How To Create A Custom Yoga Retreat You Can Actually Afford
Article originally appeared on MindBodyGreen.com
Nothing is more grounding, centering, and fulfilling than taking some personal time to recharge and reconnect via yoga. This month marks one year since I graduated from optometry school and embarked on a 30-day yoga retreat and self-discovery program in Bali. I was able to create this magical and transformative yoga retreat while still being a student. Listed below find budget friendly tips to help you create the yoga retreat of your dreams.
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1) Location
Location is the most important decision to consider when creating your yoga retreat. The world is full of amazing yoga studios and retreat centers, but pricing varies based on location and currency exchange rate. You’ll want to pick a location where your money can stretch. I picked Bali, Indonesia for this reason. In addition to daily yoga I was able to treat myself to massages, colonics, and other spa services for ¼ of their US price. Picking a location where the currency exchange rate is in your favor drastically improves the quality of your experience. For a full list of U.S. wellness locations, check out our Fierce Reset: Digital Edition.
2) Opt for an Unlimited Class Pass
Yoga retreats can be expensive but studios typically offer monthly and weekly unlimited class passes. Depending on the length of your trip, you can buy a pass that allows you to attend as many classes as you’d like. For my retreat I picked The Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali and purchased the 30 day unlimited pass for ~ $200 USD. Picking a studio that aligns with you is imperative for a good retreat experience. Researching pricing and studios before you leave will allow you to design your perfect yoga holiday.
3) Stay Near the Studio
Accommodations are a big part of the yoga retreat price tag. You’ll save more money finding your own lodging, but it will cost you in time. For my yoga retreat, I opted to decide on my accommodations once I was local in Ubud, Bali. Upon arrival I asked other yogis and staff at The Yoga Barn for lodging recommendations. After viewing a few places, I decided on a one-bedroom bungalow 0.5 miles away from the studio. By not staying at the studio I saved about $60 USD per night, had my own room, and was able to more wholly immerse myself in the local culture.
4) Don’t Overplan
If you’re planning a yoga retreat, chances are you’re looking to unwind. One of the best parts about planning your solo yoga retreat is your days are completely your own. You can create a routine that includes a sunrise practice followed by breakfast at a local cafe. If you tire of that routine, the freedom is yours to add mid day meditation or an evening flow to your schedule. The beauty of a yoga retreat is the immersive quality of the experience. You’ll want to leave space to connect with your intuition and allow it to guide you through your days. Loose structure is great but don’t schedule a tourist activity for every waking moment. Take some time to breathe and mindfully enjoy meals or reconnect with nature.
5) Log Off
Leaving behind day-to-day stressors is mandatory for a relaxing vacation. During your yoga retreat you can be disconnected from your usual social media world while still keeping your friends and family updated. A great way to keep in contact and remain unplugged is to use the photo stream feature on your phone. You can enable and share an album with only your family and friends and post photos similar to Instagram but without the unwanted noise. I took my month long retreat alone and the photo stream feature allowed me to show loved ones I was safe and enjoying myself. If photos aren't your thing, consider a daily email update or publishing new content to your blog.
Planning a personal yoga retreat can seem daunting but it’s easy once broken down into its more manageable components. Don’t let the price tag hold you back if a yoga retreat is something you’ve always wanted to do. No excuses! It’s time to get up and plan the yoga retreat of your dreams. What are you waiting for? Download our Fierce Reset: Digital Guide to help you create your own! Namaste.
