International yoga retreats have gained traction in terms of popularity over the last couple of years. If you have been considering going on a yoga retreat, but are not sure what you can expect, you should be aware that you can find a yoga retreat that will fit your interest and personality. The top three international yoga retreats, are the Maya Resort in Costa Rica, the Blue Osa in Costa Rica, and the Kalani Oceanside, in Hawaii. Below are the top questions and answers about international yoga retreats and what you can expect if you choose to book one for yourself!
Some retreats offer one class per day, while there are others that offer multiple classes each day. If you are going on your first retreat, you may want to look for one where they have planned out each day for you. If you have been on a yoga retreat before, you may want to choose a location that has massage therapist, spas, and sweat lodges available, and a schedule that has more free time allotted.
Although there are a host of different types of Yoga, Yoga retreat packages generally focus on one type of yoga. Yoga retreats at locations like the Kalani Oceanside in Hawaii feature retreats that focus on the practical yoga experience, which helps to cultivate strength, Pono, which is the art of balance, and Yen Yoga training.
Of course yoga is generally the focus of any Yoga retreat, however, they feature more offerings than yoga poses. You will have the opportunity to engage in activities such as deep sea diving, nature excursions, cave exploration, and hiking, if you choose a Yoga Retreat location like the Blue Osa.
If you choose a retreat package at the Anamya Resort, you will find any number of ways to pamper and nurture yourself. You will find treatments that are both familiar, and maybe not so familiar to you. Facials, cryotherapy and cold saunas are offered at the resort. Many people who are living with certain types of medical conditions choose cryotherapy to help alleviate many of their symptoms. Champissage, also known as the Indian head massage, places a focus on the head, neck, face, shoulders and upper arms. A lot of people choose this type of massage to improve lymphatic drainage, and to help relieve sinus congestion and migraines. You will also be able to find treatments such as Thai massage and facials at the blue Osa Resort and the Kalani Oceanside.
Most retreat packages are all inclusive. The only thing that you would be responsible for is your travel to and from the location. Locations like the Anamya Resort lodge their guests in rooms, or cabins, which feature lofts, twin mattresses, and hammocks. Some of the accommodations require guests to be able to climb ladders. For small group's they have Cabanas available, like the Calista, for example that includes two bathrooms, five twin beds, and a large deck that features ocean views.
Yoga retreats generally feature foods that are healthy and revitalizing. Resorts like the Blue Osa feature wholesome foods that literally come from the farm to your table. They treat guests to four meals every day, which include two large meals, and two smaller ones. The menus feature vegetarian daytime meals and meals which contain fish or meat in the evenings. The food is offered buffet style, but the resort does not consider its Buffet to be all you can eat. All meals are proportioned, but everyone gets more than enough food to eat. The resort will also accommodate persons with dietary requirements. The bread's offered are fresh, and include both gluten free and vegan alternatives.
There really isn't a right or wrong time of the year to go on a yoga retreat, as many of the locations are located in exotic places where the temperature is nice year-round. All three of the top yoga resorts offer comfortable climates. So whenever you feel you need to take a relaxing break from the day-to-day hassles of your life, there is a resort out there you can retreat to.
The cost of a yoga retreat package can vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen, and the time of the year you choose to travel. The average cost of a yoga retreat is approximately $995 on the low end and $1,995 on the high-end at a resort like the Anamaya for example.