How to Choose a Yoga Retreat That Is Right for You

First of all, well done for saying YES to yourself. And now, let me help you navigate your way through the yoga retreat jungle and walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to choose a yoga retreat that is right for you.

Are yoga retreats worth it?

This is a question I get asked a lot by my students, but also by friends and family members.

My answer is always yes. Going on a yoga retreat can be a truly life-changing experience.

My yoga journey actually started with me going on a yoga retreat. Yes, that is right.

Back then I was far away from being a yogi, I hadn’t been to a yoga studio for probably 10 years, but life got pretty rocky and I needed a break.

Somehow I felt this strong urge to go to Hawaii and do yoga at the beach. It sounds like an escape plan, but it wasn’t. Deep inside me, I knew I had to do this.

I followed this urge and signed up for a yoga retreat in Hawaii. Looking back, it was the best decision of my life so far.

This yoga retreat gave me new strength, confidence, and trust in myself and I reconnected with my body and emotions in a totally new and unexpected way.

Inspired by this yoga retreat experience, I joined a local yoga studio as soon as I got back home to continue my yoga practice.

Looking back, this yoga retreat was where my self-love and healing journey started and I will forever be deeply grateful for this truly life-changing experience.

Why do people go on yoga retreats?

The reasons why people go on yoga retreats vary. Some people might be looking to get back into a regular yoga practice, others might seek rejuvenation and relaxation, some people might be looking for personal growth, a yoga vacation to connect with like-minded people, yoga travel to explore a different city, etc.

As different as the reasons why people go on yoga retreats are the yoga retreat offers. And the process about how to choose a yoga retreat that is right for you can be a bit overwhelming at first.

But this is where I come in. Below is an outline of how to choose a yoga retreat that is right for you.

Together we will define your intention of going on a yoga retreat, we will map out what you are looking for in a yoga retreat, I will walk you through a few factors that you should consider in your decision-making process and I will also leave you with a few personal recommendations for yoga retreats.

How to choose a yoga retreat – step-by-step guide

How to choose a yoga retreat #1: Determine what you are looking for in a yoga retreat

First things first! To choose a yoga retreat that is right for you, you need to be clear about your intention for going on a yoga retreat.

So let’s define your ‘why’ and at the same time, we will also determine what you are looking for in a yoga retreat.

Grab a piece of paper and use the journal prompts below to help you spark your thinking process.

Tip: If you are new to journaling, no worries, simply follow the journal prompts below and write down your answers on a piece of paper. Most importantly, be honest with yourself and let it all flow out. When it comes to journaling, there is no right or wrong.

Journal prompts

• What is your main driver for going on a yoga retreat? Are you looking for relaxation? Rejunevation? Spiritual growth and/or transformation?
• If you are looking for spiritual growth and/or transformation, which aspect of yourself are you looking to explore, dive deeper into, and possibly heal during the retreat?
• Are there any exercises such as meditation, breathwork, sound healing, etc. you are looking for in particular?
• How open are you to spiritual rituals? Does the topic interest you?
• Are you looking to learn more about yoga philosophy?
• Do you have a regular yoga practice? Or are you looking to deepen your yoga practice?
• Are you a beginner or a more advanced practitioner?
• How much nature do you want/need in your yoga retreat experience and why?
• Are you looking for yoga only or shall the retreat offer other activities such as e.g. surfing, creative expression, etc. too?
• Are you looking for a yoga retreat abroad? Is there a specific country you have in mind?

Take your time with this journal exercise and feel free to expand on the questions.

Once you are finished, get a new piece of paper, revisit your notes, and write down:

• your intention for going on a yoga retreat in one sentence
• 3 x Must Haves
• 3 x Nice To Haves

Are you ready? Let the search begin.

Tip: Keep your notes close, they will be handy to have.

Below are 7 factors that you should consider in your decision-making process.

How to choose a yoga retreat #2: Budget

A yoga retreat can be an investment, I totally get it. But when looking at the yoga retreat costs, keep in mind that you are doing this for yourself and that you are investing in your personal well-being.

To best manage your budget, work out how much money you can realistically spend without feeling guilty about it. Use this as your overall ballpark figure.

As a next step, be clear about what is included in the retreat offer.

Watch outs:

• Is accommodation included?
• How many meals per day are included?
• Are beverages included?
• Are there any excursions or other activities included?
• What additional expenses do you have to consider? Travel? Airport transfer? Travel insurance? Etc.

