So you’ve decided to reward yourself for how hard you work and take some much needed rest. You’ve booked an epic yoga retreat – a little mind, body wellness adventure if you will. Flights are booked and everything is set, and now you are excitedly awaiting a much needed unplug and recharge. First of all, good for you! Start the yoga now and take a deep breath and focus on amazing experiences you’re about to have!
But… maybe now you’re wondering what to pack for a wellness retreat. Careful packing will only add to the stress-free enjoyment of your time away! Aim to pack light. Furthermore, many yoga retreats will provide all the props like yoga mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, etc., which you need for your practice. But before you go, check what is and isn’t available at the retreat venue. If there aren’t mats, a good travel mat that rolls or folds is best!
Yoga with a view in Dominica - Photo: Kara Folkers
Many factors will play into what your necessities are. Is this in a city setting or jungle? Is this a long weekend or a full week (or longer)? Is this a boutique hotel or a rustic eco lodge? Is the retreat mostly downtime and relaxation or will there be other adventurous excursions?
No matter what the answers are, you’re going to have an epic time!
How to prepare for a yoga retreat abroad
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Your passport is valid, with at least 6 months after your return date
You’ve got the appropriate visa, or know that you can obtain a visa-on-arrival
Your credit or debit card(s) will work in your destination
Your travel insurance will cover you for cancellations, theft, and medical expenses in your destination country. We recommend Wanderwell a B-Corp Certified provider who can offer both Travel Medical and Trip Protection.
LUGGAGE TO USE FOR A YOGA RETREAT
You’ll know before you go whether a rolling suitcase is not going to be appropriate, for example if you’re hiking into a retreat in the jungle. In this case a backpack duffle would be great! However, in most cases, a roller bag should be fine.
Packing cubes: these will become your new best travel friends.
Wet bag: to put in your wet clothes if needed
Now… Let’s get down to what's going IN your bag. Most yoga retreats these days are 5-7 days, so we’re going to base our recommendations on that.
Traverse Journey’s Morocco Yoga Retreat - Photo: Josh Telles
WHAT TO WEAR ON A YOGA RETREAT
yoga clothes
Merino Wool Leggings from Unbound Merino - Photos: Unbound Merino
2 pairs of yoga leggings like these favorite from Beyond Yoga or merino wool yoga pants from Unbound Merino
1 pair of yoga shorts, especially if you’ll be in a warmer climate (think jungle or beach in warm season) if you run hot.
2 sports bras, so you can rotate washing them. We love this one from Beyond yoga as well as this tank with a bra built in.
2-3 tanks that are fitted enough to not go over your head if you go upside down. Check out these merino wool ones that will allow you to re-wear multiple times without the stink!
A comfy cardigan or wrap like this one from Prana you can wear to/from class or during savasana that easily packs down in size
A comfy pair of slip-on shoes or sandals like these to wear to and from the shala. (Who doesn’t love a pair of Birks!) These can double as shower/pool shoes.
Après yoga
Typically there will be one to two classes daily and you may not want to hang out in your yoga clothes after practice. If it’s anything like our retreats you’ll be out adventuring!
For your down time you might bring:
1-2 casual dresses like this one from Unbound Merico or this versatile travel dress from Patagonia that you can lounge in and also dress up for dinner
Hanging after yoga in Morocco - Photo: Josh Telles
1 pair of nice casual shorts & 1 pair of hiking/running shorts
1 pair of flowy linen pants like these ones from Roxy - great for both hot days and cool evenings and also for more conservative destination where shorts wouldn’t be appropriate outside of your hotel/yoga area
2-3 t-shirts - we love merino wool as it doesn’t need to be laundered as often and helps to keep odors at bay
1 long sleeve like these ones for evenings and chilly plane rides
1 pair of sturdy sandals like Tevas for day hikes or exploring the nearby town. Or water resistant/lightweight hiking shoes like these Merrells if you’ll be on rough terrain.
1 lightweight insulated water-resistant jacket like this one from Patagonia- sturdy enough to protect you, but small enough for your luggage
1 swimsuit if there is a beach/pool nearby and temps allow
A scarf to cover your shoulders should you be going to a more conservative country like Morocco or Dominica. We love the versatile scarves from Waypoint Goods.
A broad-brimmed sun hat to protect you from the elements – bonus if it’s moisture-resistant.
