Yoga retreats are one of my favorite ways to travel the world. I’ve traveled continentally and internationally and I’ve loved each experience so many reasons.
There are so so many reasons for you to choose this style of travel. For me the biggest and best reason is that I can travel solo in a very safe way because I am still connected to a group. The second is that I’m a firm believer that no one choosing to go on an yoga retreat is an asshole, so I know I’ll enjoy the company I’m with, even if they are complete strangers. And of course, the resorts and facilities where yoga retreats are held tend to be of the Eco-Friendly, Health Conscious, Community Minded variety – which makes me feel a little better about spending my hard earned dollars there.
Looking for a few more reasons to dive in and book your spot?
Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty!
1. CONNECT WITH NATURE and DISCONNECT FROM TECHNOLOGY
Many yoga retreats take place in beautiful natural locations around the world. What better way to get out of the hustle and bustle of modern living than to go on a yoga retreat! You’ll be able to connect with nature on a deeper level, immersing yourself in your surroundings and taking advantage of them in a way you might not otherwise do. On top of that, going on a retreat vacation is a perfect excuse to disconnect from technology and get back to basics. So many jobs now require us to be on call and connected 24/7. Even if they don’t we can end up spending a large amount of our free time on social media and glued to screens. Feel free to use your retreat as a chance to be in the moment and away from digital distractions!
2. DEEPEN YOGA PRACTICE and SPEND MORE TIME WITH INSTRUCTORS YOU LOVE
If you struggle to find time to practice yoga in your everyday life then the benefit of going on a yoga retreat is being able to practice every day without distraction. Even the most seasoned yoga practitioner can deepen their practice on retreat and aim to reach the next level, whether that is mentally, physically, or spiritually. This deepening of your practice also grants you access to your favorite yoga teachers for more than just a class. You can take advantage of any one-on-one time they offer to help you with your practice, and speak to them throughout the retreat about yoga and wellness in general.
3. STOP OVERTHINKING and find A TASTE OF LIVING LIFE WITH A PURPOSE
If you find it impossible to silence your mind and you’re always thinking of the next thing you need to do, then a yoga retreat gives you a great opportunity to stop overthinking it all. Use a yoga retreat to turn off all the noise of your own voice and open yourself to a more positive way of thinking. Meditation is often part of a retreat program, and you can speak to your instructor about helping you to harness your thoughts. Also, when you’re on retreat, each day has an element of purpose. You’re concentrating on your practice and relaxing or taking advantage of optional activities in between. Your health and well-being are placed front and center. Each day you can achieve what you set out to do, and have a taste of living your life with an element of purpose.
4. IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH – MIND, BODY, & SOUL
A yoga retreat has the benefit of being a vacation that improves your health. You should go away from a retreat having exercised your body and relaxed your mind, and feeling healthier in both. Going on retreat can change your life, and help you to deal with any emotional and mental issues you may be having.
5. MEET NEW PEOPLE
One of the greatest parts about a yoga retreat is the people you meet. People from all over the world attend yoga retreats. You get a chance to learn about other cultures and meet people that make sense to you. This can open up doors to visit your newfound friends in their home country and vice versa. There is a certain openness when people get together in a yoga retreat setting. You may feel like you’ve known other people for much longer than the week or two you spend with them. Making friends for life at a retreat is not uncommon. It’s a great way to meet people and open yourself up to the world.
6. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
We give so much of ourselves in our daily lives that it can be difficult to really take a moment just for ourselves. While you can meet some amazing people on retreat, you can also use it as an opportunity to be alone. Wellness travel is all about taking that time for yourself, and is a top reason to go on a retreat!
Yoga retreats are a beautiful way to get in touch with yourself when it’s time to take a break from life. The value you receive transcends back in your normal day-to-day life. As you’ve immersed yourself into yoga, you go home and continue the practice because you know how good it makes you feel. The benefits of yoga in itself are immense. When you dedicate yourself to a daily practice during a retreat, you begin to truly feel all the benefits that people have experienced for thousands of years.
7. SEE BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS and HAVE A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
Let’s face it, yoga retreats usually take place in beautiful places around the world, whether it’s the beaches of Mexico, the rain-forest of Costa Rica, or the mountains of Montana. A yoga retreat is like getting two for the price of one, with a vacation in a beautiful place combined with an experience that benefits you on a deeper level. Every retreat is different, even if you return to the same place. The other people and your frame of mind at the time will never be the same again. Booking a yoga retreat will always result in a unique experience, and each retreat will be different as you continue to grow within yourself.
8. Pamper Yourself
One of the very best parts of a yoga retreat is to have 3 -10 days where all of your needs are met without you having to put in a huge amount of effort.
With all meals prepared for you on your yoga vacation, it is so lovely to be able to sit back and enjoy a meal without worrying about doing the dishes afterward. Even the most culinary-minded of us could use a rest every now and then, and despite earnest efforts, it can be challenging to eat a healthy, balanced diet in urban environments.
Add to that the benefit of having your retreat leader, coordinator, and resort staff available to ask questions, to offer solutions, and to help create a beautiful experience for you.
Then of course, it’s worth adding that most retreat spots also have magnificent spas available to participants, you could end each day with any number of services and procedures.
9. LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF
My retreat experiences have all been a time of self-discovery. From landing in another culture and navigating my way around to having quiet time, each part of my trip allowed me to learn more about myself. I opted to share a room with someone I didn’t know beforehand. I tried yoga poses that I didn’t think I could do. I had the chance to disconnect from my phone and computer. I was able to see how I interacted with strangers and learn what I was saying to the outside world without even using words.
10. YOU DESERVE IT
Treat yourself to an experience you really deserve, by going on a yoga retreat. This is a vacation all about YOU, and with the stresses of daily life, you deserve it.
Worried about choosing the right retreat?
I love to make my choices based on the instructor and the location.
I want to know that this is a person I can learn from and enjoy for a length of time and that I’ll be in a place intrigues me. And of course, listening to recommendations from trusted friends always helps too.
But at the end of the day, trust your gut. If something feels off (like there isn’t a clear description of the retreat, poor communication with the retreat leader, or negative reviews of the location) then back away. You want to feel confident and comfortable every step of the way, from paying your deposit to unpacking your bags.
Have you attended a yoga retreat before?
What was your experience like?
I’d love to know your questions and thoughts!
Want to read a little more about my experiences on retreats all over the world?
Check out my other blog posts!
Deepen the Heart 2019 – A Women’s Self Care Weekend – Reflection
Deepen the Heart Yoga Retreat 2018
Peep some of my favorite pics from yoga retreats here!
Looking for a retreat to join in 2020? Check out my Beachside Bliss Yoga Retreat in Mexico this May!
Melody Butler Yoga 