How to Choose a Yoga Retreat

Travel & Events Yoga Retreats
#12

[QUOTE=handsofeye;62618]its true very true. I have just finished my yoga teacher training paying $1,000 half off for volunteer marketing and I feel ripped off. I loved yoga before the teacher training I practiced daily on my own and thought I would be going into a deeper level of my mind and body and learn to teach others about the great practice of yoga. Now that I have seen what yoga is all about in the studios I have been turned off to it.

All its about now is getting as many students as possible to pay then over charge for a “spiritual” reatrat and make allot of money. It is not something I am interested anymore

yoga in the U.S HAS BEEN SOLD OUT. Just practice on your own and don’t pay the overpriced reatreat fees[/QUOTE]

It’s very true. You can practice on your own and reap great rewards. I practiced for about 80 days on my own while only going into the studio maybe 3 times a month. However, I got bored after awhile and wanted to learn new kriyas and be around other people. Now I go to the studio 3-7 times a week and I love it! I never feel like I’ve been ripped off when I go to the studio. I buy the unlimited pass for $150. This past period they gave me a pass for 40 days for $150. That’s a pretty good deal. While I may have not gone to every class, that’s less than $8 a class if I go 19 times. I think it’s a small price to pay to strengthen my practice.

The teacher trainings are expensive and I have thought about foregoing the training and just keep attending as a regular student. However, what you are really paying for is the certification and the knowledge of how to lead a class and run a business. To keep your yoga center alive you really need to keep students coming through the doors. What are you going to do if you can’t pay the utilities or rent? It’s a business and spiritual practice at the same time.

PS I’m a massage therapist as well. I checked out your website. It looks cool. Best of luck and prosperity to you in the future.

#13

[QUOTE=Sarvamaṅgalamaṅgalā;62515]I am sure there’s a lot involved, the idea itself to do yoga is some spa retreat alone is raping the idea of yoga. Authentic yoga needs not to be taught in such a cozy environment.[/QUOTE]

I don’t think yoga should be taught in Burke Williams spa-type environments because that would be pretty drab and dreary. I think the evolution of yoga retreats is to include not only yoga, but massage therapy courses where regular folks can learn some effective techniques to try with their partner, have eco-exploration, kirtan music, fire ceremonies, and other fun-filled activities.

There are always going to be people that want to go on vacation and may be looking for a retreat focused on yoga and healing rather than dining, boozing, and partying it up.

#14

[QUOTE=lucie;62456]yes some of them are but the yoga community also needs to keep growing. Its good to take some time to escape the day to say stresses and retreat to somewhere peaceful and nurturing. Its also great for people to have fun and be inspired to practice before returning back to their day jobs feeling revitalized and fresh. sometimes we all need some time out. time to reflect on our lives, listen and get to know ourselves. yoga is a way of life, but theres something special found in dedicating some time to it away from home.
peace out[/QUOTE]

Yes, it’s great to get away from home and explore other parts of the world! :smiley:

#15

Look at this how much they are charging for a retreat: http://www.yogahealthretreats.com/

#16

Love this post!!!

#17

[QUOTE=Sarvamaṅgalamaṅgalā;62427]Yoga retreats are money making scams.[/QUOTE]

meh, you just gotta understand what it is. A Vacation with Yoga. Its not going to be cheap. Great for beginners for sure. Not so much for experienced yogi’s

#18

[QUOTE=HealthyApproach;86847]meh, you just gotta understand what it is. A Vacation with Yoga. Its not going to be cheap. Great for beginners for sure. Not so much for experienced yogi’s[/QUOTE]

Agreed!

1 Like
#19

An interesting thread.
I’m a 64 year old yoga teacher. Used to teach it in my twenties - then stopped when career and children were too time consuming - but retrained and returned to teaching 2 years ago.
I loooove yoga - what it does for me - and what it does for my students.

I practice regularly - daily now I teach again.It’s important to me I practice what I preach! My students (I focus on those in mid life and later years - we need it more than anyone!) know I teach as much for me as for them!

I want to bring yoga to as many people as possible. I want to meet needs. I’ve developed programmes and full day workshops for my students - and my next step is retreats. I have attended retreats myself - for research - but also to just get away from the hustle and bustle of life - take a step back and an opportunity to reflect. (Isn’t that what retreats are for? Isn’t that what we often pay lots of money for holidays for? are they just money making scams too?)

I see NO conflict of interest in making a decent income in return for the skills I have invested in - indeed, if I cannot sustain myself, I am in absolutely no position to sustain others. (the oxygen mask safety instructions comes to mind - fit your own first before helping others)

Yoga teachers have invested thousands in their training. They can literally transform lives. and whilst there may be some not so good retreats out there - there will also be some amazing ones - which do exactly what the purchasers of those retreats hoped they would - allow them time - to recuperate; to reflect; to raise their awareness; to look after themselves and think about their own health; to have fun; to relax in the midst of their crazy schedules; to meet like-minded people…
I’ve just returned from a retreat in Sri Lanka - it was bliss and worth every penny. Some people choose skiing holidays - I choose yoga!

