There are ways to make sure that the retreat experience turns out to be just the way you want it and you have the yoga holiday to be remembered.

We’ve put together a list of 6 important things to take into consideration before booking your yoga retreat.

1. Location

First and foremost, think about where you’d like to go location wise. Even if it may not be your main priority for the yoga retreat, choosing the right location is very important as the environment plays an important role in your emotions as well.

Do you want to go to a warm or tropical destination? Or maybe you’re looking for the opposite – someplace you can cool off and enjoy mild weather? Are you a beach lover or are mountains your preference? Find out what is the scenery like and what will be the weather conditions before booking.

Another thing to consider is reachability – do you want easy to travel from the airport and a location nearby or are you okay to switch a few means of transportation to arrive? Make sure you know how long it takes to get from the airport to the retreat center in advance so you don’t get blind-sided.

Lastly – do you want an “easy” destination where it is simple to get around, talk to the locals, find a coffee shop, a grocery store and you can fully focus on your relaxation, or are you looking for a little adventure and to leave your comfort zone? Neither is better than the other, but make sure you know which one are you getting.

2. Yoga style and classes

Make sure you know what you’re getting. There are so many yoga styles today, so be aware of what kind of classes are offered at the yoga retreat. You do not need to know the outlines of each class, but check the yoga style (is the same you’re practicing, do you want something new, is it something that resonates with you on a bigger picture?), how many classes per day will you have, how long will they be and whether it is a beginner, mixed or advanced students yoga retreat.

3. Retreat theme and vibe

Not all retreats have a specific theme and that’s just fine, but read the description well to figure out will it be a stricter retreat ashram style, a relaxed holiday with some outings, no-phone retreat, etc.  Check out the schedule, the photos, and the social media to figure out the “vibe” and see whether it correlates with your expectations. It would not be great if you’re expecting a chill week with an occasional beer in hand and you get to a place that bans not only alcohol but also has 9 pm curfew (and the other way around!)

4. Groups size and focus

Different yoga retreats have different sized groups. Smaller groups are great for those who’re looking to connect with all the guests, who’d like some more personal attention from the teacher, and who like a more chill vibe. Bigger groups bring more energy to those who are looking for a camp-like experience with more buzz.

Make sure you know whether the retreat is focused on some specific experience or gender of the participant’s so you can see if that’s for you.

5. Other activities

Some people love when everything is organized and all they need to do is show up – retreats with some included tours or offered activities will be perfect for those. Some people love doing everything by themselves and on their own schedule, so a retreat with just yoga and some meals included and a lot of free time will be better for them.

6. Investment

Finally – the $$$. How much are you willing to spend? What kind of accommodations are you looking for and what can you get for the budget you have? There are different tiers of yoga retreats starting from budget ones with large shared rooms to luxurious retreats in 5-star hotels. It will be easier to narrow down your search field when eliminating those that don’t work for you.

Can’t go on a yoga retreat right now? Join our FREE Online Yoga Retreat! 

The post How to choose a yoga retreat? appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

Yoga is a powerful practice that can truly create a change within. A retreat is defined as a quiet or secluded place in which one can rest and relax.

And at the moment, whether staying at home to whether a storm or being the ones who still go out in the world and making a difference for others, we all need a few moments to find balance, calm and hop.e

We’re inviting you to join our FREE 7-day at-home online yoga retreat.

This at-home yoga retreat is designed to help you rest, relax, and rejuvenate through the practices of yoga and meditation all within the comfort of your own home.

You can practice each class step by step – each day of the week – or combine classes for a morning and afternoon practices.

Filmed on location on the gorgeous island of Vis, Croatia, you’ll be swept away to another land as you practice.

START YOUR FREE YOGA RETREAT 

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Here are 10 reasons to go on a yoga retreat.

1. Yoga. Well, duh.

When on a yoga retreat you will take your yoga on the next level and it doesn’t matter where you are – on a few year journey or just a beginner. You will not only practice yoga for a few hours a day (if you want to!), but also have teacher available at all times to answer all your yoga-related questions. The teacher will also be able to watch your progress and give individual advice and adjustments so needed for your development.

