Taking a yoga holiday can turn a stressful time in your life into a calming, peaceful and energising one. When you make time for yourself and the healing of your chakras, you are putting your attention on the positives of your existence instead of giving the spotlight to the stresses and anxieties that may be plaguing you.
But what makes a great yoga holiday? Certainly, not all yoga retreats are alike, and in fact, some of those that are offered might not be worth your money or time. Below, we’ve outlined the most important points to consider when arranging a yoga break for yourself. You deserve the best, so think about these points as you search for the optimal yoga holiday.
1. THE QUALITY OF THE DAILY YOGA SESSIONS
With most yoga retreat packages, you will experience daily yoga sessions that come at regular intervals. In the morning, you will usually have a long session so start the day. In the middle of the day or evening, there will likely be another session of equal length.
Having a quality yoga session means several things. First, you want to have the session in a quit, calming and peaceful location. It’s helpful fi you don’t need to bring any of your own mats or materials unless you want to. These should be provided. You should have ample space around you during the session, and you should be able to see the teacher easily. Finally, the positions and movements you do should be simple enough to do comfortably, but they should also challenge your mind, body and spirit.
2. HOW PERSONAL IT IS
On your retreat, you will want to have a close connection with the teachers who guide you on your path. The best yoga retreats require that you have personal consultations or meetings with your teachers so that you form a bond that will enhance your yoga retreat and what you get out of it. In some cases, you may even meet with a teacher once a day for a regular check-in. At this meeting, you will be able to talk about what you hope to get from your practice, challenges you may be facing and goals you have set for yourself.
3. WHAT YOU EAT
In between yoga sessions and consultations with your teachers, you’ll have regular meals. The quality of these meals is definitely something you’ll want to consider when arranging a retreat. Make sure that you let the staff know of any dietary restrictions you may have, and before you book a retreat and finalise it, assure that these restrictions will be able to be easily met. Many yoga holidays offer all vegetarian meals in the traditional Indian style, but you may be able to alter your meal plan if you choose.
4. THE LOCALE OF THE YOGA RETREAT
Finally, the location of your retreat is of the utmost importance. A yoga holiday in the center of London is just not the same as one that is set in a tropical, warm and peaceful location. Make sure that you find a yoga holiday that is actually a holiday. In other words, the setting of your retreat should be one that you would like to visit anyway even if you were not going to be doing yoga there.
ARE YOU NEW TO YOGA?
If you’re a newcomer to the practice of yoga, this doesn’t mean that a retreat is not for you. In fact, a retreat might be the very thing that will bring your intentions of making yourself into a more centred person to the forefront. The great thing about a yoga holiday is that it lasts for the entire time you are away. Unlike a yoga class that you attend on a weekly basis, once you leave the mat, you do not leave the practice at a yoga retreat. To the contrary, you are asked to carry the tenants of self-care and centeredness with you for the entire time that you are on the retreat. And this can make a lasting impression.
As a newbie to yoga, a yoga retreat might be just what you’ve been looking for. Simply make the effort to find a retreat that is shorter in length and basic. Perhaps you might pick up a yoga book or go online to learn the basics of the practice before you leave. In most cases, this will be enough to properly prepare you for the holiday and ensure that you have an excellent and rewarding experience.
FINDING THE RIGHT YOGA RETREAT FOR YOU
As you can see, there are many things to consider when looking for the optimal yoga holiday for yourself. You’ll want to be aware of the quality of the individual yoga sessions, how personal you get with the teachers and guidance counsellors throughout your practice, what you eat for meals while on retreat, the location of the holiday and the amenities that come with the retreat package.
These are all important points to think about, but you should also consider a few other things before you set out. First, consider if you will go alone or with a friend or family member. In some cases, having one or more close friends or relatives on retreat with you can be a supportive and bonding experience for you both or for your group as a whole. On the other hand, some people regard yoga retreats as events that are meant to be done individually to soothe the individual spirit and sole.
Wellness Resort
Our Phuket Resort & Spa offers yoga retreats in 3 packages. You can choose from a 3-day package, a 5-day package or a 7-day wellness retreats. With all of the packages, you will receive the best accommodations, personal consultations and meetings with your teacher, amazing daily sessions, healthy and tasteful meals, and great amenities as well. Consider the points listed here when making arrangements for your yoga holiday to ensure that it is a wonderful and lasting experience.
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