Yoga holidays & yoga retreats - what's the difference?

If you're thinking of going away to do yoga, there are two different sort of yoga break: a yoga holiday and a yoga retreat. And although the two are linked the difference can be quite distinct.

Yoga holidays usually take place in holiday settings and place an emphasis on both 'yoga' and 'holiday'. So as well as daily classes you might be diving, skiing, or just relaxing in the sun. The amount of yoga each day varies – from 90 minutes upwards. Mostly the yoga is asana (or physical practice) although you might also learn a bit of pranayama (breathing techniques) and/or meditation. Yoga holidays are generally run by individual teachers, studio owners, accommodation owners or speciality agencies (such as us)

A yoga retreat, on the other hand, places almost all the emphasis on yoga. A well as asana there might be philosophy lectures, a particular diet, chanting, as well as plenty of pranayama and meditation. Generally retreats are just that: a retreat from the outside world to concentrate purely on yoga. Some (such as the Sivananda organisation) offer up to 15 hours each day of yogic activities. Yoga retreats tend to be run by established organisations, teachers or specialist retreat venues.

The choice between a yoga holiday and a yoga retreat depends on what you want to get out your break.

A yoga holidays offers the chance to experience some of the place you're visiting, as well as developing your practice. In many ways yoga and holidays are an ideal mix: yoga relaxes you and answers that irritating 'must do something' feeling that often pops up when you're away.

On a yoga retreat you might not see anything outside the boundary fence of wherever it is you're staying. However retreats offer the opportunity to learn about yourself – the journey is inward. A yoga retreat is aimed at transformation and learning: it's a bout self-development, more than simply getting away.