Why go on a yoga retreat?
A retreat isn’t an escape from life but a return to it. It's a chance to step away from the noise, turn inward, and reawaken the parts of yourself that daily life often dulls. Through yoga, self-inquiry, time in nature, and connection with others, you begin to feel more present, more alive, and more yourself. It’s not just travel. It’s a transformation that brings you back home renewed, and realigned with what matters.
RETREAT FAQ
I'm Imogen Houldsworth, an independent yoga teacher based in London. I lead heart-led yoga retreats in the UK and abroad, blending dynamic, energising practices with moments of stillness and reflection.
I handpick unique, inspiring venues in naturally beautiful locations immersed in nature. With intelligently sequenced practices, engaging workshops, and a warm, grounded atmosphere, I create experiences that are challenging, playful, and supportive, all away from the demands of daily life.
With a love for both yoga and travel, I guide each retreat with care and curiosity, welcoming everyone whether you're new to yoga or a more experienced practitioner.
When I’m not curating retreats, I teach across London, assist on teacher training courses, and continue learning from my own mentors. I’m also a big lover of art, culture, and exploring new places, both near and far.
Mornings are long, dynamic vinyasa sessions set to steady 4Beat music, with space to drop deeper into breath, meditation, and a proper savasana. Evenings slow right down with Yin, Nidra or Pranayama to help you unwind, reset your nervous system, and land back in yourself.
Often there is a workshop included and the topic can vary.
Everyone is welcome on retreat, and as always, everything is optional. I am experienced in offering options and challenges for experienced yogis and newer ones alike.
Most days include an dynamic morning vinyasa and a slower restorative session in the afternoon. If you’re newer to yoga or just want to take it easy, you’re welcome to join the afternoon practices and morning meditation only, or come along to everything. It’s entirely up to you.
All of my retreats are open to all levels of ability, however, I recommend complete beginners to attend a few yoga classes to pick up the basics should they want to join the morning dynamic practices.
If you have the chance, It's always a good idea to try a few classes with me prior to the retreat.
Absolutely! I schedule downtime in our daily itinerary for you to hang with your new mates, kick back by the pool with a good book, or head out to explore more of your chosen destination. This isn't yoga bootcamp, this is your holiday, and although I love to push your practice, I also give plenty time for rest, recovery and chill time.
There are often activities that can be booked at extra cost or are naturally free. This will vary from location to location and can include the beach, historic sites, boat tours, visit to local towns, bike riding. Massages and spa treatments are often available at extra cost.
While many come imagining they want a packed itinerary from the habituated hustle at home , by day three there’s usually a nervous system downshift, and what felt like not enough now feels like more than enough. That’s when the real magic starts to unfold. Less truly is more.
Retreats offer two yoga classes daily in the morning and evening. In general the morning practice is dynamic and the evening will consist of a workshop, or gentle and restorative practice. A yoga free day or two half days may be offered for retreats lasting a week or more. There may be half yoga day on retreats where there is a long excursion in the daytime.
Example schedule:
08:00 Silent tea and coffee
08:30 Morning kriya followed by dynamic vinyasa.
10:30 Long relaxed late breakfast / brunch
12:00 Free time to read, head out on an excursion, explore
14:30 Light lunch
15:30 Massage, swim, journal
16:30 Workshop, or evening relaxing practice
18:30 Rest, change
19:30 Dinner, chats, stargazing
22:00 Silent time
You must be an adult to attend retreat with me. This is a child free retreat.
Yes for sure! The vast majority of guests join retreats as solo travellers. I might be biased, but yoga retreats really are the best way to meet like-minded people with a shared loved of practice and travel.
Absolutely. I ask that your chosen buddy will be an enthusiastic participant who also wants to immerse themselves in the retreat experience. Non-yoga partners may be most comfortable attending the relaxed evening sessions, and so this is something to consider.
You can book solo rooms, or a twin, or dorm room if you wish. You can of course book a double bed room with shared bed if you're happy to share with your bestie.
No! All of my yoga sequences and practices are designed to be challenging but adaptable for different levels of yoga experience and any injuries, and are programmed so that everyone can work at their own pace and ability.
That being said, having a decent base of yoga practice before coming on a retreat with us is a good idea - this will ensure you know the basics and your body is ready and prepared for a full week of dynamic practice. This doesn't mean you need to be an athlete or have a daily asana practice, just that you're aware of how to move your body, take of yourself, have a regular routine established, and overall, that you're game to get stuck in to deepen your practice and experience of yoga.
