How to find the 'right' retreat
Every now and again, I'm lucky enough to have a window available to go on retreat. It's hard to over-state the value of a few days away for some deep self-care and a change of scene (and perspective).
Having been in the wellbeing and retreats industry for some while now, and having reviewed different retreats as journalist before this, I have a very clear understanding of what kind of experience I'm looking for.
Yet despite (or because of?) the vast choice now available, both at home and abroad, I usually struggle to find my 'perfect' retreat.
I realised only a few days ago that our new Norfolk-based Mindfulness for Wellbeing weekends are in fact my person vision of a 'perfect retreat', 20 years after I took my first yoga and meditation classes, and almost ten years after we launched Satvada Retreats.
With a foot equally in the mindfulness and yoga traditions, I always look for a retreat combining practices from both, where there are no punishingly long periods of sitting meditation – or at least, in recognition that sitting is often uncomfortable and physically demanding, practical options for taking another posture (especially lying down) are always given.
I look for inspirational, yet highly accessible and personal teaching, where religion, or even spirituality, may be alluded to, but is not explicit. Personally, I find this off-putting – I am always drawn to teachings with depth and integrity, but which are deeply grounded in personal insight and the real world.
I am certainly looking for a comfortable single room (I can take or leave en-suite, though it's always a bonus!), and a warm environment.
Finally, I look for a retreat where there is no alcohol, no expectation of helping with chores, and one that includes periods of silence, and ideally some silent walks.
Fussy? Perhaps, but with the sheer choice out there, it is so important to know what you are looking for before you go and look for it.
How to choose...
So here's our brief guide to ten vital questions to ask yourself, and then the retreat provider, before finding and booking your own perfect retreat:
Am I looking for a yoga or meditation retreat, or one combining both?
If yoga, what kind of yoga? There is a massive variation in how yoga is taught, from gentle mindful movement to advanced practice that includes acrobatic postures such as headstands. Know where you stand on the spectrum.
Am I looking for a religious, or strong spiritual flavour to the experience?
Am I looking for a sociable holiday experience or a more intense retreat (where there may be more practice time, more meditation and alcohol won't be on the cards).
Would I like the opportunity to drink some alcohol or would I prefer an experience where no-one is drinking? Check the policy on this, as it will affect your experience.
Am I happy to share a room? Single occupancy costs considerably more, and it's good to be aware that, on many retreats or yoga holidays, having a room to yourself won't be possible. You'll often be placed with someone of the same sex.
Would I be happy to have a shared bathroom? Mostly, bathrooms are shared
How many hours am I prepared to travel for, whether it is to the UK or further afield.
Am I happy to help lay tables, clear up and perhaps help prepare dinner? Check what's expected.
Do I mind how many people attend my retreat? The number of guests tend to vary wildly, from around eight to forty – amounting to a hugely different experience.
Never be afraid to approach the organisers with your questions!
Lucia Cockcroft is co-founder of Satvada Retreats, which runs nurturing small group yoga and mindfulness escapes in Norfolk, Croatia, Morocco and France. www.satvada-retreats.co.uk