To RETREAT or not to REtreat?

Retreat holidays have become very popular and the offering of packages that include some aspect of learning or wellness and personal development is a popular trend in the travel market..

Yoga retreats are popping up everywhere nowadays it seems, so many are jumping on the bandwagon and hosting retreats of all sorts. There are several annual events that take place around the globe, some with well known Yoga Gurus, that give patrons a chance to visit beautiful places, whilst practicing and developing their skills and connecting with other like minded individuals. These retreats facilitate socializing and sharing of experiences, opportunities for a real Mind, Body, Spirit holistic holiday that allows a person to journey and develop not only physically but mentally and spiritually to have not only a holiday but also a learning experience and a chance for personal exploration, growth and to be enriched at the same time.

I even attended a webinar recently learning the secrets of how to plan and execute a successful, profitable retreat. If you want to know more and have the opportunity to learn from Sheri Rosenthal an expert in this field then check out http://www.wanderlustentrepreneur.com/ for more details.

Currently there are Yoga retreats this month in Costa Rica for 6 days at the Revitalize and Harmonize Yoga Retreat at the El Sabanero Eco Lodge, Santa Cruz in Costa Rica. In my research I am noticing that there is an increase of availability of retreats like this. That are not specifically annual retreats or stand-alone events but are offered as part of the package for resort guests or are scheduled several times a year or by arrangement for specific groups and are hosted at a particular venue or resort. Often these events are more suited to the Eco-lodges and alternative resorts and boutique hotels that offer a more Green-conscious, Eco-tourism experience.

The Wander In Signature Yoga Retreat programs are designed for transformative travel experiences for yoga lovers at any skill level. These retreats are hosted in several locations including Nicaragua, The Himalayas in India but the one that most appeals to me personally is the idea of luxury island living, in combination with a total body rejuvenation, wellness experience, such as the annual retreat on the paradise island of Mustique in the exclusive Grenadines. The Mustique Island luxury yoga retreat is a 7-day experience, the next event takes place November 5-12, 2017

There are several Yoga Instructors who I choose to call "Instatrainers" who post daily yoga poses and exercises on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat Twitter and other social media channels and even broadcast training sessions on Periscope. These Yoga trainers who teach through online media and digital methods have managed to bring the class or the retreat to those who are unable to actually attend. Some of the essence of the retreat experience can be captured from the samples they provide through their social media channels. Some of my personal favourites that I follow are KinoYoga, Gabriella Dondero, Laura Sykora, Victoria Arvizu and BeachYoga Girl (Kerri Verna) who also hosts a much sought after annual retreat in the beautiful paradise island of Eleuthera, Bahamas at the Lighthouse Center.

Another interesting concept for those who love the beach and yoga combination is the 5 day SUP "Just Add Water", Yoga, SUP and Surf retreat in Rincon, Puerto Rico with Jessica Bellofatto. This place has been dubbed the Surf capital of the Caribbean and if you have never tried SUP Stand Up Paddleboard before combined with Yoga this is THE place to try it. There are several packages to choose from with various additional options, still they all include meals, accommodation, two daily yoga classes and even a couple of cooking, SUP lessons and even a visit to a local farmers market and SUP/Yoga session are included.

Here in Jamaica hosted by Shakti Yoga's founder, Sharon Feanny we have the 3 night 4 day, Yoga, Detox and Selfcare retreat which is held twice per year in Montego Bay at The Wharf House. the next event is scheduled to take place between November 23-26 2017, places are limited so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment. Click this link for more details and an opportunity to get $100 off your booking.

http://sharonfeanny.com/about-the-live-fit-detox/wharf-house-self-care-retreat/

An innovative trend that is being developed by events planners is to combine the concept of wellness retreat with festival experience to offer patrons a combination of Music, Entertainment and Health and Wellness. This balance of Activity and Nightlife along with daily classes and ample opportunities for additional holistic treatments and rest and rejuvenation is a real winner as it appeals to a broader cross-section of people. Also right here in Jamaica this was successfully achieved at the Tmrw.Tdy Festival held in Negril, Jamaica for the second time only this year. After a successful event this year, tickets are already on sale for next years event scheduled for May 1-6 2018.

CHECK OUT THE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tmrwtday-culture-fest-negril-jamaica-tickets-36705322608?aff=SANDALS&afu=231234976081

Here is a Promotional Video for the next event, take a look for a sneak peak of what to expect from the next https://tmrwtday.com/ Festival...

In Costa Rica this concept has become a well established brand at The Envision Festival which is a 4-day eco-conscious event, aiming to awaken the self, celebrate different cultures, and creatively inspire through yoga, art, and music. Currently in its fourth year, as locations go, you could do worse than Rancho La Merced in Uvita, Costa Rica. The farm sits on the edge of a lush rainforest and the Pacific Ocean.

According to Caribbean Journal these are some of the best overall and most well-established retreats in the Caribbean;

Sivananda Ashram, Bahamas which is set on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean Cabbage Beach just a stroll away from Atlantis.

Amansala, Mexico One of the first yoga-centered hotels in the boho beach town of Tulum, which offers a variety of classes for their patrons

The Shambala retreat in Turks and Caicos is a well known popular retreat that takes place on Parrot Cay on a 1,000 acre luxury private island.

The Body Holiday, in St Lucia is a resort that offers an ongoing BodyYoga program combined with Aryuvedic Science within the confines of this all-inclusive, luxury accommodation.

Jackie's on the reef in Negril, which suffered from devastation due to a fire, has now been rebuilt, set in the cliffs in the West End they offer a variety of alternative therapies and daily yoga classes.