2. Relaxation and zero stress

Yoga retreats are held in serene and calm locations. That’ one. You also do not need to worry about a thing – everything is planned and ready for you. From the daily itinerary to meals and fun outings. You just need to sit back and enjoy the ride.

3. Meditation (finally!)

Mediation is something many people struggle with. Especially if they have only started. It is hard to get into practice during your busy everyday lives. However, once you’re far away from that and all the other distractions it will be much easier not only to try, but also to really get into meditation deeper. A beautiful and relaxing environment is a huge plus too.

4. Healthy and delicious meals

Meals that are cooked and ready for you to nourish your body after yoga and meditation will be your daily treat. Unlike on your regular vacations, where indulgences usually mean cocktails, cakes and some fast food, a yoga retreat will be a holiday where you will indulge in healthy and detoxing meals. Well, for most of the time (because hey, balance is key and a glass of red is not a sin!)

5. Digital detox

Yes, it’s a thing. And it doesn’t mean that you will completely stop using your phone (but you actually could try!). When on a yoga retreat your itinerary is planned for the entire week and yoga, spirituality and quality time with your new friends take front and center. That means that your desire and/or need to use you phone decline by a lot and this way you get a chance to remember that real life is so much more beautiful and relaxing than the virtual one. Okay, except a few photos on Instagram, because you’ve got to keep your friends informed!

6. New friends, a new tribe

It’s amazing how fast you connect with new people on a yoga retreat. And not only because you initially share the same interest in yoga, spirituality and travel. Yoga retreat sets a non-judgmental, open environment and vibe where you can feel free to share your thoughts and life stories with your tribe without a worry of being misunderstood. That feels amazing.

7. Feeling the feelings

And yes, such an environment helps and encourages you to feel all the feelings you have and may have been repressing for a while. When you’re in a relaxed and encouraging place like a yoga retreat it is easier to forget all the social pressures and just give in to the emotions. There’s a chance you’ll cry. And that’s a good thing.

8. Nature and adventure

Nature is healing. It’s beautiful and it moves us in many ways. You will most likely be surrounded by incredible sights and places when on a retreat and will be taken to unforgettable spots. Take in this adventure to the fullest and remember to appreciate our home (the planet Earth) once again.

9. Be active. Or not.

That’s the beauty of the yoga retreat. You are given all these options of classes and tours, but if on someday you don’t feel like doing anything – that’s alright! It’s your holiday, your choice and whatever you do –  it will be just perfect.

10. Leave recharged and motivated

We’re not saying that any other holiday does not recharge you. But a yoga retreat does an especially great job at that. After a week of strengthening your body at the classes, meditating, connecting with new friends and eating healthy you will feel inspired and motivated to get back to your life (well, maybe you’ll need a day or two to adjust) and keep up the good work of taking care of yourself!

The post 10 reasons to go on a yoga retreat appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

By Milda Urban, Summersalt Yoga founder

Giving back is important to us. During our 2 years of giving together with B1G1 organization, we’ve accomplished some incredible things, thanks to ALL OF YOU!

Contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development goals*, we’ve made the biggest impact in these 5 areas.

No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Gender equality
Clean water and sanitation
Climate action

You can find more data on our giving here

We’re going to continue contributing in 2020 because we strongly believe that only together we can really make a difference.

*The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17 Goals are all interconnected, and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we achieve them all by 2030.

More information 

The post A year in giving appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

Interview by Milda Urban, Summersalt Yoga finder

We’re so happy to welcome back the incredible SUP yoga teacher Rosie Markwick to our Summersalt for the 2 weeks of SUP yoga retreats in summer 2020. Besides the exciting classes on paddleboards, Rosie offers so much more – her deep knowledge of the practice, the inward journey and finding your own true voice. Enjoy this wonderful interview and come and meet Rosie this summer on our beautiful island!

Why and when did you decide to become a yoga teacher?

