5 Things to Consider When Choosing The Best Yoga Retreat For You

By: Kayla Nielsen

Nowadays, there are so many yoga retreats to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is the best fit for you. The good news is that we’ve compiled a short and sweet list of considerations (in no particular order) for you to narrow the focus, and choose the best retreat for you!

From our Nature Therapy Retreat in May 2021.

Location

Are you looking for beach vibes and palm trees, or a cozy mountain experience? Do you want something remote, or somewhere more developed? Are you only looking at international experiences, or are you open to domestic retreats as well?

Once you narrow down the location, you can immediately get closer to the retreat of your dreams. 

Yoga

Many people go on yoga retreats for the travel experience, versus the yoga itself. And that’s totally fine! 

The important thing is just figuring out how much yoga you want to be doing on your retreat. Do you want that to be the focus so much so that you have at LEAST two classes a day? Or, do you want it to be a casual inclusion, and more about relaxing, adventure, or travel itself?

Make sure to check the itineraries listed on the retreats you’re interested in, and if they don’t have one published, ASK THEM directly for how many and what style classes are offered. This way, you won’t be caught off guard with more or less yoga than you’d like. 

Additional Activities/Inclusions

Beyond yoga, most people are interested in additional activities the region has to offer. Perhaps you’re interested in surf (if that’s the case, then look no further and come retreat with us!), or maybe you’re into trekking. On the other hand, maybe you just want to CHILL, and you’re thinking: the less activities, the better. 

Same as before, look at the itinerary, or ask for the itinerary if it’s not published. This way you can be super clear about exactly what is offered, to ensure your expectations and needs are met. 

Teacher

Most people choose a retreat solely based on the teacher, and that makes sense! Usually you choose to go with someone who you know, trust, or simply want to learn from. 

If you haven’t met this teacher in person, and have only seen them online, the one suggestion here is to make sure you have an example of their class before you book. Even if it’s just a quick tutorial on Youtube, or Instagram. It’s good to know if you like the sound of their voice, if you resonate with their teaching style, and if their cuing makes sense to you. 

Remember, just because someone has a lot of followers, or is a gorgeous yoga model, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a good teacher. Or, perhaps they’re a great teacher, but they’re just not the best fit of a teacher for YOU. 

Price

Retreats have a hefty price tag for a reason: they are (hopefully) creating a life changing experience for you in a relatively short period of time.

If you want to make sure the price is “worth it” from a more tangible perspective, then check out what’s included in that price (how many hours of classes, additional activities, transport, food, etc). Oftentimes, retreats that are more expensive will include more, OR have a more renowned teacher at leading the event. 

If retreat tuition is out of your budget, try asking if there’s scholarships available (check out GLOW Yoga Retreats scholarship program). 

Remember, retreats have the power to alter the entire direction of your life. And investing in something of that magnitude shouldn’t be taken lightly. We’d suggest that  rather than settling for a cheaper experience just to GO, take your time to save for that one that’s really speaking to you. 

It will absolutely be worth it. Promise.