What is a retreat? The meaning, the main types and who goes

How is a retreat different from a holiday?

A holiday is mostly about rest and fun. A retreat has a purpose, and the days have a shape.

On a typical retreat you might start with movement or meditation, then share a healthy meal. There may be a workshop, a walk or a treatment. Evenings are often quiet. You come home rested, and often with a new habit or a clearer head.

A spa break can be a retreat, but not every retreat is a spa. Many take place in a farmhouse, a barn, a house by the sea or a centre in the hills.

What kinds of retreat are there?

There are many kinds. These are the ones people search for most:

• Yoga retreats, with daily classes for beginners and regular students.
• Meditation retreats and mindfulness retreats, which teach you to slow your thoughts.
• Health and wellness retreats, built around food, sleep, movement and treatments.
• Spiritual retreats, for people who want time to reflect on meaning and belief.
• Burnout retreats and stress retreats, for people who are running on empty.
• Digital detox retreats, where you put your phone away for a few days.
• Retreats in nature and walking retreats, spent mostly outdoors.
• Women only retreats, men only retreats and couples retreats.
• Creative retreats, for writing, painting, music or craft.

Some retreats have no plan at all, and you choose how to spend each day. Others are one to one, with a coach or therapist working only with you.

Who goes on a retreat?

All sorts of people go. Some are worn out from work or from caring for someone. Some are going through a big change, such as a loss, a divorce or a new stage of life. Others want to learn yoga properly, or to spend a few days without a phone.

Many people go alone. On a small retreat you soon get to know the group, and you can join in as much or as little as you like.

How long does a retreat last?

A retreat can last a single day or several weeks. In the UK, many run over a weekend of two or three nights. Retreats abroad often last a week or more. A day retreat is a good way to try one before you book something longer.

Can a retreat help with my mental health?

A retreat can give you rest, space and support, and many people find that helps. It is not a replacement for a GP, a therapist or medical care. If you are struggling, talk to your doctor first.

Some retreats are run with this in mind. See retreats for depression and retreats for anxiety.

How do I choose a retreat?

Start with what you want to come home with. More energy, a calmer mind, a new skill or a good night’s sleep are all good reasons. Then think about where you want to go, how long for and your budget.

Read each listing in full. Look at what is included, who runs it and what a day looks like. If anything is unclear, send the host a question before you book.

What is the purpose of a retreat?

The purpose of a retreat is to give you time and space you cannot find at home. Some people go to rest. Some go to learn a skill, such as yoga or meditation. Others go to think through a change, to grieve or to heal.

Whatever the reason, a retreat takes away daily jobs and noise, so you can give your full attention to one thing.

How much does a retreat cost?

Prices vary a lot. A day retreat costs far less than a week abroad. The price depends on how long you stay, where it is, whether you share a room and what is included, such as meals, classes and treatments. Travel is usually extra.

Each listing shows a “from” price and says what it includes. If something is not listed, ask the host before you book.

How booking works with us

We do not take bookings and we never hold your money. You send your question straight to the person who runs the retreat, then book and pay them direct. There are no booking fees and we take no commission.

To start, browse all retreats or see retreats in the UK.