What It’s Really Like to Join a Digital Nomad and Artist Retreat in Spain. An inside look at teaching yoga abroad, remote work culture, and creative community.
- Jackie Ngu
- Nov 22
- 3 min read

Introduction: Exploring the Rise of Digital Nomad Retreats
Digital nomad retreats are becoming increasingly popular as more professionals embrace remote work and location-independent lifestyles. These retreats bring together freelancers, creatives, wellness practitioners, and remote workers from around the world, offering flexibility, community, and cultural immersion.
Recently, I had the opportunity to join a Digital Nomad and Artist Retreat in Spain - Lloret de Mar as a yoga teacher, with a company called the better neighbors (https://www.thebetterneighbors.com) What began as a simple LinkedIn application turned into a transformative two-week experience filled with creativity, collaboration, and personal growth.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to participate in a retreat like this, here’s an inside look.
How the Opportunity Began
The journey started when I came across a LinkedIn post searching for a yoga teacher for a month-long retreat in Spain. The organisers offered:
Accommodation
Access to a coworking space
A daily schedule of yoga teaching
Flexibility to maintain my remote work
At the time, I had very little understanding of what a digital nomad actually was. But the opportunity aligned perfectly with my skills and interests, so I applied with an open mind.
After an interview, I learned that the position had been filled. I accepted the news and moved on until the opportunity unexpectedly resurfaced a few months later. A two-week
Daily Life on a Digital Nomad Retreat
The retreat took place along the beautiful Costa Brava. Between teaching yoga and continuing my day job, I participated in several excursions, including:
A cultural tour of Girona
Visits to Blanes and Tossa de Mar
A small section of the Camino de Santiago
Teaching yoga each day in different environments, including the coworking space, the hotel rooftop, and even on the beach for sunset yoga which added a dynamic and refreshing rhythm to the retreat.
Understanding Digital Nomad Culture
Before this experience, the term digital nomad was unfamiliar to me. Throughout the retreat, I developed a deep appreciation for this lifestyle. Digital nomads:
Work remotely while travelling
Embrace flexibility and independence
Build community through shared experiences
Combine productivity with exploration
Seeing this lifestyle in practice helped me understand why it's becoming a global movement.
Connecting with Artists and Creatives
One of the most inspiring parts of the retreat was meeting the artists in residence. The group included:
Established painters
Emerging artists
Creative professionals from around the world
I observed live painting sessions, joined an art critique workshop, and gained insight into the creative process behind their work. Their passion and dedication made the retreat feel like a living, breathing creative hub.
Several participants also joined Spanish classes, expanding their cultural knowledge and contributing to the retreat’s sense of community.
Building Global Connections
Although I arrived alone, I left with friendships that spanned Europe, Asia, and the United States. The retreat environment encouraged collaboration, shared learning, and meaningful conversations the kind of connections that will last well beyond this trip.
Giving Back Through Creativity
The retreat's final artistic project was designed to support local charities through donated hours, adding an element of social impact to the experience. This collective contribution gave the retreat a deeper sense of purpose.
Conclusion: A Transformative Experience
Joining a Digital Nomad and Artist Retreat in Spain was an enriching and eye-opening experience. It combined:
Wellness
Creativity
Remote work
Cultural exploration
Community building
For anyone considering a digital nomad retreat whether as a participant, teacher, or creative this type of experience offers professional growth, personal development, and memories that last a lifetime.
If you’re looking to combine travel, work, and wellbeing, a digital nomad retreat might be exactly what you need.









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