Supporting Clients with a Cancer Diagnosis

6th-13th June 2027

More than 1 in 5 people worldwide will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. In the UK, the statistics show more than 1 in 3.

Survival rates have improved dramatically but the impact of cancers and cancer treatments can be life changing.

Reflexology already forms part of cancer care, welcomed in hospital and hospice settings to support people going through cancer treatment, in some cases to recovery, in others, through to end of life.

At this retreat you will gain skills and confidence in working with this often under-represented client group, to assist people in managing symptoms and support them in maintaining overall quality of life.

The peaceful atmosphere of the Almeji retreat centre inspires learning and relaxation. The perfect combination for hardworking, caring, professionals.

As well as workshops, and space and time to practice techniques and enjoy treatment swaps with other reflexologists, our price includes two massage therapies from our own Equilibrio therapists, delicious nutritious meals, daily yoga, and a beautiful ensuite single or twin room with stunning views.

Prices

As all our return guests know, we do our utmost to keep the cost of our retreats at a level where we feel we are offering fantastic value for money for the experience.

We initially take a £200 deposit for all bookings. Payment plan available. Please contact us for details.

The early bird prices for bookings made in 2026

We offer two different sleeping arrangments for our week long retreat –

Twin room with en suite

£1300pp

Single room with en suite

£1680pp

Click the link below to pay a non refundable £200 deposit and secure your space on our retreat.

Our Price Includes

Retreat includes

⁠7 nights single or twin en-suite accommodation with stunning mountain views.
Three meals a day. Delicious, vibrant, home cooked vegetarian food.

We Also Include

Two half days of certified training with Special guest teacher Dr Carol Samuel
Morning yoga.
Workshop exploring a holistic approach to working with clients on a cancer journey.
Lazy day outing into the historic town of Ronda.
Two Holistic treatment sessions. – Choose from a nutritional therapy session, facial massage or a full body massage.

Not Included

Flights
Airport Transfers (These can be arranged through Almeji Retreat Centre for £50 return)
Any taxis.

Timetable

The retreat closes at 10am on Sunday 14th June. There will be breakfast and time for fond farewells before the transfers depart for the airport. Please book a flight leaving at 2pm or later.

Day/Time

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

8:00-9:00

Yoga

9:15-10:00

Breakfast

10:30-13:30

Reflexology Workshop

Nutrition Workshop

Lazy day outing to Ronda

Reflexology Workshop

Somatic Workshop

Intergration Time

13:30-14:30

Lunch

1430-17:30

Retreat centre opens

Free time Therapies available

Bonus Workshop and free time Therapies available

Lazy day outing to Ronda

Free time Therapies available

19:30-20:30

Dinner

21:30

Free time and Winding down activity

The retreat closes at 10am on Sunday the 27th of September. There will be breakfast and time for fond farewells before the transfers depart for the airport. Please book a flight leaving at 2pm or later.

What Will You be Doing on the Retreat?

Workshops

Supporting Cancer Survivors Living with Pain
With Dr Carol Samuel

In this two-part workshop we will explore an adapted nerve reflexology approach designed to gently support individuals living with pain following surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal treatment.

Nerve Reflexology is a specialised reflexology technique that works with reflex points associated with all aspects of the nervous system. Drawing on my advanced training and clinical experience in this field, these workshops explore how the approach may be adapted to reduce discomfort whilst still accessing the elements of the nervous system involved in pain regulation and sensitisation. Using a person-centred and evidence-informed approach, we will explore how reflexology may be adapted to support nervous system regulation in a safe, gentle, and non-intrusive way for clients experiencing complex or persistent pain.

Guided practical sessions will give you an opportunity to experience and explore these approaches first hand, with a focus on working compassionately and confidently with this often, under-supported client group.

Please note: this workshop is intended for educational and supportive care purposes only and is not a substitute for medical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.

Nutritional support for cancer survivors with Rebecca Heazel

This workshop will focus on how to support recovery from cancer and cancer therapies using nutrition and lifestyle changes. Dietary interventions can be powerful in helping replenish lost nutrients and/or body weight, as well as overcoming side effects of cancer treatments including fatigue, brain fog and digestive problems.

I will also cover new approaches to reducing cancer risk or recurrence, based on identifying genetic risk factors in metabolic processes. These can be supported with personalised nutritional therapy.

Finally we will focus on life after cancer from a hormonal health perspective. Women who have recovered from cancer, especially hormone related cancers like breast cancer, are unable to take HRT and therefore may need alternative strategies to support menopausal symptoms. Nutritional therapy can be beneficial to alleviate symptoms and help to prevent future hormonal related cancers.

Somatic approaches to persistent pain and stress after a cancer diagnosis with Jane Bartholomew

This workshop will explore how gentle somatic practices can support individuals living with persistent pain following cancer treatment. Drawing on contemporary pain science, somatic awareness, and nervous system-informed approaches, we’ll consider how pain is influenced not only by what’s happening in the body’s tissues, but also by how the nervous system responds to threat, stress, safety, and recovery.

