May 30, 2026

8 Questions To Ask Before Attending A Yoga Retreat

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YOUR YOGA TRIP

Yoga Retreats in Europe

Experiencing a yoga retreat is a terrific opportunity to unwind, conduct some self-discovery, and, of course, advance your yoga practice. However, with hundreds of retreats springing up all over the world, picking which one is best for you might be difficult.



Whether you're just starting out on your yoga journey or have years of expertise, here are some things to ask to ensure you're picking the appropriate retreat for you.


Best Retreat Locations in Europe

1. Where will the retreat be held?

The location of the yoga retreat is usually an important consideration – although for the actual yoga practice, a stunning view really doesn’t matter. But for the time between classes, you may choose a beach resort or a more remote experience situated between mountains or rainforest, depending on your travel preferences. There are many Retreats in Europe to choose from. Pick a good location that inspires you and provides you with a deep sense of serenity. At our centre, Yoga School Corfu in Greece, we have the beach one minute away, and the olive forest 5 minutes by foot.


Multi YOGA STYLE Retreats

2. What kind of yoga will we do?

With so many different types of yoga being done today, make sure you choose a retreat that fits your preferred style – whether that be Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, Yin, Nidra, Anusara etc. Often its good to choose a retreat where you have an more active style like Vinyasa to strengthen the body and work out and additionally a more relaxing style like yin yoga, to nourish and relax the body. I recommend choosing a style you already practiced before. What often is more important though, is who is teaching and how does the teaching style look like. Are you more up to slow soft classes or are you striving for someone that guides you into challenging poses? Get to know the teacher in advance – maybe by doing an online class or having a video call with them.


Find your best FOOD & ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

3. What kind of food is provided? How is the accommodation?

Whether or not you have dietary limitations, you'll want to ensure that the retreat has food that you can and want to consume. Is there gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian food available? Will there be any meat served? Are coffee and tea served? Find out what sorts of restaurants are around in case you wish to eat somewhere else than the resort on some days. 



The accommodation should be shown in pictures, so you can make sure, the vibe is right for you. Also be aware, some centres offering many different options of sharing accommodation. If you are looking for your own space, make sure you book a single room.


GROUP AND SOLO RETREAT OPTIONS

4. How many people will be attending the retreat?

It all comes down to personal choice. If you want to meet a lot of new people, being one of twenty visitors may suit you. If you want a more "silent" experience, I recommend retreats with smaller, more personal groups. Or even choose a retreat centre, where you only join the drop in classes at a yoga school.



RETREAT OFFERINGS THAT SUIT YOU

5. What is the Typical Retreat Schedule made up of?

Is the program filled with group experiences and seminars, or does it give you plenty of time to rest and explore at your leisure? I enjoy an agenda that balances the two: time for me to succumb to some self-contemplation and self-inquiry, as well as time to engage with other retreating visitors. Are you looking for only yoga classes or do you want to go deeper and join workshops and lectures? Are there some additional spa treatments offered? Does the retreat host offer group activities to connect with other participants? With those questions you can find out what your preference looks like.



Find the best retreat prices

6. What is the cost and what is included in the Retreat?

This is vital to know ahead of time so that there are no unpleasant surprises when you arrive. Will someone be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive? Is food included in the price, and if so, how many per day? Is it free to participate in activities outside of the resort, or does each individual have to pay for them separately? Is transportation to and from the location included in the package? If a retreat is too cheap (normally less than 80€ per day), be careful that the accommodation, services and teachers have the right quality.



Is there an experienced retreat teacher?

7. How much experience does the host have running retreats and teaching yoga?

Personally, I prefer to attend a yoga retreat guided by a teacher who has previously conducted retreats and has a good grasp of how to properly manage them. It is, after all, your vacation. The last thing you need is to be anxious over something that is meant to be enjoyable for you. Make sure you find a bit of information about the retreat host. Maybe even join some online offerings first. A good reference are testimonial videos – listen to what others said about their expeience with the yoga centre.



CONTACT THE HOST PERSONALLY

8. How to book a yoga retreat?

This is written from a perspective of a retreat host. There are many platforms out there, where you can find hundreds of retreats. And by googleing "yoga retreat" you most likely end up on one of those platforms. Its worth to google a few pages further to also discover the hidden gems. Or to look up the retreat host and visit their own website – because they all pay fees to this major platforms. Be sure to have a personal contact via email, whatsapp, a video call or a massage before you book – so you can feel safe that your choice is right and suits your needs.



