Yoga Retreats Questions and Answers

Yoga Retreats Questions and Answers2018-05-10T12:49:45+00:00

How often do you run retreats in Byron Bay?

We offer 3, 5 and 8 day retreats every week of the year. To view retreat dates, please see our website.

How do I know if there are places available on a retreat?

Our registration process is all online, once you have chosen a date, click on ‘Register now’ and select your room option. If there are places available, you will be able to register. If the retreat is fully booked, you won’t be able to proceed with the booking. Alternatively you can email our bookings team: admin@byronyoga.com for registration enquiries.

How proficient in yoga do I need to be to join a retreat?

Our retreats are suitable for people of all levels including beginners. Each retreat includes three yoga classes daily; the 6:45am class is a dynamic 60 min class, the 10:30am is a dynamic 90min class, and the 4pm class is a restorative or yin class. Our classes include the use or props to make the poses accessible to everyone and all of our teachers will give plenty of options for different levels and will modify for any injuries or ailments. All of our retreats include an alignment workshop which covers the foundations of correct asana alignment and safety.

You can join as many or as few classes as you choose, there’s no pressure to attend every class. You may want to re-connect with or develop your yoga practice or gain a more holistic understanding of yoga. Our retreats are suitable for everyone with an interest in yoga.

Is the retreat an asana intensive?

No, the retreat is an enjoyable and relaxing experience, offering a holistic knowledge of yoga to raise awareness and understanding of yoga beyond the asana. Evening and afternoon sessions are offered on meditation, philosophy, health, chanting and more.

I'd like to join the retreat as a step to teacher training, is this ok?

Yes, the retreat is an ideal way to deepen your experience of yoga and consider if you’d like to take the next step on the yogic path by enrolling in one of our teacher training courses. A retreat is also a great way to meet the people who teach during the training. You’ll experience the ambience of the Byron Yoga Centre so that you feel confident in your choice of training with us. The training courses are designed for those who may not wish to be teachers at this stage of their yoga journey, but would like to deepen their own practice and experience of yoga.

I follow a different spiritual path (or I don’t have a spiritual path), is this ok?

Yes, our tradition respects and honours all paths. Yoga can only deepen your own spirituality.

When will I find out if I have been accepted into the retreat?

Once you have submitted your registration online, you will receive a booking confirmation email. If you do not receive this within 24 hours, please check your spam inbox, or email: admin@byronyoga.com

How many participants are enrolled in each retreat?

Our retreats average 8 participants however they can vary between 5-20 people depending on the time of year.

What is the typical age range of the participants?

Participants generally range from 25 to 60 years of age, with the average age of 30.

What is included in the price of the retreat?

All of our retreats include twin share accommodation, 3 meals a day, fresh juice daily, 3 yoga classes and 1 workshop each day, as well as evening meditation and philosophy classes. Our 3 day retreats include one complimentary treatment, the 5 day retreats include 2, and the 8 day includes 3 complimentary treatments.

Single rooms and en-suites can be booked for an extra fee and are subject to availability. Extra treatments, naturopath consultation or activities such as surfing, kayaking or a crystal castle tour can also be booked for an extra fee. For more information, please refer to our retreat page.

I would prefer a single room is this possible?

Twin share rooms with a shared bathroom are the standard inclusion for our retreats, but we also have single rooms with a shared bathroom, or single ensuites available, subject to an extra fee and availability. You can choose your rooming option when registering.

What do I need to bring for the retreat?

We recommend you bring a mixture of lightweight and warm, comfortable yoga clothing, layers are best, light shoes / sandals, runners, swim wear, sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, toiletries, first aid kit, insect repellent, torch, journal, water bottle, light raincoat or umbrella and daypack.

All linen, bath and beach towels are provided, as well as a small toiletry pack of shampoo, conditioner and body wash (30mls of each) and hairdryers are available upon request.

You are welcome to bring your own yoga mat, however all yoga props including mats, blocks, belt, blankets and bolsters will be available.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for the retreat?

You may find it helpful to prepare a list of things to do before your retreat begins; work, family, social commitments etc. Recognising what’s important to do now and what can wait until your return is an important aspect of minimising potential stress and being free to fully immerse yourself in the retreat experience.

Retreat participants may like to consider the following to make the most of the experience:
1. Why have I chosen to join this retreat?
2. How would I like to make this retreat time meaningful?
3. What do I hope to achieve during this time of yoga and relaxation?
4. Is there anything particular I would like to learn / understand in relation to yoga postures I have been practicing or yoga philosophy?

Do you send pre departure notes?

Yes, we will email information approx. two weeks prior to the start of your retreat with suggestions for what to bring, what to consider and transfer details etc.

How do I secure a place on the retreat?

Once you have registered online and paid a deposit, your place will be secured. You will receive an confirmation email once we have received your registration.

When is full payment for the retreat due?

The balance of the retreat fees are payable two weeks before the retreat commencement date and an email will be sent prompting this payment.  If you book within two weeks of the retreat commencement date full payment will be due at the time of booking.

Where is the location of the retreat?

Our retreat centre is located at a secluded rural venue in Byron Bay – just a short 10 minute walk or cycle to the town centre. Byron Yoga Retreat Centre, 50 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay.

Do you arrange airport transfers?

Please arrange your own airport transfers – helpful details are available here. When you arrive at Ballina Byron Airport or Coolangatta Gold Coast Airport, please go to the transport counter and they will direct you to the next shuttle bus to Byron. Ask the driver to drop you at our retreat venue, Byron Yoga Retreat Centre, 50 Skinners Shoot Road, Byron Bay. Most drivers will be familiar with this location.

Do I need to follow any ethical guidelines?

There are some simple guidelines to help create a sattvic (yogic) environment, conducive to the retreat experience. Retreat participants are expected to be vegetarian and cigarette, drug and alcohol free during the retreat.

Am I expected to attend all classes and sessions, or is the schedule flexible?

The retreat schedule is completely flexible. Although we encourage you to immerse yourself in the retreat experience and join in all the yoga classes and the afternoon and evening sessions, you are free to join in as much or as little as you prefer.

It’s important to listen to your own body and attend what feels right for you, for many people three classes daily is more than usual and we suggest you find the balance between challenging yourself and being gentle when necessary. There is no pressure to attend all yoga classes and you can create your own unique retreat experience within the schedule offered.

How many yoga classes are there each day?

On the first day of your retreat, there is a 4:30pm restorative yoga class. During your retreat there are 3 yoga classes a day at 6:45am, 10:30am and 4:30pm. The morning classes are dynamic, and the afternoon classes are gentle restorative or yin classes.

On your last day, you have the option of attending the 6:45am class in the morning, as well as the 10:30am class if you are on the 3 day retreat.

You can join as many or as few classes as you choose; there is no pressure to attend every class.

Is there any free time during the retreat?

Yes, each afternoon after lunch is free from 1pm-4:30pm. During this time you may like to read a book, lay by the pool,have a massage, visit the beach or just relax. As the schedule is flexible you can create your own free time during the retreat at other times if you feel this is what you need.

Do you offer any yoga DVD's suitable for home practice?

Yes, after your retreat we will send you a link for our Level 1 DVD, which is a 90 minute practice with John Ogilvie, the founder of Byron Yoga.

Is there any ongoing yoga support available?

Yes all our retreat participants are welcome to continue contacting us regarding questions and support, please send your questions to retreats@byronyoga.com. Our retreat hosts are always happy to answer any questions or offer ongoing support for your yoga journey. We also offer a  subscription to the Byron Yoga Newsletter filled with interesting articles about yoga and health, as well as the latest on our teacher trainings, special offers on future retreats and yoga workshops.