Group size can vary greatly from 5 to 20 people.
It depends on the retreat. What is included can vary, so please check the individual retreat listing carefully.
Generally speaking, yoga, meals as indicated, and lodgings are included.
Extras such as spa treatments, transfers and excursions are often not-included.
You must purchase your own travel, airfare, travel insurance, and can choose to add speciality beverages or treatments to your resort tab (or pay the vendor directly).
50% deposit is required on booking. All payments must be complete in full by the balance due date listed. Please review the retreat Terms and Conditions for full payment details and cancellation charges.
Travel is not included. You must arrange your own travel, whether that be flights, car, train or bus. I am happy to offer advise.
For foreign yoga retreats, I endeavour to assist group transfers from the airport where possible. Transfers are usually at an additional cost.
Please refer to the Retreat Terms and Conditions.
Yes! Your retreat booking doesn’t include travel or health insurance, so we strongly recommend you arrange your own. No one plans to cancel, but life happens, and insurance can help protect your investment if something unexpected comes up. The same goes for illness or accidents while you're away. It’s a small step for peace of mind.
I require a minimum number of attendees to host each retreat. After I have met this minimum I will notify the group and confirm the retreat is going ahead.
Each retreat will have a deadline where I will cancel the retreat if I haven't met the minimum. Should I need to cancel the retreat upon this deadline, I will refund your deposit and any other payments that have been made to me.
Before I have confirmed I have met the minimum require sign-ups and the retreat is going ahead, please do not buy non-refundable transport tickets. If you prefer to purchase tickets prior to my go-ahead, you will need to purchase fully refundable tickets.
For foreign retreats you should arrive on the start date of the retreat and depart on the last day. In general there are no yoga classes on travel days.
For two and three night UK retreats arrival is usually in the afternoon on the first day and departure after brunch or lunch on the last day.
Each retreat varies slightly, please check the listing.
As a small business I require a minimum number of attendees to host each retreat. After I have met this minimum I will notify the group and confirm the retreat is going ahead.
Before I have confirmed I have met the minimum require sign-ups and the retreat is going ahead, please do not buy non-refundable extra purchases towards the retreat.
Each retreat will have a deadline where I will cancel the retreat if I haven't met the minimum. Should I need to cancel the retreat upon this deadline, I will refund your deposit and any other payments that have been made to me. I cannot reimburse purchases made outside of my organisation.
However, I do recommend that you research and buy travel insurance to ensure you are covered as soon as possible after paying your deposit. This is to be sure that should anything happen to you that would mean you need to cancel your attendance on the retreat, that you are covered. Travel insurance is a small price to pay for peace of mind. I remain non-liable to cover the cost of your travel insurance.
Please check and research any recommended vaccinations, and research visa requirements based on your passport and personal circumstances. These details vary depending on your health history and nationality, so it’s important to look into what you’ll need well in advance.
Most venues supply yoga props and mats, however, check the specific retreat listing. Feel welcome to bring along your favourite yoga mat and props if you like.
A light blanket or sarong is good for savasana. Bring your journal, yoga clothes, comfy clothes for the destination, swimmers, sunhat, sunscreen, walking shoes, and your open mind.
In general, all food offered on retreat is vegetarian. At some venues there are meat or fish options available so please check the specific retreat listing.
There is space on your registration to share important dietary needs with me so that I can forward that to our chef. From here I can confirm if your specific request can be catered towards.
Some venues offer alcohol at an additional cost, or allow you to bring your own for a glass with your evening meal.
Advise on money and currency will be given beforehand for each retreat.
Most venues but not all offer wifi. If access is not available at the centre itself, usually there will be access in a local town should you need it. You will need to arrange your own travel and research to accommodate this necessity.
If you have any concerns or issues that arise during the retreat please feel welcome to come and speak to me. It is always best to do this during the retreat so I can try and resolve the issue there and then.
I offer bespoke gift vouchers for any amount with a personalised message. They can be used without time constraint as part or full payment toward a retreat with me. Email me to arrange.
I’m delighted to share that guests span an even mix of ages, from early 20s to late 40s, so you could say we average around the mid-30s. I welcome all relaxed souls who value their yoga practice. If you’re ready to take on whatever I throw at you with courage, and you enjoy connecting with a diverse mix of people, we’d love to have you join us!
For sure. Once you're booked onto the trip, I'll be in touch to get all of this info from you. Our chefs can cater to most dietary needs and will cook up a variety of big beautiful variety of delicious food, meal after meal!