The Chettinad Retreat, nestled on 25.000 square meters of private land, is a peaceful haven in the hills overlooking a rural valley on the island of Ibiza.
The Chettinad welcomes some of the world's leading yoga teachers and well-being therapists to host their own week-long retreats in our peaceful and comfortable accommodations.
The hillside property features a centuries-old finca, or traditional farmhouse, one adobe cottage, and two detached stone dwellings. There are seven bedrooms and five bathrooms.
Our geodesic Yoga Dome is a unique space specifically designed for retreat groups. Its luminous and airy volume, tranquil interior, and views of the verdant countryside enhance a sense of well-being during practice. It is fully equipped with yoga mats and props.
The Chettinad is eco-friendly with a state-of-the-art solar energy and water recovery system, and our chefs’ menus are locally sourced, plant-based and, whenever possible, made exclusively with organic ingredients.
For yoga teachers and other professionals who wish to run their own retreats in an exceptional venue tailored to meet their specific needs, we accept group bookings only and for a maximum occupancy of 12 persons plus yoga teacher. Have a look at our photos, check out our ‘Your Retreat’, ‘Rooms’ and ‘FAQ’ pages for details on how we work, and do ask us questions!
The Chettinad house
We stumbled upon this 400-year-old rural abode in a state of considerable disrepair (roofs caved in, craggy dirt floors, knotted roots and vines underfoot), but oh what a magical sight she was with her authentic quadrangular modules of four-foot-deep stone walls proudly standing for centuries and evoking agrarian life in 17th century Spain. And so began years of restoration resulting in a delightful blend of local traditional architecture, modern interior design and 21st century conveniences. High-beamed ceilings beneath flat rooftops, deep fortress-like windows, an abundance of light streaming in through floor-to-ceiling retractable glass doors, and the soft brilliance of white adobe walls are all distinctive features of the main house at The Chettinad. A terraced swimming pool, framed by extra-large group seating, dining, and double sun lounger beds, is the focal point of the main house's exterior.
Interior
The Chettinad House interiors feature white-washed, deep, dry stone walls offering the dual comforts of natural temperature control and privacy. Floors and ceilings are punctuated by dark woods and colorful textiles from Asia, India and the Middle East. The common living area, with fireplace, sofas, dining for 15, and flat screen TV, is hearth and heart of the home which includes seven bedrooms and five bathrooms. And when guests are in need of finding their own private space, there are six outdoor terraces and patios to choose from.
The open-plan kitchen is well-equipped for food preparation, cooking, and serving meals for groups. A reverse osmosis filter system provides high-quality drinking water and eliminates the need to buy bottled water.
The Chettinad is heated during the shoulder and winter seasons.
Outdoors
The air feels pure and clean, and the view of distant peaks piercing through the morning mist is a perfect way to start off your day of healing, pampering or yoga practice. Natural rock landscaping with beds of fresh herbs, trees bearing almonds, figs, pomegranates and oranges, and hammocks dotting the property offer guests many options to choose from when in search of a chill zone or a secluded place to reconnect with nature or one’s self.
yoga dome
Our 65㎡ geodesic yoga dome is a light-filled dedicated practice space with hardwood flooring, a sound system, air-conditioning and heating, views of the countryside from a large bay window, and fully equipped with yoga mats, bolsters, bricks, blocks, straps, wedges, eye pillows, and heavyweight blankets.
Your hosts
Denise and Michel, a former regional director of corporate communications for a multinational and a TV executive producer turned writer, packed up their urban lives and finally settled in Ibiza full-time after two decades of summering on the island. With two grown children no longer at home, they wondered why wait until retirement to live the life they wanted. And so The Chettinad was born, named after a region in Tamil Nadu, India where they once renewed their wedding vows. They love traveling, creating something to share with others, living simply, and surrounding themselves with thoughtful people.
Island Life
Ibiza is widely known for its clubs, party scene, beautiful beaches, and limpid azure seas. But the island’s wild coastline, jagged cliffs, hidden coves and caves, off-road landscapes, and endless caminos winding through unspoiled hills and timeless villages offer far more to those willing to explore. The island holds four entries on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites including the old town Dalt Vila, an acropolis overlooking the sea, founded by the Carthaginians in 654 BCE and fortified in the 16th century.
Life unfolds at a human pace here, cars politely come to a halt before you’ve stepped from the sidewalk, and folks head home from their offices and shops at lunchtime for that most Mediterranean of traditions, the siesta. And despite the island being a premier travel destination, local artisanship, culture and cuisine are still a part of everyday life. Slow down. Enjoy.