| As a leader of tropical yoga retreats in Hawaii and | | | | offer both, where you can choose to stay |
| Mexico, I've researched numerous resorts and | | | | exclusively on their campus or you can elect to |
| retreat centers to find the locations most suitable for | | | | attend excursions to explore the local environment |
| the clientele I want to draw. Retreat centers range | | | | and attractions. |
| from the rustic to the luxurious, from mountain to | | | | Are all meals included? I have found that sharing |
| beach settings, and from remote to city center. | | | | meals with my retreat participants is a very bonding |
| Below are some considerations for what to look for | | | | experience for the group. It's a time when we can |
| in your search for the ideal yoga retreat. | | | | get to know each other and strengthen our |
| Know what you want. Do you want to retreat into | | | | connections. It is also a treat not to have to fuss |
| yourself or have a social outdoor adventure? Some | | | | with money and tips at each meal when it's |
| centers have several groups intermingling at meals, at | | | | all-inclusive. However, if you're more of the |
| the pool, dance parties, or are centrally located in a | | | | adventurous or solitary type, you may prefer a |
| town with street noise, music, etc. Others have | | | | retreat not including all meals where you can go off |
| space for only one group, or are in remote locations | | | | to explore the local fare. |
| with no cars in sight. Many are in between. I've found | | | | Are extra sight seeing trips included in the retreat |
| that even if there are plenty of extra activities | | | | price? Again, depending on your goals for your |
| offered, one can always choose to abstain, stay | | | | retreat, you may prefer extra adventures are |
| quiet, take naps, receive bodywork, etc, as long as | | | | included. If they are, you can be sure you're paying |
| the setting is tranquil. | | | | for them, whether you attend them or not.If you |
| Creature Comforts: Are you wanting an exclusive | | | | want to explore the area around your retreat, then |
| resort/5-Star hotel experience, or do you prefer the | | | | the extra adventures can be a blast and another |
| somewhat rustic or low-budget experience? Yoga | | | | great way to bond with your group while deepening |
| retreats cover the full range and are usually priced | | | | your understanding of the local culture and |
| accordingly. Spend some time researching what is | | | | environment.On our retreats, we like to make these |
| offered and the quality of the accommodations | | | | extras optional and then the participants can decide |
| before you sign up. | | | | which trips they'd like to attend and the facility will |
| Is the retreat located at a center that caters to | | | | still offer a reduced rate for minimum group sizes. |
| yoga retreats? If not, they may not be equipped | | | | Some centers may have more than one group |
| with yoga props or have the familiarity with how to | | | | staying at a time, and they offer a different |
| best serve the yoga group's unique needs. | | | | adventure each day for whoever wishes to attend. |
| Is it located at a retreat center or at a hotel? | | | | What kind of Yoga is being offered? There are so |
| Depending on what you're wanting from your | | | | many styles of hatha yoga taught these days, that it |
| retreat, one of these is better for you. Would you | | | | is important to know what style you prefer in order |
| rather be removed from the daily distractions of | | | | to avoid getting stuck with a teacher or style that is |
| shopping, driving, internet and busy streets, or would | | | | extremely challenging or unsuited to your nature. |
| you prefer to be in town where you can walk, bike, | | | | Most ideal is if you know the teacher you're signing |
| drive or bus to local attractions? Being at a retreat | | | | up to spend your week with. Next best is if you at |
| center where there's plenty of acreage isolating it | | | | least know that you like the style of yoga that they |
| from the outside world can be very conducive to | | | | teach. |
| going inwards and focusing on your practice, personal | | | | Best of luck and have a great retreat! |
| well-being, rest and relaxation. Many retreat centers | | | | |