Choosing a yoga retreat

Choosing a yoga retreat is a bit like standing in the chocolate aisle at the supermarket. There’s a vast, tempting choice as the twinkly, multi-coloured wrappers wink at us while we deliberate. The same goes for yoga holidays as the soft-focus website photos of beautiful beaches, yoga at sunset and delicious looking smoothies lure us in. Like a chocolate bar, they’ve all got something to offer and satisfy. My yoga buddy and I (who shall remain nameless) have sampled a few over the years. We’ve slept in bunk beds in rustic-style bunk beds and slumbered in four-posters in converted barns. We’ve waded through a river with yogis in Yorkshire and missed a ferry in Malta (we should have been in Thailand – never quite got over this!) We’ve donned wetsuits at the foot of Snowdon to plunge into a freezing cold lake and stripped naked for a sweat lodge (best to keep an open mind if you end up in this situation.) Always fun, never dull, we’ve laughed our way through them; with the daily yoga sessions acting as an anchor to balance and relax us. I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every one and left them all with a renewed sense of wellbeing.

However retreats don’t come cheap, so it’s worth considering a few questions before you click the Book Now button.

Where should I go?

Choose an area you already like or fancy going: retreats and holidays (in the UK and abroad) tend to be in rural or coastal settings to ensure guests feel like they are getting away from it all and can immerse themselves in natural surroundings. Think about what other activities you might like to do: some retreats include additional outdoor activities such as guided walks or paddleboarding. Consider how you’ll get around when you’re there. The better locations are those where you can leave the car at home or in the car park for the whole duration so you can experience nature right from the doorstep.

Consider what the weather will be like. The website photo may suggest you can practise yoga outside or on the beach but you certainly won’t be if it’s rainy season!  In my view, the UK holidays and retreats are just as good as going abroad. Less travel = more relaxation time.

What kind of yoga and who’s the teacher?

If it’s a retreat led by your usual yoga teacher then you’ll know what to expect. These weekends can be a great way to get to know those you see in your weekly class or local studio.  If it’s a retreat led by an independent yoga or wellness venue you’ve found online then you may need to do a bit more digging on the teaching style and type of yoga offered.  A well-run and mindful retreat will offer yoga that’s accessible to all, especially beginners. If other activities are included such as hill walking or wild swimming then the yoga should complement this, allowing guests to prepare their bodies beforehand and release muscles afterwards. If you aren’t sure then don’t hesitate to email or call with questions. Look the teacher up and check out their website if they have one.

If it’s a week-long retreat with a very dynamic or ashtanga class every day you may want to consider if this is right for you. Even if you love your weekly class at home, practising this every day for seven days can be hard on the body if you aren’t used to it.  Some holiday companies are sensible and offer a yoga-free day to allow your body to recover and enable you to do an optional day-trip when more time is needed for travel. I once went on a week-long yoga holiday with a very advanced class every morning (marketed at beginners however) and had to take my own mid-week break to rest. As an experienced practitioner I was body-aware enough to do this but it wasn’t easy, especially when it was pointed out to the whole class when I re-joined the afternoon meditation class!

What does a typical day look like?

This depends on the type of weekend or retreat. Many provide a sample itinerary on their website so read this carefully.  Contact the organiser if you have questions. It’s your holiday so think about what you need. The most common schedule is an energising yoga class in the morning to warm the body with a more restorative / meditative class in the afternoon or early evening.  Some retreats offer lots of free time in between the yoga when you can do your own thing, perhaps go for a walk or do some sightseeing if you’re abroad.  Many offer massages and other holistic therapies which can be booked separately. Those offering additional outdoor activities such as wild swimming will schedule these in the middle of the day, in between the yoga. You may want to check who is providing these additional activities – is it the yoga company or have they contracted it out to third party?  Check out their safety credentials and if you need to bring any equipment yourself. Most will send you a list of what to bring when you book.

Will I only be eating dark green smoothies?

Ok so meditation at dawn followed by a 1.5 hour yoga class before breakfast may sound saintly but it may not work for you and frankly, is not as healthy as it sounds. If you’re like me and need regular snacks you won’t relax. It’s hard to stay in the present moment if you’re dreaming of breakfast..  Again my personal view is that the more mindful retreats are those that make snacks available before the first class and don’t cram too much in before the birds have even started to tweet.

The default option for many retreats is vegetarian, but not exclusively so. They should all at least cater for different diets and allergies and most decent venues provide mid-afternoon cake/snacks with hot drinks available at all times.  Some make the food an absolute highlight, offering delicious home-cooked dishes. It’s often an opportunity to try healthier food options you may not cook yourself. However lots of activity and fresh air can stimulate the appetite so ask what’s available, check out their testimonials and sneak some snacks into your luggage to be on the safe side.

What if I have a medical condition?

This should not be a barrier. All professional companies will ask you to complete a health questionnaire so the teacher can offer appropriate modifications. Again, contact the organiser to discuss your needs and give as much detail as you can on the booking / health form.

For the yoga retreats I teach on, I make them as accessible as possible with a focus on rest and relaxation. Unless a teacher is taking their own experienced students with them; a retreat is not the place for advanced postures.