Retreats are everywhere these days. What started out as opportunities for intentional wellness has now morphed into an entire category of travel! There are so many options for those seeking rest, renewal and rejuvenation. On one hand, this means retreat-goers have choices. On the other hand, it makes it tough to evaluate and decide which options may be best suited to your needs.

The downside of the rapidly growing yoga retreat space is the inevitable watering-down of offerings. Many retreats are no more than vacation photo ops in luxury locations. Others are over-hyped “healing escapes” that often overpromise but under-deliver.

So, how can you know if a retreat is right for you? Keep these 3 tips in mind when you’re planning to book a yoga retreat:

1. Talk to the host
2. Research the venue
3. Confirm the intention

Talk to the host

It should be easy for you to get in contact with the host of the event. Some retreats have an application process. Completing this should give you an opportunity to connect with the organizers and have your questions clarified. If you don’t need to apply, then send an email or direct message (DM) on social media to express your interest. The best retreats are looking for participants who are aligned with their offering. They will be happy to speak with you and make sure the experience will be a good fit.

Research the venue

Do your own research on the venue for the retreat. Be sure that you understand the accommodation options and the facilities. If you’re looking into events at dedicated retreat venues, get familiar with the amenities and additional offerings available. Be sure to learn about essentials like food and transportation if you’ll want to leave the property. If you have special accommodation requirements, be sure to find out if the venue can meet your needs. Remember to check on things like power supply (for appliances) and security features if you’ll be traveling outside your home country.

Confirm the intention

What is the yoga retreat about? Is the intention for the event clearly stated? The intention of the hosts and planners will carry through to your actual experience so make sure you feel aligned with the program being offered. For a yoga retreat, find out what level of experience participants are expected to have. Also, ask about the experience and credentials of the yoga facilitators and understand their point of view on yoga practice. If there will be complementary activities like sound baths or plant medicine ceremonies, be sure to research these offerings so you know what to expect.

Our Retreats POV

Below is an overview of the philosophy behind retreats at Joy of Yoga. If you have questions or concerns about any of our offerings, please get in touch at joy@joyofyoga.ca.

We see retreats as a pathway to create balance and restore harmony in the world. Today, retreats have become commoditized and reduced to little more than expensive vacations. The Joy of Yoga retreat experience is about nurturing wellness in a wholistic way. Physically, mentally, emotionally, in communion with earth, both individually and in community. Well people, in tune with nature, will be the catalyst for peace and balance in the world.

Our retreats will always prioritize:

• Nature: fresh local food, outdoor experiences, natural wellness modalities (yoga, reiki, sound)
• Honouring the land: land acknowledgement, regenerative practices, environmental consciousness
• Community care: working with local vendors and service providers, supporting the local community

We are NOT about:

• Trending wellness fads. Whether it’s popular plant medicine or the ceremony du jour, we will always prioritize authentic offerings and experiences curated with deep respect, reverence and relevance. We don’t do trends just to sell spots.
• Escapist Getaways. While some retreats offer this, our experiences are designed to support our guest wholistic wellness with intentional, thoughtful programs and offerings.
• Consumptive Tourism. Our retreats are not here for “checkbox travel”. It’s not about saying: “Been there. Done that.” We offer education on the local area and encourage mindful awareness, learning and reciprocity. Walk lightly on the earth. Take only what you need. Give back as much as you can.

If you’d like to learn more about our upcoming retreat offers, sign up here.