10 STUNNING Yoga Retreats in New York (2024 Insider Guide)

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Firstly, I go on a yoga retreat whenever there’s even a minor inconvenience in my life and New York is one of my favourite places to visit in the world. So if you’re going to take advice from anybody on this topic, it would be me. 

Yoga retreats are made for unwinding, reflection, and appreciating a slow-paced life.

Let’s face it, the human body wasn’t designed to endure the relentless stress of our modern lives. That is why most of us feel like we’re constantly running on a never-ending hamster wheel (or is that just me?)

Anyway…when done correctly, a yoga retreat can be immensely healing.

While at the retreat, you’ll have access to healthy meals as well as plenty of time to appreciate nature and make new friends. Honestly, everybody needs to experience a good yoga retreat in their lifetime!

Look, I’m not promising that yoga retreats will fix everything in your life, but they’re a good start.

So, if you’re seeking a peaceful break on your New York backpacking trip? Try a rejuvenating yoga retreat. Your mind and body will appreciate the relaxation.

What can You Expect from a Yoga retreat in New York?

All of these retreats will have some form of yoga during the day, obviously. 

You’ll usually have around 2 yoga sessions per day. During the classes, you’ll be taught various styles of yoga and you’ll have the opportunity to find out which styles you resonate with the most.

Meditation will also play a huge role in these retreats. However, it will come in different forms. You may find yourself sitting in meditation for a couple of hours during the day or attending walking meditations.

The other practices throughout the day will all look a little bit different depending on which retreat you book.

New York yoga retreats are great for beginners because you’re not going to be doing anything completely out of pocket. These retreats are pretty tame and the most out of your depth that you will be, is when you’re doing a 6 AM cold plunge. 

And although New York is well known for its fast food and street carts, you won’t be indulging in hotdogs and sweet treats while here. Most retreats prioritize a whole food plant-based diet to aid in the healing process. It may be pretty tough the first couple of days, but after that, you’ll get used to it.

There are a couple of things that you need to consider when choosing from this list of the best yoga retreats in New York.

Firstly, how new are you to this world? While all of these retreats are pretty beginner-friendly, if this is your first retreat ever, you may want to opt for a less intense version.  

The next thing you need to consider is how much time you can dedicate to this experience.

Retreats will take you away from your everyday life. You won’t really be working during this time or even communicating with friends and family. So you’ll need to decide how many days you can take being a little disconnected.

You’ll also need to keep in mind whether you’re okay with going on a mixed retreat or if you’d prefer a women’s only retreat.

I’ve been on both types of retreats and I always find that the women’s only retreat has a far stronger sense of community. 

If you’re a female solo traveller, this can also be a great way to meet new friends. If you’re a man reading this, then your choices will be slightly limited. I don’t make the rules.

Location

Now, although New York is well known for its bustling city streets, you won’t be surprised to find out that these yoga retreats aren’t located in popular locations such as Manhattan or Brooklyn. They’re situated in much more ‘off-grid’ areas of New York, particularly near the Catskills mountains. 

Although it may be a little bit annoying to not be able to easily visit popular attractions while here, you will find it far easier to relax. 

Staying in these areas of New York will actually allow you to appreciate a different side of the Big Apple.

Practices

If I’m completely honest, there isn’t a huge variety of practices in these retreats. I just don’t think that New York has that type of culture where they’re going to go all out with different ceremonies. As I said, they’re pretty tame but perfect for beginners.

The main practice will be yoga and you’ll be taught styles such as Nidra Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga. More in-depth yoga styles such as Ashtanga Yoga are also taught if you’re an advanced Yogi.

Your New York itinerary will feature a blend of yoga with some ancient rituals woven in. Cacao ceremonies, sound bath healing, and Reiki sessions are the go-to. Meditation will also be a huge aspect during your time here.

More intense mindfulness practices such as cold plunges are also included in some of these retreats. Honestly, the thought of hopping into a cold plunge at 6 AM would fill anybody with dread. However, if you’re going on a yoga retreat, you may as well embrace every aspect, right? 

