Why choose a yoga retreat over a conventional vacation

Why Choose A Yoga Retreat Over A Conventional Vacation?

Whatever your favorite type of vacation, there can be no doubt that most of us feel the need to take a significant break from our hectic lives, at least once a year.

Some opt for a week or two in the sun in an exotic location where they can lounge by the pool or on the beach and recharge their batteries while others seek out less conventional vacations, full of adventure and thrills.

But what about those who want to take a vacation to an exotic place and soak up a few rays and recharge their batteries and rejuvenate themselves and have an adventure? Is that too much to ask? In truth, it's not - read on to discover why a yoga retreat could be the solution to all your vacation needs:

What is a yoga retreat?

Without wanting to state the obvious, a yoga retreat is a place where you can go to spend time practicing yoga, relaxing, and connecting with your inner self. But most yoga retreats have plenty of other activities that guests can take part in too, such as cooking classes, horseback riding, surfing lessons, hiking, sea kayaking, snorkeling and more. Many also have spas where guests can choose from a wide range of therapies like massage or body scrubs or foot reflexology. They tend to be located in remote, tranquil spots surrounded by nature with stunning views.

Yoga retreats in exotic locations: Many popular yoga retreats are found in some of the most amazing of locations, such as nestled among mountains or overlooking tropical seas, and the view alone is enough to help guests relax and forget about the demands and stressors of daily life. But combine regular yoga classes with such natural beauty, and you have a recipe for sustained gratification and wellbeing.

What might you gain from a yoga retreat that you might not from a conventional vacation?

The ability to make positive changes in your everyday life upon your return: Most vacations will at least distract you from the daily routine of everyday life, but they rarely enable you to return to your everyday life with a fresh perspective and the ability to make positive changes that will affect your overall wellbeing.

Through the regular practice of yoga – which is comprised of physical poses or postures, breathing exercises, and meditation – you can make substantive changes to yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Most people know that regular yoga practice can lead to significant changes in their bodies - from improved strength to greater muscle tone, from better balance to increased flexibility. Beyond the physical, however, yoga can also improve other aspects of your life.

For instance, yoga techniques can train your entire body to react differently to stressful situations, which will help you to manage busy days and unexpected challenges with greater equanimity. You'll learn to be less reactive to emotional triggers and increase your ability to adjust when plans go awry and you need to change course.

Lifelong friends: You might well be attending a yoga retreat on your own, but you will undoubtedly meet many other solo travelers - many of whom will share similar values and a compatible outlook on life. Many who choose a yoga retreat as their place to vacation, relax, and recharge, tend be those looking for a deeper understanding and a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them. People also tend to be more open on a yoga retreat, dropping their defenses and living more in the moment. It's a great opportunity to meet like-minded travelers with similar interest and shared values.

If all of this sounds appealing, then making your next vacation a yoga retreat could be just what you need. Think about the kind of location that invigorates or relaxes you and try researching the quality retreat centers in those spots, checking their calendar of upcoming yoga retreats for dates that work for your schedule. If you’re new to yoga, then check your local area for a well-regarded yoga studio where you can take introductory classes and get a feel of whether the practice is right for you. If you like the way you feel after trying several classes, then imagine that feeling amplified after a week of yoga in an idyllic locale. It could be the best vacation you've ever had!

Prana del Mar is a “luxury yoga retreat” center at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula featuring luxurious rooms & suites, delicious cuisine & internationally-acclaimed yoga teachers. Come on a yoga vacation to one of the most beautiful “yoga resorts mexico”. For more details, visit us at pranadelmar.com