How to Book a Yoga Retreat

I booked my first yoga retreat on a whim. No planning, just vibes. I just hopped on the plane with my bestie and had zero expectations but I returned with a newfound sense of tranquillity after a few days of being fully immersed in a blissful yogi lifestyle. Since that impromptu 3-day yoga retreat in Florence, I’ve indulged in my passion for yoga at retreats in the Catalan Pyrenees, Goa and Kathmandu. In this post, I will share how to book a yoga retreat and all the tips you need, from setting your intentions to making the reservation.

I’ve been practising yoga for nearly 15 years, on and off. As a big fan of self care, I love the internal transformation that happens in just an hour-long class. I’ve entered the studio frazzled and left floating in a bubble of nirvana. It’s my daily reset…but the bubble soon bursts and you’re back to the reality of emails, messages and pings. This is why I turn to yoga retreats to fully disconnect from the stresses of ‘real life’ and reconnect with myself; it’s the human equivalent of being put in rice. There is nothing to rush back to, nothing urgent. Instead of being ruled by notifications, you can just be. Ready for bliss? Here are the steps you need to take howto book a yoga retreat.

Determine Your Goals and Preferences.

When I talk to people about yoga retreats, they have an image of a back-to-basics ashram with hour-long silent meditation classes, complicated yoga asanas and bare rooms. That’s certainly one way to do it but I prefer my retreats a little more luxe! In Florence, we were eating steak, going wine tasting and having art tours, while in Kathmandu we had a full schedule of yoga, meditation, pranayama and massage treatments to fill our days. There are so many types of yoga retreats!

The first step to booking a yoga retreat is figuring out what you want from it. Do you want a chilled yoga holiday with a class a day or a comprehensively programmed retreat? Do you fancy chilling at a beachfront retreat or surrounded by nature on a mountain? Is there a particular type of yoga that you’re drawn to? I’ve been to some Ashtanga-specific retreats but now I prefer a little variety. And lastly, consider how long you want to get away. My first foray was a long weekend but I also enjoyed a two-week stay to immerse myself fully..

Set Your Budget.

Now that you have an idea of *what* you want from your yoga retreat, you need to decide on your budget. I like to strike a balance between comfort and price, some things are just worth spending a little more on if it makes you feel comfortable.

The main consideration is accommodation, this can be make-or-break for me. Each retreat will have its own setup and you can usually find options for single occupancy, shared or sharing with strangers. I’ve shared rooms with friends but if I’m going to a retreat solo, I prefer paying a little extra for a solo room. I like having a sanctuary to retreat and reflect, without worrying about someone else in my space. I’ve also seen some retreats with dorms, great if you’re on a budget but very much not my cup of tea.

Sometimes retreats can offer discounts or early booking incentives. It’s worth being organised and booking early or checking their website to see if there are any offers available.

Activities.

Most yoga retreats will include 1-2 yoga classes per day and additional classes in meditation, pranayama, ayurveda or yoga theory. Most of the retreats I’ve been to have been remote so all meals have been included. The retreat in Goa only included breakfast as it was right on the beach and there were half a dozen options for lunch and dinner. It’s worth checking what’s included, as retreats can be good value if they’re all-inclusive.

Some retreats will offer additional activities, such as treatments, watersports if you’re on the beach or hiking if you’re in the mountains. These usually incur an extra charge so it’s worth double checking what’s included and if any activities tickle your fancy. Getting to and from the retreat often isn’t included either but most places will offer a transfer for an additional fee. This can be costly if it’s in a remote area so do check this before you commit.

Research Retreats.

Now that you’ve worked out your goals and preferences, it’s time to go shopping.

My next step is deciding which country I want to explore. The work you’ve already done to define your preferences will be helpful here. If you’re after a beach retreat you won’t be looking in Switzerland for example. The length of time you want to be at the retreat will also help. While you can certainly spend two weeks at a retreat in Spain, you’re unlikely to do a long weekend in Bali unless it’s part of a longer trip.

I use a combination of Google and a website called Book Yoga Retreats to find my retreats. Google is great for a broad search, especially as you have easy access to reviews. I like using Book Yoga Retreats for my initial search as this feels slightly more curated and legit than just finding a retreat at random.

Much like booking a hotel, reviews are vital when booking a yoga retreat. I try to find reviews from a few sources if possible. Book Yoga Retreats have their own reviews. I also like to check Google and TripAdvisor, which tend to be more objective as they’re independent. It’s worth bearing in mind that some people just love to complain to take a look at negative reviews in detail.

It’s important to check the availability. Some retreats are a set length so they have specific intake days while others are completely flexible. It’s a good idea to book in advance so you have good availability and perhaps an early bird discount.

Booking Your Retreat.

If you’ve made it this far, you are ready to book your yoga retreat! I always double-check the availability and what’s included. Before you pull the trigger, check the cancellation policy and payment terms. Some retreats require payment in advance which is an easy option. Others give the option to pay a deposit and then the balance when you get to the retreat.

And there we have it, a comprehensive guide showing you how to book a yoga retreat! Booking a yoga retreat is more than just a holiday. It’s a beautiful, transformative experience that has the power to nourish your mind, body and soul. Each retreat I’ve been on has had a profound impact on me. I hope you get to experience this magic too.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step towards your dream yoga retreat and embark on a journey of self-discovery, rejuvenation and bliss. I hope this post has been helpful, please leave a comment with any questions you may have.