Modern day life can be pretty stressful, with many frequently juggling between deadlines and work commitments whilst trying to maintain a healthy and happy social and family life. It can all feel pretty overwhelming, and short weekend breaks can sound very appealing, if not a necessity! And what could be better than a weekend yoga retreat to switch off, recharge and revitalise for the coming weeks?! Some may see a weekend as a little short for a yoga retreat, but being able to devote a weekend to yourself and your wellbeing can work wonders!
Here at Dukes Avenue, we are huge believers in the benefits of yoga on both the mind and body, but admittedly, the thought of heading off on a yoga retreat may in itself present its own stress and hassles. You may already be wondering ‘what should I pack for a yoga retreat?’, ‘how much yoga gear do I need?’ or ‘should I take my own mat?’. Well, this article has you covered! Our yoga retreat packing list covers everything you might need for your weekend yoga treat, from the essentials to the extras! It’s also available for download in PDF format that can be printed for future reference!
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Yoga wear sponsored by PERFF Studio
The Ultimate Yoga Retreat Packing List
Whether heading off on a weekend yoga retreat close to home, or catching a flight to an overseas destination, we’ve put together a list of everything you could possibly need for your trip. And, to make it even more convenient, we’ve divided it all up into sections. Simply select the ones which are most relevant to you.
What to Pack for a Yoga Retreat if Travelling Overseas
Let’s get the important stuff out of the way. These items in this section are pretty much a no-brainer, but serve as a handy reminder for anyone travelling to a yoga retreat overseas. Of course, skip this section if heading to a weekend yoga retreat near your home.
- Passport
- Plane tickets
- Visa for entry if required
- Cash & credit cards
- Yoga retreat reservation info
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers
Yoga Wear & Clothing
Whether travelling overseas or not, clothing is naturally at the top of your yoga retreat packing list. Depending on your itinerary, you’re going to need some yoga wear and clothing for additional activities. For this, we highly recommend PERFF Studio. PERFF offers a beautiful range of high quality and innovative designs, each produced in Northern Portugal and made from 50% recycled fabrics. Not only is it sustainable, it’s perfect for transitioning from work to the mat without losing its sense of style or practicality!
- Yoga pants / leggings (you’ll need 1 pair for every 2 days)
- Yoga (crop) tops (1 for every 2 days)
- Loose fitting top (1 per day)
- Layering tops (like a hoodie, jumper, fleece or cardigan)
- A lightweight rain jacket
- A shawl or pashmina (for wrapping up on those cool spring or autumn evenings, when it’s still too warm for a fleece)
- An evening dress (you might need one for an evening meal!)
- Underwear (think bras, socks, knickers, etc)
- Pyjamas/nightwear
- A bikini or swimsuit (fingers crossed that your retreat is by the sea or has a private pool!)
- Kaftan (so as not to feel cold or to cover up)
Footwear
We already know that shoes are not required for yoga classes, but you may want to bring along the following pairs of shoes:
- One pair of flip flops (for roaming around the retreat)
- Trainers or walking shoes (most yoga retreats incorporate walks, treks or hikes into the itinerary, so be sure to pack some walking shoes so that you can participate in any outdoor activities!)
- Evening sandals (because if you need that evening dress, you’ll likely want to take some comfy sandals to wear with it)
Yoga Equipment
Some yoga retreats may (and likely will!) offer their own yoga equipment for guests to use freely. That said, regular yogis might have their own items that they want to bring along with them. If you’re new to yoga practice and would like to purchase your own equipment, here are some of the things you might want to buy. Alternatively, you can always check with your yoga retreat whether they provide these for you.
- Yoga mat (the most obvious of all! We absolutely love Cork Yogis yoga mats – not only are they sustainable, but naturally antibacterial!)
- Yoga block
- Blanket for meditation
- Lacrosse balls
- A small towel
- Yoga straps
- Mat wipes
Toiletries
Depending on the yoga retreat booked, some toiletries such as shower gels and shampoo may already be available without you having to pack your own – but if you have your preferred brands then don’t forget to pack them in along with your toothbrush!
- Hair products: shampoo, conditioner, brush
- Personal hygiene: shower gel or soap, deodorant & body lotion (this may be extra for some, but since this is a weekend all about you, why NOT be extra?!)
- Toothpaste & toothbrush
- Skincare (even if you pack no skincare at all, make sure that you don’t forget your sun screen!)
- Makeup (but take it from us, there really is no need for it!)
Additional Extras to Pack for a Yoga Retreat
Think of this section as ‘nice to have’ suggestions rather than necessities! Just a few items that you may want to add to your packing checklist if you have a little more space in your travel bag (although if you’re already running short on space, you may want to invest in some Eagle Creek Compression Cubes, which are great for compressing clothes and allowing more space).
- Mobile / mobile charger / headphones (but if you can, we highly recommend leaving your phone behind so that you benefit from a digital detox!)
- Sunglasses (and perhaps a sunhat?)
- A hair dryer and hair ties (because the last thing you want is to be caught in a yoga class without being able to put your hair up)
- Bug repellent
- Paracetamol, plasters, antihistamines (the kind of meds you’ll find in all kinds of packing lists)
- Snacks (whilst food is likely provided, some people may want to bring along some snacks in case they get peckish throughout the day)
- Camera and camera charger
- Reading book
- Reusable water bottle
- A journal and pen (because you’ll likely want to document your experience and perhaps even take up journaling!)
- Universal adapter (if travelling internationally)
- Flashlight (unless travelling with your mobile, then you probably won’t need one)
The Right Mentality for a Yoga Retreat
Last but not least, don’t forget to sign up for a weekend yoga retreat with the right mindset – and that means a whole load of positivity and an open mind! Whilst a weekend may be a short time to experience a yoga retreat, don’t underestimate how many benefits you stand to reap from spending just a few days away from the daily grind! You’ll come away feeling refreshed, restored and revitalised, and ready to tackle another week. And after all, isn’t it about time you treated yourself?
A Printable / Downloadable Weekend Yoga Retreat Packing List
To make life a little easier for you, just enter your email address below and a printable PDF yoga retreat packing list will be sent directly to your inbox!
Anyone looking for more female travel packing tips for long-haul flights might want to check out our article on everything you might need for your upcoming plane journey.
Not yet convinced that you should take up yoga? Check out our favourite uplifting and inspiring yoga quotes that are guaranteed to get you started.
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Sarah is a syndicated freelance writer and editor of Dukes Avenue. She founded Dukes Avenue in 2018 as a creative outlet while working at a London hedge fund. What initially started as a small blog has become a widely read luxury lifestyle online publication targeted at the modern woman, with content curated to inspire readers to live their best and most fulfilled lives. Sarah has lived in London, Malta, and, most recently, the United Arab Emirates and uses her travels and experiences to inspire much of the content.