For a long time I didn’t think I would embark on a yoga teacher training, I loved the practice personally and I loved being a part of the yoga community where I lived but I sort of had this idea that it was something I wanted to ‘keep for myself’. As a psychologist and a natural ‘giver’ in lots of parts of my life I think I had this belief that yoga was going to be the one thing I would hold as a ‘me’ thing. Of course things change and I believe that most people, after they have been practicing for a while, crave a deepening of the vast study of yoga. A yoga teacher training is a great way to do this. I had also been called on in my work to teach morning classes to my colleagues and so in some ways the role of the teacher chose me as opposed to the other way round.

At a transitional time in my own life I found myself in Bali early 2016 where I embarked on an intense and deeply transformational personal development course (that happened to also be a yoga teacher training  ) and before I knew what was happening I had cultivated a deep knowing that I wanted to share some of what I had experienced with others. Roll on a really magical few years, a lot more trainings and countless humans met, taught and practiced with. I couldn’t have made a better non-decision decision I think! I will always think of myself as student first and teacher second and believe that this practice is meant to be shared. It seems funny that I would have once thought that teaching yoga would be anything other than a hugely rewarding and energetically giving experience. Now I believe it is me time, you time and us time!

What do you enjoy most about teaching yoga?

I love seeing the moment, or moments, when students realize how good it can feel to be really in your own body. For many of us we are lead to believe it’s not a place where joy, peace, love etc. can all be found and our default is to distract ourselves, allow our thoughts to take us somewhere else or even assume there is something wrong with us. Yoga, bodywork, getting outside, physical adventures are all incredible tools to explore what it is like to really be in your body. And the journey to embodiment really is a beautiful one to witness.

Potentially even more so though, I love the chats! Sounds odd perhaps, but teaching yoga means I get to have all these incredible interactions with incredible humans all day every day. Sometimes the chats are long, deep, sometimes quick, sometimes light, and at times they are heavy. And I love them all! Little moments of honest connection is probably what I enjoy most about teaching yoga.

Name your personal favorite benefits of yoga?

1. Refined Intuition. Yoga really helps me find a greater trust in my physical body and enables me to really listen and tune into my energetic body. Typically it is our thoughts that get in the way of our intuition (sure there is a quote in there somewhere?!) and so by honing these other parts of ourselves, just like we learn and feed the mind, we are able to drop more easily into that intuitive, deeply wise space that exists within all of us already.
2. Stronger core, stronger power center! I am a bit of a pelvic stability / core geek, I believe it is central for injury healing and prevention as well as improved posture, digestion and balance (to name just a few). In my own yoga practice I have seen big changes to my overall physical strength and have been able to heal old injuries through finding and maintaining a deeper connection to the core. And to take things off the mat and board, it was when working with the core in my own yoga and SUP practice that I began to notice shifts in my ability to live more fully in my power centre as well. Win win!
3. Authentic Living. My yoga practice gently challenges me to ‘meet’ myself. To get to know more about my body, find my edges, my resistance, to notice where I hold limits about what I can and can’t do to find my comfort zone and learn what I like am out of it. This regular check-in inspires me to get real, to get comfortable with my strengths and my vulnerabilities and keeps me on track in the pursuit of living a life authentic to me.

Do you have any advice for new yoga students and why they should not be afraid to start practicing?

Just start! There is nothing like the beginning and it is a place to be inspired within and not afraid of. If you need a more personal motivation – when I first began practicing, years of running meant that I couldn’t sit with my legs crossed as the teacher kept asking for, let alone touch my toes! The early yoga practice I think is fast and slow, all at once.

But I assure you before you know it the body will open a little, and even sooner than that you will notice how you can step away from the ‘you’ of your mind and find a little space between the thoughts. Find a teacher that you resonate with and that you trust and makes it feel like being with a good friend and most of all always hold true this simple truth; Yoga is for every single body.

Why do you think participating in a yoga retreat is a good experience?

Well firstly I think there are the more obvious reasons; you get to be somewhere most likely very beautiful, you get to have exciting, interesting experiences in that beautiful place and those experiences will make you feel really good!

