Yoga Retreats are the absolute heart of my teaching!
I’ve been hosting Yoga + Meditation Retreats since 2005 all over NSW, Bali, Fiji, Tuscany and Sri Lanka and I have always felt it’s when the teacher in me absolutely THRIVES. It is on retreat my heart truly shines and I embody my purpose, my Dharma to teach Yoga. I LOVE that I get more than just the one hour class with my students, allowing me to share the gifts of Yoga I feel so very blessed to have been immersed in the last 30+ years. Yoga has offered me so much that I am loving the way I’m living into my 50’s, I’ve moved through many painful physical challenges and life experiences and I get to share with others what I KNOW WORKS (learn more about my journey here). On retreat there’s time to go deeper into the breath, the body, the mind ~ THIS is what true Yoga is, self-study and establishing an unwavering connection to Self. Longer daily sessions, day after day exploring and exposing old patterns of movement and breathing so that new practices can be learnt and embedded, the nervous system learns and adapts by repetition. Change is inevitable when we give light to and release tensions ~ both physical and emotional, that are otherwise concealed by our regular day-to-day activities and busyness. The educator in me loves to learn about each individual so I can offer more to suit unique needs, I have over 22 years of body work and functional movement knowledge that has offered my own (somewhat miraculous) rehabilitation and 1000s of students (read testimonials here) the same. The nurturer in me loves to witness the process of my students healing by gifting themselves the attention and time when breaking away from the norm and being spoilt with nutritious food prepared, a beautiful retreat location and facilities, high quality therapies onsite and the company of like-minded souls. The wanderlust adventurer in me loves to offer my students a safe, organised, care-free opportunity to explore somewhere new, being guided by my experience of travelling to these locations time and time again.
On my retreats you can expect a 1.5hr morning practice of self-exploration in breath awareness, in mindful movement, taking notice of patterns in thought and emotions. Safe functional movement that includes core activation with an understanding of correct functional breathing to then thread into Yoga Asana. A 1.5-2hr afternoon practice of deeply restorative and gentle poses with various breathing techniques leading into guided meditations. I have over 1900hrs of Yoga teacher trainings and 22yrs experience teaching, the foundation of my teachings are from the Yogalates Method. The practices I share assist in improving sleep, regulating heart rate, balancing hormones, pain management, rehabilitating from injuries, managing anxiety and depression AND are accessible to many levels of experience, fitness, or with injuries and conditions. My retreats include nutritious meals, access to quality onsite therapists for treatments, free time 9am-4pm to explore or to chillax, time for reflection and journalling, optional workshops and tours. You get to take my teachings home with you for the month to follow with my Inspya Me Online online Yoga + Meditation Studio - try it now with a 3 Day FREE Trial! Check out my up coming Breathe + Move Yoga Retreats here.
Thinking of a Yoga Retreat? Here’s why they matter and how to choose the right one for You;
A retreat is more than a getaway. It’s an intentional pause designed to reset your body, calm your nervous system and realign priorities so you return to daily life clearer, healthier and more resilient. For anyone who practices Yoga, meditation, breath work or Pilates, a retreat can deepen your practice, provide expert guidance and create the space needed for real change.
What a retreat can do for you;
Regulates your nervous system: time away from routine stressors reduces sympathetic “fight-or-flight-or-freeze” activation and gives your parasympathetic system room to restore digestion, sleep, and emotional regulation.
Intensifies learning: daily guided and themed workshop sessions are an education, far more than sporadic class attendance.
Builds consistency: repeating movement, breath work and meditation in a concentrated timeframe helps create new neural pathways and healthy habits that endure after you return home.
Offers space for integration: without constant inputs and obligations, insights from practice can surface and crystallise into practical life changes.
Creates community: shared practice with like-minded participants fosters connection, accountability and often lasting friendships.
Types of retreats and what to expect;
Yoga + Meditation Retreats: Emphasis on asana (postures), meditation, and often philosophical discussions. Expect daily group classes, guided meditations and time for reflection.
Wellness and Detox Retreats: Include nutrition plans, cleansing protocols and wellness workshops along with movement and mindfulness practices.
Yogalates / Pilates-Focused Retreats: blend Pilates and yoga principles for core strength, alignment, and functional movement. Great for students seeking body awareness and injury prevention.
Breath work and Meditation Intensives: centered on pranayama, conscious breathing techniques and deep meditation. These retreats can produce rapid shifts in stress response and emotional balance.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Retreats: tailored for injury recovery, chronic pain or mobility issues. Led by trained therapists and teachers who adapt practices to support healing.
Silent or Mindfulness Retreats: little to no group conversation; the focus is inward with extended meditation sessions and mindful living practices.
Destination Retreats (leisure + practice): combine structured practice with cultural or nature-based activities—hiking, beach time, culinary experiences—offering balance between exploration and inner work.
How to choose the right retreat for you;
Clarify your intention: Are you seeking relaxation, transformation, skill development, recovery from injury, or community?
Consider the teacher and curriculum: Look for teachers with relevant certifications, teaching experience, and a teaching style that resonates with you. Read sample schedules to ensure the balance of practice, workshops, and free time fits your needs.
Check group size and structure: Smaller groups allow for more individualized attention and tailored modifications; larger retreats can create energetic group dynamics and networking opportunities.
Review the daily schedule: Some retreats are intensive (multiple practices per day), while others are gentle with ample downtime. Match the daily rhythm to your energy and recovery needs.
Assess accommodations and logistics: Consider location, travel accessibility, lodging quality and food offerings—especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Ask about support for injuries or limitations: For therapeutic goals, verify that teachers can offer modifications and that the retreat is equipped for rehabilitation work.
Budget vs value: Retreats vary widely in price. Evaluate what’s included—meals, lodging, workshops, one-on-one sessions—to compare true value rather than headline cost.
Preparing for a retreat;
Set a clear intention and write it down; revisit it during the retreat.
Reduce stimulants (caffeine, alcohol) in the week before to ease adjustment.
Pack essentials for comfort and practice: supportive layers, a travel mat or towel if you prefer your own, props if you have specific needs, a journal, and any personal medications.
Communicate health needs in advance: share injuries, chronic conditions, or dietary needs so teachers can prepare.
Arrive with an open, flexible mindset—retreats work best when you surrender to the process rather than over-schedule yourself.
What to do after the retreat;
Integrate gently: Bring back one or two key practices rather than trying to replicate the whole retreat schedule immediately.
Keep a simple daily routine: even 10–20 minutes of breathwork or movement daily sustains the benefits.
Review your notes and intention: Identify one measurable change to commit to for the next month.
Seek community: Join a local class or online group to maintain momentum and accountability.
I hope this helps you find and experience a retreat that works for you.
Namaste
Nic Dorsch
