Diving into sunrise yoga facing the rock of Es Vedrà
It’s 5:30 a.m. in Ibiza. The air is still soft, charged with the night’s humidity. The group leaves the villa in silence, flashlight in hand, mats rolled on their backs. Destination: the tip of Torre des Savinar, the rocky promontory that frames Es Vedrà, the magnetic monolith that seems to float on the sea. This sunrise yoga session has become an essential ritual of Mandala Project retreats. It embodies the meeting between inner discipline and wild nature.
A mindful preparation
Before even unrolling the mat, we invite participants to ground. Feet firmly on the earth, they breathe deeply, palm on the heart. A whispered Sanskrit mantra opens the space: “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu.” May all beings be happy. Then everyone sits cross‑legged facing the sea. Mélanie guides a gratitude meditation for the coming light, the present body, the group. The night slowly turns into a milky blue.
The posture sequence
The practice begins with Ujjayi pranayama; the oceanic breath resonates like waves licking the cliffs. Sun salutations follow, adapted to the uneven ground. We anchor each movement in breath. Warriors, twists, and heart openers synchronize with the gradual appearance of the sun. When the first rays rise behind Es Vedrà, the group holds dancer’s pose. The sky turns pink, orange, and gold. Bodies shimmer in this newborn light.
The sequence continues with floor postures, stretches targeting hips and back. We end in savasana lying on blankets. Eyes closed, we feel the warmth rise and listen to the seagulls. A crystal bowl seals the practice. The vibrations mingle with the sound of the sea, creating a natural sound bath.
A symbol of grounding and elevation
Why Es Vedrà? Because this rock is steeped in legends. Some describe it as an energy vortex, others as a lighthouse for sailors. For Mandala Project, it represents stability. Facing it, we feel both its verticality and its softness. It’s a reminder: stay solid and yet open. We invite everyone to place an intention in a notebook and pick up a stone as a grounding symbol. This small object brought back to the villa becomes a daily reminder of the strength felt on the heights.
Extending the magic
Back at the villa, a breakfast in Ibiza colors awaits the group: market fruits, hummus toasts, fresh infusion. We then offer a moment of intuitive writing to anchor the sensations. Participants note what they wish to carry with them: an emotion, a phrase, a bodily sensation. Many describe the impression that time expanded, that this 90‑minute practice equaled a full day of reconnection.
This ritual often inspires home practices. Even without sea or rock, you can reproduce the sequence: wake before the sun, breathe, salute, watch the sky change. It reminds us that yoga is not only a sequence of postures but a way of life that honors cycles.
The next time you visit Ibiza, we invite you to climb Torre des Savinar at dawn. Bring your mat, a thermos of herbal tea, and the desire to be amazed. The rock of Es Vedrà will do the rest.