Why you should go on a retreat at least once in your life

I'm going to the sun, guys. It seemed better for all parties if I left our cold country for a while in this depressing January month. Not too long and not too short, but especially very far. Because if I do it, I do it right. I'm going yoga retreat? to South Africa. Yep. Stretching and flexing among the elephants, waking up to the roar of a lioness, getting massaged while a little monkey flashes by, and especially not being busy with social media, Netflix, and other social creatures. And last but not least, completely away from everything that has to do with social media. Yes, really.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa is where I'm going to settle down with a suitcase full of leggings and without high heels. Located in the amazing Welgevonden Game Reserve, 2.5 hours drive from Johannesburg. For four days, getting up at six (I kid you not) for a yoga session at sunrise, meditations, safari trips, massages, liver packs, and dining under the starry sky.

The sunscreen is coming along and my makeup bag stays at home. I'm counting the days. And if you're thinking: I want this too (and otherwise just look at these images, then you will naturally want to), take then these tips with you during your search.

1. Why?

Ask yourself why you want to get away for a while. Have you decided to live a bit healthier? Do you want to learn more about yoga? Or do you just want to give your body complete rest? Very important, because it makes quite a difference whether you go on a retreat to create peace or because you are looking for a physical challenge.

2. Where?

Is it important for you to completely get away or would you prefer to stay close to home? Prefer a downward dog with the sun on your head or does this not matter much to you? You can make your retreat as expensive and crazy as you want. Very basic on the Wadden Islands, a long weekend on a Spanish island, or all the way like I'm going to do among the elephants.

3. By whom?

A click with your yoga teacher is very important. After all, you need to find your peace with them and be able to deal with them all day for at least a few days. Do you resonate with the yoga teacher and the teaching style? Check a possible website or send him/her an email with any questions. And if you're going on a retreat in the Netherlands, you might be able to take a trial lesson beforehand.

4. Type of yoga

If you've never been on the mat, it's better to build up slowly and choose a beginners course. If you have experience but love calming yoga? Then you can better eliminate Power Yoga or Ashtanga.

5. Your schedule

Check how many classes are on the program per day. Do you want to keep it relaxed and also plop down with a book in between, or do you prefer a full schedule? Also, check if all activities are mandatory or if you can also organize your own time.

6. Meditation

Do you only want yoga classes or would you also like to learn to meditate? During some retreats, meditations or silent walks are part of the program. Maybe it's not your thing at all, so check in advance if meditations are linked to the class or if you can skip them.

7. On the menu

Do you also want to detox your body right away, check if the retreat offers juice cleanses. Are you a real meat eater, then also contact the organization to see if you won't just be served vegetables. This way, you won't be caught by surprise. If the organization only offers three meals a day, you can nicely throw some bars or nuts in your suitcase to snack on in between.

8. Basic or luxury?

Some places can be very basic and offer few facilities. Do you want luxury or is it really about the activity for you? A yoga retreat in India will be very different from a yoga retreat in Ibiza. So check this well.

9. Alone or in company?

Are you traveling alone, then ask the organization in advance if you will get a room for yourself or if you have to share with a stranger. In the latter case, it’s handy to leave your sexy little outfit at home.