A clear guide to retreat styles (Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin), teacher credentials, and the best months to attend.

Clarify your intent: choose grounding and alignment (Hatha, Iyengar), flow and stamina (Vinyasa, Ashtanga), or stillness and recovery (Yin, Yoga Nidra). Mixed formats suit couples or friends with different needs.

Lineage & credentials: read teacher bios, lineage, and years of practice. ‘Yoga Alliance’ signals TTC compliance, but sample class videos and written sequences reveal far more about pedagogy.

Schedule fit: look for 2 sessions daily, pranayama, and satsang or philosophy. If you’re jet-lagged, confirm late check-in and a lighter first morning.

Class size & adjustments: a 1:10 teacher-student ratio is comfortable. Check consent-based assists and injury protocols; inform teachers about knees, back, or wrists in advance.

Food & stay: sattvic menus, herbal teas, quiet hours, and room ventilation matter. If you need Wi-Fi, request measured speeds and backup power details before you pay.

Seasonality: Oct–Mar is ideal for cool practice rooms; Apr–Jun runs warmer; monsoon shifts many sessions indoors—great for philosophy heavy weeks.

Policy fine print: scan deposits, refunds, and reschedules; verify what happens if flights are delayed or a teacher changes.

What to pack: non-slip mat towel, light scarf, refillable bottle, earplugs, and simple layers. Studios often provide mats; confirm quality if you’re particular.