If you’re looking to improve your health and take some time away from your normal routine this year, you might consider going on a wellness retreat. Unlike vacations filled with sightseeing, shopping, and dining out, health retreats tend to be more focused on physical activity, nutritious meals, and unplugging. Health retreats can last anywhere from an afternoon to a full month and are designed to give you a break from your everyday commitments to focus on self-care. 

They’re a great way to reset, refocus, and reconnect, but how do you choose the right retreat for you? Here are a few things to consider:

Desired Experience
You may know someone who loved their silent retreat, but maybe that’s not your style. Think about your goals and what you’d like your retreat experience to be like. Is this trip about self-growth? self-connection? relaxation? all of the above?

Maybe you’d like to go solo and enjoy some “you” time or try a retreat that offers a more couples-based wellness experience for you and your partner to enjoy together.

Get clear on the type of experience you’d like to have by first considering the following:

• Would you like to be by the ocean or the mountains?
• Do you want Internet access or are you looking for a total digital detox?
• Are you interested in early-morning yoga classes or do you prefer sleeping in and going for a run later in the day?
• Do you want to sit in meditation for an hour at a time or would you find an invigorating hike more enjoyable?
• Would you like a more structured schedule or do you prefer being able to go with the flow?

No matter what you’re looking for, there is a retreat out there for you! 

Budget
Once you know what type of experience you’re looking for, the next thing to consider is your budget. Luxury retreats often come with elegant, chef-prepared meals, personalized fitness plans, and world-class spa treatments, but they aren’t cheap.

If you’re looking for ways to cut costs, many retreats offer options for sharing a room, which can help make your trip more affordable and might be a great way to make a new friend. Some retreat centers may also offer work-study opportunities for reduced or even free rates in exchange for doing some light work.

A retreat in an exotic beach location can be a great way to unwind and self-connect, but you can also explore options closer to home that offer the same relaxing benefits. If traveling isn’t an option, you can plan a staycation focused on wellness. Plan a day (or several days) when you can take a break from technology and enjoy nutritious meals, physical activity, and time for meditation. You might even consider some fun at-home spa treatments like face masks, Ayurvedic oil massages, or manicure/pedicures.

Whether you’re traveling near or far, help keep your immunity up so you’re retreat-ready by catching up on sleep, having a little extra vitamin C, and staying hydrated.

Have you ever tried a wellness retreat? Would you do it again? Share your experience!

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