2 pairs of PJ's like these cozy ones from Nu
Other necessities for a yoga retreat
Underwear – merino wool again will save you here. Easy to sink wash too!
Socks – like these lightweight ¼ crew from From to Feet - such cute design, too!
Sunglasses like the Avila model from Sunski - lightweight, stylish, polarized and made from recycled materials
Yoga Class at our Yoga & Cooking Mexico Retreat in San Miguel de Allende - Photo: Kara Folkers
Essential toiletries for a wellness retreat
When it comes to toiletries, think carefully about what to bring. Many retreats take an environmentally conscious approach, and many retreat centers in remote locations might not be hooked up to mains drainage. So leave behind any products containing harsh chemicals. Opt instead for natural, eco-friendly products that won’t do any harm if they end up in the earth, the sea, or a river. They’ll be better for your body as well!
Don’t forget your:
Rose Water by Baja Basics - Photo: Baja Basics
Sunscreen that avoids these 6 harsh chemicals. Opt instead for reef-safe sunscreens based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Eco-friendly toiletries (soap, shampoo, sunscreen, moisturizer, SPF lip balm, toothbrush and paste. We love Baja Basics skin care, perfect for travel sized
Bug spray made of natural ingredients such as neem or tea tree such as one of these. You might also find a locally made bug spray at your destination that is geared specifically toward the critters there!
Gals - be sure to bring tampons and/or a menstrual cup and liners according to what you’ll be needing during the timing of your retreat. In some destinations it can be difficult to find products like these so better to be prepared!
TRAVEL GEAR FOR A YOGA RETREAT
Grayl Filter Bottle - Photo: Grayl
Water Bottle and Filter - We like to bring along this 40-oz HydroFlask and fill it up with tap water using the Grayl Geopress Filter, which is super easy to use! That way you avoid plastic bottles and drink pure, clean water. And for all you coffee/tea drinkers, don’t forget a tumbler like this one
Reusable tote bag to carry things to/from class, into town, to/from shower/beach/pool. Or for shopping sprees :)
Airpods or headphones to listen to tunes/podcasts/audio books in your downtime
Phone charger and power adapter that’s compatible with the country AND your devices
Yoga Class at our Lake Atitlán, Guatemala Yoga Retreat
Miscellaneous - but important! - items for your yoga retreat
A journal like the Monk Manual
Tree Pose by a waterfall in Dominica
A book to read during downtime (be sure to check out our destination-based Book Lists!)
Tarot/affirmation cards and crystals, if that’s your thing
Snacks – think protein bars, nuts, drink packets (like greens, functional mushroom instant coffee or bone broth), particularly if you have any dietary restrictions and aren’t sure what local snack shopping will look like.
Your favorite immunity boosting supplements like these natural remedies for the road
Electrolytes, especially for warm and humid destinations
WHAT NOT TO PACK FOR a RETREAT
There are a few common items that you’ll likely regret taking up precious space in your bag (and weight for airplane travel)
Make-up: you may REALLY want to bring some lightweight make-up if you feel naked without it, but keep it as clean (environmentally friendly) and simple as possible. No one is judging you; it’s YOGA! Take the opportunity to let your skin breath!
Curling irons, straighteners, etc. Same as above, if this is a non-negotiable, then albeit! If you can’t live without a hairdryer, you might want to check in with your accommodations before you go to make sure they have one. If not, then ensure that the one you bring is the right voltage for the country you’ll be in.
High heels and super fancy or super tight-fitted clothing. This is your opportunity to let everything have a vacation, feet and body included!
Packing for a yoga retreat doesn’t have to be difficult, it just takes some mindfulness and perhaps more simplicity than you might think! If you think you might have too much, put everything into your suitcase. If it’s a tight fit, take it ALL out (you heard me right) and go over it all once more and decide will I wear this multiple times on this trip? You want to make sure you have room for a few locally made souvenirs.
Happy packing and namaste!
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Evening Practice in Dominica - Photo: Jungle Bay
Still trying to find that that dream retreat? Check out these amazing small-group wellness adventures you can join us on!
more blogs on our small-group retreats…
So you’ve decided to reward yourself for how hard you work and take some much needed rest. You’ve booked an epic yoga retreat – a little mind, body wellness adventure if you will.
Packing for a yoga retreat doesn’t have to be difficult, it just takes some practice and a little bit of mindfulness. Namaste.