If you’re reading this right now, there is probably a little voice inside you that’s telling you: “It’s time to go on a yoga retreat.”
Especially for most of us who haven’t been able to leave our home country (or even our own homes too much) due to the last year, we’re probably all pretty ready to slip on our travel boots, pack our passports, and head off to another part of the world to immerse ourselves in some kind of liberating and refreshing retreat. Yoga retreats are the perfect antidote for pretty much anything. It’s like taking a vacation, except you leave the experience feeling like a better, healthier version of yourself – as opposed to, say, taking a vacation in Cancun and leaving feeling a bit hungover and sunburnt. It’s a great idea, especially now, to take the leap, book a flight, and head off to another part of the world for a yoga retreat. Here is a list I’ve compiled of some noteworthy retreats for you to consider this year. For those of you who prefer to attend a retreat virtually, from the comfort of your own home, I’ve found some online options for you too.
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The Morpho Movement, Guatemala
This retreat is held in one of the many “vortexes” of the world – on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. It’s said that just being on this land will transform you, so imagine what being in this vortex AND practicing powerful practices with a conscious community could do. This retreat, led by Zana Vandorp and Brooke Nally, is designed to connect you to your purpose and your greatest vision, which comes through cultivating clarity. Through practices like breathwork, meditation, and manifestation work, you’ll leave feeling clear, grounded, and ready to take your life into your own hands. The venue is on the lake, at the base of a volcano. It’s rustic with mountain/jungle vibes, and quaint, colonial cabins decorated with an array of bright colors.
The food is all organic, fresh from their garden, and their chef is one of the best in the area. The venue is absolutely stunning – overlooking two volcanoes and the Sacred Lake. The Mystical Yoga farm also has a Temescal on site (a Mayan traditional sauna), so you can warm your muscles and burn away stress anytime you’d like.
Coming this October, check it out here.
Women’s Retreat in the Costa Rican Jungle
This retreat is a deep dive into your “Rewilding.” Hannah guides you into your most wild, free, and empowered self. And what better place to do that than in the dense jungle of Costa Rica? This retreat is in a very special place that not too many people visit – it’s deep in Costa Rica, and a bit tricky to access. After two flights, and a two hour drive on a bumpy, dirt road, you’ll finally make it down to the very special wilderness that is only accessible to the not-so-faint of heart.
Here in the jungle, you’ll see wild macaws, parrots, sloths, whales, and dolphins. You’ll wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys and be greeted at your bedroom window with hummingbirds. The jungle here is wild enough to unleash the wild in you. Add that to the potent practices and adventures that your guide Hannah will be guiding you through, and you’ll leave feeling refreshed, liberated, and more in touch with the natural essence of your wild. While this yoga retreat isn’t actually in 2021, it’s coming up in early January 2022. Check out more details here.
Ashtanga Retreat in Portugal
Stemming from an ancient lineage in India, Ashtanga Yoga is a powerful physical practice that not only trains you physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. Francesca is an amazing teacher who I had the honor of meeting in Bali, and every time I went to her Ashtanga classes I truly felt transformed, more liberated, and more connected to the essence of who I am. This retreat is on the coast of Portugal, lined with gorgeous beaches. After your practice in the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to wander, explore, or even surf in the gorgeous waters of the Portugal coast.
She has some upcoming retreats this October. Check them out, here.
Online Yoga Nidra Retreat
Yoga Nidra is a seemingly simple, yet powerful practice that can lead you into deeper states of meditation and awareness. It’s all done lying down – so it’s easy to rest and receive the deep benefits of the technique. Sri Yoga Ashram is offering a week-long yoga retreat of six sessions of Yoga Nidra from the comfort of your home through Zoom. While we don’t personally know the teacher of this retreat, we recommend you do some research and read reviews to see if it’s a good fit for you before committing.
Check it out here.
3-Day Weekend Online Yoga and Meditation Retreat
This yoga retreat starts every Friday, so you can attend on whatever weekend works best for you. And this retreat was specifically created for those looking for inner peace during lockdown. For all levels, this includes yoga and meditation, and will help to improve your balance and structure of breathing. Jayesh has created this program for you to practice from the convenience of your home.
Check it out here.
Enjoy!
All being said, you can’t go wrong with any of these amazing retreats listed above! Participating in a yoga retreat is truly a transformational experience – from experiencing new practices to traveling to new destinations across the world, you’re sure to have an experience that will open your mind and your heart.