As yoga retreats continue to rise in popularity, boutique hotels and retreat centers have a unique opportunity to attract wellness travelers by curating exceptional experiences. Yoga retreats are no longer just about yoga classes—they’re about creating an immersive journey that blends mindfulness, adventure, and culture.
If you’re looking for ideas to make your property irresistible to retreat leaders, here’s a list of the most popular activities yoga retreats are incorporating today. Use this as inspiration to craft a retreat offering that stands out in a competitive market.
1. Surfing: Where Yoga Meets the Waves
For properties near the ocean, offering a yoga-and-surfing experience is a natural fit. Morning yoga sessions help guests center themselves, while afternoons on the waves provide a thrilling and active way to connect with nature. Adding surf lessons or partnerships with local instructors can elevate your retreat’s appeal.
2. Paddleboarding, Snorkeling, and Other Water Adventures
Water-based activities are a huge hit with yoga retreat attendees. Paddleboarding yoga, snorkeling excursions, kayaking, or trips to nearby waterfalls allow guests to deepen their mindfulness practice while enjoying the serenity of water.
3. Nature Walks, Hiking, and Trekking
Many retreat leaders incorporate hiking into their schedules, whether it’s a guided nature walk or a trek to a landmark like Machu Picchu. If your property is near scenic trails, consider highlighting these in your retreat packages. Offering guided hikes or maps of local routes can add extra value for retreat organizers.
4. Winter Sports: Yoga in Snowy Settings
If your property is located in a cold-weather destination, combine yoga with winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or snowshoeing. These activities attract guests who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation, creating a unique selling point for your retreat.
5. Dancing: Movement Beyond the Mat
Adding dance activities like salsa or ecstatic dance can appeal to retreat-goers looking for fun ways to improve flexibility, body awareness, and confidence. This is an excellent offering for properties with access to open spaces or studios.
6. Cultural Experiences: Dive Into the Destination
Guests attending yoga retreats love to explore local culture. Offering activities like cooking classes, winery tours, or visits to nearby towns can enrich their experience. If your property is in a culturally vibrant area, consider collaborating with local artisans or chefs to create authentic experiences.
7. Yoga and Wildlife: The Safari Experience
Properties near wildlife reserves or natural sanctuaries can host yoga safaris, giving guests the opportunity to practice mindfulness while connecting with nature and wildlife. This pairing is particularly appealing for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural world.
8. Volunteering Opportunities
Purpose-driven retreats are growing in demand. Offering volunteering opportunities—such as beach cleanups, teaching yoga in local schools, or working with community projects—can help retreat leaders create a meaningful experience for their guests.
9. Silent Walks: A Peaceful Start to the Day
Silent walks are increasingly popular in yoga retreats as a calming way to begin the day. If your property has scenic grounds or access to peaceful trails, this simple yet powerful activity can be a valuable addition.
10. Workshops and Educational Opportunities
Retreat leaders often seek to include workshops, from mindfulness techniques to yoga philosophy. If your property has a conference room or open space, make it available for such sessions. You could also collaborate with local wellness experts to provide unique offerings like sound healing or aromatherapy workshops.
The Business Benefits of Offering Popular Yoga Retreat Activities
Incorporating these activities into your retreat packages not only attracts yoga retreat leaders but also positions your property as a destination of choice for high-value wellness travelers. Here’s why:
Retreat leaders love unique offerings. By helping them plan activities, you make their job easier and increase the likelihood they’ll book with you again.
Wellness travelers spend more. International wellness tourists spend 41% more per trip than the average traveler. This means you can boost revenue significantly with just a few well-planned retreats.
Yoga retreats are in demand. With bookings up 30% year-over-year, offering activities that align with current trends ensures your property stays competitive.
Add $300k- to $1M in new revenue with yoga retreats
Learn how to position your property as a retreat leader’s dream destination? Stay tuned for our upcoming $1M Retreats Course for Hotels, where we’ll show you how to start adding tens of thousands in new revenue—all without paid ads.
Make this year the one where your property becomes a top destination for wellness travelers.
