You’re probably reading this because you need a break from the grind and you have an interest in furthering your yoga or meditation practice. Maybe you’ve just dabbled and want to learn more, or perhaps you’ve been practicing for years. Either way, a retreat is a great way to dive in, disconnect from the distractions of everyday life, and connect with yourself at a deeper level.
But once you make the exciting decision to align your next vacation with a yoga or meditation practice, it almost becomes an added stressor to choose the right one for you.
Beachside or mountain top? Local, or far away and exotic? Your favorite teacher or someone new? Small, intimate group or big community? Focus on yoga or meditation? Can I have it all?
It becomes overwhelming to choose. Take this quiz to find out your retreat style, and then get some suggestions on retreats based on your responses. Choose the letter that most closely aligns with you, and we’ll add them up at the end.
1: What does a dream getaway look like to you?
A. Anywhere beautiful where I can relax and unwind
B. Lots of exercise and activities. Specific location doesn’t matter as much as long as it’s beautiful
C. Anywhere I can be active and in nature, preferably somewhere exotic or a place I’ve never been where I can explore
D. I like to be pampered on my vacations, so my dream vaca would probably be at one of those resorts I saw featured on TV, maybe in Maui, Europe, or Fiji
E. It looks simple, peaceful and serene; a place I can completely disconnect
2: What style of yoga is your favorite?
A. There are different styles in yoga?
B. Power yoga
C. Vinyasa flow, although I dabble with a few styles and enjoy a variety
D. I like the yoga class that my gym or studio offers
E. I prefer a meditative, mindful movement or hatha practice
3. How present is yoga and/or meditation in your life?
A. I’m pretty new, but want it to be a bigger part of my life
B. I get to a class at least twice a week
C. I try to practice some kind of yoga or meditation daily, whether on or “off the mat”
D. It’s been in and out of my life for some time
E. I have a daily meditation practice
4. Your ideal place to practice yoga or meditation would be…
A. Anywhere warm and by the beach. As long as there is a patient teacher to show me the ropes
B. In a hot yoga studio
C. Anywhere outdoors, like on a mountaintop, at the beach, or in the middle of the jungle
D. At a 5-star spa
E. Somewhere simple and quiet
5. If you had next Friday off of work or school, what would be most fun for you?
A. Brunch with friends and family, then just relax and unwind
B. Bootcamp followed by a run or yoga class. Finish it off with a power smoothie
C. Hike or climb in the morning, yoga in the afternoon, make a healthy dinner at home
D. Brunch with friends and family in the morning, shop in the afternoon, fancy dinner in the eve
E. Start my day with a seated or walking meditation, and spend the day relaxing, reading, doing something I love
6. What would your goal or intention be for going on a retreat?
A. Not sure I have a specific goal, but I’d like to learn more about yoga and/or meditation, relax, and enjoy the sunshine
B. To practice as many hours of yoga as I can! Spending time at the beach sounds good, too
C. To unwind, practice, and spend time in nature. Also, to meet like-minded people and eat healthy, local food
D. To relax with yoga, massages, facials, fancy food and sunshine
E. To have a completely inward journey, free of distraction. To transform through inner silence and peace
7. My favorite lunch is:
A. Healthy sandwich or salad, iced tea and maybe some fro-yo
B. Power smoothie or my favorite all-natural bar
C. Organic kale and quinoa salad, half a grapefruit, wash it down with a kombucha
D. My favorite order at my favorite café
E. Healthy, simple and vegetarian
8. What do you normally wear to yoga or meditation class?
A. Yoga pants and a top (sports bra and tank for the ladies, tee for the men)
B. High-tech-fiber, sweat-absorbing, and stylish yoga gear
C. Organic and sustainable yoga or active wear
D. Lulu all the way
E. Loose-fitting, comfortable clothes
9. Pick a mantra.
A. Viravawha-wha-what? Is that a mantra?
B. Fill in any prefix before “…asana”
C. Shanti. Shanti. Shanti. Peace. Peace. Peace.
D. Om
E. Inhale, Exhale
Answer Key: