How To Prepare For A Yoga Retreat

It’s happening!

You’ve booked your yoga retreat and you’re full of blissful anticipation for the peace, the yoga practice, and the deep relaxation.

But what’s next? If you’ve never been on a retreat before (or you have, but you’d like to get more out of it next time), we’ve got you covered.

Learn how to prepare for a yoga retreat — and get some insight into what to expect.

What to expect on your first yoga retreat

As well as brimming with excitement, do you feel a little nervous about your first yoga retreat?

You’re not alone. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain or anxious about a new experience; even one that promises to be supportive, relaxing, and rejuvenating!

One of the best ways to ease your nerves is to do a bit of pre-yoga preparation and find out what to expect.

All retreats will be different, but most of them have a few things in common:

• When you arrive, you’ll be shown to your accommodation and have time to settle in either before or after a welcome meeting or meal.
• Depending on your arrival time, the first yoga class of a retreat will be on the same day, or on the morning of the second day.
• Everyone’s friendly. Honestly! There’s something about escaping on retreat that makes people relax, and it becomes easy to get along with your retreat group and teachers.
• There will be downtime to chill, read, journal, or enjoy optional activities, depending on your chosen destination.
• You’ll share most meals with your retreat group, which usually makes for a warm communal vibe.
• There’s no pressure, and there will be plenty of time to ask questions. Confused about something in class? Ask your teacher afterwards, because unlike in a regular yoga class, they’ll be on hand to chat. Really don’t feel like yoga today? That’s OK.

In short, it’s very likely that once you get there all of your worries will evaporate. But keep reading to learn more about yoga retreat preparation for beginners, and feel perfectly ready to embrace the experience.

10 tips to help you get the most out of your yoga retreat experience

1. Check the schedule

Often, you’ll be sent a copy of the yoga retreat schedule before you arrive. You don’t need to study it; but take a look so you know what you’ll be doing, and when you’ll have downtime.

It’s worth noting that some teachers do prefer to keep the full schedule from their retreat group to encourage them to be more present in the moment.

They’ll give you a rough itinerary, but it may not detail exactly which class is happening when, or where you’ll go when you get on that bus for a day trip.

If this causes you anxiety, give them a call and explain; they’ll be happy to give you more details, or share a sample yoga retreat schedule with you so you know more about what to expect.

Your teachers want you to have a truly positive experience and will be ready to adapt to your needs.

A typical day at a yoga retreat includes:

• An early-ish start, for morning yoga and/or meditation; usually followed by breakfast
• Downtime in the mid-late morning to relax, nap, journal, or enjoy on-site facilities
• A healthy shared lunch and then more downtime — or perhaps a local excursion
• A workshop, yoga class or talk in the late afternoon/early evening; often something gentle and restorative
• Dinner — and then time to chat, chill, or get an early night!

2. Take a yoga class in the retreat’s teaching style

Are you going on your first yoga retreat? If so, drop into a beginners yoga class or two beforehand so the practice isn’t a complete mystery to you.

Or are you going on a Vinyasa Flow retreat, but you’ve only ever practiced Restorative Yoga before? Pop into a flow class to get a feel for it.

This isn’t a requirement, but you’ll get more out of your yoga practice if you have some simple foundations to build on.

3. Learn what to do before a yoga class

New to the mat? Learning how to prepare for yoga will help you enjoy your classes on retreat.

There are just a couple of simple steps to take:

• Avoid eating for two hours before each practice (or snack on something light if you need to, like a piece of fruit)
• Hydrate regularly but don’t fill up on gallons of water just before class

4. Wear the right clothes

No, this doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy the most expensive Lululemon leggings (even though they are pretty nice!).

But make sure you try on your chosen yoga clothes before you go away on retreat.

Leggings, bicycle shorts, or loose and stretchy trousers work well on the bottom.

Be aware that you’ll bend forwards a lot during yoga practice, and might even turn yourself upside down; so loose tops will ride up. Opt for something that stays in place to minimize distraction.

And never forget a cozy sweater for relaxing in Savasana — the deep relaxation posture at the end of a yoga class.

5. Keep active

If you already have a regular yoga practice, keep it up; it’ll mean you start your retreat with a nice base level of strength and fitness, so you’ll deepen your practice more easily.

If you're new to yoga and your retreat will be your first intensive experience of the practice, aim to keep active in the months or weeks leading up to it — for the same reasons.

Walking, swimming, running, or home bodyweight workouts like HIIT are all good ways to boost your fitness and prepare for a yoga retreat.

7. Nourish your body

Eating lots of healthy, nourishing meals and snacks will help to prepare your body for daily yoga practice.

Instead of putting yourself on a restrictive diet, consider delicious, health-supportive foods you could add to your daily eating habits.

Think lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, beans and pulses, natural protein snacks and smoothies. Try adding hemp protein and flax seed to your smoothie for an extra health boost.

8. Communicate your needs with your retreat provider

If you have special dietary requirements, a health condition that your teacher might need to be aware of, or any particular needs, get in touch and have a chat about them before you go.

Your yoga teachers will be more prepared to support you, and you’ll feel more confident about the whole experience.

9. Research your yoga retreat destination

Yoga retreat vacations happen all over the world — in vibrant cities, rural sanctuaries, on sandy beaches, and everywhere in between.

Our favourite yoga retreat destinations are:

• The beautiful island of Bali
• The raw beauty of Sri Lanka
• If you're into Ayurveda, there is no way around India

Take the time to find out more about the country, city or town you’re heading to.

Look up local landmarks, unique traditions, and prepare yourself to make the most of a new place, culture, and perspective.

10. Tune in with your awareness

Perhaps the most important way to prepare for a yoga retreat is to practice self-awareness.

Pause a few times a day to notice how you’re feeling in you body and mind. Allow yourself to be in whatever state you’re in.

Being tuned in like this will help you honor your boundaries on retreat — for example, noticing that you’re feeling very tired one day might be a sign to sit out a class and rest instead.

This is also a wonderful way to prepare for a meditation retreat, or any retreat with a meditative focus; because by noticing and cultivating your inner witness, you’re already practicing the key element of meditation.

What to pack for a yoga retreat

As well as packing your comfy yoga clothes, you’ll need a few more items in your luggage. But don’t go overboard — you probably need less than you think.

What to pack for a yoga retreat depends on where you’re going, what kind of yoga you’ll be practicing, and what other activities or excursions you’ll take part in.

No matter what kind of climate you’re heading to, check the forecast online so you can pack accordingly.

When you book your break, your yoga teacher will probably send you a retreat packing list so you don’t forget anything important.

And definitely pop these essentials in your bag:

• A yoga mat, block, and strap — if not provided (they usually are) or you like to use your own because you’re used to them already
• A yoga journal and pen
• Lightweight and versatile one or two-piece outfits for dinners or more fancy excursions
• Sun protection — YES, even if you’re not going to the tropics
• Natural deodorant (it’s as important for your teacher and fellow retreat-goers as it is for you…)

And most of all…

Don’t forget to take a curious mind and an open heart. Prepare well, but be ready for surprises too — because all life-changing experiences have a touch of the unexpected.

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