Yoga & Total Solar Eclipse
in the Basque Country
Practice yoga in a 16th-century house and
experience the August 2026 total solar eclipse surrounded by mountains and forests.
Yoga Holidays are an opportunity for you to enjoy a different and unique vacation, off the beaten path, close to both the ocean and the mountains.
August 10 - 17, 2026
A total solar eclipse is a unique event that occurs in a particular location only once every many years. During the eclipse, a slow sunset, a brief night, and a peaceful sunrise occur within a short period of time. All of these give the eclipse a special energy that is deeply felt especially when experienced in nature.
For many ancient cultures, the eclipse has represented a magical moment of transformation and connection with oneself and the Great Spirit. It is a time of death and resurrection. We will harness this unique energy for our own transformation, where yoga and Mother Nature will be the paths to our inner reconnection.
During the week of the eclipse, from August 10 to 17, we’ll open Perunea House for the practice of yoga and meditation and the enjoyment of the beautiful Aralar mountains, located between the Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay.
Our home, Perunea House, was built of stone and oak in the XVI century, ecologically refurbished in 2006, and lovingly and sustainably maintained since then. It is located in Gaintza, Navarre, a small village nestled in the mountains of the Basque Country where you can spend your holidays in a peaceful and healthy way.
Give yourself the gift of self-care by…
Reconnecting with yourself & caring for your body through yoga, meditation, nature walks, and plant-based meals
Experiencing a total solar eclipse out in nature
Immersing yourself in the soothing nature of the Basque mountains
Connecting through shared meals and activities
Living in a house built five centuries ago that many have called a healing house for its special energy
With the goal of moving in harmony with the body’s natural intelligence, daily yoga practices are tailored for your specific needs, whether you are a life-long yoga practitioner or just starting out.
This experience is open to any World citizen and is offered in English, but we also speak Basque and Spanish, and we welcome speakers of any of these languages. If you are a student of English, our daily activities will also help you grow in your vocabulary, fluency, and confidence, whether you’re preparing for an exam or just enjoy the language.
The vegetables in our meals come from our organic garden and the edible plants collected in the surroundings. We can accommodate gluten-free diets, and if you have other dietary needs, we’ll do our best to accommodate.
We are delighted that Shari Flanders will join us again. Shari is Lisa’s yoga teacher and dear friend who lives in Muncie, Indiana. She is a Natural Health Practitioner who has spent more than 30 years helping people to heal through yoga, bodywork (massage), and nutrition.
Price:
For the whole week: 690€ full room & board + yoga and eclipse activities
For fewer days: 110€ per day. (Priority given to those who stay the whole week, but if there are slots open, we are happy to receive people for fewer days.)
To reserve your spot: Bizum 50€ to (+34) 659 082 895. If you can’t do a Bizum, please reach to us by email (perunea@gmail.com).
Program
August 10: Arrival and settling in, gentle walks, time to rest and recover from the journey (especially for those who are coming from abroad)
August 11: Yoga, meditation, breakfast, nature walk, lunch, siesta/rest time, additional yoga practice or free time on your own (e.g., walk in the forest, swim in the river, read, etc.), dinner, evening meditation or music.
August 12: Total Eclipse day! The eclipse will occur in the early evening, and although it will be partially visible and felt in Gaintza, we plan to take everyone by car to another location (about 1.5 hours away) to see the eclipse in its totality and for a longer time.
August 13–16: We’ll practice yoga, go for walks, and eat tasty meals made with vegetables from our garden, similar to what is outlined for August 11. For an additional small fee (just to cover expenses), we can also organize day-excursions to visit nearby historical or cultural places, such as nearby castles, the northern beaches of the Basque Country in Spain and/or southern France, and the sanctuary of San Miguel de Aralar.
August 17: Closing circle and transport to airports as needed.
Please note: If you would like to come earlier or stay later, you are welcome to do so. If you are coming from another country and plan to travel within Spain or other parts of Europe before or after the week with us, for a small fee you can leave wih us the luggage that you don’t need and pick it up before you fly back home. We can also provide you with transportation from/to the Bilbao or Biarritz airports (check with us; what we charge for the airport transfer depends on the distance to the airport and how many people go at the same time). Flight arrangements and travel within the country before or afterward is the responsibility of each participant, but we are happy to offer suggestions and guidance to the degree that we are able.
Offered by
Lisa Kuriscak and Koldo Núñez Betelu
For both of us…
providing retreat participants with a home-away-from-home experience is important to us
accompanying people in their paths of personal growth is one of our main priorities and profession
yoga and meditation are a spiritual path that enables us to grow, to maintain balance in our lives, to be happy and healthy, to expand our inner and outer worlds, and to age with grace
avoiding harming living beings (Ahimsa), raising organic vegetables, preparing healthy and tasty meals, and taking care of the house and the Earth in the most sustainable way possible is a daily act of love
communicating with respect and empathy is a core value for us
taking care of ourselves and life-long learning are priorities for us
gratitude permeates our lives
About Perunea
Located in the foothills of the Aralar mountains, in Navarra, Perunea has served as a home and shelter for many generations since it was built back in the XVI century. The house is located besides the Ignatian Way.
Today, we share the beauty of the house and the place with those who want to enjoy nature and connect with themselves.
We cook plant-based meals with ingredients from the garden and nearby sources, being aware of the environmental impact of our choices.
Our offering
Plant-based meals
You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy vegetables from our organic garden and the edible plants collected in the surroundings. Herbal teas prepared with our own tea mixtures are ready for you all day long. We can accommodate gluten-free diets, and if you have other dietary needs, we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Accommodations
We offer shared rooms as well as private rooms for couples and families (subject to availability). Check with us when making your reservation. Bathrooms are shared (one on the ground floor and one upstairs).
Activities
On top of practicing daily yoga, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in light activities such as forest walks, guided meditation, informal cooking lessons or going for a swim in a nearby river. It’s up to you if you want to join us!
Additional Information
Perunea is an animal-friendly home. If you travel with your pet, please let us know in advance.
This is a place free from alcohol and other drugs.
For those with reduced mobility, we have bedrooms and a bathroom on the ground level, along with the dining and sitting rooms.
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There is no public transport to Gaintza, only Alsa buses from Donosti, Pamplona or Tolosa to the nearby town of Betelu. There are trains from several cities to Tolosa.
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Yes, our house is open to welcoming you. Outside Yoga Holidays, you can come to the other activities and for vacation, too. Check out our activities calendar and send us a message!
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The price includes full vegan board (breakfast, lunch and dinner), shared room and progam activities. We provide towels, bedsheets and general toiletries so you don’t need to bring them.
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While we don’t cook non-vegan food, we might be able to accommodate if you have food allergies. Please contact us if you have any dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate you.
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Bring comfortable clothes for yoga and forest walks, hiking shoes, house slippers or flip-flops, a bathing suit and any other personal items you may need. For yoga, we have mats, bolsters, belts, blocks, and blankets.
Location
Barrio Alto 11, Gaintza 31891 Navarra
Located besides the Ignatian Way.
Only 20 minutes from Tolosa
45 minutes from Donostia/San Sebastián or Iruña/Pamplona.
Please take care to NOT confuse with Gaintza in Gipuzkoa or with Perunea in the nearby town of Intza.
