Choosing a yoga retreat
How long, and how far
A weekend, two or three nights within driving distance, is the easy way to try one. A week or more abroad is a holiday built around practice. Count the travel days: a five-night retreat a long flight away is closer to a seven-day trip.
Practice or rest
Some retreats are built around a lot of practice, two classes a day and early mornings; others around rest, with one gentle class and long afternoons free. Look at the daily schedule, the style and level, and who teaches. If you're new to yoga, look for "all levels".
What the price includes
Usually the room, most meals and the classes, but not flights. Check whether rooms are shared, which meals are included, airport transfers, excursions, and what costs extra.
Before you pay a deposit
- The full price, what it includes, and when the balance is due.
- The refund terms if you cancel, and what happens if the organizer cancels.
- Who the organizer is: their own website, their teacher or studio page, and people who have been before.
- Pay through the organizer's own booking page, never by wire transfer to a person, and think about travel insurance.
More in our safety tips.
Questions
- What happens on a yoga retreat?
- Most days have one or two classes, often morning and late afternoon, with meals and free time between, and sometimes meditation, workshops or a trip out. Some retreats are built around a lot of practice, others around rest. The listing says which.
- Do I need to be experienced to go on a yoga retreat?
- Usually not. Many retreats welcome all levels, and the teachers adjust the practice. If a retreat is for experienced students or teachers, the listing should say so; if it does not, ask.
- How long is a yoga retreat?
- Anything from a weekend, two or three nights close to home, to a week or more abroad.
- Are meals and lodging included?
- Usually the price covers the room, most meals and the classes, but not travel. Check the listing for what is included, whether rooms are shared, and what costs extra.
- What should I check before paying a deposit?
- The full price and what it includes; how much the deposit is and when the rest is due; the refund terms if you cancel, and what happens if the organizer cancels. Pay through the organizer's own booking page, never by wire transfer to a person, and consider travel insurance.
- How do I list my retreat on Yoga Guide?
- For free: post it under retreats & trainings in the city where it is held, and add the dates, the place, the price and your booking link. It shows on your city page and here.
Want to teach? See yoga teacher training.