By Cedric Stein May 30, 2026
Non-duality, often referred to as Advaita in Hindu philosophy, is a profound spiritual concept that encompasses a wide range of teachings and practices. At its core, non-duality points to the fundamental understanding that there is an underlying unity or oneness that pervades all of existence, transcending the apparent duality and multiplicity that we perceive in the world. Non-duality challenges the conventional notion of reality as being composed of separate and distinct entities, whether they are objects, beings, or concepts. Instead, it suggests that these apparent divisions are illusory and that there is a deeper, unified essence that underlies all phenomena. Non-duality recognizes that our perception of separation is a result of our limited understanding and conditioned ways of thinking. In the context of non-dual philosophy, the term "non-dual" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Advaita," which literally means "not two" or "not dual." It emphasizes the inherent unity between the individual self (jiva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) or consciousness. According to non-dual teachings, the individual self, which is often identified with the body, mind, and ego, is ultimately an expression or manifestation of the same underlying reality that encompasses everything. Non-duality invites us to look beyond the surface-level appearances and to inquire into the nature of our own experience. It encourages us to question our assumptions, beliefs, and concepts in order to discover the truth of our own being. It suggests that by investigating the nature of our thoughts, emotions, sensations, and perceptions, we can arrive at a direct experience of the non-dual reality. Practices such as self-inquiry, meditation, and contemplation are often employed to facilitate this process of self-discovery. By turning our attention inward and examining our subjective experience, we can begin to unravel the layers of conditioning and identification that perpetuate the illusion of separation. Non-dual philosophy asserts that the realization of non-duality is not something to be achieved or attained, but rather a recognition of what is already and always present. It is a shift in perception that reveals the underlying unity and interconnectedness of all things. This realization is said to bring about a profound sense of peace, freedom, and liberation, as one recognizes their essential nature as pure consciousness or awareness. In summary, non-duality is a spiritual philosophy that points to the inherent unity of all existence. It challenges the conventional understanding of reality as separate and encourages a direct exploration of one's own experience to discover the truth of one's being. By transcending the limitations of duality and recognizing the underlying oneness, non-duality offers a transformative understanding that can profoundly impact one's perception of oneself, others, and the world.
By Cedric Stein May 30, 2026
There are various misconceptions about yoga that indicate it is only for individuals who are already athletic, flexible, and youthful. We're here to dispel the myths about yoga that keep many individuals from even stepping onto a mat.
By Cedric Stein May 30, 2026
Your thoughts and feelings are just forms of energy, like everything else in the universe. Simply put, everything you do creates inverse energy that eventually finds its way back to affect you. It is thought that following the karma laws will help you become aware of the effects of your actions and deeds and lead a prosperous life. You should view the laws of karma as guidelines to follow in your life in light of this. The below-mentioned twelve karma principles help you comprehend how it works and how to create good karma for yourself. Now, let's examine what these laws are...
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By Cedric Stein May 30, 2026
Non-duality, often referred to as Advaita in Hindu philosophy, is a profound spiritual concept that encompasses a wide range of teachings and practices. At its core, non-duality points to the fundamental understanding that there is an underlying unity or oneness that pervades all of existence, transcending the apparent duality and multiplicity that we perceive in the world. Non-duality challenges the conventional notion of reality as being composed of separate and distinct entities, whether they are objects, beings, or concepts. Instead, it suggests that these apparent divisions are illusory and that there is a deeper, unified essence that underlies all phenomena. Non-duality recognizes that our perception of separation is a result of our limited understanding and conditioned ways of thinking. In the context of non-dual philosophy, the term "non-dual" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Advaita," which literally means "not two" or "not dual." It emphasizes the inherent unity between the individual self (jiva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) or consciousness. According to non-dual teachings, the individual self, which is often identified with the body, mind, and ego, is ultimately an expression or manifestation of the same underlying reality that encompasses everything. Non-duality invites us to look beyond the surface-level appearances and to inquire into the nature of our own experience. It encourages us to question our assumptions, beliefs, and concepts in order to discover the truth of our own being. It suggests that by investigating the nature of our thoughts, emotions, sensations, and perceptions, we can arrive at a direct experience of the non-dual reality. Practices such as self-inquiry, meditation, and contemplation are often employed to facilitate this process of self-discovery. By turning our attention inward and examining our subjective experience, we can begin to unravel the layers of conditioning and identification that perpetuate the illusion of separation. Non-dual philosophy asserts that the realization of non-duality is not something to be achieved or attained, but rather a recognition of what is already and always present. It is a shift in perception that reveals the underlying unity and interconnectedness of all things. This realization is said to bring about a profound sense of peace, freedom, and liberation, as one recognizes their essential nature as pure consciousness or awareness. In summary, non-duality is a spiritual philosophy that points to the inherent unity of all existence. It challenges the conventional understanding of reality as separate and encourages a direct exploration of one's own experience to discover the truth of one's being. By transcending the limitations of duality and recognizing the underlying oneness, non-duality offers a transformative understanding that can profoundly impact one's perception of oneself, others, and the world.
By Cedric Stein May 30, 2026
There are various misconceptions about yoga that indicate it is only for individuals who are already athletic, flexible, and youthful. We're here to dispel the myths about yoga that keep many individuals from even stepping onto a mat.
By Cedric Stein May 30, 2026
Your thoughts and feelings are just forms of energy, like everything else in the universe. Simply put, everything you do creates inverse energy that eventually finds its way back to affect you. It is thought that following the karma laws will help you become aware of the effects of your actions and deeds and lead a prosperous life. You should view the laws of karma as guidelines to follow in your life in light of this. The below-mentioned twelve karma principles help you comprehend how it works and how to create good karma for yourself. Now, let's examine what these laws are...
Show More