I attended my first wellness retreats while living in California. Looking for something close by that still felt like a getaway, I followed my yoga teacher at the time to Yosemite and then chose to go to a retreat space I had heard so much about in Big Sur called Esalen.
These two experiences were transformational in my wellness journey and sparked a deep interest in not only attending more retreats, but creating them myself.
This interest led me to seek out retreats both solo and with friends in Italy, Bali and Guatemala, and eventually plan retreats in Morocco, Hawaii and now here at home on Guam.
Here are a few things to think about when choosing a retreat.
Host, destination
Consider your intention and what’s most important to you. For example, are you interested because of the teacher hosting it or is it for the destination? Maybe you’re looking for both.
If for the destination, decide on what location attracts you the most and the length of time you can spend away. Many retreats take place between a single day to a week-long in beach, mountain and lake locations in all corners of the world.
International retreats come with their own set of logistical planning including visas, currency exchange, SIM cards, COVID restrictions and more. Most retreats typically have a theme and program to review with workshops or activities included in the experience.
If you’ve found a great retreat but don’t know the teacher or host personally, check out what resources they have online or ways to connect with them ahead of time.
The cost
When choosing a retreat, cost is oftentimes a factor in the decision. Most retreats will break down registration options based on accommodations, offering single rooms for more privacy and double or triple occupancy in some cases.
If you’re planning to attend with a friend or want to get to know new people, opting for shared accommodations can help save on cost.
While many retreats are all-inclusive, you can also typically expect optional add-on experiences such as spa treatments or other excursions.
Timing, preparation
One of the benefits of attending a retreat is to take a break from your typical day-to-day life and be able to immerse yourself in self-care and reflection.
It can be beneficial to create space in your schedule both before and after the retreat to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed on either end.
Plan in advance to turn your out of office message on and inform whoever needs to know that you’ll be away. As the retreat nears, consider what else you might need to have a comfortable experience.
For example, let the retreat hosts know about any dietary preferences and pack items like loose, comfortable clothing, your journal or a new book to read.
Finally, be open-minded to the experience. Retreats can be a beautiful time to go inward while being in community with others on their own wellness journey.
Couple that with an easeful itinerary in an epic destination and this likely won’t be your last retreat experience.
Check out the full article here.
Livia Marati is a women’s holistic health coach and founder of Ina Wellness Collective. You can send her questions and comments at livia@inawellnesscollective.com.