Reasons to Go on a Yoga Retreat
Author, Founder and Teacher Ali on her Mallorca Retreat
‘Why wouldn’t you?’
I very vividly remember every yoga retreat I have attended, each one for its uniqueness and beauty.
Years ago, after having found yoga, I said yes to joining my first yoga retreat. I went to Morocco, somewhere I had never been before with people I didn’t know.
I can’t tell you how much it cost me but the memories have stayed with me and will do for years to come.
I remember lying on the rooftop of the riad thinking to myself; ‘Wow what a life, to be able to host such amazing experiences for yogis. I want to do that’.
Now I am writing as a very happy yoga teacher, host of over 5 retreats of my own, and founder of the wellness and yoga retreats business ‘Laughing Lotus Retreats’.
I know times are tough but the blessing of covid 19 was the togetherness shown and also the focus upon people’s wellness and mental health. Why should this stop?
With the help of discussions with my yogis, I try to overcome some beliefs you may have as to why you have not yet been on a retreat or are holding back and instead say YES to going on retreat, wherever or with whoever that may be.
I don’t have time
I hear you. Running my own business, it can be hard to make the time for myself.
But can I ask you;
o WHAT DO YOU MAKE TIME FOR? Food shopping, work, spending time with family. All of these are important of course.
o WHAT COULD YOU MAKE MORE TIME FOR? Exercise, traveling, play, adventure, quality time… YOU.
o HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN YOU DO THE ABOVE? I don’t think I need to say more.
Do more of what lights you up and makes you feel good.
When I go away it is like a reset with extra boost, my creativity and productivity flows. This is why some businesses are trialing a 4 day working week and a reason why people in Blue Zones live longer, because they rest more and siesta ‘piano piano (slowly slowly).
I can’t afford it
I am happy to admit, I am not great with finance. I have always had a block with money. I worry about it coming in, then speeding out. But I also don’t mind admitting I invest a lot in myself, particularly my well-being.
The first yoga retreat I attended, I can’t remember how much it was, but I remember the laptop pinging when the email came through. I glanced down through it speedily before I saw PAY DEPOSIT TODAY. I was still teaching in primary school, I checked the dates, saw that it was half term and that was it!
I said YES.
Yes if I had had more time, I am sure I would have talked myself out of it, but it turned out to be a life changing experience.
Also, most retreats include all but flights and transfers so you can spend very little once you are there.
Family commitments? Work? Yes, these areas of your life require your presence and energy. You at your best. If you have date constraints, there are lots of retreats to suit you. If you have a favourite teacher you want to go with, give feedback. Afterall, we do these for you.
New to Yoga
There are so many different retreats and experiences to think about. I can’t speak for all, but mine are very multi-level. You don’t need to be able to touch your toes or even have done yoga before.
Retreats, especially those longer ones like our Mallorca 7 nights allow a perfect balance for guests to do as much or as little as they like. If you can get a 1-2-1 or workshop whilst there that is relevant for you then it’s even more immersive and beneficial.
What also makes retreats stand out is strengthening yoga and student connection. When spending more time together, I can give more bespoke teachings.
Also, in a 60-minute yoga class, often you won’t get a lot of philosophy/yoga theory. For the teacher to squeeze into a class; meditation, breathwork, asana, savasana. If you want to learn about things like the 8 limbs of yoga, the chakra system for example. You can find yoga retreats that enthuse you with whatever you want to gain from it. There are Ayurveda Yoga Retreats, SUP Yoga Retreats, Aerial and so much more. It’s about finding the right retreat for you.
I am biased as a yoga teacher and practitioner in saying you’ll be yoga obsessed by the end.
Retreat = Recovery
The word retreat in the past and still to some today can be linked to ‘recovery’ as in going away to recover from something, maybe from a breakdown or addiction.
Well, we do go away. We retreat from everyday life to refuel physically and mentally. The value of prioritizing well-being is increasingly popular due to vast studies about longevity and mental health. With an ever-changing world, illness and stress, the wellness industry is on the rise. There is no surprise that we want to do what we can to live life to the fullest and happiest. Everyone has their own story and intention. It’s all about finding the retreat for you. As yoga teachers, we are not doctors or psychologists (I am certainly not) but we want nothing more than for every gorgeous guest to trust us and be open to what amazing things can happen.
I don’t have anyone to come with me
Ok, so I love to travel solo ever since my first trip travelling to South Africa aged 19. I find it so liberating. You can take your own stride, go inward and people seem to be more friendly and helpful.
I whizzed to Mallorca in April 2023 for three nights on my own. I hadn’t flown solo since pre-covid and was a little apprehensive until I thought about how I would feel if I gave into the fear of being alone. Suddenly it was simple…feel the fear and do it anyway and i can do it any one can.
The beauty of attending a retreat is that you can plan with the other yogis to travel together and share transport and get to know each other before the retreat even begins. You will never feel alone, other than the times you choose to be.
