If you think yoga retreats are for advanced yogis, think again!
Yoga retreats, just like public yoga classes, are for every level of yogi and can meet very specific needs and abilities. (Liz Denny)
How do you find the right fit for you?
The first step is to focus on how you want to spend your time.
Are you interested in combining yoga and meditation with outside activities like surfing or hiking?
Do you love the idea of relaxing poolside and winding down with a restorative yoga class by candlelight?
What about an energetic yoga class and a massage on the beach, does that sound like your cup of tea?
Whatever it is that your mind and body yearn for, there is a retreat out there that will leave you feeling blissful and ready to conquer the world you left behind!
So begin to ask yourself what you want to gain from your time away and start to plan your perfect yoga retreat today!
Are you ready to plan your perfect yoga retreat getaway?
Keep these tips in mind while surfing the web and you’ll be sure to have a wonderful experience and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Find a quiet space in your home, take a few deep breaths, grab a journal and begin to ask yourself about your perfect yoga retreat experience. Begin to jot down key words or phrases that speak to you.
Location
Try to keep it simple and think about a location first. Maybe you write down warm and tropical or maybe snow and mountains.
Then look into the travel aspect. How much will it cost to get there? Do you need a passport? Would additional transportation be needed to get to the retreat center? Does the retreat include meals and snacks?
Activities
Next, list the activities you would like to participate in. Do you want to take yoga classes each day? Would you enjoy journaling and meditating as a way to let go and relax, how about swimming or surfing in crystal clear beaches, skiing or snowboarding on soft powdery snow, or how about relaxing poolside and treating yourself to energy and bodywork?
Be honest with yourself and if you want to enjoy doing nothing at all list that and remember that down time is just as important in your perfect yoga retreat experience. Omitting a daily schedule and being able to live in the present is a luxury in its self!
Yoga styles
With so many styles of yoga out there, it is important to narrow down what type of yoga you would like to be doing while on your perfect yoga retreat. If you are new to yoga and want to learn the basics and ease into yoga with other new yogis, look for beginner and all level classes.
Are you an advanced yogi who wants to learn new inversions and fancy arm balances?
Look for a retreat that offers power or vinyasa yoga classes and specialty-focused workshops.
Remember doing less is more when on a retreat, so if you want to take a casual yoga class and relax and enjoy the scenery and venue look for a retreat that offers an open schedule with lots of optional activities available on site.
Host & Teachers
Once you have thought about an ideal location, fun and exciting activities, and the style of yoga that speaks to you, next begin to research yoga retreat hosts and teachers.
You will be spending a significant amount of time with your new yogi friends and teachers, so finding a host and a group of teachers that are like-minded, enjoy the same types of yoga, activities, and lifestyle is very important in creating your perfect yoga retreat community.
Do you identify with the hosts and teachers way of life and style of yoga? Do you believe you would be a good fit with these people in the yoga retreat community?
When researching hosts and teachers look for past retreats and student testimonials. This will help you identify the community that they are attracting and give you a visual into the actual experience. Also look at personal websites and social media activity. This will help you understand their teaching styles and give you an insight into their personalities and there home yoga communities.
My goal for this article is to help you create your perfect yoga retreat experience and create your own yoga retreat memories. In my personal experience following these guidelines has helped me narrow down my perfect yoga retreat time and time again.
Depending on where we are at in our personal journeys our retreat needs will be different. I have been very lucky and have traveled to many places to share my passion for yoga. Last year I visited Rhonda, Spain and attended a Reiki and Yoga Retreat with Lucia Yoga. It was such an amazing experience with a beautiful farmhouse venue, delicious healthy and organic meals, fun planned group activities and different styles of yoga. I was fortunate to go with my family and create a ton of wonderful heartfelt memories.
What are some of your favorite memories while traveling and sharing the incredible power of yoga and community?
Join me next July 2017 for the perfect yoga retreat with Lucia Yoga in SPain!
Or check the Lucia Yoga Calendar if this date does not suit you.