On a practical level, retreats are a great way to deepen your yoga practice, the transformation that can be achieved through practicing up to twice a day everyday are huge. Even just a week on retreat has the potential to really up level your practice. So it is great if you are looking to depend your knowledge in this space.

Space I think is also a word that comes up a lot when I think about retreats. We give ourselves this space that might not normally be experienced in our day to day. Even with a schedule of yoga classes, adventurous activities, outdoor pursuits and all the other great things you get to fill your day with, a retreat really offers a (week-long) moment of space. Space out of our everyday lives to check in, take stock, figure out where we are at, perhaps become inspired again as to where we really want to go. Like a little roadside pit stop! And to continue the metaphor…

Think of it like this; on a yoga retreat the vehicle might be yoga, but the fuel is the environment, the steering wheel the sunshine, the windows are salty ocean swims and the seat-belts are the new friends and big chats. And the road is, well still the road. Only here you get to remember that it is your road, and there is a beautiful chance to pause and look at the map. All in a week!

Balance between healthy, “yogi” living and enjoying, indulging in life’s pleasures is often questioned by many. How do you think it’s best to reach that balance?

This is a really interesting one! And something that is certainly a continuity learning each day for me. But I think this is exactly how we should think of this concept. Balance to me is a choice, and one that can be made moment to moment. It is not something we acquire and then try to maintain.

Adding the wellness world here makes it extra interesting because so often we are told that the more exercise, the more green juice, the more yoga the better. And to a degree this is true. Having said that, this shouldn’t be at the risk of balance. In fact too much energy into our wellness routines can lead to injury and over stress on the body, not to mention the mental stress that can incur then when we miss a session of a tightly held routine. Too little, yes of course we won’t see development but too much and we run risk of overdoing it. What was once a positive intention becoming detrimental.

One of my favorite mantras to live by is… ‘follow your delight’. This derives from a concept called The Joy Current and this idea that one of the surefire ways for living happily and healthily is to find and follow what brings us deep, true, honest joy. Much easier said than done arguably and a practice in its own right. Complement this with the choice piece I mentioned above and these make my personal tools for reaching and continually choosing to be in balance. When I am truthful about what brings me joy I acknowledge that it is a beautiful mix of wellness, exercise, paddling, yoga, discipline as well as freedom, indulgence, rest and banana bread! And so in following all of these things I make a choice each day to be in balance.
To finish up this quote sums this idea of balance, choice and joy up perfectly;

‘If we do not push ourselves enough we do not grow, but if we push ourselves too much we regress. What is enough will change depending on where we are and what we are doing. In that sense, the present moment is always some kind of beginning.’ (Sakyong Mipham)

The post Our teacher Rosie: yoga practice gently challenges me to ‘meet’ myself appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

We’re very thrilled that our SUP yoga teacher Caroline Graham-Wood is coming back for the 2020 yoga season! he brings her energy to the mat and the SUP board and shares this incredible experience (and her balance!) with you passionately.

Why and when did you decide to become a yoga teacher? And then started specializing in SUP yoga?

I never planned to become a yoga teacher. I was in Mexico working as a fire hoola hooper with a couple of friends who performed various circus acrobatics. I was practising yoga when given the opportunity to teach some classes, I never looked back. I found yoga a wonderful experience for myself and love guiding yogis of different abilities through their practice, helping them learn, develop and expand their practice.

I started specialising in SUP when I was living on a cenote and a friend came with some boards and we played around on them. I saw another teacher giving a SUP yoga class one day and I thought, wow this is my dream, I want to do this.

When I extended my own practice to include SUP yoga I couldn’t believe how fantastic and different this form of yoga could be. You are in such wonderful surroundings. I remember my first class, paddling across the crystal clear lagoon in Tulum, totally peaceful, and was like hey this is my job!

What do you enjoy most about teaching SUP yoga?

