Have you ever found yourself looking at Yoga Retreats online, maybe imagining a few relaxing days away from your usual responsibilities, only to feel completely overwhelmed by all the choices out there? There’s so many options - a beautiful country house, a luxury hotel, glamping, an intensive Yoga experience or something more relaxed…so how do you know which Retreat is right for you?
I’ve been running Retreats in the UK since 2016 and have hosted 100’s of guests during that time and something I have noticed is that each person books a Retreat for very different reasons. They might have been coming to a Yoga class once or twice a week for a while and feel like they want to learn more about the practice itself, or some people recognise that they are feeling exhausted from everything they have going on in life and need some time away. Some people even book because they like the look of the venue and the dates work for their schedule!
Whatever has drawn you to the idea of going on a Yoga Retreat, choosing the right one for you can make all the difference.
Hosting Retreats has shown me that a memorable Retreat is much more than just the Yoga classes & workshops I run. What makes a Retreat truly special is how you feel when you first arrive, the people you meet, the atmosphere, the food (of course!), the space to relax and the opportunity to return home feeling refreshed.
In this blog, we’ll have a look at how to choose the right Yoga Retreat in the UK for you, including group size, teaching style, accommodation, food, free time and experience levels. We’ll also look at the questions worth asking before you book, so you can find a Retreat that really does suit you.
Start by Thinking About What You Want From a Yoga Retreat
Before you even start falling down the rabbit hole of comparing locations, accommodation and pricing, spend some time thinking about why you want to go on a Retreat in the first place. Be honest here, it really doesn’t matter if you just want to get away from it all for a weekend or if you want to spend some time being looked after and cooked for! The best Yoga Retreat for you depends on what you need and are expecting from the experience.
Maybe you’re looking for:
Stress Relief: Time to slow things down, breathe deeply again and step away from your usual routine
Better Sleep: An opportunity to spend time relaxing, practicing Restorative Yoga and calming bedtime practices
Connection: The chance to meet like-minded women and enjoy a shared experience together
Time in nature: Countryside walks, woodland surroundings, lakes or coastal scenery
Personal Development: Workshops, journalling, Meditation, opportunities to work with other experts beyond the realm of Yoga
A little bit of luxury: Beautiful accommodation, thoughtful hospitality, delicious food and maybe a sauna, hot tub or spa treatments on offer
Once you understand what matters to you, it will become much easier to work out which Retreats meet your needs.
2. Consider the Size of the Group
The size of the group can have a big impact on the atmosphere of a Yoga Retreat. Some Retreats have larger groups which might create a lively, sociable environment with lots of opportunities to meet new people. Other Yoga Retreats are deliberately small, which offer a more intimate experience with more space for individual attention and quiet time. Neither approach is better than the other one, I actually really enjoy both experiences, but it depends on what you feel comfortable with.
The benefits of a smaller Yoga Retreat
A smaller group can feel more personal and relaxed and if you are a bit of an introvert, you might find it easier to get to know the other guests, ask questions and take part in group activities when the group is smaller. Smaller Yoga Retreats can also make it easier for the teacher to offer individual guidance and adapt the practices to suit different needs, they can even change the itinerary much more easily if the group is small! If you’re travelling alone, or feel a bit nervous about joining a Retreat where you don’t know anyone, a smaller group size might helps you feel more confident.
What about larger Retreats?
Larger Retreats can offer up a really wonderful sense of community and can feel less intense than a more intimate setting. These types of Retreats give you the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and are a great way of dipping your toe into a Retreat, without feeling overwhelmed. Our Nourish to Thrive Yoga & Health Coaching Retreat is a one night Retreat designed for a larger group, we use a 4 star hotel for the accommodation & food and there is the option to use the spa facilities after the Retreat has finished for the day. You’ll meet lots of new people and learn new things throughout the Yoga sessions and Health Coaching session, whilst the mealtimes are more relaxed, with smaller groups sat around the table to stop the overwhelm.