Consider this...before booking a Yoga Retreat

by Awilda Rivera.

original published in Dec. 2016 for Aquarius Magazine in "Under the Bodhi Tree". Some edits have been made to the original artcle.

 
In the last decade, the Yoga Retreat Phenomenon has taken the world by storm.  Right now, there are dozens of Yoga Retreats happening all over the globe. The benefits of a healthy yoga practice have become so widely known that people want to incorporate it into their travel plans.
 
Yoga Retreats come in many forms, from very structured to incredibly lax.  Asana classes are standard & will often be offered multiple times a day on each day of the retreat.  Opportunities for meditation will be offered either as free hours in between classes or in a more formal workshop setting. Some retreats offer exposure to additional activities like surfing, eco-tourism, and cultural immersion.  Often Breakfast will be provided, however on some retreats there are no meals included. Accommodations are always 100% factored in to retreat pricing.
 
Interested in finding the right Retreat for you?

Here are the TOP 6 THINGS TO CONSIDER when choosing your Perfect Yoga Retreat:
 

1. Duration – Are you interested in a weekend getaway or a week escape? Knowing exactly how long you wish to be away on your retreat is essential to helping you identify what kind of a retreat will be best for you. Yoga Retreats can be anywhere from 24 hours  to 30 days long.  Identifying your ideal retreat duration will help you to eliminate a lot of trips that simply do not fit your needs.
   
   
2. Budget – Yoga retreat pricing can vary from $500 for a weekend on Jekyll Island, to $2500 for 5 days in Morocco.  I am offering  a retreat to Nicaragua in February 2017 with packages that start at $1000. Determine your budget and stick to it,  no need to spend more then necessary and risk regretting your trip for financial reasons.
   
   
3. Location – Beach, mountains, woods, domestic, international – the world is yours. There are retreats offered in all kinds of environments to meet a myriad of desires and needs. Think about your happy place and there is likely a yoga retreat offered there, or someplace similar.
   
   
4. Teaching Style – Some trips focus their Asana class offerings on a particular teaching style. Make sure you read the fine print.  If what you want is a relaxing all levels yoga classes on your retreat, then you might not want to go on a Power Yoga retreat. Take some time to research the nuances of the teaching styles offered on the retreats you are considering, watch Youtube videos, ask friends, perhaps go to a studio that offers that style of yoga so that you can be sure you will enjoy what is being offered.
   
   
5. Required vs. Optional – It is important to note if a retreat has required activities. If you are looking for a more relaxed trip then a trip where every class is required is likely not for you.
   
   
6. Excursions & Add-Ons – Surfing, City Exploring, Hikes,  Culturally immersive Day Trips & Snorkeling are a few of the most common add-on activities for Yoga retreats. These additional activities often come at an additional cost. Package details will usually reveal what options are available for additional activities, as well as day trips and upgrades.
   
   

Ultimately, if you are looking to go on a yoga retreat there is something out there for you. I will be hosting at least two yoga retreat's a year. In 2017 I took groups on: (1)  Yoga & Surf Retreat to Nicaragua from February 18 -25, 2017, and (2)Cultural & Wellness Immersion to Cuba. In April 2018, I will be leading a group to Barbados on a Caribbean Wellness Escape - for more information visit www.AwildaRivera.com .  If your interested on what other kinds of trips are available, then you should check out websites like TripTribe.com or BookYogaRetreats.com. Enjoy your adventures, until next time yogis!

---

Archives

August 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
November 2016
October 2016

Categories

All Infographic Personal Management Podcast Interviews Professional Development Success Coaching Time Ninja Series Under The Bodhi Tree Yoga