Being outside in nature brings a different perspective to the practice. Being able to reference the elements that surround you in a SUP yoga class and teach the student to truely connect to nature and their surroundings. Often water is used as a reference in yoga teaching, to be fluid and let the breath flow like the ocean, in a SUP class these phrases are tangible and even more powerful.

I enjoy the fun and playful nature of the class, how it can be most peoples first time not only on a Sup board but also practicing.

Savasana is also so sweet it is a joy to give people that experience of melting away on their board with the water gently lapping against the board.

I love the sense of freedom and space. Being on the SUP board helps you challenge your balance.

Do you have any advice for SUP yoga beginners and why they should not be afraid to try it?

Have fun, fall in, laugh. Once you relax and gain awareness of being on water you will find you are totally supported by your board and will forget you are on a SUP, until you fall in again!

Name the top 3-4 benefits of yoga (regular or/and SUP) to you personally.

The space you create in your body and your mind.

Core strength and balance you build up

The connection to nature and to focus on compassion and taking a positive frame of mind to the outside world.

What changes do you notice in students after some time practising SUP yoga?

Confidence, balance, strength, childlike re-connection, happiness, greater connection with the earth, elements, respect for the earth.

Why do you think participating in a SUP yoga retreat is a good experience?

Outside, sunshine, water, elements, fun, playful, strength, fitness, outside, challenge, over fear. It challenges what you learnt from land yoga, makes you understand the asanas and muscles groups more obviously as you have to get the correct alignment.

The post Our teacher Caroline: have fun, fall in, laugh! appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

By Milda Urban, Summersalt Yoga founder

New Moon is always a time for new beginnings and intentions – big or small. The first new moon in the Fall – when the transition from one season to another is just getting steam – has a little bit more to it.

For many people it signals not only the end of summer but also a type of a New year – be it getting back to school, to work or simply to your calmer and more balanced self.

The need for that balance and harmony can be quite strong at this time of Fall new moon and it is important to set your intentions clearly and mindfully. It is almost like new years resolutions, only more personal, less boastful and yes – very intentional.

“And suddenly you know…It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings”.

September new moon is the perfect time to start with a clean slate as the moons purifying energy helps us with the reflections and moving forward.

With the help of such practices as journaling and meditation, it creates the light and organic nudge to set out plans, get creative with new ideas and visions.

With the end of the summer and its high-speed energy we also get the chance to slow down and concentrate to truly understand ourselves and where do we want to head to in the upcoming weeks and months.

As fall is harvest season the ground is fertile not only literally, but also figuratively – to consciously plant the seeds of your intentions and to help them manifest. Trust the Fall new moon to guide you through the process.

The post Fall New moon – a clean slate appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

By Milda Urban, Summersalt yoga founder

To most people, the late summer is always filled with change and a mix of emotions.

The end of September is also meaningful because of the Autumnal Equinox or September Equinox (the night and day are roughly the same lengths) which marks the beginning of the fall and the intensifying transition from one season to another.

Turning inward

Even though the end of the summer can still be hard to distinguish from say the mid-season, you can start noticing small shifts in nature. From the shorter days, the changing colors, different winds (we’re entering Vata season) to just something different in the air and in us too.

“Autumn paints in colors that summer has never seen”

We starting turning inward, feel the need to slow down, appreciate moments outside more and to start listening to the inner voice more.

It is when it is best to reflect and create space for things to come next year. In other words, it can be called – creating fertile soil for our dreams and visions to grow.

Taking the lead from nature we are also facing our inner darkness – which doesn’t need to be taken literally – we simply face our subconscious.

Harvest and abundance

Autumn is also the season of harvest and abundance. It is the time to honor that harvest – both material, natural and our personal efforts, achievements, lessons learned and milestones reached.

September Equinox is a time to appreciate this abundance all around us, be grateful and to realize that all we need is right there.

A small ritual or ceremony is a wonderful way to do so.

“Gratitude is the open door to abundance”

Clearing the space

And even though we’re honoring the harvest and abundance, at the same time we are able to recognize the difference between the things we need and the things that no longer serve us. They might serve someone else.