Finally, massage treatments are included in some of these packages which can help to aid in both the relaxation and detoxification process.

Price

I was pleasantly surprised at the prices of these yoga retreats in New York. 

The Big Apple has gained a little bit of a reputation for being expensive. However, these yoga retreats are surprisingly affordable. 

You’ll quickly find that retreats on the lower side often feature less luxurious accommodations and are shorter in length. 

If you’re willing to pay extra, you will find that the more expensive retreats have a longer list of practices for you to try out. The prices also increase if you choose to add additional perks.

Perks

Perks are additional practices or services that you can add to the retreat that are not included in the retreat price. 

If I’m real with you for a second, the perks on these retreats are a little lacklustre. Mostly they consist of additional spa treatments such as massages or facials. A couple of the retreats offer birth chart readings at an extra cost or one-to-one coaching sessions. 

With all that in mind, I’m sure that if you have a practice in mind, you can reach out to the retreat host before your trip. They may be able to arrange that service for you.

Duration

The length of these retreats ranges from two to five days which is a pretty standard length of retreat. 

Due to the short length of most of these retreats, the hosts do kind of expect you to show up on the first day and leave on the last. 

Also, if you do go on a two-day retreat, you will more than likely want to book another retreat as soon as that one ends. 

I don’t know what it is, but once you have one good retreat experience, you have to go on another…and another…

Okay, so I’m hoping by now you feel pretty confident with what you can expect on a retreat. Now, here are the best yoga retreats in New York. 

3 Day All Inclusive Retreat – Best Overall Retreat

I mean, who doesn’t love an all-inclusive retreat? That being said, this retreat does start with a ‘getting to know each other’s intention circle.’

Now if you’re anything like me, these intention circles can be kind of awkward but don’t let that put you off booking. This retreat has so much to offer.

Your days will then be spent practising yoga, moving stagnant energy, and exploring the Great Valley and other New York hidden gems.

At the end of each evening, you’ll have a fire ceremony where you’ll be invited to let go of blame, shame, guilt, and doubt. You’ll also try out energetic cord-cutting and breathwork. For New York, this is a pretty wild retreat.

2-Day Harmonize & Heal Retreat – Best Spiritual Yoga Retreat in New York

Two entire days dedicated to healing and harmonising your body in the Wappinger Falls? I’m booking my flights right away. 

Now, if you’re not up to date with the practice of sound healing, all you need to know is that this is an ancient healing practice. The practice involves sound waves that are thought to clear stagnant energy and restore your peace of mind.

During this retreat experience in the US, you will spend a lot of time (like, a lot, a lot) in meditation. You will also get to attend a Reiki session or two. 

You’ll also gain access to your own unique meditation recording. This means there’s no excuse to not continue your practice after you return home.

3 Day “Finding Your True Self” Retreat – Best Retreat For Solo Travelers in New York

We travel to find ourselves and this retreat embodies the essence of that quest.

The essence behind this retreat in Ellenville is for you to break through self-defeating mental patterns. The retreat host also makes a bold claim that you may discover your life’s purpose while here.

Now, I don’t know if that would necessarily be true, but the meditation and yoga practices are designed for you to develop more self-acceptance, and confidence, and discover your true potential. So, you never know, they may be telling the truth, after all.

5-Day ‘The Power of Healing’ Solo Retreat – Most Beautiful Yoga Retreat in New York

This five-day solo healing retreat, in Dutchess County, is strictly for the girls. At this retreat, you will experience daily yoga sessions based on the five elements. 

This retreat is designed for those who are lacking focus but want to work on a specific project. The retreat encourages you to take some time to create art, deepen your yoga practice, or spend time writing.

I always say this but retreats are a healing must. 

You will make friends for life on this retreat and have your very own female tribe. The collective energy is just really encouraging – if I could bottle that type of feeling, I would.

3-Day Relationship Healing Retreat – Best Yoga Retreat for Couples In New York

If you’re looking for the best yoga retreats in New York for travelling couples, this is it.

