InRetreat curates transformative, life-defining retreats that attract like-minded guests from around the world. Each retreat is unique and every detail on retreat is thoughtfully planned and carried out with the utmost care. All guests are invited to connect, to slow down, to rejuvenate and to soak up the wonder and awe of travel. Arrival day has its own energy of anticipation and excitement, and each journey for each guest has its own story. We asked some of our repeat guests what arrival day feels like for them, as they leave their everyday responsibilities behind and embark on a fully immersive ‘in’ retreat.

Article chapters:

The first day of retreat in Laura’s words
The first day of retreat in Sabeeha’s words
The first day of retreat in Elodie’s words
The first day of retreat in Robbin’s words
The first day of retreat in Debbie’s words
What typically happens on arrival day?
What if I’m feeling apprehensive or nervous?

The first day of retreat in Laura’s words

“Heart thrumming in my chest, mind spinning with a bit of anxiety over what I had gotten myself into — as I am not normally a person prone to group travel — I was keyed up about spending time with a small group of people exploring a place I hadn’t been before. But once I met up with Nina, I was immediately reassured by her calm demeanor, welcoming vibe, and genuine good nature. In those first few hours of the trip, all her advanced planning, attention to detail, genuine concern for others’ well-being all came to bear and I knew I was going to experience something extraordinary, something that would inspire me to grow beyond my previous self and open me up to the magic of adventure travel once again.”

InRetreats Laura has attended: Kenya 2023; Switzerland 2024

The first day of retreat in Sabeeha’s words

“Kenya :

From being collected before customs to baggage collection and being driven and dropped off to my hotel reception in the wee parts of the morning (I believe I landed at like 2am) - I felt immediately safe, relaxed and held (in a way where you feel complete and utter trust). It was my first glimpse into what luxury feels like beyond the glitz and glamour- but the small details in between.

Italy :

I remember feeling like royalty, being picked up at my hotel and driven in this beautiful van to the magestic rolling hills of Umbria. That feeling of reconnection with an old friend, the comfort of having everything planned and taken care of. It was so easy to switch into holiday mode.

India ":

The first morning yoga session was so healing after a long travel day and from that moment onwards I knew I could safely and confidently shut my overthinking and overplanning brain off and handover to you to have all my needs be so well taken care off (I start here because the pickup and hotel drop off the previous day was now a luxury I had come to expect and watching my brother experience it for the first time brought me such joy - I remember saying to him, you will leave from this so spoilt).”

InRetreats Sabeeha has attended: Kenya 2023; Umbria 2023; India 2026

*Sabeeha with her brother on retreat in India*

The first day of retreat in Elodie’s words

“My first InRetreat day was on a yoga and trekking retreat in Switzerland back in 2023 — I'd joined at the last minute, and I remember standing at the meeting point feeling unusually light. No logistics to manage, no details to worry about, just a quiet excitement and a sense of ease I hadn't expected. That feeling of being able to fully switch off and simply be is exactly why, three years later, I chose InRetreat again for a retreat in India — and told my friend who joined me: we just need to show up and let go, everything else will be taken care of.”

InRetreats Elodie has attended: Switzerland 2023; India 2026

*Elodie (back row, second from the right) on retreat in Switzerland.*

The first day of retreat in Robbin’s words

“The first day of my InRetreat is always filled with excitement and anticipation. I look forward to meeting the other InRetreat yogis in Opening Circle and experiencing our first yoga practice of the retreat together. The day is capped off with a fun welcome dinner as we spend time getting to know one another and learn more about what’s in store for us in the days ahead!”

InRetreats Robbin has attended: Croatia 2023; Tuscany 2024; Morocco 2025; India 2026

The first day of retreat in Debbie’s words

“The first day of the InRetreat yoga journey feels like stepping out of your life and into a space filled with both calm and excited anticipation of what’s ahead. Sharing this treasured time with others in the group becomes its own kind of therapy as we are all seeking the same thing - a space to renew and find clarity. I go into each retreat with the knowledge I will be led to that place of renewal in the very best ways imaginable and I am never disappointed!”

InRetreats Debbie has attended: Croatia 2023; Tuscany 2024; Morocco 2025; India 2026

What typically happens on arrival day?

It is important to remember that each InRetreat is different, and so there is no set routine for arrival day. On some retreats, where guests are travelling far to get there, we arrange VIP airport meet and greet, and a taxi transfer to the hotel. Depending on their arrival time, they may have some time to unpack and settle in. We often place welcome notes and gifts for guests in their rooms. Preferably, there is an opening circle set for around 5pm, when everyone gets to meet each other and hear about the exciting itinerary we have planned for the retreat. We also might integrate some mindful movement and yoga into this opening session, so we can unwind from the stress (and back and hip strain) of travel. We then usually have time to freshen up and to meet for an opening toast and welcome dinner.

That said, there have been retreats where the first day looks different! Regardless, it is curated to ensure zero-stress and admin for you, and maximum time to unwind and connect.

What if I’m feeling apprehensive or nervous?

It is understandable that embarking on a new trip with strangers can be initimidating. Travel is a priviledge and joy, but it can also be draining and tiresome. This is why we often recommend to guests that if they have a long flight to get to the retreat location, or have had a partcularly stressful lead-up to the retreat, it is preferable that they arrive a day early. This allows you time to catch up on sleep and get your bearings. Many times, we can arrange the pre-retreat night for you at an advantageous rate. The other tip we would recommend if you are a nervous traveller, is that you book a retreat with a friend or family member - our retreats commonly have a mix of solo travellers and small groups of friends or family. This way, you can share the experience with someone close to you, and feel the comfort of their presence. Lastly. we would recommend that you ask Nina for a video call before the retreat start. This means you can meet her and ask those last minute questions and concerns that have been causing you anxiety.

We take pride in how relaxed and laid-back and open everyone is on departure day!

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