One of the twin rooms for our Revive Riverside Retreat, Cotswolds May 2024
Sharing a room
In most retreats there are options to have your own room or to share with a fellow guest. I have always shared a room, quadruple, triple, and twin occupancy to keep the cost down.
I never really understood why a single occupancy room is more expensive to do. Now that I liaise and research lots of venues, UK and abroad it makes total sense. The host is loosing the capability to have another guest attend by one person taking up a whole room.
So going back to sharing a room, it was absolutely fine for me. I can name every person I have ever shared a room with and I thank them for the experience we shared. I had my earplugs and my little comforts too.
Everyone on retreat with us gets earplugs.
Not enough to do
As I said above there are so many retreats and experiences and they are all very different. Some are action-packed with hiking, cycling, horse riding, rock climbing, and more. If that is what you want, then I am sure you will find what you are looking for online.
Every retreat is unique. All are made up of their own activities and practices.
For me, I do a lot of different things but I couldn’t ensure guests go away feeling rested having ‘retreated’ if I put all of these into one retreat. Personally, I have my health to consider. My idea of a yoga retreat is to find comfortability in going inwards; reading, journaling, meditating, drawing, snoozing plus yoga of course. If this scares you, you may want an active holiday instead or I like a challenge…
Let’s see if we can befriend you with the quiet.
I am loving researching new retreats in new places, activities, and combinations.
Watch this space.
For Everyone
I am so thankful to see more and more gender-specific retreats. The irony is that yoga was only practiced by men in secret in the caves of the Far East so much so that Western leaders after spying on what they were doing, started yoga too.
Whereas now, in my experience yoga classes are filled by a lot of women. My retreats too so far have more women than men. On that note, thank you to the men and couples who love my classes. Yoga is about unity and inclusivity.
The feedback from my male yogis to this date has been really positive, so there you go guys, it’s not just for the ladies.
Personally on my retreats all are welcome
That being said, I appreciate the value of a men-only collective and love that men’s mental health is being shone upon and I encourage you guys to speak up, meet up and connect to your tribe wherever that is. There are many up and coming male only collectives wherever you are in the world.
Our Yoga Community is full of joy, compassion and love
To Sum Up
The first thing to say is to spend some time searching and maybe listing the things you want to feel and do on a yoga retreat. It has to be right for you.
TIME- Life is busy but to be our best selves, it is to plan your self-care so that you have things to look forward to. Apply the ‘life jacket’ to your well-being. Fill your self-care cup before filling others.
COST- When you add up the cost of all you get, you want to make sure you get your money's worth. Most retreats include all but flights and transfers meaning once you are there there’s nothing more to pay. Many offer payment plans to help you as well.
YOGA ABILITY- If you see a retreat you like, be sure to read up on the information and research the teacher. I welcome a chat on the phone. My retreats are multi-level and always ask for a health form and as much information beforehand to ensure the retreat is right for you. Retreats are a great way to immerse yourself in yoga, no matter what stage of your journey you are at. My retreats to date have an array of abilities and I teach with many variations.
THE WORD ‘RETREAT’- As yoga retreats are growing in popularity, there are still some misconceptions about what they are. There are some programs for specific groups of people who are ‘in recovery’ for example. My retreats are alcohol and drug-free spaces as I want them to be a health detox for all. This again is why we communicate openly from the start to ensure I can give you what you need, and all have the best experience.
SOLO TRAVELER- This shouldn’t stop you can be liberating. The nice thing with smaller retreats and yoga businesses is the little touches. This starts in our first conversation. I help with transport and connection so that solo travelers feel united and make friends before the retreat. Our tribe often plans to go on retreats together which is the ultimate proud moment for me as a yoga teacher.
OWN ROOM OR SHARING- If cost is a consideration for you, room sharing is good. Having your own room is lovely but you will have to pay extra wherever you go. You are potentially taking another person’s place. I always share when I attend retreats and love the chats we share. Also, I have earplugs (included in gift bags don’t worry on our retreats).
NOT ENOUGH TO DO- You can easily find the retreat that gets you excited. My retreats are varied with open communication, so you know what is involved. There’ll be no unwanted surprises but sometimes you won’t be given a time-specific schedule to allow you to not be clock-watching. That’s what you’re escaping from.
EVERYONE WELCOME- So far my retreats have not been gender specific. As places fill I observe to ensure all are comfortable. I am open to hearing if people would like gender-specific retreats offered by me.
Ultimately all are welcome.
What’s Next? Join Us on Retreat
My retreats are growing and I would love to have you join us.
Check out Laughing Lotus Retreats for what is coming up and let’s chat.
Below is a summary of upcoming retreats.
Thank you for reading and I hope you find the retreat you are looking for with me
@ Laughing Lotus Retreats or otherwise.
Love & Gratitude,
Ali x
Photo credits Ste Marques and Rhiannon Captures