This Ellenville retreat is all about fostering genuine heart-to-heart connections. It will definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience for you and your partner in crime.

And although relationship retreats often get a bad rep, taking some time to spend with your loved ones can never be a bad thing, right?

There’s also a huge focus on learning how to communicate harmoniously and various heart-opening exercises to increase empathy.

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5-Day Self-Care Retreat – Best Long Stay Yoga Retreat in New York

If you’re looking to check out of life for a little longer than most New York retreats, then this retreat is your best option.

It’s all about healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And since you’ll be located in Wappinger Falls, you’ll have some pretty incredible views too.

This retreat has all the good stuff. Yoga, meditation, plant-based food, hikes, the list goes on and on.

You’ll also be acquainted with different crystal energies and sound healing. If you’re a newbie to this world, this may be quite a lot to get on board with, but just try to go in with an open mind.

3-Day Secluded Nature and Yoga Retreat – Yoga Retreat in New York Near the Mountains

This retreat welcomes people of all levels to connect with nature, recharge, and rejuvenate. Located within the Catskills Mountains, you’ll feel like you’re in another world, not the stereotypical busy city of New York. 

The focus for this retreat? Intention. 

They offer intentionally planned vegetarian and vegan meals, guided waterfall walks, and host daily yoga classes. 

You’ll also be staying within a secluded, private property where you’ll be completely disconnected from the outside world, but in the best way possible.

3-Day “Healing Chakra” Retreat – Best Yoga & Meditation Retreat In New York

Have you ever heard of your chakras? No? Okay, so let me give you a brief explanation. 

Your chakras are various energy points within your body. And many cultures believe that these energy points can become blocked. When this happens, they can cause things like low mood and anxiety or even physical pain. 

This yoga retreat in New York dives deep into chakra healing, balancing the energy within your body, and creating a more harmonious life. 

The host also claims that he has been doing this type of work for over 35 years, so you’ll be in good hands. 

He also goes on to say that this retreat will improve digestion, circulation, stamina, mental clarity, determination, and so much more. I mean, with claims like that, it makes me want to test this retreat out.

4-Day Balance Women’s Retreat – Women’s Yoga Retreat in New York

Again, this is one of the best yoga retreats in New York for the girls, sorry boys! 

This retreat, located in Windham, embraces femininity. You will start your day with Barre or Pilates and then throughout the day enjoy multiple yoga classes. 

The agenda changes often but you’ll be in for a wild time of cold plunging. Yes, I said cold plunging (it’s kinda one of the worst experiences ever but the energy you have after is unparalleled.)You can also attend astrology sessions and DIY floral arranging classes for a really girly time.

But the cherry on top? You can also choose from a 60-minute massage or facial. Sooo, it’s definitely time for you to go on a women’s retreat.

3 Day Living With Purpose Retreat – Best Affordable Yoga Retreat in New York

Discover the life-changing potential of yoga and meditation at this short two-day yoga retreat.

Situated in Purling, this affordable yoga retreat is designed to create a healing and serene space for you to spend as much time as required in meditation and yoga sessions. 

This retreat just has a calming atmosphere. You get to take this retreat at your own pace, have deep conversations with like-minded people, and stay within a stunning environment. 

If you are dealing with any type of stress and are just craving a moment of peace, then you will benefit from booking this sweet escapade!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Although it’s often as chill as it gets, there’s always a chance that stuff goes wrong. That’s why I ALWAYS go with solid travel insurance in the USA. 

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.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Okay, so those were all of the best yoga retreats in New York.

I must admit, the idea of blending New York and yoga retreats never crossed my mind before, but I was pleasantly surprised. 

For the most part, these retreats are pretty much beginner-friendly with no real practices that will throw you completely out of your comfort zone. Which honestly, is not always a bad thing.

If you can’t decide on which retreat to choose, I would suggest the 3-Day All-Inclusive Retreat. This is just a complete all-rounder. It’s affordable with some great practices too.

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