Since the pandemic, yoga and wellness retreats have become increasingly popular and with good reason.
A wellness retreat can be the perfect blend of vacation and self-care for someone who is interested in health and wellbeing. And the opportunities abound. There are retreats for all types of travelers, levels of fitness and areas of interest.
But booking a retreat is an investment. The average cost for a weekend yoga retreat is $600 – $1,200, depending on the location, venue and whether you share a room. Week-long retreats average between $1,800 and $5,000.
The investment could be priceless if you choose wisely, friend.
Here are 15 things to consider if a retreat is right for you:
1. The first thing to consider is your intention. Do you want a lot of downtime and relaxation, a lot of adventure or a little of both? How do you want to feel during the retreat? How do you want to feel afterwards? What are your expectations?
2. What is your budget? Are you looking for a luxurious international get-a-way? A quick weekend retreat that’s close by? Or more of an ashram experience – where you can focus on the program and perhaps save money?
3. What is the value for the money? What’s included in the pricing? Meals? Sleeping room? Excursions? How much does it cost to travel to get to the venue?
4. Do you like and trust the teacher/host?
5. Is your teacher/host qualified? Does she (he/they) have experience leading retreats? Does she (he/they) have testimonials?
6. How much of the retreat is scheduled time vs. free time? Is it okay to skip some classes/offerings and do your own thing or is that frowned upon?
7. What are the demographics of the participants? If you are a 60-year-old woman traveling alone, you may not be into a retreat whose participants are mostly 25-year-olds. Will you feel comfortable with the group? Will the other participants have similar goals/intentions for the retreat?
8. Are you wanting to come with friends or go solo? If solo, is the group welcoming to individuals coming on their own?
9. What is the group size?
10. What is the fitness level?
11. What is the venue’s or teacher’s rules? Is alcohol permitted? Is meat/dairy allowed?
12. What are the amenities of the venue? Spa? Are there things to do outside of the program that is being offered? Is that important to you?
13. What are the accommodations like? What’s important to you?
14. What is the schedule and programming like? Is there built-in downtime or is the agenda packed? Do you want time by yourself for reflection or exploration or do you want to be kept busy? Does the teacher/host seem organized?
15. What is the food like? Can the venue accommodate your diet?
I’ve been teaching yoga and meditation for 20 years and have been leading yoga and wellness retreats for the past 12 years. I’m the former owner of the boutique and beloved Moon Meadows Farm Yoga Retreat Center and I host retreats locally, nationally and internationally. I wholeheartedly welcome potential participants to ask these important questions.
I absolutely love leading retreats and take pride in providing an incredible experience for my participants. Please consider joining me. My next weekend retreat is November 22-24, 2024 at Seven Oaks in Madison, VA. My next international retreat is in Costa Rica on May 17-24, 2025.These two retreats are totally different – but both absolutely awesome.
Check it out below and feel free to call or email me with questions.
Cultivating Calm & Resilience in Turbulent Times – Nov. 22-24, 2024 – Madison, VA
Exploring Nature & Your Own True Nature – May 17-24, 2025 – Costa Rica!