Be really thorough and map it all out so that you have a clear understanding of what is included in the retreat offer and how much additional budget for flights, transfers, etc. is required to make this happen.

This will help you to compare different yoga holiday packages against each other and avoid disappointments or any surprises during the retreat later on.

Tip: A yoga retreat does not have to cost a fortune. There are lots of mid-tier and budget-friendly options available. Keep an eye on all-inclusive yoga retreats. In addition to this, consider yoga retreats off-season and of course local yoga retreats.

How to choose a yoga retreat #3: Find the right yoga teacher

If you already have a yoga teacher you like working with, check out their retreat offers. You know what you get and what to expect and if you like going to their classes/workshops you are very likely to enjoy their yoga retreats too. It’s pretty much a win-win situation.

If you don’t know the teacher, check out their website, and social media profiles, sign up for their newsletters, read client testimonials, etc.

And if the yoga teacher has a Youtube channel take a couple of classes online to get a better feeling for their personality and teaching style.

Don’t be shy and reach out to the yoga teacher with any questions you might have about the retreat. Some teachers offer Zoom calls which I think is a perfect way to clarify possible questions and it also helps to get a better feeling for the teacher and the retreat offer in general.

Tip: Look for a teacher with experience. Someone whose personality you resonate with and someone who inspires you on different levels.

How to choose a yoga retreat #4: Retreat theme

A yoga retreat usually comes with an overall theme. E.g. yoga & surf retreat, yoga & nature immersion retreat, yoga & meditation retreat, yoga & breathwork retreat, yoga & creativity retreat, etc.

Every yoga retreat is different and some yoga retreats might be more active than others.

Read the description of the yoga retreat carefully and have a look at the daily schedule too.

Go back to your intention for going on a yoga retreat as well as your 3 x must-haves and 3 x nice to-haves to ensure that you are aligned with the overall retreat theme.

How to choose a yoga retreat #5: Duration

Most yoga retreats I have been to usually lasted for 5 -7 days. And for me personally, this is the perfect time frame.

But we are all different and sometimes a weekend away to relax and rest does wonders.

When it comes to the duration of the retreat, ask yourself how much time you think you need. Be honest with yourself. Keep in mind that this is your self-care time, try your best not to compromise.

Tip: Consider adding a few additional days of holidays after the yoga retreat. Having some time for yourself after a yoga retreat is a great way to reflect back and make a plan on how/what you would like to change in your life moving forward. If you add some additional days, make sure to include these in your budget planning.

How to choose a yoga retreat #6: Groupe size

Size matters.

Yoga retreat sizes can vary from approx. 5 – 30 people.

If you are looking to socialize and make new connections with like-minded people, a bigger group might just be what you are looking for.

But if you are looking for some time to rejuvenate and reflect, it might be worth considering a yoga retreat with a smaller group size.

To choose a yoga retreat that is right for you, check the maximum group size and ask yourself if you feel comfortable with the number of attendees.

How to choose a yoga retreat #7: Location

Yoga retreats are pretty much available everywhere in the world these days.

If you are looking for a yoga retreat abroad, you can find yoga retreats in Europe, yoga retreats in Bali, yoga retreats in Mexico, yoga retreats in Costa Rica, etc. The options are endless.

When it comes to the location, think if there is a country you really would like to go to. If you have a location you feel drawn to, go with your intuition there is likely to be a reason for this.

Watch-outs:

• Take a look at the map, some of these yoga retreat centers can be pretty remote.
• Do your research about the location as well as the retreat center, villa, etc.
• Read client testimonials, etc
• Is it safe to travel in this country?
• Do you need a travel visa for this country?
• When is the main season?

How to choose a yoga retreat #8: Luxury or rustic

Yes, this one is related to how to choose a yoga retreat #1: Budget, but it still needs to be considered.

Are you looking for a pure luxury experience or would you be happy with camping facilities?

If you are looking to reconnect with nature, camping or glamping might be just what you need.

But if you are looking to relax and recharge, it might be nice to have a Spa and a few more pamper options available so that you can book some additional wellness treatments and make the most of your retreat experience.

But even if you don’t have a super big budget, some yoga retreats offer single rooms as well as shared rooms. Meaning you could still get a bit of luxury by sharing a room with someone else.

During the yoga retreat in Hawaii for example, I shared a room with another girl, and 5 years later, we are still friends. She happened to be a yoga teacher and through her, I met other yoga teachers around the globe who all became part of my yoga teacher journey.

