Lockdown completely upended our way of life. But more time spent at home brought with it a cache of unforeseen positives. We’ve spent more time with our families. We avoided the morning rush. And the extra time to work on ourselves was a luxury we previously couldn’t afford. It was like the universe gave us ourselves and said, “Here you go. Do something with this.”
Of course, such a drastic change in our day-to-day lives brings some negatives with it too. Many of us felt isolated in our homes, and with gyms, yoga, and wellness centres shut, lots of us missed the uplifting sense of community that they provide. Thankfully, the internet helped bridge the gap to our old routines. Online workouts, yoga classes and even online wellness retreats are helping to bring these experiences into our homes.
But how does an online wellness retreat work?
What is the difference between an online wellness retreat and an in-person retreat?
If you’ve ever been on a wellness retreat, then you might be wondering how the experience could be recreated in the comfort of your own home. For those of you who’ve never been on one, here’s a quick overview.
A wellness retreat is an escape from the daily stresses of life. An excuse to leave the hustle and bustle of your busy schedule behind and focus on you. They can be found all over the world, in areas of natural beauty. That could be the British countryside, or within sight of the Himalayas. They’re curated experiences, often held over the course of a few days or a week. Some encompass a wide range of wellness practices, while others can focus on yoga, meditation or self-discovery. Each retreat is overseen by either a single teacher or a group, and typically, you’ll be joined by other like-minded individuals. Food and board are normally included, and when the retreat winds down, you head home feeling refreshed, revitalised, and with a newfound appreciation for yourself.
So, what can you expect from an online wellness retreat? Well, you’ll be doing it all in the comfort of your own home. And while your living room might not sound as appealing as living amongst nature for a bit, you may be surprised at the level of comfort your most familiar surroundings can give you when you shift perspective. In fact, where better to rediscover yourself and inner peace than in the place you call home? For all intents and purposes, an online retreat is much the same as a physical one. You’ll be given a timetable of proceedings, connect with a teacher over Skype, Zoom, or the like, and attend classes as you would at any other retreat.
What are the benefits of an online wellness retreat?
While wellness retreats can be the perfect remedy for life’s many maladies, they do not come cheap. When you factor in travel, board, food and the classes themselves, many can cost thousands of pounds.
So certainly, an online wellness retreat will save you money. All you’ll really be paying for is the classes, and perhaps a food and drink itinerary, if it’s that kind of retreat. At times like these, with many of us furloughed until things go back to normal, squeezing pennies while getting all the perks of a retreat could be just what you need.
And with the reduced costs comes the reduced risk of disappointment. If you’re new to wellness and still discovering what works best for you, it may not be easy to pick the right kind of retreat.
While you might feel a certain discipline will work for you, the last thing you want after spending a lot of money is to realise it isn’t right. With an online wellness retreat, you’re free to try something new without breaking the bank. And if it doesn’t work for you, you can simply try something else with minimal loss of time, energy, and money.
And finally, while jetting off to exotic locales or even leaving the city can be an enticing prospect, some of us are much more comfortable at home. With an online wellness retreat, you don’t have to miss out on any of the benefits of a retreat, while still having access to all the creature comforts you’re used to. Just promise you won’t open your work emails – this is your time!
How do I get started?
The best advice is to do your research online. If you’re still discovering wellness, look into the ways you want to heal, and see which approach is recommended. Alternatively, feel free to try a single course of each approach, so you can get a feel for their benefits. However, if you’re a wellness wonder, or you’re happy to take the plunge on something new and exciting, we’ve found a few excellent options below.
Escape Haven
Ongoing
Soul Adventures
8 -12 July
Azulfit Retreat At Home
19-12 July
BookRetreats.com
Ongoing
Eventbrite Yoga Retreats
Ongoing
Online experiences
Virtual Yoga Brunch Club X Detox Kitchen Online Retreat
This one’s for Londoner’s only. Make the most of the first weekend of July with a real treat of an online retreat. Virtual Yoga Brunch Club have joined forces with Detox Kitchen to bring you three days of wellness goodness. Included are six yoga sessions, a non-alcoholic cocktail class courtesy of La Maison Wellness, and a workshop with Detox Kitchen. You’ll also get all your food – that includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, dessert, and a host of snack and drink option
Escape Haven
Escape Haven, Bali’s premiere wellness retreat, is now bringing its award winning programme into the comfort of your own home. Condensing their typically 6-week retreat into a leaner 6-day online retreat, Escape Haven have already helped transform over 2000 women with wellness and wisdom. Their retreat includes meditation, yoga, self-care exercises and nutrition workshops. And, even if you’re working from home at the moment, you can fit the classes around your schedule. With over 11 years of holistic healing experience under their belts, an Escape Haven virtual retreat will get you feeling good by the end of the week.
Eventbrite Yoga Retreats
With so many great events on the platform, we’ve probably all used Eventbrite at one time or another. This global live experience site has enjoyed increased popularity recently, with its plethora of virtual events, from festivals to conferences and wellness retreats. This site has a consistent stream of yoga retreats offering virtual experiences for a fraction of the cost, so be sure to keep checking back.
BookRetreats.com
Unlike Eventbrite, BookRetreats’ sole focus is selected high-quality retreats for consumers all over the world. Founder Sean Kelly and Ron Piron aren’t shy about their spiritual side and their mission to support those in need of wellness. The result was a “synergy of passions: Yoga, the internet, and entrepreneurship”. Consider this your go-to resource when it comes to booking your next retreat, be it physical or virtual.
Soul Adventures
With lockdown in full effect, Ibiza’s very own Soul Adventures has taken its healing goodness online. Reiki and yoga guru Trish Whelan is offering access to her world renowned Soul Medicine Retreat from 8 -12 July. Take the plunge, and you can expect a host of wellness workshops. Yoga, mindfulness exercises, and shopping list from Love Food Ibiza that will leave you feeling the very best you. Alternatively, if you want to spread the lover over a longer period, you can join the 40 Day programme and fit wellness around your schedule.
Azulfit Retreat At Home
All throughout June and July, Azulfit are bringing sun-soaked Spanish wellness into your living room. Over a long weekend, you’ll experience inspiring live yoga and Pilates classes, have access to wealth of video content, and expert support to help you on your journey. They also provide healthy recipe ideas to keep you feeling good inside and out.
And that’s everything you need to know about online wellness retreats, and if they’re right for you. If you cant
The internet is becoming the town square today of the global village of tomorrow
Bill Gates
A quick note from us…
The content on Me&Me Time is for informational, entertainment and guidance purposes only and is in no way a substitute for professional medical advice.
We are not in any way responsible for the bookings made to participate in any of the recommended events, courses, workshops, virtual memberships, or any other class or service in the recommended events or experts section.
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