5 Reasons You Should Go To a Yoga Retreat

Yoga retreats are enticing for their spa- or adventure-like atmospheres, wild locations, and opportunities to dig into asana poses. You don’t have to be a yoga expert to attend many of these events. Whether you just bought a mat or are decades into your practice, here are five reasons to consider attending a yoga retreat.

1. To take some time for yourself

Many people spend a good chunk of their days tending to others in their personal and professional lives. Take a break from everything and spend time at a yoga retreat thinking only of your wants and needs. Choose your meals, classes to attend, and whatever comfy clothes you’d like. Being solo can provide the time and space to recharge and get back in touch with yourself. Hop in a sauna or hot tub to relax, or take a fast-paced asana class to work up a sweat and work through challenging emotions. 

2. To learn new poses and practices

For many people interested in yoga, retreats are an excellent place to learn new poses and try new practices. Sign up for a course in yoga nidra (yogic sleep – a hypnosis-like practice that offers the benefits of several hours of sleep in a short meditation), listen to sound bowls reverberate through a unique space, or do asana under the stars to connect through moon salutations. You might learn something you can bring to your home practice – or it might help you start one!

3.To see amazing places

Not sure where to go? Pick an environment you’d like to visit, from a lakeside cabin to a tropical treehouse. There are yoga retreats just about everywhere. Take a pontoon barge out to a remote wilderness yoga retreat in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota or a glamping-esque retreat in the Amazon jungle. Many yoga getaways offer additional activities, from paddleboarding and hiking, to breathwork and sound baths. (Leggings aren’t just for yoga and lounging!) Choose a location that offers the type of activities you’re into.

You may not have to travel far to attend a yoga retreat. There are thousands of options for closer-to-home, lower-cost retreats. Plus, you don’t have to do a 7-day getaway to reap the benefits! Day retreats offer compact versions of longer events, often including tasty fresh food, asana practice, and workshops like meditation and breath work.

4. To eat amazing food

Yoga retreats are well-known for having incredible food. As part of the sign-up process, you can denote any special dietary needs, like whether you prefer to eat vegan or vegetarian or have any allergies, such as fish or gluten. Just getting a break from cooking can be a significant benefit of attending a retreat, but eating incredible food daily (with no dishes to do!) can seriously amp up your experience. Think: fresh locally grown produce and locally harvested meats.

 

5. To meet awesome people!

Yoga retreats draw a wide variety of people. If you’re open to connecting, they’re wonderful opportunities to make new friends and acquaintances! Consider going to a yoga retreat solo so you can meet new people. Sign up for small group outings like a hike or sauna session, or strike up small talk with the person on the mat next to you after an exciting class. You already know you have one interest in common – yoga!

My favorite retreat has been to Deep Portage Learning Center in Hackensack, MN, with Boreal Bliss Yoga Retreats. Their day retreats near Minneapolis look great (and time- and cost-friendly!), too. If you have a favorite yoga teacher, ask if they’re involved in any retreats. It’s a great way to hear about new events and be able to spend more time learning from amazing leaders!

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Cover Photo Credit – Chelsea Gates