If you’re someone who’s been feeling stressed out and unmotivated lately, then it could be a sign you need a retreat. Sometimes you just need some space to clear your head, restore balance, and relax.
That’s why yoga retreats are such a great idea. Yoga is not just a way to keep active, it’s a meditative process that calms the mind, reduces stress, and restores balance in your life.
While yoga retreats can be found all over the world, there are so many different options and variations available in the United States. The U.S. has a wide range of choices to choose from when it comes to a retreat, and you can also find some of the most idyllic backdrops to help create a calming atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a beachside retreat, a woodland retreat, or at the foothills of a mountain, you’ll find plenty of tranquil yoga retreats in the United States in some of the more picturesque settings.
But if you’re not sure what to look for or where to look, don’t worry, because this guide will tell you everything you need to know as well as list all the best retreats in the country. Let’s take a look…
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Why Should You Consider a Retreat in the United States?
Stress can drain your energy and the demands of balancing a social life, career, and family can be too much at times. There are instances when we just need to leave our chaotic routines, step back, and put our focus on doing less and being more.
Regardless if you’re someone who just needs time to yourself or you’re looking to improve your fitness with yoga, a yoga retreat is all about finding your balance, shutting out all the chaos, and searching for serenity.
During a retreat, you can focus on yourself and learn new tools to take home and adopt into your daily life. You’ll also meet like-minded individuals who will support you and encourage you on your journey, as well as learn practices from highly trained teachers.
What Can You Expect from a Yoga Retreat in the United States?
Yoga retreats in the United States are located all over the country but they have at least one thing in common – they are set in some of the most stunning places to visit in the U.S. They can be near the secluded and pristine beaches of Hawaii, in the craggy mountains of Colorado, or in the monumental ski areas of Aspen.
Another common feature of a retreat is the food. The food is always healthy, with organic, fresh produce. It’s also not uncommon for the food to be mostly vegetarian or vegan food. The majority of retreats include meals in their packages and cater to other dietary needs too.
Yoga is practiced daily, but you can also expect meditation, mindfulness sessions, and pranayama as well. Then there are the more specialized retreats such as those dedicated to detoxification, silent yoga, and aerial yoga, but on the whole, most retreats combine meditation and yoga.
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How to Choose the Right Yoga Retreat in the United States For You
When choosing a retreat, the first thing you need to do is ask yourself what your goal is and what you wish to get from your retreat. Are you looking to improve your fitness or are you looking for a more spiritual journey?
Though all retreats offer yoga, they also offer other offerings such as hiking trips or one on one counseling sessions, so you do need to think long and hard about what you want to get out of a retreat to decide which retreat is right for you.
Once you have a clearer picture of what you want to achieve from your yoga retreat, you can start to narrow down the more finer details…
Location
The United States is a massive country and the choices for yoga retreats are as diverse as the terrain. It’s mostly down to a question of preference. Do you want to be far away from the crowd or would you rather stay near the city?
If you’d rather be in the mountains during your sunrise yoga, it would do you good to pick a retreat in Colorado or Utah. However, if beaches and water activities are more your things, you can opt for retreats in California or Hawaii.
Most retreats are located outside of the city center in rural areas, so if you’re adding your retreat to a wider trip to the USA, then you might want to consider staying close to the city.
Practices
Yoga retreats in the US cover a wide array of practices for yogis of all levels. Some of the most popular yoga styles in the United States are Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, Hot Yoga, and Ashtanga yoga. They differ significantly from one another but the majority of retreats offer a mixture of yoga styles.
If you’re new to yoga, you might want to familiarize yourself to see which one works best for you. A few other practices such as meditation, pranayama, and breath work are part and parcel of most retreats.
If the noise of the modern world becomes such a distraction, a silent yoga retreat will do you good. What does it entail? It requires participants to be silent for a specific period of time. This allows you to listen to your inner voice. Some require participants to journal while others don’t.
There are also a few unique retreats such as those that involve herbalism or making various herbal tinctures and sound bath meditation. These are very specific practices, but they can be found in the U.S.
Price
Yoga options can be very affordable to extremely costly and this depends on a lot of factors. It can be very tempting to select the cheapest one, but remember that you get what you pay for. The cheapest retreat usually has basic accommodation, only one meal a day and maybe one practice and a lot of free time.
If you have a lots of free time, remember you need to fill it, and that can cost you more money in the long run.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should book the most expensive retreat. The cost gets racked up by the luxurious accommodations and the action-packed itineraries. You may not need a balcony and you may not want to do all the practices. You are the decider on what you consider to be a good value for money.
Retreats tend to be more expensive in luxury locations. If you’re looking at yoga retreats in Hawaii or California, you can expect a price tag with it. But there are some really affordable retreats that offer luxury in places like Utah and Colorado if you want to save a few pennies.
