15 Reasons To Go On A Yoga Retreat

Do people keep talking to you about yoga retreats? Maybe your friend went on one that changed their life, or your yoga teacher has asked if you’d like to book a spot on her upcoming getaway.

If you don’t have any yoga retreat experience, it can seem a little mysterious. What’s actually involved — and what will you get out of it?

Here, you’ll discover 15 reasons why taking the plunge and booking your first retreat will be a profoundly positive decision.

Learn why a retreat can be a great choice for a beginner or an experienced practitioner; and find out roughly how much your dream retreat will cost.

Not all retreats are made equal. But if you choose one that suits your personality, your practice and your needs, you can expect a transformative experience.

#1 A yoga retreat for beginners will lay solid foundations

If you’re a beginner, it’s totally normal to think you’re not ready for a retreat.

But actually, if you choose a yoga holiday that welcomes beginners, or is specifically designed as an introduction to yoga, you’ll learn the basics of the practice under the close guidance of a supportive teacher.

You’ll go home with the knowledge and confidence to walk into any open level class.

#2 If you’re more experienced, you’ll deepen your practice — quickly

Equally, retreats are perfect for experienced yogis who want to learn more and deepen their practice.

You’ll have the full attention of your teacher(s) for the duration of the yoga retreat. You can ask questions, get help with specific postures, and learn more than you can in your usual class.

#3 You’ll gain new perspective

Going away anywhere helps to shift your perspective so you can see your life at home more clearly.

But a yoga retreat benefits your mindset more powerfully; with daily practices to uplift your energy, as well as the simple fact that you’re out of your usual environment.

#4 You will really relax

I know — flopping on the couch and sticking Netflix on feels like relaxing.

But actually, screen time and the stimulation of fast-moving images isn’t so great for lowering stress hormones in your body, and letting the ‘rest and digest’ function of your nervous system take the lead.

Yoga retreat vacations give you a chance to rest properly; and you’ll learn how to access that relaxation at home, too.

#5 You'll have time to reflect

Most of us are busy most of the time. And while busy has its benefits, it doesn’t leave much time for reflection.

Almost all retreats have plenty of downtime for you to absorb what you’ve learnt in practice and sit quietly with yourself. In those moments, you can uncover the clarity and gratitude you’ve been craving.

#6 You’ll make new friends

Let’s face it, making friends as an adult is hard. But on a yoga retreat, you have the time and space to build close friendships with new people.

This happens naturally, without pressure; because you’re all there together, settling into yourselves and exploring your edges; and as you relax you begin to open up.

#7 You learn to breathe more deeply

One symptom of our busy lives and minimal rest is shallow breath. Do you ever catch yourself, and realise you haven’t taken a deep breath for hours?

The focus on your yoga practice, over a sustained period of time on retreat, will help you breathe more deeply.

You’ll develop greater awareness of your breath and the effects it has on your body and mind. So once you’re back at home, it’ll be easier to remember to pause and breathe.

#8 You could nail that headstand (or backbend, or downward facing dog…)

We all have those asanas we wish we accomplished with perfection.

And a yoga retreat is the best place to work on them. With an experienced teacher on hand to support you and show you what you can improve, you can develop the technique — and the confidence — to do the thing you thought you couldn’t.

#9 You’ll get fitter, effortlessly

Whether you want to lose weight, strengthen your muscles, or boost your overall health and fitness; a wellness vacation will kick start your journey.

Away from the distractions and temptations of daily life you can focus on your health as you’re guided through daily classes.

But you probably won’t spend much time thinking about losing weight or getting fit — so the changes you notice by the time you go home will feel effortless.

#10 Nourish your body with healthy food

Most retreats have a professional chef on hand to make you healthy, balanced and deliciously nutritious meals and snacks all day long.

You can factor food preferences in when you’re choosing a retreat — for example, you might opt for one with a vegan or all-vegetarian menu; a specialist raw food chef; a retreat serving Ayurvedic food; or one with a diet plan to support weight loss.

#11 You can reconnect with nature

Many yoga teachers value the power of being in nature, and choose locations to reconnect you with the natural environment.

If you feel the need to be outside, surrounded by trees or mountains or lakes, or to sit and meditate at the edge of the ocean; you’ll definitely find a retreat experience to suit you.

