FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

🌸 General

Where is The Dragonfly Retreat located?
We’re nestled in the Andalusian countryside near Coín (Málaga), just 30 minutes from Málaga Airport. A peaceful hideaway with easy access for international guests.

What makes The Dragonfly unique?
The Dragonfly is a one-of-a-kind retreat — a self-built sanctuary created over 17 years of love and vision. With our Rose Pool, gardens, private riverside, and dedicated spaces for music, creativity, and celebrations, it’s a place where guests find rest, inspiration, and connection.

🛏 Accommodation

How many guests can stay overnight?
We can host 16 guests across our double rooms, singles, suites, and cottages.

What accommodation do you offer?

  • Wisdom Room – double ensuite

  • Peace Room – tranquil double

  • Joyful Room – two singles

  • Starlight Rooms – two-bedroom apartment

  • Starburst Cottage – three-bedroom cottage with kitchen & living room

  • Luna Suite – luxury suite with balcony, marble bathroom, and space for up to six guests

Do all rooms have ensuite bathrooms?
Many of our rooms and suites include ensuite bathrooms. Some cottages and apartments have shared facilities. Full details are given when booking.

🍽 Food & Dining

Do you provide catering?
Yes. We offer catering for retreats, weddings, and events. Smaller stays include breakfast, and light bites are available at the Gecko Pool Bar.

Can you cater for special diets?
Absolutely — we can provide vegan, vegetarian, and other special diet options. Please let us know your requirements when booking.

✨ Retreats & Experiences

What types of retreats do you host?

  • Wellness & Quiet Retreats – space to rest and renew

  • Creativity & Art Retreats – photography, painting, and artistic expression

  • Awakening in Nature – spiritual retreats by our private riverside

  • Music Retreats – songwriting, performance, and live shows

  • Corporate Retreats – leadership, team-building, and strategy sessions

Can I run my own retreat at The Dragonfly?
Yes. We welcome retreat leaders and groups from around the world. Contact us to discuss your needs, group size, and dates.

💍 Weddings & Events

Do you host weddings and celebrations?
Yes — The Dragonfly is licensed as a wedding and event venue. With the Rose Pool, gardens, and Dragonfly Club, we can create beautiful, bespoke celebrations.

How many people can attend?
We can host up to 80 guests for weddings and planned events. Accommodation is available on-site for 20–30 guests, with additional nearby lodging options for larger groups.

Do you offer wedding packages?
Yes — from 1-day hire to full 3-day celebrations with accommodation, catering, entertainment, and more. Each package is tailored to your vision.

🎶 Music & Entertainment

Is The Dragonfly a music venue?
Yes — music is part of our soul. From live concerts and poolside DJs to intimate acoustic sessions and songwriting retreats, we are fully equipped for sound and performance.

🚗 Travel & Practicalities

How do I get there?
We’re around 30 minutes by car from Málaga Airport. Airport transfers can be arranged on request.

Is there parking on-site?
Yes, private parking is available at the entrance.

Do you allow children?
Children are welcome only for weddings and private family celebrations. For retreats and most events, The Dragonfly is an adults-only space to keep the atmosphere calm and focused.

Do you allow pets?
No. To protect our animals (including Pedro our rescue donkey, Dinky our miniature pony, and our Estarada horse), we do not allow pets on-site.

📩 Booking & Contact

How do I book?
Book directly via our website www.dragonfly-retreat.com or email us at info@dragonflyretreatcentre.com.

Do you require a deposit?
Yes. Deposits vary depending on the event or retreat. Weddings and large retreats usually require a non-refundable deposit of 15–25% to secure your dates.

Can I visit before booking?
Yes, visits are welcome by appointment. Contact us to arrange a personal tour of the retreat.

The Heart Behind The Dragonfly

  • Our self-build journey was inspired by a desire to create a unique and personalised retreat that reflected our vision and values. We wanted to build something that offered tranquility and natural beauty, a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

  • The project has taken 17 years so far, and we are still building and improving things. We laid every stone and planted every plant ourselves, ensuring that each detail reflects our dedication and passion.

  • Mark had some experience in building but not enough to build a house from scratch—or so he thought. Fortunately, we had an amazing architect, Francisco, who drew all the plans. Over the years, as circumstances and finances changed, we had to build much of it ourselves to cover the costs.

  • Some of the biggest challenges included managing the extensive renovations required for a structure built in 1875, learning construction techniques, and balancing the project with our personal lives. Each challenge taught us valuable lessons and made the end result even more rewarding.

  • We used a combination of traditional and modern materials and techniques. Natural stone, granite, and sustainable materials were key components, ensuring the structure was both beautiful and environmentally friendly.

  • What budget? That went out the window. We had no idea about budgeting and couldn’t really stick to one. We built whenever we had the funds at the time. Mark often quoted bit by bit, while Lorraine did the design. The two of them worked hand in hand throughout the entire process.

  • Our advice would be to stay patient, be prepared for challenges, and stay passionate about your vision. Research thoroughly, seek advice when needed, and enjoy the journey. The process is as important as the final result.

  • Handling planning permissions and regulations required thorough research and regular consultations with local authorities. Ensuring all documentation was in order and adhering to local building codes was critical to the project's success.

  • The most rewarding part has been seeing our vision come to life and sharing it with guests who appreciate the beauty and tranquility of our retreat. Knowing we built it with our own hands adds a special sense of accomplishment and pride.

  • Absolutely! We love sharing our story with guests and often provide tours of the property, highlighting the transformation from the original ruin to the stunning retreat it is today. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and love.

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