A Secret Guide to Yoga Retreats and Yoga Vacations 0
You’ve attended quite a few yoga classes and maybe also have done a couple of masterclasses, and now you want to get more serious about your yoga practice. The decision is made, for your next holiday, you are going away on a yoga class.
Here are some answers to a few questions you might ask yourself.
Yoga retreat or yoga vacation?
While the distinction between yoga holidays and yoga retreats is not always plain, (on occasion, even the agencies have not thought enough about how to perfectly name their course), there is quite a discrepancy in terms of focus point and general ambiance or atmosphere Generally speaking, a yoga vacation is primarily an activity vacation. The time committed daily to yoga usually will not go beyond four hours, in one, or maybe two daily classes, and you will have plenty time for other activities or just to let go and take it easy.
The location should indicate this, with a beach or other important attractions nearby. The atmosphere is often unperturbed, and it is usually a great to come across other like-minded people. On a retreat, conversely, the yoga program is likely to be more intense, possibly together with some meditation, times of silence, etc. The key focus is no longer to enjoy yourself on holiday, but to deepen your yoga practice.
Again, the choice of location should reflect this, with a undisturbed, possibly faraway location. Retreats should be fully residential, the food vegetarian, and meal times carefully thought out to fit effortlessly within the daily yoga routine. You will find more ‘hard core’ yogis and yoginis on retreats, and the overall atmosphere can be quite powerful, with much less ‘free’ time. Unless you are quite certain that yoga is your thing, and want to move your practice to the next level, a yoga escape rather than a yoga retreat may be the best choice for your first time doing yoga away from home.
Going by yourself, or bring a buddy?
Going by yourself is not a problem. In fact, the vast majority of people going on yoga course go on their own. The problem to going on your own is that you might have to share a room with one or more total strangers, but at least, you will know that, like you, they have a devoted interest in yoga, and great friendships are often formed on yoga courses. If you decide not to go on your own, choose your companion(s) carefully. A few yoga centres will welcome guests who don’t do yoga, but frequently, and without doubt in the case of a retreat, yoga should be a shared interest with your potential travel cohort, so if you don’t want to go alone, a yoga partner is a far better choice than your new boyfriend (unless, of course, you met him on a yoga weekend!)
Where and when to go?
The yoga leave market is now becoming ever more competitive, and main stream travel agents are moving in, sometimes with devastating results. Unlike yoga teachers and devoted venues, they do not every time be aware of the particular condition of what is still for most parts a niche market. Complaints about such beginners to the yoga vacation market, who repeatedly have operated successfully in other branches of the tourist trade such as arranging seminars or other types of package holidays, are their lack of awareness of the specificity of the yoga market, especially in relation to diet (vegetarian and vegan options are not always offered) and the incompatibility of the venues chosen, which are often big, utilitarian resorts, sometimes shared with a crowd of noisy intoxicated (as happened to me in India a few years ago).
All this is not very beneficial to peace of mind, so it is best to shun large operators and go with small, devoted venues. There are many to choose from all over the world, and new ones are sprouting up everywhere so there’s a large choice of destinations at whichever time of the year!
Sun destinations such as Portugal, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Italy, and the south of France tend to be most popular in the European summer while in the winter; India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Mexico and the Caribbean tend to be desired. There are also a number of other locations which don’t emphasize the ’sun’ part including Norway, Scotland, various parts of England, Ireland, Finland, Canada, Austria to name just a few. Even thought they might not be to be found on the beach, these venues are chosen for their peace and are far more suited to the practice of yoga than large tourist resorts.
What approach, what trainer?
Maybe more important than the site is the coach and the approach of yoga. Remember you will be stuck with your choice for the duration of the course, so a bit of thinking may be in order. The best, obviously, is to choose a instructor you have already studied with, maybe in the context of weekly classes or a short workshop.
Second best, is to get an opinion from someone who has been on a holiday/retreat with a particular instructor earlier. If this is not possible, you might find some practical information on the Internet, as most well-known trainers now have websites.
This should at least give you an idea of who they are and of whether their style of practicing (and style of yoga) will become you. If nothing else, don’t be afraid to ask the teacher such questions as who they studied with, how long they have been practicing and how long they have been teaching yoga.
Try to call rather than email, as you’ll get a much better idea over the phone. Tell the teacher about your yoga experience, level of fitness and your anticipation for the retreat so they can advise you properly on aptness. Usually they don’t want to be stuck with the wrong pupil any more that you want to be stuck with the wrong teacher, so they will advise you honestly. It is also suggested to try the style of yoga that will be taught as part of the holiday/retreat by taking a few classes in your area, just to be sure that it will match you, before booking.
What to bring along?
Find out whether you’ll need a yoga mat (if you have your own, it best to bring it anyway in your yoga mat bag). Bring some reading, yogic or not, and don’t forget your practice clothes!
Where to find a yoga retreat?
Have a look at the http://yogafitnessblog.com/ yoga retreats listing.