Travel preferences vary greatly—some prefer relaxing at all-inclusive beach resorts, others enjoy chic city getaways, while some opt for organized tours. For me, however, the ultimate vacation is a yoga retreat abroad.
Taking a holiday to escape daily life is crucial. Travel teaches us about ourselves and the world, broadening our horizons, introducing us to new people, and promoting personal growth.
The Benefits of Choosing a Yoga Retreat Abroad
Having experienced various retreat holidays, I want to share why I now prefer yoga retreats over traditional beach vacations or sightseeing trips.
Variety of Yoga Retreats
Yoga and meditation retreats are the most common, but you don’t need to be an expert or endure silent meditation to enjoy them. Options range from lively yoga and surf camps to luxurious all-inclusive yoga retreats and budget-friendly retreats for beginners that blend gentle yoga sessions with cultural activities.
I’ve practiced yoga in diverse locations like the shores of Goa, Koh Phangan, and Bali, and even at a Buddhist monastery in Nepal. A recent surf and yoga retreat in Morocco highlighted the limitless possibilities for retreat holidays.
Catering to All Levels and Interests
There are retreats tailored to every interest, including yoga, trekking, surfing, skiing, cycling, dance, creative writing, art, horse riding, meditation, massage, tantra, Ayurveda, detoxing, cooking, language learning, and traditional plant-based medicine ceremonies.
A retreat offers much more than lounging on a beach or sightseeing; it can be life-changing.
Ideal for Solo Travelers
Retreat holidays are perfect for solo travelers wanting to visit new countries and learn new skills. After a breakup, I attended a surf and yoga retreat in Morocco and felt at home with my new surf family, despite traveling alone.
Yoga retreats provide a safe, enjoyable environment for solo female travelers, offering opportunities to meet like-minded people.
Additional Benefits of a Yoga Retreat
- Break from Routine: Retreats allow you to focus on yourself, gain new perspectives, find inspiration, or simply relax and rejuvenate.
- Combine Passions and Travel: Retreats often take place in beautiful natural settings, allowing you to explore new destinations while pursuing your interests.
- Skill Development: Learn new skills or improve existing ones, whether it’s yoga, surfing, or another activity, fostering creativity and physical activity.
- Social Connections: Ideal for singles, retreats provide a ready-made group of new friends and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals.
- All-Inclusive Convenience: Retreats typically include transfers, excursions, and meals, eliminating the stress of planning and dining alone.
- Health and Fitness: Active retreats enhance fitness, leaving you feeling revitalized by the end of the week.
- Purposeful Travel: Unlike traditional vacations, retreats offer structure and purpose, promoting healthier habits and long-term benefits.
Choosing the Right Retreat
While the options for retreats are endless, thorough research is necessary before booking. Unlike hotels, finding reviews for yoga retreats can be challenging, so ensure you gather enough information to make an informed decision.
