FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Where is the retreat?

We are located in the pristine gardens of a secure gated estate, only ten minutes from the centre of Marbella, with beautiful sea and mountain views. Our address is The Sanctuary Marbella, Urbanización Los Flamingos 125, Marques de Padierna 2, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain

Who is the retreat for?

We attract guests from a wide range of ages, fitness levels and nationalities with most of our guests falling into the 18-65 age range.  We are open to every size and ability and be assured, our retreat is a safe and loving space where you will feel nourished and encouraged both physically and spiritually.

Why is it good for me?

Our retreat is the perfect place to relax, recharge your body and nourish yourself physically and mentally. The diet is free of harmful chemicals and toxins, the fitness is aimed at all abilities and the environment is breathtakingly beautiful.  We also offer world-class spa treatments. It truly is a sanctuary.

I am really unfit, am I suitable for the fitness classes?

Yes you are. We encourage guests of all abilities, ages and sizes to join us. We want to help as many people as possible to achieve whatever their goals are. We have the experience, the knowledge and passion to help you. We will never give up on you and only ask you to do the same.

How fit do you have to be?

We pride ourselves on being able to train a complete beginner or a professional athlete. We will adapt to your requirements not the other way around.

I exercise a lot. Will I be able to get a good work out?

We believe there is no such thing as an easy or hard session. It’s how you apply yourself that counts, and we will teach you to do that.

How much weight will I lose?

We do not measure or weigh our guests and weight loss varies a lot from person to person. We can assure you though that you will leave lighter, fitter and far more nourished that when you arrived. If you continue to follow our suggestions on your return home, you will also carry on losing weight and raise your fitness levels.

Could I take some personal time during my stay?

We positively encourage it. The Sanctuary has been designed so you can have as much or as little company as you desire. You may want to relax by the pool or throw yourself into every fitness session. The choice is absolutely yours.

Can you cater for any food allergies or dietary requirements?

Yes. When you book with us, we ask you to list any allergies or requirements in your client account.

I am travelling alone. Am I able to share a room with a stranger?

Yes, absolutely. We offer twin bedded rooms and four bedded rooms and we will do our utmost to team you up with a fellow solo traveller of a similar age group. We also only offer single sex sharing rooms unless clients book a whole sharing room as a group and are happy to mix.

Is your retreat available for private hire for groups or corporate teams?

If you are planning an overseas programme to inspire and reward, our retreats are very effective in team building. We offer tailored and bespoke packages and provide amazing experiences for groups or friends and family. Please contact the office for information and quotes.

What are the dates of the retreat?

Can I book more than one week?

Yes, you are able to book two consecutive weeks and an overall 10% discount will automatically be applied at payment check out.

Do I need to make the full payment up front?

To confirm your booking, we ask you to pay a 30% non-refundable deposit. The full balance will then be due six weeks before your retreat is due to start.

If I am unable to attend, will I get a refund?

If you cancel more than six weeks before departure, we will refund your payment minus any deposit paid. If you need to cancel within six weeks of departure, we are unable to offer a refund. We highly recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover you in case you are unable to attend.

Do I need travel insurance?

Absolutely.  As explained above, if you need to cancel your stay within six weeks of departure, we cannot refund you or move you to another retreat. Also, should you be injured or be taken ill during your stay and need medical treatment your insurance company will help you recover any costs. Please note, standard travel insurance will suffice. You will not need cover for any type of extreme sports.

Where is your nearest airport?

The principal airport for travellers is Málaga, which is 70km from our villa and takes 45 mins to reach us by car. Alternatively, Gibraltar airport is only 60km from our villa and takes 50 mins to reach us by car. Please make sure your passport has more than six months validity or you may not be allowed to fly. If you do have any concerns regarding the validity of your passport, we would recommend contacting your flight provider.

Do you provide airport transfers?

Yes, we offer a luxury fleet of Mercedes-Benz Deluxe cars that can pick you up directly at the airport from midday on arrival and drop you right at our doorstep. We ask that guests try to arrive between 1pm and 5pm. We cannot check anyone in after 9pm so if you take a late flight you would need to find alternative accommodation for the first night and join us the following morning.

How much are the airport transfers?

Malaga airport:
Group transfers: £65 per person each way – designated transfer times at 12:00 and 15:30
Private transfer – 1-3 people £165 each way – bookable for any time between 12.00 and 20:00

Gibraltar airport:
Private transfers only: 1- 3 people £150 each way – bookable for any time between 12:00 and 20:00

Details on how to book and pay will be provided after you have booked your stay.

Where can I fly from?

You can fly from any international airport that flies directly to Málaga or Gibraltar airport. We recommend using www.skyscanner.net to search for flights. Skyscanner.net search all airlines from all airports.

What are your check-in and check-out times?

We ask guests to arrive at The Sanctuary Marbella between 1pm and 5pm. Check-in finishes at 9pm, therefore please do not book later flights arriving after 7pm to ensure you have enough time to reach us. If you are unable to arrive before 9pm, you would need to find alternative accommodation for the first night and join us the following morning.

Your rooms will be available by 4pm at the latest. On arrival you are welcome to store your bags and use the gym, spa or pool or simply relax in our open spaces or by the pool. Juices and light refreshments will be available on arrival, with dinner served around 7pm.

On the final day of the retreat, we kindly ask that all rooms are vacated by 10am at the latest, so that our cleaning team can prepare the villa for the next group of guests.

What do I need to bring?

The vibe at The Sanctuary Marbella is super relaxed. Guests tend to live in gym wear, swimwear and comfortable lounging clothes. We host a celebratory dinner on the last night where guests may want to make a little more of an effort. We will provide a kit list of recommended clothing upon booking. All rooms provide shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, pool towels, bathroom towels and a hairdryer.  Please note we can also provide a laundry service at an extra charge.

What are the optional extras?

Access to our spa, sauna, steam room and indoor pool are included in your booking.  We offer a wide range of massage and body and beauty treatments at an extra cost. Full details will be sent to you upon booking your retreat.

Do I need to bring any local currency?

Not necessarily. You can pay for any spa treatments or shop purchases by credit or debit card.

Do I need to prepare in any way before attending a retreat?

Our programme aims to cut out all processed sugars, chemicals, and additives. To get the most out of your retreat experience and reduce your detox symptoms, it is highly recommended to abstain from caffeine, refined sugars, alcohol and processed foods and drinks for at least three days before attending the retreat.

Am I allowed out in the evening?

We encourage our clients to fully immerse themselves in The Sanctuary Marbella experience and remove themselves from outside distractions and temptations. You are not restricted to staying onsite during the evenings however, we insist that guests who do leave the premises do not consume any alcohol or bring any food or drink from outside back to the retreat. This is unfair to other guests, and we are dedicated to providing a healthy and relaxing environment.

What happens if I take any drink or drugs?

We take this matter very seriously and if we believe you to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs you will be asked to leave the premises immediately. Also, we would not refund your booking regardless of how short your stay has been with us.