First-Timer’s Guide to Yoga Retreats
Booking, and researching a yoga retreat can be stressful. Which is funny because a yoga retreat is supposed to be the exact opposite of stressful occurrence! After hosting 8 retreats, both domestic and international, I figured it was time to provide you with the ultimate review of what you should look for as you start exploring yoga retreats.
Looking into and deciding to go on a yoga retreat is a big step and a huge deal! So remind yourself that yes, you are ready to book a yoga retreat. You deserve to put yourself first!
What’s your intention?
Retreats should provide you ample opportunity for silence, and reflection. Why? Because when we carve out intentional time and space for it, we can actually start to allow our innermost thoughts space to come to the surface more. Quieting the outside noises.
For anyone, especially a beginner who has yet to experience the joys of a yoga retreat, it can be difficult to make that commitment to travel to a new place and practice with unfamiliar people or a new teacher, all the while trying to relax, fit in, and make the most of precious vacation time.
The fact of the matter is that going on a retreat is a big step in anyone’s practice, one that stretches you (and your comfort level) physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
A retreat is a transformative experience that yogis of all levels can appreciate. But like most things in life, it’s best not to have too many expectations of a retreat, but it is helpful to do some research and be clear about your intention. Whether that’s taking your asana practice to the next level, plunging deeply into meditation, connecting with other yogis, or some of all of that.
Other examples might include; committing (or recommitting) to your yoga practice, evaluating the current season of life, or getting over heartbreak. Retreats give you permission to let something go, to call something in, or to simply celebrate the season of life you currently find yourself in. Once you really sit down with those conversations, and have an idea of what is important to you, it’s time to find the yoga retreat for you!
Our workshops at Rooted Renewal Wellness Retreats gives our attendees a chance to learn something new about their practice, their body, and their breath. We also invite new movement modalities to our workshops, in addition to self reflection / self care workshops.
What setting will you be inspired by?
A beautiful, nurturing setting and the energy of a place can have a tremendous impact, which explains why Rooted Renewal takes time to carefully review (and visit) most locations we hosting our retreats at. We understand the importance of nature, seclusion, and the small details that make your retreat feel like home for the weekend.
Remember, this is a vacation of sorts. It would add even that much more to your experience, if it happens to be in a place, or landscape you’ve been dying to visit. Think about the views that inspire you most. Mountains, beaches, maybe the hillside?
Whether you want to sip your morning coffee as you listen to waves crashing in the back or want to wake up to silence in the pines, we take our retreats to a variety of locations, see for yourself here!
Nervous about what to expect? Ask!
A retreat should have a “what to expect” page or at least blurb. This will give you a general idea about what your day(s) will look like at the retreat. How many times will you do yoga? Are there other activities? Will there be time to relax? So many things can happen throughout the day!
In general, if you’re going to a yoga retreat expect to practice yoga more than you do on a daily basis. Don’t let the amount of yoga (which may well be a lot more than you do at home) scare you off. If you think yoga retreats are solely for advanced practitioners whose heels effortlessly meet the floor during Downward Dog, you are mistaken. Just like yoga classes, there are retreats available for a variety of needs and abilities.
We’ve found during our retreats, yoga twice daily works out perfectly. We start the day with a more intense practice, still suited for all levels, and we end the evening with yin (slower paced) yoga. Just so good!
Are you open to seeking connections?
This is a big one. Anyone who has come to a Rooted Retreat will tell you the group of people they find themselves surrounded by is simply the best part of the retreat. In fact, check out our reviews as a few of them mention the group being the best part!
We’ve been able to see former retreat guests become best friends. You’re meeting people of a similar worldview, and tend to be very warm and nurturing. Sometimes we have to remember that we’re all actually seeking connection, seeking love, and seeking understanding. So of course, those are the type of fine folks you’re going to find at retreats.
So we mentioned that all this, more or less, will be there for you once you arrive. But we didn’t mention that you do have to be a full participant of the experience., and if you do, the dividends can be profound and might just transform you and your practice. A full participant means coming fully as you are! Sharing what feels right, and giving your mind and body the space it needs.
We’re only here to support you on that journey! Our advice is to go in with an open heart and a sense that you’re willing to take what comes. This is an opportunity to really open up and grow as long as both parties and fully in the experience.
A group will slowly bond together. On a weekend retreat, it happens even after two nights, because the yoga brings everyone together. The meal times bring people together and the walks or activities also. It’s a time to hang out with people you’ve never met, who are in exactly the same position as you so you would have that in common. And no-one judges anyone. It’s a marvelously beautiful space to be in
Accommodations and food!
Two other big things to ask / research while going on a retreat! This could make or break your time. You’ll want to know if you’re comfortable sharing an accommodation with another retreat attendee, or if you prefer a private space. If your preference is a private space but aware you will be paying more and that’s FINE. It’s worth it to be picky and splurge a bit. Instead of choosing the least expensive trip based on your budget, start to save ahead of time to go on a retreat that will be really special to you. It should be a meaningful experience and offer everything you need. Sometimes that costs more.
It’s also good to know and understand the bathroom situation, especially if that’s important to you. Some spaces might offer a fully private bed and bath, others might be private bedrooms, yet shared bathrooms.
It’s helpful to find a retreat that will give you options, and therefore give you different prices to work off of. At Rooted, we always aim to find a mix of spaces that will accommodate all requests. The usual spaces we find come with shared, and private bedrooms - with a few select private bathrooms too.
Most retreats will offer a variety of food options, as they’re usually accommodating a few different dietary needs. Never feel bad for asking who might be cooking, what a sample menu would include, and if they’re able to adjust based on dietary needs. Remember it’s going to be important to feel nourished and full throughout the retreat!
PHEW - I know that was a lot but I do really hope this gives you a direction, or some guidance as you start to look into yoga retreats. It’s going to be one of the best experiences of your life and if you’re ever interested in attending a retreat led by myself, and Keirst Ferguson we would love to have you.
