8 Day Life Makeover and Yoga Retreat in Playa del Albir, Alicante

We believe that the starting point for rejuvenation of the body and mind is through the foods that we consume. Therefore, we offer an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole foods at La Crisalida Retreats. We serve a plant-based diet, packed full with nutrition to give your whole system support and a well-deserved rest.

We use seasonal products and where possible products that are grown or sourced locally, so the menu is typically Mediterranean, with a twist! All dishes are prepared and cooked on the premises, with care and loving attention from our talented chefs. We use lots of herbs and spices to bring flavour and variety, plus serving a selection of dishes with a variety of textures, colours and flavours.

All the meals (or juices) are included in the cost of your retreat. We serve three meals every day. You can enjoy a range of dishes, for lunch and dinner, sampling each dish served. Our chefs will serve you (safety measures introduced due to covid-19) and you are welcome to top up your plate as many times as you want.

We also offer you the opportunity to try juicing – this is included in the cost of your retreat. You can choose to juice for one meal, one day or one week, instead of eating. Each day you simply let us know if you want to eat or juice, you have the flexibility to tailor your retreat for you.

The foods that we do not serve include: sugar, bread, dairy products (including milk, yoghurts and cheese), eggs, salt, coffee and tea (except herbal and green teas), alcohol and sweets. These foods all place extra stress on our body systems, so by cutting them out for a few days or longer, the body has the opportunity to rebalance itself. We do serve vegan alternatives including rice milk or soya yoghurts. Most of our food is naturally gluten free, although occasionally we do serve couscous or a couple of other dishes containing gluten. Each meal is nutritionally balanced, so will include vegan sources of protein, and a carbohydrate option.

Typical foods served

• Breakfast: Juice or healthy breakfast (homemade granola, homemade muesli, fruit salad as standard). During the cooler winter months we offer porridge variations, in addition to the standard healthy breakfast.
• Lunch time: Bean burgers, courgette toppers, Buddha bowl, hummus, guacamole, falafel and lots of different salads and vegetable dishes, like beetroot and mint salad, olive tapenade on courgette “bread” or sweet potato “fries”. In the winter we serve freshly made vegetable soups and in the summer we offer an additional raw dish.
• Evening meal examples: Vegan paella, lentil sausages, vegan lasagna, Thai curry with coconut rice, tofu quiche, plus assorted salads and lots of vegetable side dishes. Twice a week we serve amazing vegan desserts and on Friday night you can enjoy an alcohol-free cocktail

Sometimes occasional treats are provided - of the healthy variety of course! In the afternoon we provide you with a fresh juice to freshen up before the 5pm class.

La Crisalida Retreats can cater for most dietary requests for allergies or intolerances, including gluten- or wheat-free, coeliacs and people with nut allergies. Please let them know at the time of booking if you have a special dietary request.

You are encouraged to drink at least 3-5 liters of water per day whilst at the retreat as this helps with elimination of toxins and helps to keep the body well hydrated. Filtered water is available for you around the retreat. There is also a wide range of herbal teas, including green tea and hot water so you can make yourself a hot drink whenever you chose. Fresh fruit is always available.

Juicing

La Crisalida Retreats also offers you the option to juice, instead of eat, for one meal or every meal during your stay. You have the flexibility to decide for yourself for each meal, so you can make your retreat personal for you.

Drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juices is a popular part of the La Crisalida program. Juicing is a fantastic way of delivering maximum nutrition to the body. The juices are designed to give the digestive system a well-earned break - much of the energy intensive digestion work normally carried out by the body has already been done. This allows the body to divert energy towards any worn out or unhealthy cells which allow them to repair and rejuvenate with ease. With natural fresh juices, the very best nutrients are squeezed out of your favourite fruit and vegetables and put in liquid form into a glass. It often amazes guests how our juices can leave them feeling full for hours.

The juices are freshly prepared each meal time using fruit and vegetables sourced locally. There is a well-designed menu of juices for breakfast and lunch. There is a small afternoon juice also provided in between the activities for all guests. You can choose your own juice for dinner from our extensive menu, or, if you feel adventurous, choose your own ingredients! Juicing is a great way to cleanse the body of toxins, and this elimination process will work in harmony with your yoga practice at the retreat.