Yoga retreats can take you to some perspective-shifting, unforgettable destinations: from old-world Europe to vibrant islands to Asian nations that are totally worth the longest plane ride of your life.
The tough part? Finding the perfect type of yoga retreat for you.
Browsing retreats online, you’ve seen lots of photos of infinity-pool-equipped sanctuaries… but what lies outside those walls? And while you love a healthy meal, will plant-based yoga retreat catering give you a chance to taste authentic local fare?
You care about wellness, but you also care about culture, nature, cuisine, and adventure. You want to journey within and without.
What you’re looking for is an adventure yoga retreat – but is that even a thing?
Yep, it is! And you’ve come to the right place. Before we dig deeper into what an adventure yoga retreat looks like and who it’s for, let’s zoom out and get our bearings in the yoga retreat industry as a whole.
What is a Yoga Retreat Like?
This article isn’t about yoga industry trends, so we won’t drown you in numbers, but we will say this: over 34 million people practice yoga in the United States alone.
If you’ve ever been to a yoga class, you know different people practice yoga for different reasons, similar to how people travel for different reasons!
With such a range of priorities, it’s no surprise that there are many types of yoga retreats. There are yoga retreats for…
- People who want to delve deep into the study of ancient yoga teachings.
- People looking to cleanse and reset through a specific diet and lots of peace and quiet.
- People looking for a healthy mix of wellness and adventure. (That’s you, probably!)
But after years in the industry, we’ve noticed something… and if you’re doing research, you might’ve noticed it too!
The dominant type of yoga retreat offers a specific flavor or luxury wellness. Yup, we’re talking about the websites with picture-perfect people nailing picture-perfect scorpion poses… next to that picture-perfect infinity pool in a walled-off sanctuary.
And if you’re craving an all-inclusive mind and body detox in a tropical climate, that might be for you!
But if you want to cultivate presence on the mat and apply it to the real world as you flow (and at times gracefully stumble!) your way through new cultures, spaces, dining customs, and activities – if you love a boutique hotel, but believe real luxury is all about authentic experience – you’re looking for a Yoga Adventure.
Step Into an Adventure Yoga Retreat – AKA, a Yoga Adventure
At The Travel Yogi, our signature type of yoga retreat isn’t a retreat at all – we call it a Yoga Adventure.
One of our hand-picked yoga teachers will guide your daily practice – be ready for one or two sessions each day. When you’re off the mat, our network of trusted locals will guide you deep into the cultural and natural landscape you came so far to visit.
That’s where the adventure part begins!
(Think soccer games with Buddhist monks, meandering bike rides between small villages, or even spying on polar bears – from a respectful distance, of course!).
We round it all out with just the right amount of luxury in the form of boutique accommodations, private activities you can’t book anywhere else, and the very best in local cuisine.
Each of our 15+ adventure itineraries balances the many sides of “adventure” in a unique way. Whatever you choose, we promise you’ll get a bit of everything, but we’ve called out a few options for different tastes.
Physical Adventure
Whether you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie or just love to break a sweat on a mountain path, we’ve got you covered! Trek at high altitude in Bhutan or splash down heart-pounding, world class rapids in Chilean Patagonia.
Culinary Adventure
Nothing gives you a sense of place quite like a fresh meal prepared per local custom. Line up at one of Vietnam’s best banh mi stalls or hear about hunting for white truffles before settling down to a plate of agnolotti in the culinary paradise of Northern Italy (don’t worry, we say you can practice yoga and still drink the wine).
Nature-Fueled Adventure
Seeking landscapes that you’ll remember for a lifetime or the kind of wildlife encounters that make time slow down? Come wander the volcanic dreamscape of Iceland, or see what Darwin was so worked up about in the Galápagos.
Cultural Adventure
Rich histories, tongue-twisting new languages, and unique customs await! Explore ancient temples and learn to cook curry from a local in Sri Lanka, or put your Spanish vocab to work in colorful Colombia.
The Adventure Within
Travel is a tried-and-true tool for self discovery, and so is the yoga practice! When you combine both, you’ll return home clear-headed, awe-inspired, and fueled by the variety and bounty of our spectacular planet.
Want to learn more about all our adventure yoga retreats? Head to the Yoga Adventures page to explore!
Who are Yoga Adventures For?
Well, they’re not for everyone… But they come pretty close! Yoga Adventures are a great choice for…
- Dedicated yogis craving a well-balanced, expert-curated adventure abroad without leaving their practice at home.
- Adventurers who want to savor every drop of heart-pounding thrill or stop-in-your-tracks awe on the agenda – with a wellness routine to help them stay grounded and present.
- Value-driven travelers who know international trips can be sustainable and help regenerate local economies (and won’t settle for anything less).
- Families (yup, kids too!), friends, studio groups, reunions, and cool companies who want to share a wellness adventure with their favorite people. Learn more about private yoga retreats!
- Any curious soul in search of a journey that feels profoundly real – both within themself and across our beautiful, crazy world.
Yoga Adventures might not be for you (and that’s totally cool, too!) if…
- You’d rather take a wellness or adventure trip, not both.
- You want lots of time to meditate or sit by the pool at a luxury resort.
- You’d rather stay at one location for the duration of your yoga retreat.
- You’re looking for a silent yoga retreat, vegan diet, or more than 2 hours of daily practice.
Wellness + Adventure Calling Your Name?
Ready for an expansive, exciting, cross-cultural journey grounded in wellness practice? You’re not seeking a typical yoga retreat, but you’re a perfect match for a Yoga Adventure!
We can’t wait to be your guides and introduce you to our favorite people and places across the globe.
Now, you’ve got a decision to make: Where will your adventure take you?