Here in Vancouver, we're in the middle of the annual long-weekend drought. We decided to see it as an opportunity to create our own mini-vacations, whether close to home or abroad. The same spirit that brought you "Happy Place Friday" is bringing you "(Re)treat Yourself," a bevy of yoga retreats. Consider booking some vacation time soon.
The long road from New Year's to Easter is relatively holiday-free. Of course, depending on where you're reading this from, you may be blessed with a long weekend or two, but overall it's pretty sparse. The weeks run long. The weather is less appealing (unless you're south of the equator) and you are probably dreaming of that elusive getaway. We are.
Getting away doesn't necessarily mean searching for your passport and hoping your carry-on shampoo bottle will make it through customs. You can escape from the day-to-day with an amazing yoga class, a trip to a new studio, a night with friends and new recipes - heck, even an inverted pose will clear your head. No, you don't have to travel to get away from it all...but who doesn't want to travel? Certainly not us.
the retreat appeal
Our Community Relations Manager Tracy is gearing up for her first yoga getaway: Baron Baptiste, Hawaii, sunshine, surf and healthy food. (Can you say jealous?) Remembering that jealousy works the opposite way one wants it to, we decided to look on the bright side and discover some other great retreats on the horizon.
There is a yoga retreat for everyone. Hit your mat then hit the surf, hit the slopes or hit the bottle - pinot grigio, that is. Prices and accommodations will vary and you'll want to check whether airfare is included. (Most of the time it is not.) Many trips offer detailed itineraries so do some research before you commit. Here we go. Let's hit the yoga retreat buffet.
yoga in general
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Head to this Conde Nast award-winning centre in Australia and you'll likely meet Gold Coast Showroom ambassador Emma Burridge.
Retreats dates vary
Yoga Holidays in Greece
Vancouver alumni ambassador Gloria Latham plays host to regular getaways in Greece. The sun-soaked pictures are intoxicating, especially with the rainy weather outside.
Kythira, Greece - June 26-July 2, 2011 or July 24-30, 2011
Yoga in Paradise
If you're looking for an exclusive retreat, leave the traffic behind and join alumni ambassador Krista Cahill in Bora Bora.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia - June 11-18, 2011
Fiji Yoga Retreat with Mark O'Brien
Mark is one of Sydney's hottest yoga teachers and he's taking his expertise to the South Pacific for a week of relaxation and restoration.
Savusavu, Fiji - May 14-21, 2011
Forecast in Tuscany: bliss
Image courtesy of Casanuova
Ashtanga Yoga in Tuscany with Tim Miller
Visit Casanuova, a 350-year-old estate in the Tuscan countryside, and unroll your mat beside Carlsbad ambassador Tim Miller.
Tuscany, Italy - Oct 1-8, 2011
yoga + food
Yoga for Foodies Retreat with David Romanelli & Angela Gargano
Featured in this month's Food & Wine magazine, this retreat is seriously making us drool.
Napa Valley, CA - May 26-29, 2011
Eat.Pray.Move
This cozy retreat had us at Tuscany (and pumpkin risotto, pasta al forno, slow roasted fennel with red onions, salads with wild rocket, pecorino and fresh figs).
On the border of Tuscany & Umbria, Italy - July 3 - 9, 2011
Can't get to Eat.Pray.Move.? Feast your eyes on this visual retreat.
Image courtesy of Eat.Pray.Move.
yoga + wine + cycling
Yoga, Bike & Wine Retreat
Experience Loire's historic countryside with Plaza El Segundo ambassador Julie Rader.
Loire Valley, France - September 11 - 16
yoga + service
Yoga Ventures Yoga & Service Retreats
Lisa Reuff, an ambassador out of Marin, CA, is hosting four trips for yogis looking to challenge their practice and serve their hosting communities. Head to Peru, Haiti, India or Bali.
Retreat dates vary
Ted McDonald likes the snow and the surf
yoga + snow
Tony, Dean & Ted's Yoga Ski/Ride Excellent Adventure
Santa Monica ambassador Ted McDonald teams up with Dean Decas and Tony Horton (P90X!) to host a one-of-a-kind retreat on the slopes of Chamonix.
Chamonix, France - March 20 - 26, 2011
yoga + surf
Tidal Dreamings Yoga & Surf Retreats
Hey ladies - Tidal Dreamings offers regular ladies-only yoga/surf retreats on Australia's east coast. Get packing.
Various dates and locations
image courtesy of Tidal Dreamings
while you're away
If you're vacationing anywhere near one of our locations, you can make your own mini yoga retreat by taking part in our complimentary in-store classes. Get class schedules on each store's site.
Help! We can't decide where to go. Where are you planning on retreating?
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