What to check before choosing a retreat?

You have spotted a retreat you like the look of. The photos are beautiful, the description speaks to you, the dates work. Before you decide, a few simple checks will spare you unpleasant surprises once you are there. Here is a practical list to keep handy when comparing listings.

The programme

What actually happens each day

An inspiring description isn't enough. Look for the outline of a typical day: wake-up time, number of sessions, length of activities, free time. If the programme isn't detailed, ask for it.

The balance between activity and rest

A very full schedule can be stimulating or exhausting depending on how you feel. Check that there is time left to breathe, walk alone, read or sleep.

What is included and what is optional

Treatments, excursions, workshops, outings: some activities are included, others offered at extra cost. Identify them to estimate the real cost of the stay.

The level required

For the practice

If the retreat includes yoga, meditation or another discipline, the expected level should be clear. "All levels" doesn't always mean the same thing from one organiser to another; don't hesitate to describe your experience.

For physical effort

For hiking, trekking or a water activity, look at distances, elevation gain, duration of effort and any prerequisites, such as being able to swim. If you have doubts about your fitness, talk to the organiser and, if necessary, a health professional.

Accommodation

• Single, double or shared room?
• Private or shared bathroom?
• Bedding, towels, heating provided?
• Access to phone signal and electricity, especially for expeditions or bivouacs.

These details seem minor until you realise you are sharing a room with three strangers when you were hoping for peace and quiet.

Meals

Check which meals are included, the type of cuisine and whether special diets are catered for: vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies. If you have an allergy, state it clearly before you leave and ask how it will be handled.

Location and access

Where exactly the retreat is

A precise address, or at least a clear location, lets you estimate the journey.

How to get there

Train, car, car sharing, transfer from a station: see what is possible and what is organised. Check arrival and departure times so you don't miss the start or have to leave before the end.

The price and what it includes

Compare retreats like for like: accommodation, meals, activities, supervision, equipment, transfers. A lower price may hide extras; a higher price may include a lot. Also note the payment terms stated: deposit, balance, instalments.

Cancellation conditions

It's the part people read least, yet one of the most important. What happens if you can no longer go? If the organiser cancels? If the weather prevents an activity? Read the conditions in full, note the deadlines and ask your questions before committing. Our guide "Understanding the cancellation conditions" helps you make sense of them.

The organiser

Their background and approach

Read their introduction: training, experience, how they talk about their practice. A precise, honest description is generally a good sign.

Group size

A small group offers more attention and intimacy; a larger group, more opportunities to meet people. Choose according to what you prefer.

How responsive they are

Send a question before you decide. The quality and clarity of the reply give you a good idea of how the stay will be organised.

What you need to bring

Yoga mat, walking shoes, wetsuit, sleeping bag, head torch: some retreats provide the equipment, others don't. Check the list so you don't arrive without the essentials.

Your own availability

One last check, and not the least: are you really available? Avoid squeezing a retreat between two important deadlines. If possible, plan a quiet day after you get back to extend the effect of the stay.

In short

Before choosing a retreat, check the programme, level, accommodation, meals, access, price, cancellation conditions and organiser. These few minutes of reading often make the difference between a good stay and a truly successful one. When everything is clear, click "View activity" to discover the retreat in detail.