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Best Yoga Retreats: Yoga Classes, Meditation, Accommodations, Locations And Rates
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Published: October 29, 2007
The differences between spa vacations and yoga retreats can be quite drastic. Spa vacations are taken to decompress and disconnect from a hectic schedule. Yoga retreats are more for making a connection: a self-quieting connection intended to help adapt to a hectic schedule. In short, spa vacations are fleeting, while yoga retreats equip visitors with a skill that may be drawn upon in the future.
Such retreats are not all equal, and can differ widely in cost and accommodations. Indeed, many yoga retreats' accommodations are very rustic. Those expecting a spa vacation experience will be in for a big surprise.
Yoga retreats exist all over the world, however, U.S. locations tend to reside on the coasts, and they are generally found in scenic areas. All will certainly feature yoga classes, but some retreats may specialize in the instruction of certain yoga techniques. The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm, for example, features the instruction of Hatha Yoga, while The Expanding Light retreat focuses on Ananda yoga. Both yoga retreats are located in California, posses similar lodging options, and their rates are comparable, however, the Hatha yoga classes may be considerably more physically challenging than the Ananda classes. In either case, both yoga retreats cater to different skill levels during alternate weeks of any particular month.
The accommodations at the above-mentioned yoga retreats are worth a closer look, because they are not what many people expect. Both locations feature indoor and outdoor lodging. Indoor rooms range from private rooms with their own bathrooms to dorm-style rooms with shared baths. Those that wish to stay outside may do so in a tent, cabin or recreational vehicle. The outdoor lodging options are perfect for visitors who wish to connect to nature, physically as well as spiritually.
A visitor to either of the California yoga retreats can expect to spend between $40 and $200 per night, depending upon the guest's desired level of comfort and privacy. These rates also include vegetarian meals and yoga classes. Plan ahead when booking, because specific programs and classes may be featured during different periods during the year. Consider traveling to the East Coast for yoga retreats without the rustic vibe, but expect to pay a bit more.
American Yogini, located on the east end of Long Island, is more luxurious than the above-mentioned California resorts. American Yogini features private rooms with their own bathrooms, and offers spa treatments along with yoga and meditation. A three-day retreat at this Long Island retreat costs $950 to $1,620. The latter price is for a weekend stay. Again, meals are included in the price.
Another East Coast retreat, The Seawall House in Island Falls, Maine, is a bed and breakfast that features yoga retreats. The Maine retreat offers Ashtanga-Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and meditation classes. The Seawall House recommends a five-night stay to receive the full therapeutic impact, and the double-occupancy based price is $675. The rooms are beautifully decorated; however, expect to pay extra for a private bath. Yoga, meditation and meals are included in their rates.
Yoga retreats are not for everyone. Those who are unable to buy into the ephemeral connections yoga provides should probably consider a spa vacation. However, the people able to learn from the ancient practice will find themselves equipped with improved balance and the ability to draw upon an inner calm, which no masseuse could possibly provide. Most importantly, be aware that yoga retreats, and not just those described above, are all different. Those in search of yoga retreats should explore the offerings of many locations before booking.
Sources:
"Price List." Americanyogini.com. 2005. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.americanyogini.com/about_pricelist.php.
"Solitary and Private Retreats." Americanyogini.com. 2005. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.americanyogini.com/about_pricelist.php# solitary_private_retreats.
"The Expanding Light: Ananda Yoga and Meditation Retreat." Expandinglight.org. 2005. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.expandinglight.org/.
"Accommodations." The Expanding Light: Ananda Yoga and Meditation Retreat. 2005. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.expandinglight.org/who/reservations/acc ommodations.htm.
"Rates." The Expanding Light: Ananda Yoga and Meditation Retreat. 2005. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.expandinglight.org/who/reservations/cos ts.htm.
"Sewall House Yoga Retreat Vacations." Donna Davidge & Sewall House. 2007. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.sewallhouse.com/retreat/.
"Welcome to the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm." Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm. 2007. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.yogafarm.org/index.html.
"Accommodations." Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm. 2007. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.yogafarm.org/index.html.
"Donation Rates 2007: Accommodations Rates." Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm. 2007. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.yogafarm.org/index.html.
Yoga retreats exist all over the world, however, U.S. locations tend to reside on the coasts, and they are generally found in scenic areas. All will certainly feature yoga classes, but some retreats may specialize in the instruction of certain yoga techniques. The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm, for example, features the instruction of Hatha Yoga, while The Expanding Light retreat focuses on Ananda yoga. Both yoga retreats are located in California, posses similar lodging options, and their rates are comparable, however, the Hatha yoga classes may be considerably more physically challenging than the Ananda classes. In either case, both yoga retreats cater to different skill levels during alternate weeks of any particular month.
The accommodations at the above-mentioned yoga retreats are worth a closer look, because they are not what many people expect. Both locations feature indoor and outdoor lodging. Indoor rooms range from private rooms with their own bathrooms to dorm-style rooms with shared baths. Those that wish to stay outside may do so in a tent, cabin or recreational vehicle. The outdoor lodging options are perfect for visitors who wish to connect to nature, physically as well as spiritually.
A visitor to either of the California yoga retreats can expect to spend between $40 and $200 per night, depending upon the guest's desired level of comfort and privacy. These rates also include vegetarian meals and yoga classes. Plan ahead when booking, because specific programs and classes may be featured during different periods during the year. Consider traveling to the East Coast for yoga retreats without the rustic vibe, but expect to pay a bit more.
American Yogini, located on the east end of Long Island, is more luxurious than the above-mentioned California resorts. American Yogini features private rooms with their own bathrooms, and offers spa treatments along with yoga and meditation. A three-day retreat at this Long Island retreat costs $950 to $1,620. The latter price is for a weekend stay. Again, meals are included in the price.
Another East Coast retreat, The Seawall House in Island Falls, Maine, is a bed and breakfast that features yoga retreats. The Maine retreat offers Ashtanga-Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and meditation classes. The Seawall House recommends a five-night stay to receive the full therapeutic impact, and the double-occupancy based price is $675. The rooms are beautifully decorated; however, expect to pay extra for a private bath. Yoga, meditation and meals are included in their rates.
Yoga retreats are not for everyone. Those who are unable to buy into the ephemeral connections yoga provides should probably consider a spa vacation. However, the people able to learn from the ancient practice will find themselves equipped with improved balance and the ability to draw upon an inner calm, which no masseuse could possibly provide. Most importantly, be aware that yoga retreats, and not just those described above, are all different. Those in search of yoga retreats should explore the offerings of many locations before booking.
Sources:
"Price List." Americanyogini.com. 2005. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.americanyogini.com/about_pricelist.php.
"Solitary and Private Retreats." Americanyogini.com. 2005. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.americanyogini.com/about_pricelist.php# solitary_private_retreats.
"The Expanding Light: Ananda Yoga and Meditation Retreat." Expandinglight.org. 2005. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.expandinglight.org/.
"Accommodations." The Expanding Light: Ananda Yoga and Meditation Retreat. 2005. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.expandinglight.org/who/reservations/acc ommodations.htm.
"Rates." The Expanding Light: Ananda Yoga and Meditation Retreat. 2005. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.expandinglight.org/who/reservations/cos ts.htm.
"Sewall House Yoga Retreat Vacations." Donna Davidge & Sewall House. 2007. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.sewallhouse.com/retreat/.
"Welcome to the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm." Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm. 2007. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.yogafarm.org/index.html.
"Accommodations." Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm. 2007. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.yogafarm.org/index.html.
"Donation Rates 2007: Accommodations Rates." Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm. 2007. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.yogafarm.org/index.html.
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