What kind of rest?
Every retreat promises rest. What differs is how you get there: through movement, silence, food, warm water, forest or trail. Here is what each type actually involves, and who it suits.
Most disappointing retreats are not bad retreats. They are the wrong type for the person who booked them: a silent week for someone who needed company, a hiking programme for someone who mainly needed sleep. Each page below describes a typical day, how demanding, social and structured the format is, and what it roughly costs, so you can compare like with like.
If you are unsure where to start, answer five short questions in the retreat matcher, or read how to choose a wellness retreat. When you have a shortlist and would like a second opinion, tell us what you are looking for and we reply personally.
Yoga retreats
Daily classes, long quiet middays and good food. How to choose a yoga retreat that fits your level.
Meditation and silent retreats
Days of sitting, walking and keeping quiet. What silent retreats ask of you, and how to pick a good one.
Detox and nutrition retreats
Simple food, no alcohol, more sleep and daily movement. What detox retreats really offer, and what they cannot.
Ayurveda retreats
Oil treatments, set meals and early nights in an old Indian tradition. What happens, and how to choose well.
Digital detox retreats
Phones in a locker, days without screens. How digital detox retreats work and how to prepare for one.
Forest and nature retreats
Forest bathing, wild swimming and dark skies. Slow days outdoors, and how to pick a good guide.
Spa and thermal retreats
Thermal springs, sauna rituals and onsen. The gentlest retreat type, and how to make the most of it.
Hiking and active retreats
Long walks, yoga and deep sleep. How hiking retreats work, and how fit you really need to be.
Retreat types side by side
Click a column to sort. Intensity covers body and mind; structure means how much of the day is planned for you.
| Type | Typical length | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoga | €€€€ | 5 to 7 nights | |||
| Meditation | €€€€ | 3 to 10 nights | |||
| Detox | €€€€ | 5 to 10 nights | |||
| Ayurveda | €€€€ | 7 to 21 nights | |||
| Digital detox | €€€€ | 3 to 5 nights | |||
| Nature | €€€€ | 4 to 7 nights | |||
| Spa | €€€€ | 3 to 7 nights | |||
| Hiking | €€€€ | 5 to 7 nights |
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