Yoga Holiday or Yoga Retreat?

In the past five years the word “Retreat” has become a buzzword extraordinaire. An internet search on Google for the word “Retreat” generates a shocking 68 million hits! A search for “Yoga Retreat” gets a healthy 3 million hits. People are even claiming to be able to offer Retreats over the phone and by e-mail!

While the distinction between a yoga holiday and a yoga retreat is not always clear, there is quite a difference in terms of focus and general feel or atmosphere. Generally speaking, a Yoga Holiday is primarily an activity holiday. The time devoted daily to yoga usually won't exceed three to four hours, in one, or possibly two daily classes, and you will have time for other activities, visiting tourist attractions or just to relax. The location often reflects this, with a beach or other notable attractions nearby. The atmosphere is often relaxed, and it is usually a nice opportunity to meet other like-minded people.

“When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.”

On a Yoga Retreat the schedule is likely to be a lot more structured and intense, including yoga asanas (postures) as well as pranayama (breathing), yoga nidra (guided deep relaxation), meditation, contemplation, self reflection, silent times and a silent period as well as time for questions and answers with your teacher. The main focus is to deepen your yoga practice, self-understanding and your sense of well-being. The choice of location should reflect this, with a quiet, possibly remote location. Retreats should be fully residential, the food vegetarian, and meal times carefully thought out to fit smoothly within the daily routine. You may find a good mix of beginners as well as more 'hard core' yogis and yoginis on retreats and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and can be quite focused. A retreat is a perfect time to tune into your body-mind and to nourish your being - time for yourself.