The universe has magical ways sometimes about bringing people together. Especially at yoga retreats.

How to choose a yoga retreat: Questionnaire

Can you go on a yoga retreat as a beginner?

Of course, you can. No matter what your yoga experience level is, there really is a yoga retreat for everyone. And there are yoga retreats specifically for beginners.

A yoga retreat for beginners can be a great way to get started with your yoga practice. It is pretty much a yoga immersion and you will learn all the fundamentals about the most important yoga poses which will certainly help you in your yoga journey moving forward.

When it comes to the question of how to choose a yoga retreat that is right for you, you can still use the same outlined above, just make sure that you are specifically looking for yoga retreats for beginners.

How to prepare for a yoga retreat?

As we outlined above, make sure that you know what is included in the retreat offer.

From there you can plan around it, e.g. book your flights and airport transfers, sign up for travel insurance, etc.

Most yoga retreats provide a packing list. I definitely recommend having a look at the packing list. The packing list should also tell you whether you are meant to bring a yoga mat or not.

And I would always bring some snacks. Even if food is included, snacks can be handy between yoga sessions, to take with you on an excursion, and of course to share with your new friends.

What to wear to a yoga retreat?

Pending on which country you are going to for your yoga retreat, you will need long sleeve or short sleeve yoga clothing. I would recommend bringing enough comfortable yoga clothing to last you for the time you are there.

For any yoga retreat longer than a week I would expect them to have a laundry service, but make sure to double-check.

And also double-check the packing list as well as the retreat schedule. There might be hiking activities, beach time, dinners, etc. planned for which you will want to bring a suitable outfit too.

What are the benefits of attending a yoga retreat?

There are many benefits to attending a yoga retreat, such as a break from routine, deepening your yoga practice, relaxing and rejuvenating, emotional healing, self-reflection, personal growth, and personal development, meeting like-minded people, etc.

But it really depends on the retreat theme, the retreat program, the yoga teacher, and of course on you and what you want to get out of this experience and how much you are willing to lean into this experience.

How to book a yoga retreat

Now that we have looked at the decision-making process of how to choose a yoga retreat that is right for you, let’s look into a few options on how and where you can find the best yoga retreats.

There are different ways how and where you can book your next yoga retreat. Below are a few suggestions to help you find your retreat options.

Local retreats

If you are looking for yoga retreats in your area, check out your local yoga studio and see what they have on offer. Alternatively, simply google ‘yoga retreats near me’ and take it from there.

Keep your ears open, maybe you hear about a friend or a friend of a friend who has been to a retreat recently. Recommendations are always great to have.

Yoga retreats abroad

If you are looking to book a yoga retreat abroad, Book Yoga Retreats is a great platform with lots of different yoga packages, yoga retreat holidays, etc. from around the globe.

Personal recommendations

Below are my personal recommendations for you. Both ladies are very close to my heart as each of them has been a very important part of my yoga journey as well as my journey as a yoga teacher.

I have taken workshops, trainings, and yoga retreats with both of them and I highly recommend having a look at their yoga retreat offers.

Nancy Goodfellow

Nancy has been my teacher and mentor for quite a few years now. She is a very experienced and internationally known yoga teacher, initiated Tantrika, breathwork facilitator, and embodiment coach whose passion is to remind others of their innate beauty, wisdom, and power. Check out her website and Instagram for her latest retreat offers.

Lauren Lee

Lauren is an Anusara-certified teacher a lineage rooted in Kashmir Shaivism which incorporates refined alignment through bio-mechanics, intelligent sequencing and potent themes related to the various archetypes of the human psyche and natural world to connect deeper to the many layers of our human existence. Check out her website and Instagram for her latest retreat offers.

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I hope you enjoyed this guide on how to choose a yoga retreat that is right for you and should you have any further questions about how to choose a yoga retreat, please feel free to leave me a comment below.

One last tip, don’t rush your decision-making process. Trust your intuition, and be open to whatever the experience has to offer to you.

If you enjoyed this blog post about how to choose a yoga retreat that is right for you, make sure not to miss out on the blog posts listed below:

• 5 Benefits of Yoga in the Morning Including Bonus Special: 3-Day Morning Yoga Challenge
• 7 Power-Packed Post-Yoga Snacks – My Personal Favourites For You
• 5 Best Yoga Props for Your Home Yoga Practice

I would love to see you back on the blog.

Stay wild,

Nicolle

Featured Image Photo by Content Pixie on Unsplash