Yoga vacation tips

Tips on what to pack

Nicole Stone, from our supplier, Yoga Breaks in Spain, shares her tips on what to pack: “Every yoga retreat will have all of the mats, blocks and other equipment you’ll need for your yoga vacation, so I think it’s a good idea to take some things to pamper yourself with because it’s likely you’ll have relaxation time off every day. Consider packing face masks, hair masks, maybe some nail varnish for a manicure and a pedicure in your downtime. We don’t have enough time for self care in our fast paced lives these days, so bring things that you can reward yourself with – some music, good books, comfy slippers and things that will help you slow down and nurture your wellbeing because that’s what a yoga vacation is all about.”

Tips on what you’ll eat

Nicole Stone, from our supplier, Yoga Breaks in Spain, shares her yoga vacation tips on what you’ll eat: “Serving a vegetarian diet on a yoga retreat is better for your guests because vegetarian food is less taxing on the digestive system, so it means that people feel lighter and more energised when they are doing their yoga classes. If they’ve been having heavy, rich food and eating three courses in the evening washed down with wine then they will feel lethargic, which isn’t how we want them to feel. Some people will query it and ask for some chicken or fish and we do cater for that because we recognise that not everybody wants to make a total commitment where their diet is concerned.”

Tips about pre-existing health conditions

Andrew Winter, from our supplier, Vale de Moses, shares his tips on yoga and your health:
“If you have had surgery or a baby or any long-term health concerns then it is a good idea to speak to your doctor and get the all clear for yoga from them. Do let your yoga teacher know in advance some idea of your specific needs and then be prepared to modify your practice with them during the retreat. You may not be able to do all the postures in class, but don't worry as there are other aspects to yoga, such as breathing and meditating, that should still be accessible for you.”

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Yoga vacations in Spain

Yoga vacations in Spain

Join us by the sea to breathe, flow & let go

From £890 to £920 6 days ex flights
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If you'd like to chat about Yoga or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

Yoga vacation tips from our travelers

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful yoga vacation tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.
If you're in Portugal spend a couple of days in Lisbon, especially in the old area of the city and take a few day trips to Cascais and Sintra - easy to get to and inexpensive by train
- Nicole W
“The yoga sessions are 4 hours a day, morning and evening. So unless you want to really learn or deepen your approach to yoga you may find it a bit overwhelming, although even the beginners during my stay thoroughly enjoyed it.” - Heather Rome, Yoga retreats in Valencia, Spain

“Do your research on the style of yoga you want to do as each week the teachers change and have very different styles. Staying in the soul pads was awesome if you like being close to nature - I'd suggest a double over a single unless you're small.” - Daisy Powling, Yoga vacation in Portugal

“Make the most of what’s on offer. It’s such a great chance to give your body a boost with yoga, exercise and very healthy food. If you are a confirmed carnivore or a fussy eater you might find the uber-healthy vegetarian menu a culture shock, but the food was absolutely delicious.” - Marguerite Weatherseed, Yoga vacations in Spain

“Don't take much. A pair of trainers for hiking to the beach. A couple of pairs of yoga leggings and couple of outfits for the evenings. Favourite tops can be washed and hung out to dry midweek. The only € you need are to pay for treatments and for the transfers.” - Janet Patterson, Greece yoga vacation
Go for it! Come with a mind open to new people, and to finding your own practice within the group
- Elizabeth Reuben
“This is a great active / relax vacation with great people. Moa Alm is very unique. The yoga, walks, food and company was great. I love the communal eating part of the vacation where guests and staff sit together at the beginning and end of the day over great food. This is more like being on vacation with friends.” - Nicola Culican, Austria yoga and walking vacation

“Arrive with an open mind ready to tell Nicole what you hope to get out of the retreat. Bring a good sense of humour and not too many casual clothes as we sat down to a delicious supper at the end of the evening yoga session in our yoga kit without the need to change.” - Shaun Stewart - Yoga and walking vacation in Spain

“If you are after late nights, parties and alcohol this is not the vacation for you! Although I drank plenty of Prosecco and met some amazing and interesting people. Yoga starts at 8am daily so a little bit of making myself go to bed was in order!” - Sarah Gotting, Yoga vacation in Italy

“Be prepared for the Ayurvedic diet, it is different and can take some getting used to. Be prepared to feel awful on some days, detoxing can be hard, but it is worth it. Short visits are fine, I stayed two weeks and felt the benefits of the second week, a third week would have been even better” - Jill Atkinson, Ayurvedic retreat in Sri Lanka
Written by Polly Humphris
Photo credits: [Page banner: Marion Michele] [Tips on what to pack (pedicure): Rune Enstad] [Tips on what you'll eat: Alpha] [Review 1 – Nicole W: Angel Torres] [Review 2 – Elizabeth Reuben: The Yoga People]