Everyone needs to get away on occasion as a way to recharge and rejuvenate. The many demands that life can bring essentially drain you both physically and mentally. You realize that your all work and no play mentality is starting to affect you. So, you decide to go on a yoga retreat. You’ve read about them before and believe it could be just what you need to have some time to yourself.
The only problem is, there are so many different retreats you have no idea how to choose the one best for you. Like most things, not all are created equally. So, before you start packing your non slip yoga socks, matching yoga pants, mats, and other gear, use these factors to find the best option for you.
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Price – Affordability has to be at the top of the list. Though your health and well-being are worth splurging on occasionally, if it’s going to ruin your budget and cause greater stress when you return home, it’s not worth the investment. Determine how much you can spend on a retreat and look for options within that price range.
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Location – Yoga retreats are literally hosted all around the world. The first question you should be asking is where you’d like to travel to. If you prefer the hot sun and sandy beaches then you’d look for destinations in tropical islands. However, if you’re more of a mountaintop and nature person, you might prefer something a bit more rugged.
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Type of Yoga – For those who weren’t aware there are several types of yoga that can be practiced on a retreat. You need to select a program based on the type of yoga you’re most familiar or comfortable with doing.
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Teacher – The instructor can make all the difference on a retreat. Once you’ve narrowed down some options, make sure that you do your homework on the yoga instructor. How long have they been teaching yoga, what techniques do they use, and more importantly, what do others have to say about them and their style?
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Activities and Accommodations – You aren’t going to be practicing yoga the entire time you’re on vacation, so make sure you consider other things to do on or near the resort. Are you looking for more luxurious accommodations where you can request room service, have gourmet meal service, and get a full body massage? Or are you looking for an adventure like hiking through a rainforest and camping?
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Expectations – What are you looking to get out of this retreat? Are you interested in relieving stress, personal growth and development, weight loss and exercise, proper nutrition, or just looking for a stress-free vacation? You’ll want to review the retreat website to find out what their main objectives are so that you choose one that best aligns with your goals.
