more flowing power style yoga. In yin you hold each pose for a lot longer so you get a really deep stretch. I loved these classes they were very intense both mentally as I stretched and pushed my body but also mentally as these stretches were very intense so could feel quite emotional. If flexibility and a real stretch is what you are after then trust me try yin. I felt a huge difference in my flexibility after a few sessions, and it made me feel so calm and zen like after I loved it.

Kathryn was an amazing teacher, she kept each class interesting and I felt myself improve so much in such a short space of time. This yoga dreamboat teaches at Equinox and Core Collective so if you want to try out her classes you know where to find her!!

Final Thoughts

This retreat ended my three week trip perfectly, I couldn’t of asked for a better way to round it up and send me back to London feeling zen and refreshed. And what a wonderful group of inspiring ladies to share it with.

For more information on Kimberly Parsons and her retreats with dates, prices etc click HERE

Then for more information on her recipe book and how to preorder ‘The Yoga Kitchen’ click HERE