It is the time to physically clear out your space (get rid of old stuff and also to donate things that can be donated), but also to do so with our own minds.

Letting go of old, stuck emotions that no longer serve us, expectations or grudges will create space for new experiences and feelings during this autumn season.

“The best time for new beginnings is now”

The post September Equinox – the spiritual importance of change appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

By Sarah Henderson, Summersalt yoga teacher

What’s the difference between the active, yang classes and restorative, yin classes practised at the retreats and elsewhere? Let’s take a look!

Yang/Sun sessions: Hatha Flow/Vinyasa:

Greet and salute the sun with movement timed to flow with your breath. Feel the fluidity and connection of moving your body with your breath, and oxygenating your blood with deep breathing.

Find a lighthearted sense of play in your practice, challenge yourself, and find a deeper progression in your practice over the course of the retreat. Tune into the quality of your breathing to find your edge, and cultivate a balance between effort and ease. These classes will challenge, awaken and energize you. Honour yourself, your body, and your energy with choices in your movements, modifications, and options. Strengthen your arms, shoulders, and core by playing with supported balancing poses and inversions. Feel a progressive opening in your hips, hamstrings, and spine as you stretch your muscles daily, and develop a keen sense of body awareness. Find an inner focus in these moving meditation classes themed for introspection, balance, and self-awareness. End each morning session with a well deserved Savasana and Meditation that allows space to feel the effects of your practice. Leave feeling refreshed and ready to meet your day.

Yin/Moon sessions: Yin/Restorative:

These classes are designed for restoration, relaxation, surrender, release, and stillness. Continue to explore your inner landscape with curiosity, vulnerability, and love.

Embrace your moon energy during these classes to balance out the fiery sun energy from our morning class and from your day’s activities. We will work through supported, long-held pose sequences for lower back and spinal tension release, hip opening, and heart and shoulder opening. We will use props so your muscles and body can fully let go and release any tension. These sessions will activate your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), with Yin poses that will increase the range of motion in your joints, and Restorative poses that allow you to be as comfortable as possible so you can “restore” your nervous system and prepare for a blissful and restful sleep. We close the day in gratitude and appreciation. There will always be a blissful Savasana to close each evening session. Float away feeling fully renewed and restored.

During the retreat week:

I invite you to let go of expectations for yourself, let go of the stresses of your day to day life – from work or other, be present for yourself, and consider this to be a week of self-care and discovery, and play. I will hold space for you to explore and tap into your own inner wisdom. Find freedom and space each day to explore your truth, honor your body, and live in alignment with your natural rhythms.

We will work on easing the chatter in the mind, cultivating stillness, and fostering self-study through our daily practices. Exploring the spaces in between – the silent moments in between breaths, the breaths where you close your eyes and move deeper into a pose, the incredibly powerful Savasana at the end of each practice. Through our daily meditation, we will centre and ground, learning to witness what we are feeling at that moment, practising acceptance and non-attachment, observing whatever arises without judgment.

The post Build your practice, turn inward and honour your body appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

By Jade McSorley for Summersalt Yoga

Sure, I can lay on a beach on my vacation, working persistently on a tan than will probably never appear on my pale-ass British skin, reading some cult fiction I usually convince myself I never have time to read, whilst secretly checking the Daily Mail for a bit of mindless news. And sure, I can taste the local tipple (which is a punchy fruit brandy called Rakija here in Croatia), sample the delicious fresh fish caught that very morning by the fisherman of Vis Island, purchase some local olive oil from local vendors for my family back home and an ankle bracelet I’ll probably never wear out of holiday context. It all sounds delicious and blissful… And it is here on Vis Island, home to Summersalt’s Yoga and SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) retreat.

Yet, I have noticed with travellers that beach life isn’t the only experience we crave for when we choose to leave the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. There seems to be a need for Yoga retreats, in particular, to diffuse the energy imposed by city-living which has resulted in a constant state of angst and adrenaline. We basically need a stronger chill pill that won’t just numb the stress but deal with the source of the problem. And it is at yoga retreats, I feel, that this can be achieved, or at least gave some space and time to really focus in.

