Going on holiday alone can feel daunting, especially as a solo female traveler. But what better way to enjoy some time away than on a yoga retreat? It’s a safe, welcoming space for solo travelers to meet like-minded people, share experiences, chat over meals, relax, and, of course, practice yoga and meditation.
My first yoga retreat was in 2012 when I was 35. I was single, just about to start retraining as a primary school teacher, and ready for something new. I’ve always loved the sun and traveling, and in my 20s, I’d taken a gap year to explore Asia and Australia. Back then, staying in hostels made meeting other travelers easy. Kitchen chats about where you’ve been or where you’re heading were the norm, and you’d often find someone to tag along with on outings.
But traveling in your 30s? That’s a different story. Sharing a dorm with 20 strangers? Nope. Not my vibe anymore. By that stage, I was looking for something with a bit more comfort—like my own bathroom and a bit of space—without blowing my budget.
Enter: yoga retreats.
Discovering Yoga Retreats
Out of circumstance (read: no partner, no kid-friendly friends, no group holiday plans), I found myself looking for a solo holiday. A week alone at a beach hotel didn’t appeal to me—I wanted to do something I loved. At that time, I was into yoga. A quick Google search (thanks, Fairy Godmother Internet) led me to a yoga retreat in Fuerteventura. Sunshine? Tick. Beach? Tick. Yoga? Tick. Veggie food? Tick. It was perfect.
But let’s be real—booking something like this for the first time can be nerve-wracking. Oh, hello anxiety. What if I missed my flight? What if no one talked to me? What if the retreat wasn’t what I expected? The spiral of “what-ifs” was endless. Here’s what I learned, though: those thoughts are just thoughts, not reality.
The Reality of a Yoga Retreat
Going away on a retreat is exactly what it says: a treat. You get to enjoy as much or as little alone time as you want. Fancy curling up with a book? Go for it. Want to swim, take a walk, or explore solo? Do it. Or you can hang out with the other guests, many of whom are also traveling alone. During yoga classes and mealtimes, you’ll naturally connect. Chatting over dinner can be light and breezy or more personal—it’s completely up to you. And trust me, you’ll find you have more in common with others than you think.
Yoga retreats are all about community. The shared experience of practicing yoga, meditating, or even just being in the same space creates a unique bond. You’re not expected to be anything other than yourself—no demands, no pressure, just freedom to choose what works for you. It’s a chance to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with yourself, whether that’s through movement, breathwork, or simply soaking up the surroundings.
A Typical Day on Retreat
A day might include yoga, meditation, breathwork, and some downtime for self-care—think reading, getting a massage, or exploring the local area. There’s no rush, no deadlines, and no obligations. It’s just about doing what feels good. Sounds dreamy, right?
Overcoming the “What-Ifs”
Before my first retreat, I was full of worries:
• What if I missed my flight? Well, then I’d catch the next one. Flights aren’t as scary as they seem once you’re actually on the plane.
• What if no one talked to me? Not a problem—everyone’s friendly, and conversation flows naturally. If you want alone time, there’s always space to chill.
• What if the accommodation wasn’t what I expected? A bit of research ahead of time will answer most of your questions—whether it’s about room options or shared vs. private bathrooms. Most retreat organisers are super helpful and experienced.
Once you’re there, the logistics take care of themselves. Transfers, taxis, or exploring the area? Easy. And if you’re nervous about venturing out solo, there’s often the option to join group outings. The world’s your oyster, baby.
Why I Keep Coming Back
That first retreat opened the door to a whole new way of traveling. Since then, I’ve been to nine retreats across Spain and Portugal, and I’ve even started hosting my own retreats in Scotland and Ibiza! There’s just something about the combination of sunshine, yoga, and good company that keeps me coming back. Many of the retreats I’ve been to have become repeat visits—it’s that good.
Ready to Book Your First Retreat?
So, what’s holding you back? If you’ve been thinking about a yoga retreat, take the leap. It’s an experience you won’t regret. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, deepen your yoga practice, or just take a break from the chaos of everyday life, a retreat could be exactly what you need.
Have questions or need recommendations? Drop me a comment, and I’ll be happy to help.
Let’s get exploring—you only live once!
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