OUR STORY:
NEW LIFE IN
THE SUN

Tessa Smith – A New Life in the Sun | Channel 4

If you've been watching Channel 4's A New Life in the Sun and wondered what happened to Tessa Smith, welcome! You've found me.

I'm Tessa, an English yoga teacher, entrepreneur and founder of Karmavida Retreats, offering inspiring retreat and event experiences in beautiful retreat spaces near Calpe and Benissa in Alicante.

My journey in Costa Blanca, Spain has been followed by Channel 4's A New Life in the Sun for over a decade, documenting the adventures, challenges and realities of building a business and a new life abroad.

My Journey on A New Life in the Sun

My story began with a passion for health and fitness, exploration, and creating memorable experiences for others.

It's certainly been an adventure! From launching Really Fly Experiences, offering aerial yoga events (also known as Fly Yoga) and stand-up paddleboard yoga, to developing my own retreat venue in Spain, it's been quite a journey.

Over the years, Channel 4 has returned to follow different chapters of my life, documenting the challenges and triumphs of running a wellness events business abroad and creating a stunning Retreat Venue in Spain.

Where Is Tessa from A New Life in the Sun Now?

Today, I'm the co-owner of Karmavida Retreats with my husband Paul. Together we have curated unique retreat spaces, suiting a diverse range of activties and retreat themes, in a stunning and peaceful location.

Surrounded by mountains, tropical gardens and lush countryside, Karmavida has grown into a welcoming space for yoga, wellness, fitness, creative retreats, celebrations and boutique destination weddings.

    • Bali-style infinity pool with waterfall seating

    • Outdoor kitchen & BBQ area with gas paella ring

    • Decked pool area with outdoor shower

    • Banquet dining table

    • Cinema area

    • Jacuzzi - capacity 7 persons

    • Outdoor gym area (equipment for hire)

    • Safe storage for bikes

    • Infinity yoga/pilates deck

    • Dance & fitness spaces

    • Aerial yoga rig

    • Crossfit rig

    • Yoga Shala

    • 10 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms and 1 guest toilet

    • 1 staff staff room, 1 shower room & breakfast kitchen

    • Large 2-storey venue, with jaw-dropping mountain views

    • Open-plan living room with relaxation balcony

Ceremonies
& Weddings

One of my appearances was featured in A New Life in the Sun: Where Are They Now?, Series 5, Episode 10, broadcast on 3 March 2023, when the cameras followed my venture into hosting boutique weddings at the new luxury location. Yes, my own wedding was even filmed in 2026 for the next show!

Karmavida Weddings

My Life in Spain Today

Today, we welcome retreat organisers, yoga teachers, wellness professionals and groups from around the world who want to create their own unforgettable experiences at our venue in Spain.

We also organise private celebrations, intimate weddings and exclusive group experiences.