Through guided experiential practices, we’ll look at how you might integrate somatic practices within your own therapeutic approaches when supporting this client group or their families.

We will also discuss the role of co-regulation and therapeutic presence, and how you might support your own wellbeing and capacity for working with this group.

Other Activities

Each day starts by nurturing your physical and mental well being with morning yoga.

Equilibrio yoga sessions are suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced and individual requirements can be accommodated for.

Like the rest of the programme this session is optional, so if your needs are better served by staying in bed that’s fine too.

In the evenings we will offer winding down activities. Or you can use this time for moonlight swimming, star gazing or just hanging out.

Lazy Day

Our programme includes a ‘lazy day’. You can take this literally and spend a day relaxing at Almeji or join an excursion to the historic town of Ronda to experience some local culture before returning to the centre for your evening meal.

Integration Day

Saturday is integration day for treatment swaps, practice sessions, chats, exploring the wider area or just lying by the pool enjoying a last moment of relaxation and letting the week soak in.

Food

The focus in the kitchen is on tasty and health-giving plant based meals, making full and fantastic use of the abundant local and homegrown vegetables, local olive oil, cheeses and other local produce. Special diets can almost always be catered for, so let us know your needs before you book.

Each day will be an opportunity to experience and gain information about eating well.

Treatments

Two treatments from experienced Equilibrio bodywork practitioners are included in your retreat experience.

Some Equilibrio team practitioners will be on hand throughout the week to share their knowledge with you in a relaxed and informal way.

There will also be plenty of time and space to team up with other participants for treatment swaps and more in depth sharing should you choose to do so.

Evenings

In the evenings we will offer winding down activities. Or you can use this time for moonlight swimming, star gazing or just hanging out.

Meet the Team

Anna Bartholomew, MAR

Host and facilitator Anna Bartholomew, is an experienced reflexologist and retreat & events host.

She has worked extensively as a therapist, organiser and educator for several established retreat centres and for many local events. Anna instinctively knows how to meet the needs of guests and facilitators alike!

Trained in Thai Reflexology Massage in Krabi, South Thailand and later in Reflexology at the London School of Massage, she has also undertaken training in Advanced Reflexology Techniques (ART) and Advanced Spinal Reflexology and Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT). Anna has continued her professional development by attending workshops in Women’s Health, Mobilisation Techniques, Ayurvedic Reflexology and The Treatment of Pain.

She currently works with private clients in Orgiva, and is very experienced in supporting those with grief, anxiety, depression and stress.

Jane Bartholomew MAR ART

Host and facilitator Jane Bartholomew is a Reflexologist, Yoga Therapist and Somatic Coach. She specialises in Stress, Anxiety, Overwhelm and Chronic Pain and has extensive experience supporting those with trauma, chronic illness, depression, sleep problems, burnout, fatigue and cancer.

Jane has a broad knowledge of other complementary therapies. As well as working 1:1, online and in person, she runs educational programmes for health and wellbeing, both as part of Nourish and Balance Collective and in her role as a Yoga4health teacher.

Dr Carol Samuel

Carol is highly regarded in the field of reflexology and is an accomplished practitioner, researcher, author and tutor. In 2011 she gained her PhD, the world’s first in ‘Reflexology and Pain Management’. She has been honoured by peers and professionals alike for her work in reflexology research and in 2024 was rewarded with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for her commitment to pain management.

As a writer and researcher Carol has published in both National and International press and in peer reviewed journals.

She is an invited speaker at a variety of conferences both medical and complementary and works to bridge the gap between orthodox medical practices and complementary support through science and clinical reasoning.

In 2021 she published her first book ‘The Tenacious Student, Non-academic to PhD which tells of the challenges of research, of complex relationship issues and the highs and lows of academia in a compassionate and conversational way.

Carol is the only UK tutor of Nerve Reflexology, and her training is always of a clinical nature, providing a methodological way to ensure you receive the best there is, based on the latest research evidence and scientific methodology.

Her latest research project on ‘Pain in Cancer Survivors’ is ongoing.

Rebecca Heazell

‘Rebecca is a British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) Registered Nutritional Therapist and a member of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

She uses a Functional Medicine approach and evidence-based nutritional advice to support both emotional wellbeing and physical health, providing personalised and positive diet and lifestyle changes to help relieve symptoms and address root causes of imbalances. As well as working 1:1 she runs educational programmes and workshops.

The Almeji Retreat Centre

Hotel Almeji, is a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque Andalusian countryside just a stone’s throw from the historic city of Ronda. Our family-owned hotel, originally a 200 year-old olive mill, offers a unique blend of rustic charm and warm hospitality, providing a perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity and authenticity in the heart of Andalusia.

Set amidst olive groves and rolling hills of the Genal Valley, Hotel Almeji boasts 18 beautifully-appointed bedrooms, each with its own distinct character. The hotel’s intimate size allows us to offer personalised service and attention to detail that larger establishments simply can’t match. Almeji is the perfect venue to host group events and retreats.

Please visit their website to find out more.