Attendees with The Mat Yoga Studio recently returned from this year’s yoga retreat in Puerto Rico (which also means the studio will soon announce next year’s location!). Having attended one of The Mat’s retreats a few years ago in Costa Rica, I looked forward to hearing all about this one. And in the meantime, seeing the posts and reading the stories from the studio and friends attending was so much fun.
A yoga retreat may not solely be focused on yoga. Yes, that’s a big part of it. But the retreat I attended – and the ones I haven’t been able to join but have heard all about in the last few years – to me are more about overall nourishment. They have been sustenance for the body and soul through thoughtfully prepared and healthy foods, movement, nature, community, experiences, and adventure.
In Puerto Rico, the group learned about coffee up in the mountains as the clouds hovered overhead and also dove into the earth when tubing through a cave. Between all of this, what a great way to reconnect with at least three of the elements: earth, air, and water. And what an experience!
If tubing on a river flowing through a cave seems a little unnerving, that’s another great highlight of a yoga retreat: the camaraderie. These adventures are not something you do on your own, but with what can be a group of supportive and caring friends (because I found that even if there were people I didn’t know in our group a few years ago, we very quickly became friends!).
As regards the other areas of nourishment I mentioned: these locations often have stunning views (and may even be open to nature) in the yoga spaces. For me, this provided an amazing way to connect with nature while practicing. Not to mention there may be opportunities for hiking or, if near a beach, playing in the ocean. And the food is fresh and shared around a community table where the conversation flows, further cementing those relationships built and strengthened over the course of a week.
If it hasn’t already by the time you read this, The Mat will soon announce the location for next year’s retreat! So far retreats have seen the community visit Costa Rica, Thailand, Portugal, and Puerto Rico. What amazing places to visit, no? Keep an eye on their socials and their website for details when it is announced.
This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat Yoga Studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own experience.
