ABOUT
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT
Riverheart Retreats is a beautiful space in the rolling hills of Andalucia, dedicated to peace and wellbeing. 

Run by husband and wife team Samm and Mike Helmle, Riverheart has been lovingly hand-built to provide a place where people of all ages can come to reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Samm and Mike are both teachers, and specialise in leading meditation retreats that draw on Vipassana, Sufi and Yogic practices. The centre is set in the middle of a semi-wild parkland, and nature plays an important role in all aspects of retreat life - from the outdoor kitchen and living area, to the open-air garden shala where classes are accompanied by the sound of bird song and flowing water.

Founded in 2017, Riverheart is a constantly evolving project with new sacred spaces being created in line with Samm and Mike's vision for a healing paradise. It is also their family home, birth-place of their two children Alba and Jesse and a sanctuary for an assortment of rescue animals.

Outside of Riverheart's retreat schedule, the centre is available for hire by teachers wanting to host their own events and provides the perfect escape that is both rustic and rural while having all the conveniences of being close to town and the local airport of Malaga. Contact us if you'd like to receive our brochure for guest teachers.

Samm teaches online as well as in person at Riverheart, specialising in writing, mindfulness and meditation classes, as well as Hatha and Yin yoga. The Riverheart online community is a supportive and welcoming group of people connecting from across the UK and Europe, and provides a safe space in which students can explore and develop their practices under the guidance of an experienced teacher. More details can be found here.

From bell tents, to cosy cabins, see our range of accommodation here.
VALUES & COMMITMENTS

Here at Riverheart, we operate in the service of happiness, peace and freedom.

WE VALUE

•    Creative expression
•    Personal practice
•    Healing spaces
•    Supportive connections
•    Excellence in teaching
•    Active listening
•    Kindness in thought, word and action



WE ARE COMMITTED TO

Well structured programmes that balance learning, play and rest
Each Riverheart retreat is designed to give you the time and space you need to unwind and re-wire. Just a few days at Riverheart can recharge you, sending you back into the world with a new supply of energy and smiles.

Experienced, authentic and astute teachers
Our teachers are handpicked because they combine excellence in teaching with being kind and lovely people! Each one has contributed to the development of Riverheart, and it’s their ongoing energy and passion that helps give Riverheart it’s magical feeling. The perfect guides and mentors throughout your stay, our team will be on hand to welcome you into the Riverheart family.  

Honesty and integrity at all times
It’s a guiding principle in the yoga yamas, or code of conduct, and an important part of the Riverheart experience – we only offer the things we can do thoughtfully and well, and that we’ve found to be of value.

Community development and support – locally and globally
Set up in 2017, the Asya Programme is the charitable arm of Riverheart. Through this scheme we offer a subsidised place on every retreat to someone who is struggling physically or emotionally, and who would benefit from being part of a retreat but couldn't normally afford it. We also offer voluntary placements for students wanting to help with the maintenance of Riverheart grounds, aiming to ensure the benefits of the creative and healing arts are accessible to those who need them most. Contact us if you'd like to nominate yourself or a friend for either of these schemes.

Nourishing & delicious food and drink
Good for the planet, good for the mind, body and soul. At Riverheart all of our food and drink is organic and grown locally wherever possible. We work with local permaculture farms and vegan chefs to ensure everything we provide is cruelty-free and gives back to the earth.

Eco-friendly and ethical in all investment and practice
One of the reasons Riverheart feels so special is because of the care we take to carry out all actions with love and thoughtfulness. Safeguarding the planet and our place on it isn’t just common sense, it’s soul sense. We use reclaimed materials where we can, employ local people, and ensure our time here leaves a positive imprint on this precious earth.
OUR TEAM 
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