Perks
Going on a yoga retreat in Greece doesn’t mean practicing and mastering your poses the whole day. There will be lull times when you can do your own thing. So what are you supposed to do during these times? Are there activities planned for these hours? This is often a deciding factor for a lot of people.
A retreat usually offers a bevy of activities that are often customizable, depending on your likes. A few perks you can expect are spas, massages, and an array of wellness treatments; counseling; one-on-one sessions with the teacher; cooking classes; and day trips to nearby towns.
Most retreats will allow you to pick one or two perks that can be included in the package, and if you want to have more, you’ll have to pay an additional fee.
Duration
Yoga retreats cater to everyone, regardless if you only have a couple of days to spare or two whole months, so you need not worry if can’t afford to take a month off from work to spend time in isolation in the mountains.
However, it’s a myth that the longer the retreat the more you get out of it. Short, weekend retreats tend to be intensive, so expect to work hard. A 7 – 10 day retreat is usually the sweet spot, where you can learn the skills and have sufficient time to practice. But ultimately, the duration depends on how much time you have to spare.
10 Best Yoga Retreats in the United States
Ready to pack your yoga mat and leggings? Hold your horses. First, let’s take a look at some of the coolest yoga retreats in the United States.
Best Yoga Retreat with Ayurveda – 8 Days Healing Yoga Retreat
- Price: From $2,700
- Location: Hana, Maui, Hawaii
Give your body the chance to heal and your soul the opportunity to be centered naturally in this week-long yoga retreat in Maui. The retreat center is close to waterfalls, ocean spots, and rivers which are waiting to be explored during your free time.
Set in a private permaculture farm, a healing and nourishing place awaits you where aside from practicing yoga, you can learn and experience a wide variety of Ayurvedic and western herbalism and make your very own herbal tincture using fresh herbs grown on the farm.
Cleanse and rejuvenate with yoga and Ayurveda, go on a digital detox, and immerse yourself in nature at the same time. After determining your dosha, learn to adapt your lifestyle and diet to live a life in greater harmony.
A few excursions included in the package are a visit to private beaches, a hike through the bamboo forest to the Seven Sacred Pools, and a hike to Maui’s tallest waterfall, so you can tick off some bucket list items from your Maui itinerary at the same time.
Best All-Inclusive Yoga Retreat in the USA – 5 Days Yoga and Hiking Retreat
- Price: From $2,095
- Location: Utah
Take better care of your mind, body, and spirit; escape from stress; embrace a journey that will make a positive impact on your life, and delight yourself in daily yoga classes while surrounded by spectacular scenery in Utah. What more could you ask for?
Expect to participate in daily guided Vinyasa and Restorative yoga classes and enjoy accommodations in a luxury retreat home just outside Zion National Park.
During your free time, you can go on hikes in beautiful Zion and Bryce National Parks where you have a choice of a variety of easy to moderate hikes.
Healthy daily meals will be provided, as well as snacks throughout the retreat. Dietary requests and restrictions will be catered to.
Best Silent Yoga Retreat in the USA – 3-Day Private Silent Mountain Forest Retreat
- Price: $699
- Location: Pollock Pines, California
Embark on a journey of self-discovery in this one-of-a-kind private retreat situated just an hour away from Lake Tahoe. This healing sanctuary, nestled in a lush forest invites you to take part in therapeutic treatments such as sensory deprivation float tanks, a somatic space room, and most importantly be in complete silence.
While this type of retreat may not be for everyone, those who dare to venture into an uncomfortable unknown reap the results. Upon deep reflection, you may discover who you truly are and just what you would like your future to look like.
Best Yoga Retreat in the Mountains – 7 Day Healing Soul & Body, Detox Family Retreat
- Price: $7,997
- Location: Blue Ridge, Georgia
Embark on a journey of self-discovery in this one-of-a-kind private retreat situated in the middle of the Blue Ridge mountains of Georgia. This healing sanctuary, nestled in a lush forest invites you to take part in therapeutic treatments such as evening walks, private therapy sessions, and most importantly, hypnotherapy.
While this type of retreat may not be for everyone, those who dare to venture into an uncomfortable unknown reap the results. Upon deep reflection, you may discover who you truly are and just what you would like your future to look like.
Best Yoga Retreat in the USA for Women – 3 Day Women’s Yoga & Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park
- Price: From $395
- Location: Joshua Tree
Feeling adventurous? Well, be sure to check out this exciting retreat combining yoga and climbing!
Enjoy the crisp mountain air as you indulge in General Yoga sessions for users of all levels. You’ll also have access to cooking facilities for rustling up a quick meal- perfect for fueling up before hitting those crags!
