El Convento Singing Retreat

A transformative week for solo singers of all levels

19–25 September 2026 • Sierra de las Nieves National Park, Andalusia

Awaken Your Voice in the Mountains of Andalusia

Imagine waking each morning to the sun rising over the mountains. Imagine singing outdoors on the land of an ancient Carmelite monastery built centuries ago by followers of St Teresa. Imagine your voice opening, strengthening, and surprising you — supported by expert teachers, surrounded by forests, silence, and the purest natural spring water.

This is your invitation to step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in a week dedicated entirely to your voice, your breath, and your artistic growth.

Who This Retreat Is For

This retreat welcomes solo singers of all levels, including:

Experienced singers seeking fresh artistic input
Developing soloists wanting confidence, technique, and performance experience
Choir singers curious about stepping into solo work
Anyone longing for a week of music, nature, and personal renewal

If you love singing and want to explore what your voice can truly do, you belong here.

Your Faculty

Jeff Stewart — Voice & Interpretation

International operatic tenor • Teacher at the Royal College of Music Performer of over 60 major operatic roles • Masterclasses worldwide • Jeff brings deep technical knowledge, decades of stage experience, and a warm, supportive teaching style that helps singers unlock new levels of freedom and expression.

Nicola Rose — Accompanist & Vocal Coach

One of the UK’s most sought‑after accompanists and coaches at Welsh National Opera, Longborough Festival Opera and Opera Holland Park, Nicola offers exceptional musicianship, sensitivity, and insight — the kind of collaborative partner who elevates every singer she works with.

Nic Freeman — Yoga & Breathwork

Ashtanga practitioner and teacher Nic trained in the 1990s with Pattabhi Jois and has been teaching at El Convento since 2003. His three morning sessions focus on breath‑led Ashtanga, beginning and ending with relaxation. The set sequence allows participants to move into a gentle moving meditation, where awareness shifts from posture to breath. Accessible to all levels, Nic’s approach creates a calm, grounded state that beautifully supports the vocal work of the retreat.

The yoga shala — built on the former hermitage of San Juan — overlooks virgin forest and faces the rising sun. With shade, mountain air, and uninterrupted views, it is an extraordinary place to practise in nature.

What’s Included

Individual singing lessons with Jeff Stewart
Individual coaching sessions with Nicola Rose
Joint masterclasses with Jeff and Nicola
Three group yoga sessions with Nic Freeman
Outdoor singing sessions in nature
A guided mountain walk
A swim in a river so clear you could drink from it
All meals provided on-site (freshly prepared)
A supportive, relaxed atmosphere with only 10 participants
Optional sessions with a Cranio Sacral/Inner Child Therapist (Payable separately)

This is not a course you rush through. It’s a week you feel — in your voice, your body, and your spirit.

Accommodation Options

El Convento offers simple, rustic, back‑to‑nature living — the perfect environment for deep focus and renewal. Everything on the land is fed by a natural spring.

Huts

Proper beds • Electricity

Bell Tents

Proper beds • No electricity

(Accommodation type is allocated based on availability, but you may express a preference.)

Facilities

One indoor shower and indoor loo
Two compostable loos
Two private outdoor showers
All facilities are simple, clean, and designed for quiet, mindful living

Important Note About the Terrain

El Convento is set in a remote, mountainous landscape. The ground is uneven, rocky in places, and involves walking on natural paths.

This is part of the retreat’s charm — a true return to nature — but participants should be comfortable moving around on rough terrain.

Travel to El Convento

Guests will need to travel to Málaga Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses de Málaga) and take the bus to El Burgo.

This is a direct service on the M‑330 line.
There is at least one morning departure at 8am and an afternoon departure, typically around mid‑afternoon.
Once you arrive in El Burgo, you will be collected and driven up to El Convento.

Full, up‑to‑date bus times will be provided closer to the retreat.

Retreat Fee

Single Bell Tent £1295 – All Inclusive

Single Hut £1295 – All Inclusive

Twin Hut £1195 Per Person – All inclusive (Twin may be booked as an individual willing to share with an unknown person of the same gender, or as two people who book together)

This covers:

All tuition (individual lessons, coaching, and masterclasses)
All meals (freshly prepared)
Accommodation (hut or bell tent)
Yoga sessions
Use of all facilities
Transfers from Malaga Bus Station to Il Convento and back again at the end of the course.
Tour to the river including picnic