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We have collected some important information for you below to make travelling to our venue as easy as possible. We are always at hand to help you with flight options and help you book your transfers.
ARRIVAL AIRPORT: Gibraltar International Airport
TRANSFER TIME FROM AIRPORT: 40 mins
COST OF TRANSFER: 50 - 60 Euros
AVERAGE NO OF GUESTS ON THE RETREAT: 15
ARRIVAL TIME AT VILLA: From 4 pm on Wednesday
DEPARTURE TIME FROM VILLA: 10 am on the Sunday
Before you book any destination with Our Retreat we strongly advise complying with the ‘FCO’ travel advise. We recommend you read the Government Travel Advice HERE.
Flights are best booked in advance, if left the price is likely to increase, however please do wait until you have received a booking confirmation email. The closest airport to retreat venue is Gibraltar. Ensure your flight is in the morning, allowing you time to reach El Cuarton for the 4pm check in. For your return flight book an afternoon or evening flight, allowing you time to return to Gibraltar once the retreat has come to end at 10am.
You might want to try Expedia for your flights: https://www.expedia.co.uk/
A taxi from Gibraltar International Airport to El Cuarton takes roughly 40 minutes and will cost approximately 50 - 60 euros. The address of the retreat will be in your confirmation email.
You can book taxi transfers in advance. You might like to try https://connectotransfers.com
You can also get a bus, changing at Algeciras. The bus journey takes around 1 hour 35 minutes.
Please check Rome2Rio for details https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Gibraltar/El-Cuartón#r/Bus
Running
There are three guided runs to choose from on the retreat, although you don't need to join all of them: A 15km downhill trail run in to Tarifa (suitable for those already used to running longer distances), a hill rep session close to the retreat venue (for those keen to learn how to build strength and speed), and an undulating 10km out & back trail run (or shorter if the group prefers!). Some of the routes will require transfer by car, which will be provided. We won’t be attempting to break any speed records on the trail runs and the emphasis will be on enjoying the route, but the terrain can be a little challenging underfoot so trail running shoes are advisable. A hydration backpack is also a very good idea! We also offer an evening group hike.
Pilates
Our classes are suitable for all levels and you will be shown how to adapt any of the exercises as needed. The exercises we teach you are all specifically beneficial for runners, focussing on improving core strength, Glute & hip strength and stability, as well as posture, balance and coordination - all vital for enhanced running performance. All classes are mat based, are one hour in length and all equipment is provided.
Workshops
As well as the physical activities you will have the opportunity to join our daily workshop sessions. At Running Aligned we are passionate about helping you to become not only aligned in your body but also your mind and with your goals as well. The workshops cover topics such as strength training for female athletes (with optional strength assessment whilst at the retreat) and why Pilates is beneficial to runners, mindset and visualisation, goal setting & time management. As with the Running and Pilates, you can choose to do all of these or none of these, but we recommend joining in as many of the activities and workshops on offer to make the most out of your time at the retreat!
Massage
All of our guests can enjoy a complimentary 55 minute massage. You are able to reserve your slot as soon as your retreat booking is confirmed (days/times available on a first come, first served basis so get in quick!).
Tarifa town
Tarifa town, on the Costa de La Luz, has been a holiday destination that the Spanish have been visiting for decades. However it is still not all that well known to foreign tourists, compared to the much more populated other Costas. There are no high rise buildings in Tarifa and it is composed of a quaint old town and the newer part of town through the arched main gate. It is steeped in history and was a important stronghold over the centuries due to its location and for the ability to see all ships passing through the Straits of Gibraltar. Today it still retains its small fishing village feel.
Over the last few decades the windsurfers, and now kite surfers have discovered Tarifa due to its predictable winds. It has brought a more bohemian feel to the town and it doesn’t have the pretentiousness of some holiday areas. Tarifa is small enough to walk around in 30 minutes or so and is blessed with numerous restaurants and bars to suit every taste. Restaurants are generally low key, serving excellent local tapas and with an emphasis on fresh fish.
We are very happy to arrange return transport from the retreat if you'd like to go off and explore!
Things to do
If you'd like to have a change from running and Pilates then why not try something new while you are on retreat with us?! Tarifa is world renowned for its kite surfing and windsurfing, holding various prestigious competitions each year. For those seeking these thrills there are numerous surf and kite shops in the town and with schools along the beach for learning or improving your skills.
Just 8 km from our retreat at Huerta Belinda is the first of many white sandy beaches which literally stretch for kilometres. There are many beaches to choose from, starting at the doorstep of Tarifa and going all the way up to Cádiz. Local favourites are Punta Paloma and Bolonia (a small fishing village some 10km off the main road and about 25 minutes drive from the retreat venue) which has some rather impressive Roman ruins where tuna catches were originally stored.
In addition to the beaches, there are excellent walking and mountain biking routes that are just up the hill from Huerta Belinda. Bikes can be hired in Tarifa itself. Depending on the time of year you may well see some of the abundant migratory bird life that is coming or going to Africa and particularly certain types of vultures.A number of hotels and other establishments also offer horse riding either inland or along the beach (depending on the time of year).
Other favourites if you intend to make a holiday of it and stay on after the retreat, include whale and dolphin watching (departs from Tarifa), tours of bodegas in Jerez (the home of sherry) which is 45 minutes drive away through a beautiful national park, or even a day trip to Tangiers in Morocco (35 minutes away by fast ferry from Tarifa).
Going eastwards from the retreat venue in El Cuarton brings you to numerous golf courses. The well known San Roque golf course is one of the closest and only 20 minutes away). There are also the polo fields at Sotogrande (25 mins).
Alternatively, there are the monkeys and tours of the caves in Gibraltar, if you fancy ticking off another country on the list (don’t forget your passport). If you would like us to help you with any local bookings, please just ask!
However, with all the amenities at the retreat and the lure of just relaxing by the pool in your free time, as you watch the ships passing through the Straits of Gibraltar, it might be that many of these attractions and activities are left for another time!!
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