If you’ve never climbed before, rest assured that the groups will be divided based on experience levels. After your climb, return to the campsite and relax while admiring the Sierra sunset, then retire to your tent for the night.
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View on Booking.comBest Yoga Retreat for Solo Travelers – 15 Days Total Body Detox Retreat
- Price: From $2,400
- Location: Boca Raton, Florida
Low in energy, bloated, and feeling lethargic? Let this detox program support healing, recharge your mind, and rejuvenate your body.
Set in Boca Raton, a bustling activities hub in Florida, you’ll be spending your retreat in a peaceful area with long stretches of white beaches and plenty of biking paths. Some of the most happening places are within 15 minutes of driving.
Look forward to various yoga styles, meditation sessions, and breathing exercises.
A certified health coach has designed a healing, detoxing, and cleansing program that includes organic, vegan, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense options all prepared in the retreat’s state-of-the-art kitchen. In addition, a detox juice feast and a special alkaline water system are available too.
Unwind and relax with the free massage and acupuncture sessions.
Best Yoga Retreat for Beginners – 8 Days Rejuvenating Yoga Break
- Price: From $1,983
- Location: Island Falls, Maine
Embrace the changes in your life, whether in your career, health or relationships in this personalized retreat.
Engage in early morning meditation by the river, followed by classes in Ashtanga and hatha yoga. Daily Kundalini yoga and meditation classes follow afternoon activities. On the weekends, you have Nidra and Restorative yoga to look forward to that allows deeper release.
Set in the quaint Seawall House, a home that has been listed on the National Registry, you’ll have the perfect spot for watching the activities in town and participating in various pursuits including scenic walks and hikes to Mount Katahdin and Baxter State Park during your free time.
Vegan and gluten-free food are prepared by a highly acclaimed vegetarian chef. Don’t worry if you would rather have non-veggie food as there’s a café just a short walk away from the home.
Best Yoga Retreat for Adventurers – 6 Days Yoga, Snorkeling and Hiking
- Price: From $1,300
- Location: Maui, Hawaii
Seeking adventure while clearing your mind, reconnecting with nature, and letting go of everything that’s holding you back? This is the ideal retreat for you.
Engage in Vinyasa and general yoga classes first thing in the morning before breakfast and afterward go on your daily adventure.
Three snorkel sites are included in the package at no extra cost, and if you’re up for more adrenaline rush, you will like taking a chance at cliff jumping at one of the snorkel sites.
After each daily adventure, you can explore the downtown area where there are endless shopping and dining options, or you can chill on the beach. A port is located within walking distance where you can go on extra excursions including sunset sailing.
Best USA Yoga Retreat for Couples – 7 Day Wellness Retreat @ Eros Monastery
- Price: From $1,850
- Location: Philo, California.
If you feel like the romance has gone out of your relationship, fret not! Specifically aimed at couples, this retreat offers a weekly Sutra Study and at it’s core the it is about being reminded that love is the ultimate language.
Couples will also be guided through yoga, meditation, gardening, long walks and cooking. This retreat will also help you reconnect with your own self as you learn more about your partner.
Meals are simple but made with love and at the end, everyone is expected to clean up. At the end of the day, you’ll retire to a beautifully furnished bedroom with air-conditioning and a private bathroom.
Best Aerial Yoga Retreat in the USA – 6-Day Sound Healing, Yoga & Aerial Yoga, Restore Retreat
- Price: $2,200+
- Location: Maui
Embark on an unforgettable and transformative Mystical Alchemy retreat to the stunning north shore of Maui! At Black Swan Temple, you can immerse yourself in a tranquil atmosphere that will revive your spirit and rejuvenate your body. You will explore the depths of self-discovery while unearthing gifts that lie dormant within – enabling you to find clarity about what truly lies ahead.
Mystical Alchemy retreats aren’t simply an escape from reality and a chance to relax; they provide you with powerful initiation that can catapult your spiritual growth.
The programs are crafted to facilitate healing and transformation, as well as boost self-confidence through yoga sessions, breath work classes, sound therapies, personal coaching offerings, Earth altar rituals, communing with Nature activities, and delicious plant-based vegetarian meals.
Don’t forget insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Yoga Retreats in the United States
Without a doubt, the United States is an excellent place for a yoga retreat. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, learn the ropes, or want to deepen your knowledge and do a major de-stressing at the same time, the options are endless.
A yoga retreat in the United States is always a good opportunity to gain a new perspective on life and remove negative energy at the same time.
Get ready to be healed, reconnect with nature, and unplug from the modern world. Whichever retreat you choose, I hope it sets you on the path of healing and wellness.
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