For years, a lot of workout fads come and go, but no other form of exercise is as enduring as yoga. In fact, it is believed to be around for thousands of years. With its many known benefits, yoga continues to attract more health-conscious individuals who want to improve their overall well-being.
But did you know that yoga is not just about burning calories and toning muscles? You may not realize it, but this exercise can help you re-connect to your deeper self, as well as the elements and energy of the Earth.
By practicing yoga outdoors, you are embracing nature, which in return helps develop self-awareness and prevents stress-related illnesses.
However, in today’s hectic world, it might be difficult to find a perfect place to do outdoor yoga. With all the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s just challenging to find a peaceful place where you can connect to nature.
Fortunately, there are many places in other countries that offer a serene environment for yoga-enthusiasts out there. Take for instance, the small island of Gozo. Even Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt knew how beautiful this little island is.
Gozo offers a few yoga retreat options that are sure to bring you closer to nature. Check out some interesting information about this tropical paradise and it’s wellness retreats that no other place can rival.
Why do yoga in Gozo
We all know that Gozo is abundant with different features. From the small village character to the coast and sea, there’s just so many places that showcase the island’s relaxed and natural beauty. These places are the perfect venue for doing yoga exercises.
While it’s true that many spa facilities and gyms offer wellness programs such as yoga, doing it outdoors remains unbeatable. In Gozo, there are yoga retreats that provide full classes and workshops in various places, such as at the beach, or close to flat hilltops.
Gozo has always been famous for its natural beauty, and now, people can benefit with it even more with recreational activities, such as yoga retreats.
What to expect
Typically, a wellness retreat in Gozo features a perfect combination of yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and of course, stunning landscapes. A yoga expert usually takes a small group of participants on a beautiful and serene location where everyone can just re-connect to themselves and nature.
There are various activities that you can do throughout the duration of your retreat. Depending on your package, you can enjoy sightseeing, yoga, mindfulness lessons, meditation, and getting to know your fellow participants. You can even enjoy delicious, vegan meals, which are often included in the retreat program.
Things to consider when choosing a yoga retreat
Before booking a yoga retreat in Gozo, there are several things that you must consider first to make the most out of it. After all, who wouldn’t want to have the perfect break from the hectic life of the city? Here are some useful tips for choosing the right yoga retreat program.
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KNOW YOUR DESTINATION
Just like any other vacation, it’s best to have a clear idea of where you want to go. Do you want to spend time on the beach, near the hills, or in a countryside? You also have to consider if the location you prefer would help you focus on your yoga practice more. Be sure that there will be little to no distractions in the surrounding areas that might affect your yoga retreat. Now Gozo is a great destination in that concern and offers beautiful sunsets for perfect yoga evenings. And why not stay in a holiday farmhouse in Gozo while you are enjoying the yoga lessons and keep on practicing next to the pool?
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CHOOSE A GOOD INSTRUCTOR
Having a good yoga instructor will not only let you learn about yoga but also inspire you to heights beyond. It is essential that the instructor you choose is knowledgeable about the said field and knows how to interact well with the students. You might want to check out reviews or even ask around if the coach you like has an excellent reputation with students and the community as a whole.
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PICK A YOGA STYLE THAT SUITS YOU
It is also important to know which type of yoga best suits you. After all, you are likely going to do it with other people for at least a few days during your retreat. If you prefer a stronger style of yoga, then you might want to choose Ashtanga or Bikram. However, if you think you’re more into gentle and fluid class, then Yin yoga or Vinyasa flow might be the perfect option for you.
If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to check whether the retreat service you choose caters to newbies. But don’t worry. Most yoga retreats in Gozo accepts participants of all skill levels.
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SIZE OF RETREAT
It is common for yoga retreats to be done in groups. That being said, it is important to know whether you prefer a bigger or smaller group of people. If you want to interact more with the instructor, it’s better to go for a retreat with a small group. That way, you can get a lot of personal attention from the teacher and focus more on yoga practices. However, if you want to make friends while doing yoga, then you might want to consider a bigger group.
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BE PREPARED TO EAT HEALTHY
One of the highlights of yoga retreats are the healthy and delicious meals. Typically, you will be encouraged to eat vegetarian dishes. If you’re a vegan, there’s definitely no problem with that. However, if you’re not, then you might want to prepare yourself. Make sure to check the retreat’s proposed menu. You will probably see a lot of healthy options in there. Do not hesitate to give it a try. After all, it’s a great way to start a new and healthier eating habit that will benefit you in the long run.
