What a retreat is and how it differs from regular classes
A retreat is several days (sometimes a week or more) of practice in one place with one group: you stay close to the teacher, and the day is built around practice, rest and, usually, shared meals. The point is not to look for a class every day but to step out of your usual rhythm for a while.
Drop-in is a single class: you come, practise and leave without planning ahead. A course is a series of classes with one teacher over several weeks, but you arrange your own stay and meals. Teacher training (200h) is a programme of about 200 hours for those who want to become teachers; it is study, not a break, and much more intensive than a retreat.
Kinds of retreats
Yoga retreat. Daily practice in the chosen style, talks or discussions, and free time. The teacher states the level and style.
Meditation and vipassana. More silence and seated practice. Vipassana often follows a strict schedule, sometimes with a vow of silence, so find out the rules beforehand and whether the format suits you.
Detox retreat. Usually combines gentle practice with a special diet. It is a way of spending a few days, not a treatment. If you have a particular medical condition or take medication, talk to a doctor beforehand.
Sound healing. Practices with sound: bowls, gongs, voice. People choose them for relaxation and attention, not as a substitute for a doctor. If you have a particular medical condition, talk to a doctor and tell the facilitator.
How to choose a retreat: 10 questions
Before you book, ask the organiser these questions and keep the answers.
- Who leads the retreat, what are the teacher's experience and style, and can you contact them before booking?
- How many people are in the group and what level is it meant for?
- What does the daily schedule look like: how many hours of practice and how much free time?
- Where and how will you stay: a private or a shared room, and what is in it?
- How are meals organised: how many, what kind of food, and are your dietary needs taken into account?
- What is included in the price and what is paid separately (transfers, excursions, treatments)?
- What are the cancellation and rescheduling terms, and what happens to a deposit?
- In which language are the classes and talks held?
- Where is the place and how do you get there, and how far is the nearest town and doctor?
- What rules and restrictions apply (silence, phones, schedule) and do they suit you?
When and where retreats take place
A rough guide to the season: November to March is the high season, with the most retreats and classes. April and May are hot, and from June to September it is the monsoon and many places are closed. This is approximate: the dates change from year to year, and the exact dates come from the organiser.
The north of Goa is livelier and busier: Arambol, Mandrem & Ashwem, Anjuna, Vagator. The south is quieter: Palolem and Agonda. The overview of the season and areas is on the Yoga in Goa page.
What Aura offers today
Aura does not have a retreat catalogue yet: it is coming, and we do not give dates. Today in Aura you can find teachers and classes on the map, look at a teacher's profile and book. It is a good way to meet a teacher at a regular class before you commit to a retreat.
Questions about yoga retreats in Goa
How is a retreat different from a course?
On a retreat you stay and practise in one place with one group, and the organiser builds the day. A course is a series of classes where you arrange your own stay and meals.
Can a beginner go on a retreat?
Many retreats welcome beginners, but the organiser states the level. Write to them before booking and ask about the load. If you have doubts about how you feel, talk to a doctor. More in the guides Your first class and What to bring.
How much does a retreat in Goa cost?
The organiser sets the price and says what it includes; we do not quote figures. Check what is included and what is paid separately.
When is the best time for a retreat in Goa?
Most often from November to March: it is dry and there are the most places. April and May are hot, and June to September is the monsoon. The dates are approximate and change from year to year.
Does Aura have a retreat catalogue?
Not yet; it is coming, with no dates. Today in Aura you can find teachers and classes, look at a profile and book.
What if the retreat does not suit me?
Learn the cancellation and deposit terms in advance and keep the organiser's reply. If you feel unwell, tell the leader at once and do not push through.
Do you lead retreats or classes in Goa? Here is how to publish your schedule in Aura.