Posted on Wednesday, 23 March 2022

For most of us, part of any good holiday involves sitting around a pool or on the beach, doing pretty much nothing. But if you want to make ‘chilling out' central to a break, you might consider booking a retreat.

For busy professionals and those who simply want to cleanse the mind, body and spirit, a wellness retreat could be the ideal option. They are increasingly popular, and involve all manner of activities - but often focus on yoga, meditation or spa services.

There are also more ‘active' retreats where you can pursue things like writing and painting.

But if you've never embarked on a retreat before, the prospect may seem daunting. Will you be able to go sightseeing? Will there be WiFi? Will I be able to have a drink or two come the evening? Will I have to eat vegetarian food all week?

The answer to these questions, as always, is: it depends.

But since you're paying to enjoy such a retreat, you can usually expect a good level of comfort, and plenty of free time to socialise and explore the local area.

 

Yoga and wellness retreats

Yoga-based getaways can take many forms - but you don't have to travel to the Himalayas to try one. There are yoga retreats across Europe, with many in Spain where great weather and natural beauty make the experience extra special.

Yoga retreats are usually set up by yoga experts who have a passion for the practice - and for helping people de-stress and rejuvenate.

And it's not always just yoga. Think week-long cleanses, nutrition-focused detoxes, reiki massage (the Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation) - and even things like 'snorkelling meditation'. There are also plenty of 'express' options, for those who only have a weekend or a few days to spare.

 

Meditation retreats

For those who really need some 'me time', a meditation retreat could be perfect.

Most meditation breaks involve several hours a day of breathing exercises, which helps calms the mind and body. Of course, such a retreat will be more relevant to those with a pre-existing interest in meditation or things of a spiritual nature.

They can range from relaxed affairs where you enjoy a couple of mediation sessions a day, then are free to explore the local area, to 'hard-core' retreats where you don't speak to (or even look at) another person for two weeks!

 

What retreats are available for writers, musicians and painters?

There are now retreats catering to passions of all kinds, for writers, painters, musicians and more. For example, Murphy Writing of Stockton University holds an annual writing retreat in northern Spain - ideal for budding writers, memoirists and poets.

For musicians, there's Dream France, a retreat located in Landes national park, surrounded by forest. And if you're an artist, you might visit Worpswede, a remote village and artists' colony in Germany: it's been attracting painters for  over a century.

 

What accommodation and food options are available on retreats?

Most retreats offer a range of accommodation, from spacious double rooms to dormitory bunk beds - so there should be something for your budget. In some cases you might stay 'off-site' in a local guest house or hotel.

With yoga retreats and wellness getaways, food is often central to helping you feel better. There might be a focus on vegetarian or vegan meals, but not always. That said, meditation retreats are often meat-free affairs.

If you opt for something looser (perhaps less “regimented”), like a writing or painting retreat, you'll probably have more dining choices.

 

Isn't it all a bit woo-woo?

Taking a retreat is not your average week in Benidorm. But retreat breaks and regular holidays have one big thing in common: they're both designed to help you unwind and feel better. And by combining a hobby or interest with a holiday, you're likely to meet people you have a lot in common with - which is arguably one of the biggest selling points of a retreat.

 

Getting it all organised

Most retreats will organise activities, transfers, food and accommodation for you, or provide the information you need to do the same.

And even if you're not planning to do much more than a little yoga or painting, it's critical to take out comprehensive travel insurance before you go - because things like flight cancellations, medical problems and thefts can still happen.

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