Supporting the Immune System with Reflexology and Holistic Health
7th-14th June 2026
As reflexologists, we often work with clients who are experiencing general poor health, falling prey to anything that is ‘going round’ or taking a long time to recover from illness. How can we improve our effectiveness in responding to these clients boosting their immune systems to help them reach their optimum wellbeing?
This week we will be joined by Special Guest Reflexologist Hagar Basis who will be sharing techniques, including her own unique bi-manual integrated approach to reflexology, to improve the body’s vital immune function, help reduce inflammation and enhance core health. Workshop leaders Jane Bartholomew and Rebecca Heazell will look at how both diet and stress can impact the immune system and offer some tools and tips to improve immune system response.
Your full participation in an Equilibrio Reflexology retreat awards you 20 points of CPD through taught and self directed learning.
The week will also be packed with immune system boosts for you as a therapist. Our price includes two massage therapies from our own Equilibrio therapists, delicious nutritious meals, daily yoga, and a beautiful ensuite room with stunning views. The programme offers plenty of time to relax and enjoy the centre and the surrounding area, as well as workshops, treatment swaps and the company of other reflexologists to inspire and enthuse you.
Prices
We offer two different sleeping arrangments for our week long retreat –
Payment plan available. Please contact us for details.
Twin room with en suite
£1280pp
Single room with en suite
£1480pp
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.
- Airport transfers.
We Also Include
- Two half days of certified training with Special guest teacher Hagar Basis
- Morning yoga.
- Workshop exploring the effect of diet and stress on the immune system.
- 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
- Any taxis.
Timetable
All activities on this retreat are optional. And you are welcome to enjoy all or some of them as suits your needs. The retreat centre is also a beautiful place to relax and just be.
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
7:30-8:00
Mindful Moments
Mindful Moments
Mindful Moments
Mindful Moments
Mindful Moments
Mindful Moments
8:00-9:00
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga
9:15-10:00
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
10:30-1:30
Reflexology Workshop
Nutrition Workshop
Day Out
Reflexology Workshop
Somatic workshop
Integration time
13:30-2:30
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
15:00-19:30
Arrive at Almeji. Free airport transfers leave Malaga at around 12 noon and 5pm
Free time, treatments, treatment swaps
Free time, treatments, treatment swaps
Day Out
Free time, treatments, treatment swaps
Free time, treatments, treatment swaps
Free time, treatments, treatment swaps
19:30-20:30
Dinner
Dinner
Dinner
Dinner
Dinner
Dinner
Dinner
After Dinner
Relax and settle in
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
Free Time
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.
What Will You be Doing on the Retreat?
Workshops
Reflexology For Immune Health
During the 2 part workshop participants will learn restorative reflexology techniques to help relieve lymphatic stagnation through the body’s intricate lymph fascia matrix. We will also be working on key reflexes of the immune and lymphatic system, including the vagus nerve reflex, and essential helper reflexes to improve the body’s vital immune function, help reduce inflammation and enhance core health.
The modern science of Psycho-Neuro-Immunology (PNI) identifies the direct links between psychological distress and illness. Stress significantly disrupts our health and makes us more susceptible to everything from the common cold to serious autoimmune disease. Chronic stress can increase inflammation and alter our body’s protective immune responses.
The focused reflexology taught at this 2 part workshop will help us to reduce the severity that persistent stress has on the body and mind, thereby strengthening vitality and immune function. In addition, the techniques learnt at the workshop aim to help you support the recovery of clients suffering from the symptoms of long covid, chronic fatigue syndrome and other post-viral complications.
This hands-on all practical workshop teaches a specific bi-manual integrated approach to working the reflexes, enhancing your reflexology practice through potent therapeutic touch and experiential learning.
Nutrition and building a healthy Immune System
Nutrition has a major impact on inflammation and immune health, through the types of foods we eat, the nutrients needed for our immune system and the balance of our gut microbiome. Modern life, and the way we eat, is a significant contributor to the rising rates of immune disorders, including allergies, susceptibility to illness and autoimmunity – and arguably the most modifiable.
The workshop will provide knowledge and practical strategies about the anti-inflammatory diet, the foundation for good immune health. We will discuss specific foods and nutrients that can effectively reduce inflammation and balance our immune system and help to alleviate pain, anxiety and the impact of inflammatory conditions. We will also introduce the links between our gut microbiome and immune health, its involvement in optimal immune responses and how the gut can be a therapeutic target for inflammatory conditions, including allergies and autoimmunity.
Somatic Practice and the Immune System
This experiential workshop explores the relationship between the body’s somatic processes and the immune system.
We will discuss how gentle somatic approaches can support resilience and well-being for both ourselves and our clients. Through guided movement, breathwork, and body awareness practices, participants will experience how stress, tension, and emotional states influence the nervous system and therefore impact immune function.
Drawing on insights from neuroscience and mind-body research, we will explore practical tools to regulate the nervous system, foster a sense of safety, and strengthen the body’s natural capacity for healing. The session is open to anyone curious about the connection between embodied awareness and immune health.
Other Activities
Mindful moments and Morning Yoga
Each day starts by nurturing your physical and mental well being. A short session we are calling ‘Mindful Moments’ will be followed by 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.
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
Evenings are free 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, Somatic Practitioner and 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.
She has a broad knowledge of other complementary therapies and as well as working 1:1, runs educational programmes for health and wellbeing, both as part of Manchester Wellbeing Rooms CIC and in her role as a Yoga4health teacher.
Hagar Basis
Hagar Basis, Director of Reflexology Academy, has been a leading educator and practitioner in reflexology for over 35 years. Originally trained by Tony Porter, she qualified in the Original Ingham Method in 1989 and has since trained hundreds of reflexologists at various levels including Tony porter’s Advanced Reflexology Techniques, A.R.T seminars for reflexologists. She served as Course Director for the International Institute of Reflexology (UK) for 16 years, following this she delivered the Level 5 Reflexology qualification in partnership with Centralia.
In 2021, Hagar developed Reflexology Academy’s very own Practitioner Diploma in Clinical Reflexology, which she continues to teach in London alongside her advanced workshops in the UK and internationally. She has developed her own unique bi-manual integrated approach to reflexology, focusing on ‘Moving the Energy’ as a transformational tool towards health and wholeness.
Hagar has presented at several international reflexology conferences, including as a speaker at the 2017 International Council of Reflexologists congress in Taiwan, where she was also honoured with a special award for her contributions to reflexology education.
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.
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.
