To the uninitiated, yoga retreats may sound like distant, mystical places. Like many mystical places, they have elicited a multitude of myths. But these tales are often a far cry from reality. So if you’re a yoga retreat virgin who’s a bit nervous about popping your cherry, read on. Trust us, they’re not as scary as you might think…
Only expert yogis may apply
Sure, you might be about as bendy as a crowbar, but don’t let that deter you from signing up to a yoga retreat. Retreats welcome all levels of practice – from the earliest of beginners right up to those with contortionist-like abilities. As long as you have an interest and enthusiasm for yoga, retreats can be the perfect place to achieve your own personal goals. Whether that’s to build a base practice, progress to the next level, or master that all-important headstand.
They’re deprivation central
Granted, if your idea of a relaxing break is indulging in copious amounts of junk food washed down with mojitos as you bathe all day long in the sunshine, a yoga retreat probably isn’t for you. But don’t be fooled into thinking you’re going to be starved for the duration of your stay. No, no. Rather, retreats will inform and provide healthy choices to enhance your practice both during your stay and when you get home. Bonus.
You must be willing to splash the cash
Yoga retreats are incredibly diverse and there are loads of options out there in terms of location, accommodation and budget. Meaning you don’t have to break the bank flying all the way to India to practice under a master yogi at a 5-star resort. If money’s tight, why not check out some of the home-grown “glamping” retreats on offer in the UK? Or hop on a plane for an hour and head to the south of France? A cheap weekend break close to home can be just as beneficial and rejuvenating an experience as a more lavish holiday halfway across the world.
You have to do yoga 24/7
Yoga retreats aren’t a boot camp experience where you’ll be drilled from dawn to dusk to undertake every pose under the sun. Instead, retreats generally offer two classes a day: one in the morning and one in the evening. In between classes, they often offer a wide range of activities such as group hikes or cooking workshops. In fact, many retreats specifically market themselves as combination yoga and adventure activity breaks – you can sign up for everything from a Yoga & Horse-riding Retreat to a Surf & Yoga Retreat. But perhaps avoid showing off your new skills all at the same time. Attempting the Downward Dog while surfing a wave can’t end well…
They never wash the yoga mats
This is perhaps one of the more ridiculous rumours. Like towels in hotel rooms, the yoga mats DO get a clean AND often. Still feeling dubious about the mats at the scheduled Bikram class? Then pack your own. You’re always welcome to bring your own mat or block to classes. But maybe just don’t bring a snack. Chowing down a packet of nuts mid utkatasana won’t do you any favours.
Laughter is prohibited
There seems to be a common misconception that retreats are an intensely serious affair, where silence is rife with no-one speaking or making eye contact with one another for the entire duration. Of course, moments of meditation are part of the experience. But so is enjoyment. So having a laugh with friends at the retreat (both old and new) is most definitely encouraged.
Females only please. Oh and solo travellers? Forget it
Yoga is a hit with the ladies. Fact. Many retreats will be predominately populated with females. But they will also be popular with men too, especially those combination activity breaks. Many retreats offer a whole host of accommodation options, whether you’d like a large room to share with friends or perhaps a private double room for you and your partner (yep, lots of couples hit retreats together!) Don’t be put off booking a retreat if you’re flying solo, either. Retreats are always very inclusive and a great way to meet new, like-minded people.
You’ll leave an entirely different person
At the end of your yoga retreat, the likelihood is you won’t have dropped 5 dress sizes or transformed from a meat eater to an all-out vegan. But you will hopefully leave feeling refreshed, fulfilled and with new skills and friends in the bag too. Oh and if you opted for one of the sunshine retreat locations like Costa Rica, perhaps even a suntan!
What are you waiting for? Browse flights and get your first yoga retreat under your belt. Chances are, it’ll be the first of many…
