Different styles of yoga suit different people so it’s important to research the types of yoga and figure out what you want to gain from your experience before booking a yoga retreat. Here we guide you through the types of yoga retreats so you can discover what is right for you:
Active Yoga Retreats
Active yoga retreats focus more on the physical asana practices of yoga rather than the emotional or devotional aspects of the practice and are likely to be centred around styles of yoga such as Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow and Power Yoga. These types of retreat are perfect if you want to recharge your body, focus on challenge and growth and push yourself further than you would at home or in your regular yoga sessions. Of course, even during the most fitness-related yoga retreats you’ll still reap the mental and spiritual benefits of yoga through the use of mindful practice and breathwork.
Active yoga retreats are likely to include nourishing, wholesome meals and may combine well with hiking, surfing, swimming or even skiing!
Spiritual Yoga Retreats
Spiritual yoga retreats are ideal if you wish to connect to your inner self with insightful instructors helping to guide you deeper into the practice. These retreats may use styles of yoga such as Sivananda, Kundalini, Tantra and Integral yoga to help you to heal from past traumas, release yourself from limiting beliefs and listen to your truth so that you can step into a more meaningful life. Spiritual yoga retreats centre around breathwork, meditation, yogic philosophies and sharing, as well as a physical practice, so that your whole self is nourished and loved.
Detox Yoga Retreats
If you’re feeling stuck in a rut with your diet or physical body then a detox yoga retreat may be the one for you. Detox yoga retreats support you through the process of cleansing your mind and body of toxins so that you can realign with your true values. Combining a detox programme with yoga allows you to understand the importance of a healthy and nourishing life and gives you the tools you need to maintain the balance when you return home. For times during your detox yoga retreat when you’re feeling low on energy, you may want to focus on styles like Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra, or alignment-based practices like Iyengar. At other times you may be feeling more energised, in which case a Hatha Flow or some sort of Dynamic Yoga class may be better suited.
Yoga And Spa Retreat
Yoga and spa retreats allow you to luxuriate and unwind while also benefiting from the practice of yoga. These retreats often take place in a pristine spa or resort with exquisite on-site facilities so you can pamper yourself all day long. Start your day with a gentle yoga practice followed by a nourishing breakfast and then while away the rest of the day with spa treatments, holistic therapies, peaceful walks and the joy of a good book. Most yoga and spa retreats tend to stick to fairly general forms of yoga that can be modified to all levels, but if you’re looking for something specific then check out Ayurveda Yoga retreats or getaways that feature styles of yoga you already know and love.