After spending some time amongst the Summersalt Yoga family, I couldn’t help pondering what we need in order to make the most of yoga retreats and why it is so much more than just your average vacation. Not only do we want to leave feeling relaxed, but also energised, balanced and healed in some way.

So, as writers do, I focused on the words that come to mind when considering a yoga retreat; what they can offer, and what, as travellers and yogis, we should consider when turning up to our mats no matter where we are in world. From my own personal experience of yoga retreats, and my stay here at Summersalt yoga, I thought I would share some of my own words to contemplate that may help you make the most out of your next retreat.

Honesty

Turning up and being honest with yourself is probably the first and most challenging thing I found at the start of any yoga retreat: what do I need from this experience? how do I feel? and what would I like to work on? Initially, it is usually the hardest thing to focus on something that could be potentially painful, mental or physical, staring it right in the eyes and thinking, I am ready for you! Bring it on.

Communication

As most yoga retreats go, and certainly at Summersalt Yoga, you are surrounded by new people from different countries and walks of life. Sometimes you feel social and sometimes not, and that’s OK. Yoga retreats are about focusing on your energy levels and what you have to offer in that moment. I am generally super quiet at the start but as you spend time with your new social circle, you naturally open up, joining in the conversations and learning more about others, realising people are always offering fresh perspective and new knowledge.

Reflect

It is so hard to turn off your brain. Well, it is for me and I am hoping I am not the only one. Even in Savasana my mind is swirling with thoughts. Being reflective is cosy and familiar, but can also be detrimental when working through something, so I think it is always great to use a yoga retreat, based within new settings, to reframe past events and establish new foundations to move forward.

Health

Basically, you are going to walk out of a yoga retreat fit and that is always big bonus. I swear, fourth day into SUP’ing (Stand Up Paddleboard with Yoga) I found my water bottle too heavy to lift. At least I knew it was working and I became very excited to see the mini muscles brewing in my sparrow-like limbs. Whilst being fit is definitely a positive, the effect on your mental health is tremendous! Being active in the morning and evening, boosted my energy levels instead of feeling lethargic from a day baking in the sun. Meaning you can go home feeling ready for life, instead of forcing yourself out of holiday mode.

Breathe

Yes, I know every single yoga teacher goes on about this thing called ‘the breath’. You know, the thing we forget to think about and sometimes don’t do at a healthy pace in our stressful lives. Breath is the key. If your muscles are tight – breathe into the spot and your muscles gradually and magically relax.  If your anxieties are rising – breathe and your body and mind calms itself. If you can’t stop thinking – breathe and focus on the breath alone. Yoga retreats can be useful in removing yourself from chaotic surroundings to a new destination more in tune with a slower and steadier pace of breath.

Balance

This is the aim really. The feel-good factor. To feel balanced and grounded both physically and mentally is what our bodies and minds are crying out for. Yoga retreats provide the grounds to achieve this though a balance of exercise, meditation, healthy food and relaxation, meaning your body just needs to become in sync with this way of living. As well as a holiday, they become a beneficial necessity for us heightened human beings that just can’t seem to chill the f*** out on our own!

Sustain

I am a huge fan of sustainability across all fields – fashion, travel, food. But we never really relate it to ourselves and I believe it is so important to figure out how can we sustain this balanced feeling, as well as giving and receiving in a healthy, sustainable way to others and our planet. The ultimate test after living blissfully at a yoga retreat is to remain balanced and considered when we step into the land of Yang. I am not going to lie, it’s definitely going to require more effort than was needed spent at the tranquil setting of Summersalt Yoga, or any other exotic destination. So many times I have left my yoga mat and stepped into the hedonistic atmosphere of crowds, traffic, phones and social media and instantly forgotten that calm feeling I have just established throughout my practice. To sustain, we need to constantly practice and form positive habits in order to rest and digest in any setting. So that lessons learnt in the beauty of a yoga retreat can stick with you wherever you may move forward to next.

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