#12 You’ll experience the benefits of meditating with others

Whether you’re completely new to meditation, or you already meditate but you find it difficult to stay focused on your own, the experience of meditating within a group will brighten your soul.

I’d wager that all yoga retreats will include at least some meditation; and many have daily or twice daily meditation practice woven into the program.

Meditating in a group, and sharing that focus and commitment with the people around you, adds new depth. You will reach a deeper state of stillness and peace; and feel closely connected to the others in your group.

#13 Share positive energy and joy

The positive energy that grows from moving, meditating, eating, speaking, and even chanting together can feel a little bit like magic.

You’ll feel held and supported, and might experience a sense of freedom and hope that you’ll take back with you to your regular life.

#14 You could heal emotional wounds

People go on retreats for all kinds of reasons. But whether you’re expecting it or not, it’s not unusual to experience real healing.

With time to reflect, to focus; to breathe and meditate; and to connect and share with likeminded, non-judgemental folk; you find the space to open up and grow.

Sometimes this can be an emotional and challenging experience, but with kindness and patience, it’ll be worth the tears.

#15 Embrace the potential of the future

Remember that friend I mentioned earlier? The one who went on a yoga retreat that changed their life? Well, it could happen to you too.

It’s not that anything otherworldly takes place, but with space, reflection and positive energy that grows on a retreat, lots of us begin to see the future with fresh eyes.

You’ll feel rejuvenated, and recognize your own strength.

OK, but… are yoga retreats really a good choice for beginners?

The point at the top of this list was up there for a reason, because yes, retreats truly are a brilliant choice for those new to yoga and meditation.

That being said, it’s important to choose a retreat that meets your needs.

If you simply want to relax, try a few yoga classes, and soak up some sunshine, then a laid-back yoga holiday might be your cup of tea.

Or if you really want to understand the basic principles of yoga philosophy and practice, opt for a beginner’s retreat with a fuller schedule — one that acts as a whole beginner yoga course, consolidated into an entire week.

How much does a yoga retreat cost?

It depends. As a growing number of people recognize the benefits of yoga, there are more retreats available now than ever before, with options for a wide range of budgets from affordable to luxury retreats.

You can expect to pay anything from $250 to $4000+, depending on lots of different factors.

When you’re trying to figure out whether a retreat is priced reasonably, it’s worth considering the following:

• The length and location of the retreat – a weekend getaway close to home will be much more affordable than a two week immersion in a different country like Bali, Sri Lanka or Thailand.
• The accommodation. A big part of a retreat cost is the venue, with luxury hotels at the top of the scale and simple accommodation or camping at the lower end.
• What’s included, and not. Always check what’s included in the retreat cost; because a cheaper retreat might turn out to be not so cheap if doesn’t include food, day trips, and other extras.
• The teacher(s). An inexperienced teacher will charge less for their teaching time than someone who’s been teaching for a long time, or who is very highly trained. This doesn’t mean that retreats offered by new teachers are bad, but that it’s worth considering what you want to get out of the experience. If you’re looking for more depth of knowledge, it’s worth opting for a teacher who can offer that.

If you’re booking a retreat with a teacher you don’t know, always speak to them first. Ask about their experience and what to expect, and you’ll get a sense of whether or not the investment is right for you.

Which brings me to the big question…

Will a retreat be worth your time and investment?

Yes.

Or more accurately, yes, if:

• You take the time to find a teacher or teachers offering the kind of retreat you want, in a location that meets your needs, and at a cost that suits your budget. Popular retreat destinations include Bali, Thailand, and Costa Rica; but you know what? You don’t have to book a pricey plane ticket. A retreat an hour or two out of your city could be just as amazing.
• The experience offers the balance of learning and relaxation you’re after. For example, you might be an experienced yogi who wants to deepen their practice on an intensive training retreat, or you could be looking for a peaceful, restful week away.
• You go into it with an open mind, and a willingness to embrace the experience. Retreats are sometimes a little bit weird; but there’s lots of learning and growth to be found in the weirdness, if you welcome it.

Carve out some YOU time

There are so many yoga experiences waiting to be discovered; I have no doubt that somewhere out there is the perfect retreat for you.

Ask questions; take your time; and then take the leap. You deserve it!