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Why a retreat is so much more than a vacation

In today's busy world, taking time for self-care isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. Vacations often focus on sightseeing and leisure, but retreats provide a deeper chance for self-discovery and personal growth. Here, you can step away from your daily routines and find an environment that nurtures both your body and mind.


Imagine spending time on a yoga retreat nestled in lush mountains or a wellness retreat in a peaceful destination by the sea with the beach on your doorstep. These settings are intentionally designed to help you to connect more meaningfully with yourself.


Wide angle view of tranquil beach with meditation spots
A peaceful beach setting ideal for meditation and reflection.

The bottom line is we're not here to just create a 'lovely holiday', it's about creating an experience and environment that allows you to "do you". To give you space and time to become a 'human-being' again, instead of a 'human-DOING'.

 

When was the last time you actually did that... what you want, when you want, have time and space to "think" and maybe ponder on what it is you really want out of life?


Getting Out of Your Head


A primary goal of a retreat is to help participants break free from the constant noise of their minds. Everyday life bombards us with obligations, distractions, and stress that can obscure our thoughts. Retreats often include mindfulness exercises, whether that be by the sea or inland, things like nature walks, watersports (like surfing and stand up paddle boarding) and creative workshops that encourage participants to look beyond their mental limits.


For example, engaging in a guided nature walk not only it great for our health, but also allows you to explore new surroundings—a perfect way to clear your mind. Ocean therapy or any type of water has theraputic and healing qualities and activities like stand up paddle boarding (SUP), surfing and wild swimming are fun and challenge us. Creative workshops, such as cooking, painting or or even writing/journaling, can spark insights and creativity that stay hidden in daily life (becuase our minds are full of our 'to do list' and responsibilties)


Research shows that spending time in nature can reduce anxiety by up to 60%, providing an excellent setting for personal reflection. Time spent on such activities helps quiet the mind and leads to clarity, often resulting in breakthroughs in personal understanding.


Eye-level view of serene hiking trail in a forest
A beautiful hiking trail through a lush forest.

Most of our retreats are by some sort of water, whether that be the ocean, a lake or an outdoor swimming pool, becuase there are so many health benefits in swimming outdoors and cold water therapy - read more in our previous blog about the benefits of cold water HERE


Being near water alone has calming benefits and you may heard of the term or the book 'Blue Mind', don't just take our word for it and we've listed a great book and interesting artical below you may want to read written by Wild Swimming Cornwall which features an interview with the author Wallace J Nichols of the book 'Blue Mind'


These activies challenge us, and get out of our heads, to 'try new things' maybe, but ultimatley bring us out of that repetative 'bubble' we are often in (and have been for some time!). To allow you to experience, feel and think differently. As well as give you the tools and experiences to learn from and assist you in moving forward into a life you want.

 


Grounding Through Yoga


Yoga serves as a central element in many retreats, giving individuals a unique way to connect both physically and mentally. In serene settings, or out in nature, practicing yoga helps participants become more aware of their bodies and fosters a deeper mind-body connection.


Yoga helps us to unwind, relax, and release tension from our body through movement and breathwork, while and bringing us into the present moment and setting the scene for the rest of the retreat or experience.


Yoga on the beach on a Surf & Yoga Retreat
Yoga on the beach on a Surf & Yoga Retreat

Regular yoga sessions promote flexibility, strength, and relaxation, all essential for reducing stress. Each pose encourages mindfulness, pushing you to become more conscious of your thoughts and feelings during practice.


Retreats typically cater to all skill levels—whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogi. This inclusive environment allows everyone to benefit from the practice. For instance, studies show that incorporating regular yoga can decrease anxiety levels by up to 40%.


The focus on breathing and mindfulness creates an internal dialogue, often neglected in the hustle of daily life. This return to oneself within a supportive group can be incredibly empowering and rejuvenating.


High angle view of yoga mats arranged in a tranquil space
Outdoor yoga on our Women & Water Retreat at The Yurt Village

Carefully Curated Environment


The advantages of a retreat go beyond just the activities and yoga; every detail is carefully planned. From the meals offered to the accommodation and location, each element significantly impacts the overall experience.


Most retreats focus on providing nutritious, locally sourced meals designed to enhance your health. Imagine enjoying a plant-based dinner made from fresh ingredients that not only boosts your energy but also aligns with the retreat’s focus on wellness. Mindful eating can also deepen your appreciation for nourishing your body.


The location of the retreat is crucial as well. Beautiful settings, whether they are mountains, beaches, or forests, help create a calming atmosphere for introspection and connection with nature. For instance, participants often find that spending time in nature can lower stress hormone cortisol levels by over 20%, allowing for a profound sense of peace.


People frequently leave retreats feeling recharged and equipped not only with memories but also valuable life lessons learned from their experiences.


Morocco Retreat 2025
Morocco Retreat 2025

Sustainable Practices and Eco-conscious Choices


More retreats today are integrating sustainable practices into their programme. Choices like eco-friendly accommodations and locally sourced food not only enhance the retreat's value but also resonate with the values of many participants.


Engaging in eco-friendly activities, such as community clean-ups or workshops on sustainability, adds to the retreat experience. These shared efforts nurture a sense of community and purpose among participants. Not only does this practice benefit the environment, it can also inspire individuals to adopt more sustainable habits in their own lives.



A Transformative Escape


A retreat offers experiences that transcend a traditional vacation. It creates space for reflection, growth, and meaningful connections—all within a supportive atmosphere.


By participating in activities that encourage self-awareness and embracing the grounding nature of yoga, retreats foster healing experiences. Careful planning—from meal choices to accommodations—aims to enhance your overall well-being, transforming your time away into a valuable investment in your mental, physical, and emotional health.


Most retreats will be all inclusive, taking the organisation of all indivudal elements away from you, so you can just focus on you, switching off and really embracing this time out, for whatever it is you need from. your retreat.


The retreat hosts to take care of everything from creating a relaxing and fun experience, your individual needs and are on this journey with you.


On our retreats and many others the faciltators and crew (including our talented chefs) come from the

well-being or healing arts background, whether that be Auyervedic, or Nutrician focused, or a spceialist in Breath-work and stress managment. Everyone has the same purpose, which is, to support the participants health and well-being journey and leave you with tools to take away into your every day life. We all understand this world we live in and the expectations of us in this day and age are demanding and the effects it has on our nervous system.


Which is why we do what we do...


So, when the need for a break arises, think about a retreat instead of just a vacation. It could be the reset you’ve been searching for.




Upcoming Retreats


Morocco Surf & Yoag Retreat - 15th to 22nd March (7 Nights) - READ MORE HERE

Conrwall Women & Water - 20th - 24th June (4 Nights) - READ MORE HERE


Useful Resources:


Online and In Person Yoga classes, workshops and Day Retreats - READ MORE HERE


Artical and Interview with Wallace J Nichols about "blue mind' from Wild Swimming Cornwall, as mentioend above - worth a read! READ MORE HERE


Previous Blog about Cold Water Therapy - READ MORE

Previous Blog about 'Choosing the right surf & yoga retreat for you' - READ HERE

Previous Blog about our Women & Water Retreat - READ MORE HERE



Thanks for reading and let us know if you find it useful by leaving us a comment or like!


Amanda & Joe

See you on an adventure or retreat somewhere soon



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