Yoga Retreats – Six Reasons Why to Experience One Now

Yoga Retreats Offer More Than Expected!

Several years ago, after being bitten by the “travelers’ bug”, I found myself with vacation time and no one available to travel with me.   I could have gone to visit friends or family or had a stay-cation but my drive to explore and see new places was just too strong.  As I looked into the perfect places for the solo traveler, I stumbled upon the idea of a yoga retreat.   The more research I did, the more I realized this was the perfect option for me.  It included every element of what I was looking to experience and more.   Since my first yoga retreat, I have tried to make it an annual endeavor.  Here are my reasons why…

#1 – Travel

When you search yoga retreats you will quickly discover that they are typically in beautiful exotic locations.  Some of the most popular destinations are Costa Rica, Bali, Thailand, Greece, and Italy.   Now, I am not saying that you must have a beautiful back drop to enjoy the retreat.  It is a bonus!  It also allows you to expand your trip beyond the yoga experience and add a little exploring and adventure to the mix which brings me to #2.

#2 – Adventure

In addition to yoga, the adventure junkie in me has experienced zip lining, tubing, kayaking, snorkeling, hikes to waterfalls, and horseback riding.  The one additional thing you can often find paired with a yoga retreat, and I have yet to experience is surfing.  This year I hope to make it happen.

#3 – Amazing Food

All that yoga you are practicing is bound to make you hungry!   Fresh fruit, coffee, tea, and juice are often offered before the first yoga class in the morning with a formal breakfast served after class.  Lunch and afternoon snack is available for those who stick around the retreat facilities in lieu of exploring or joining an excursion.  And of course, dinner is provided after the evening yoga class.  The food will typically be organic.  If you have special dietary needs, be sure to let the facility know so they can and often will accommodate.  There are almost always vegetarian and vegan options.  If you are neither of these things but are curious, the food is so delicious you will likely not even miss the meat or dairy.

#4 – Friends for Life

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There is not a retreat I have walked away from that I didn’t feel like I’d met a kindred spirit and created a bond with beautiful like-minded people. You will find the people you meet come from every corner of the world and all types of lifestyles. It is a treat to see so many different perspectives.  Most travel solo to retreats and you will end up spending days together, laughing, crying, sharing secrets, supporting each other, and finding joy.  You already have two things in common, the fact you love to travel and you are at least  interested in learning about yoga.  What a great platform to start the bonding process that will without question develop very quickly.

#5 – All-Inclusive

While you can add-on different excursions, retreats often include the accommodations, food, and yoga as part of their package.   The facilities can range from eco-lodge to high-end spa so there is something for a variety of budgets.  You will need to account for your travel expenses but you know for the most what your cost will be upfront.   How would you like to stay at a beachfront cabana, be fed delicious food daily, hang out with great people and take care of your mind and body all for under $1,000 for a week?  It is possible.  I have experienced it!

And # 6 -The Yoga Experience

When I attended my first yoga retreat, I had been practicing yoga for close to 20 years. Yoga came to me at a very challenging time in my life. Instantly, I was drawn to it.  Each time I practiced, it brought me an inner peace, a calmness to my mind and humming in my body that felt indescribable.  I told everyone who would listen know how great yoga was for you.  Truthfully though, most of my experience had been practicing yoga on my own, intermittently, where my most formal classes had been in a gym setting, not a yoga studio.  I was a little nervous I would not be able to keep up in classes.  The great thing is that retreats cater to all levels of yogis.  You will find people who have never tried yoga to those that practice daily.   In the end, I did yoga twice a day, every day for a week.  I kept up and improved.  I felt strong and inspired.  So much so I started Yoga Teacher Training within 2 months of returning home after my very first yoga retreat.  I was not the only one.  Several people I have met at retreats have gone on to become a yoga instructor.  I can honestly say, the experience changed my life.

Now, I am not saying that everyone will have the same experience I did.  Even if you are not looking for a life changing experience, if you have interest in any of the things I mentioned above, it would be well worth exploring some options.  A great starting point would be BookYogaRetreats.com, a website that has thousands of different retreats featured where you can choose an option just right for you.

If you do decide to dive into the Yoga Retreat experience or have had one in the past, please share in the comments.  I would love to hear about your experience. Also, if you’re looking for ideas for this summer, I might just have a few suggestions to offer. Just ask!

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