We all choose what we exchange our energy for. Money is simply an energy exchange.

The definition of “scam” is a dishonest scheme - a fraud. In my view, retreats offer real benefits as a form of break for lots and lots of people - whilst there will be some which are better value - better run - and bring about better results than others - they all hopefully offer a genuine desire to provide the “retreat” people are seeking. I see nothing wrong with that.

And one of the threads quite rightly says - the organisation and costs of setting up a retreat is far more work than most people realise. Bit like the swan - a good retreat looks calm and easy - but the amount of paddling to make it so has expended tons of energy! Try being a host at a party - for a week! It’s common I understand for teachers/organisers not to make enough to cover costs - or just enough - honestly - if you worked for a company for a week and got no money at the end of it - how would you feel?

I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has run successful retreats - what have you learned?

#20

Some are, I think rarely, and you can know someone for a long time and not know them until it’s too late, as I found out.

#21

I love this article! Thank you. I would love to share this on my site as a blog!

www.yesyogis.com

Please let me know if I would be able to share.

Xo
Royal

#22

It is very important that you pick the right yoga retreat because it can influence the overall experience. Each and every yoga schools have different training sessions, syllabus and facilities and therefore you need to pick the right yoga schools that offer the best yoga classes. Choose yoga schools registered with the Yoga Alliance International. These schools have a syllabus which is recognized globally and will allow you to become a professional yoga teacher anyplace in the world. The school must also provide you with the accurate facilities and study material during your stay. If you are a non-resident intellectual you must pick yoga retreats that offer quality food and accommodation and even pick up and drop facilities from the airport, so that you can focus on your yoga learning and experience rather than worrying about the arrangements.

#24

Just came to this topic and found it very interesting. There are lots of yoga retreats but, I think a proper planning should be required to make it successful. Agree with your point that your goal should be clear before choosing it. Great sharing! (Y)

#25

Hi. I would say that the main focus for me when choosing a yoga retreat is the teacher. A great teacher will energize you to reach your full potential. Location and facilities are also important, as the other folks that there... but it's the teacher that makes (or breaks) the experience.

You also need to know where & how to find these retreats. Check this site out https://zing.events/cat/acro/ they have hundreds of acro yoga events listed, basically everywhere and months in advance.

#26

If you are new to yoga and also want to join the yoga retreat, then you must know some things which are useful for you to chose the right yoga studio for you. First you must know about the school reputation, after that registration and certification of the school. How many students will learn yoga in a single course and teachers of the school. If all these things are great and perfect about the school, then you must go for this school to learn the yoga aspects.

#27

If you feel the need to refresh your spirit, reignite your passion for living, and rediscover balance in your life, then a yoga retreat is what you need.

In order to choose a yoga retreat, here are a few things that everyone should consider before choosing a yoga retreat-

  1. Location
  2. Focus of Retreat
  3. Your Budget
  4. Duration
  5. Accommodation
  6. Number of people in your group
  7. Yoga Teacher
#28

If you are a beginner in yoga and searching for the yoga retreat, then you must know about some tips before you chose any Yoga Teacher Training in India yoga retreat. There are plenty of yoga retreat in the India, but few are applicable and provide the top-notch classes of yoga. If you need to known the deep knowledge of the yoga aspects, then you must check some items and things before choosing the yoga retreat.

  1. Location of the retreat center is very important.

  2. Yoga Retreat Teachers

  3. Accommodation and Food Facility

  4. History and past of the school

  5. Number of students strength

#29

If you are a newbie and looking for retreats then it will be very difficult to choose perfect retreats for you. Then what to do don't worry, whenever you want to come for a yoga holiday and retreat in India just keep in your mind to check photos, instructors, prices, reviews from real guests and you can easily find out a perfect yoga retreats in India for you.

#30

Attending a yoga retreat is a great way to take your practice to the next level. No matter where you’re at on your yoga journey, a yoga retreat can enhance your experience on the mat and offer learnings about yourself. But with retreats popping up all over the world, choosing a retreat that’s best for you can be challenging.
Which location is best for you?
Location, location, location! You’ve heard this before, and it rings true when choosing a retreat, too! This is probably one of the most important aspects of your decision-making as it can affect your entire experience. More often than not when we think of yoga retreats, we think of tropical paradise. But don’t be fooled, retreats are happening all over the world. So if warm destinations aren’t your thing, seek out a more temperate climate to suit your desires. Whether it is rustic or exotic, choose a place where you’d prefer to spend your time (and money!).

1 Like
#31

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#32

Loved this post. I have to agree with some of your comments though. There are some very bad retreats and we often have to rely on recommendations. Our budget also plays a great role in picking the one. But, on the other hand, retreats are sometimes what we need to have a break from all the hustle in our lives.