The Best Simplistic Yoga Retreat Packing List

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Drunk too many vodkas? Sick of puffing away on cigarettes mimicking a Victorian chimney? Need to sort your life out like the rest of us? Yoga is hands down one of the gentlest and all-round beneficial activities to get into. Whether you’re going for a yoga weekend getaway or travelling long term, there’s yoga centres left, right and centre. Why not make the most of it? Here’s a lovely guest post from Roxana, recommending products we both love, to help you run through the best simplistic yoga retreat packing list and be ready for your next yoga weekend.

Where The Hell Do I Start?

Yoga Retreat Packing List

Whether you’re going travelling to some exotic place or heading out for a short relaxing weekend yoga break in the countryside, packing things can be a rather stressful and exhausting experience.

Before packing, we always need to take a few factors into consideration, such as the weather, accommodation, the length of stay and the company we will be staying with. However, in order to avoid lugging around things you have no use for, it’s always better to travel as light as possible, that is, to pack only the essentials, especially if you are travelling to your dream yoga retreat!

Why Should I Do Yoga?

Yoga is a highly beneficial sport that enhances both mental and physical strength. It has gained much popularity over the last few decades which has led to development of peaceful and idyllic yoga retreats in different parts of the world.

Yoga Retreat Packing List

A yoga retreat requires a little more thought regarding packing and unpacking. It’s of crucial importance to pack light, so as to be able to sink into the experience, feel the ambience and bring harmony into your life. Many of those retreats already have the necessary equipment, so you can get away by packing just the most important things.

Clothing In Your Yoga Retreat Packing List

If you regularly practice yoga, you probably have various pieces of equipment you would like to carry with you on holiday. Instead of worrying about your physical appearance, focus on exercising your body and your mental state. Make sure you pack almost only fitness apparel, since this is what you will need. Bear in mind though, that it’s important to keep it simple and bring just a few comfortable matching tops and bottoms.

Make sure you’re wearing tops that don’t fall down over your head when you’re doing downward dog or trying to balance on your head. As t-shirts are a no go, opt for tight-fitting tank tops to keep you covered whilst your twist yourself into all kinds of different shapes.

Teacake is a big fan of Inner Fire for their super funky and unique fitness and yoga clothes. They’re perfect for hiking and running too.

Also don’t forget to pack:

  • A few pairs of good comfortable sports bras and knickers from Exofficio
  • A cardigan
  • A comfy sweatshirt to wear in the morning or when it’s chilly
  • Also take a few pairs of ]socks (the yoga grippy ones!)
  • A swimsuit
  • A quick-drying beach towel if there is a swimming pool or a beach nearby
  • You can always bring a dress or a nice tunic, if you’re taking long walks. A caftan is a great choice as well
  • If you’re travelling to a far destination, bring a jacket and a pair of tights to keep warm during the flight
Yoga Retreat Packing List

Footwear For Your Yoga Retreat Packing List

If you like going out for leisurely and pleasant strolls, make sure you bring a pair of running shoes and choose the right kind so that you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, especially if you are interested in hiking and exploring the natural sights. Keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to wear the same shoes in the gym and outdoors, which is why you need to bring at least a pair of shoes you feel comfortable in. Slippers and sandals are also welcome if you want to keep it casual. When I go to a yoga class I wear only socks, and if you have special non slip socks, even better.

Protection From Different Weather Conditions

If you are staying in an area where it is always sunny and the temperatures are high:

  • pack sun lotion, sunglasses and a hat in order to protect your skin from overexposure
  • bring a hairband (Teacake loves Buffwear – you can wear it 12 different ways!) and hairpins and wear your hair high
  • don’t forget to bring a raincoat and maybe an umbrella as you never know what to expect
  • it’s a good idea to bring a light book, relax and dive into it while sunbathing on the beach or before going to bed
Yoga Retreat Packing List

Essential Yoga Equipment

My favourite yoga retreat in Bali, like most of them, provides almost all the necessary gear which makes the whole process of packing much easier and less demanding. However, if you are obliged to bring your own gear, or you would like to have your own with you, then choose:

  • a lighter and thinner yoga mat which you can easily fold in your suitcase and a bag. Teacake’s favourite is the Manduka eKo Superlite Travel Yoga Mat
  • an additional yoga hand towel and yoga mat wipes in order to keep clean when entering a gym or a yoga studio
  • don’t forget to stay hydrated with a Water To Go bottle. Teacake Travels readers get 15% off with the special code TEACAKE15

Yoga Retreat Toiletries

When it comes to toiletries, it’s always advisable to carry everything you need to maintain your personal hygiene such as shampoo, soap, a conditioner, a moisturizer, and the things you find handy.

Sometimes, some yoga centers are eco-conscious, and they might ask you to use their own toiletries in order to keep the environment clean and eco-friendly. Naturally, don’t carry large amounts of lotion and moisturizer as they might spill over your suitcase and make a mess!

Have Fun At Your Yoga Retreat!

Follow this yoga retreat packing list and you’re well on your way to being prepared for your time out! Keep an open mind, be positive and enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings. Find your inner peace and it will help you achieve that perfect harmony you have been striving for!

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney. She’s all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves, loves beaches and the sunshine! You can find out more about her writing on Twitter. She is also one of the editors at Highstylife Magazine.

9 thoughts on “The Best Simplistic Yoga Retreat Packing List”

  1. So, I’ve never done a yoga retreat but feel like I need to. It’s amazing how different I feel after an hour or two of yoga and a whole weekend… or week… would be incredible. Good call-outs on packing, as a yoga-centric travel plan won’t have the same requirements as a weekend city break.

    Reply
  2. Hi Roxana and Alice,

    Smart tips ;) Yoga is tremendous. I did a fair bit a while back. Need to get into a more set, strict, guided routine versus Biddulph Yoga/stretching LOL. Especially for us travel-types it helps to destress, to relax when we leave our comfort zones and to do a better job embracing the moment. Awesome for dissolving tension in my neck and back too. Thanks for sharing!

    Ryan

    Reply
  3. No doubt Bali is amazing for Yoga but you should try out the shores of India for the same. I would recommend Gokarna as a destination for it – quiet and beautiful or maybe Goa if you like a bit of party or even Kerala with its ayurvedic massages. Nice list of things to pack though.

    Reply
  4. Yoga is a great method for the fitness of the body, mind, and the spirit. Your packing list is practical and sensible and takes into consideration the demands of the Yoga asanas,

    Reply
  5. Have been practicing light Upa Yoga & Meditation each morning for a year now, amazing benefits! My wife and I would love to travel to Bali and spend time at a Yoga retreat. Great post and inspiration! Rob :)

    Reply

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