Welcome to the InRetreat Travel Journal: a space for yoga, travel and wellness musings
This article outlines the definition of sustainable tourism and regenerative tourism, detailing the origins of both movements. It also asks how these goals and criteria can be implemented, revealing how both terms can tend to grey areas and vague strategies of implementation, that could be seen as similar to ‘greenwashing’. It moves on to give examples of sustainable tourism vs regeneratie tourism, adopting a broad difference in terms of passive vs active involvement. Lastly, it outlines the measures and commitments InRetreat takes to support and adhere to sustainable and regenerative tourism.
An InRetreat solo traveller’s story: “When my burnout occurred, I knew I needed to get away. As scary as it was for me to go alone, I needed a break, and quick. When I came across Inretreat, I was sold. It offered everything my nervous system was craving: a beautiful setting, thoughtful organization, nourishing food, like-minded people, yoga and mindful practices, and a carefully curated program that provided both connection and the freedom to retreat into my own space when needed. Guided by an experienced group leader, it felt like exactly what I was looking for. My first retreat was at Vila Lena in Italy in 2022. My second was in Croatia in 2023, my third at Manshausen in Norway in 2024, and my fourth at Corte san Ruffillo in Northern Italy later that same year.”
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.
InRetreat offers two different retreat types: Group Retreats and Private Retreats. Group retreats are custom all-inclusive wellness travel packages in top eco-destinations around the world. There are usually 10-12 guests on the retreat and it is open to anyone to book, meaning that there are a mix of solo travellers and friends/couples. Private retreats are fully customised itineraries for solo travellers, or closed groups (2-12) who want the InRetreat experience, but exclusively for themselves. Private retreats can be with, or without, an InRetreat guide.
As more people seek alternative methods to enhance their skin's health, strength and appearance, face yoga has gained significant popularity among those passionate about natural beauty techniques. Discover more about enhancing your natural beauty through this unique approach to skincare and wellness.
Morocco combines vibrant culture, ancient medinas, and stunning landscapes from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains. Discover the best time to visit, explore the breathtaking Ourika Valley, immerse yourself in authentic Berber culture, and find all the reasons why Morocco should top your travel bucket list.
Sound is everywhere around us, and through vibrations, they affect the objects and bodies around them. As such, certain sounds and frequencies can promote healing and calm energy throughout our bodies and minds. Discover how sound baths, meditation, and vibrational therapy can enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing through mindful connection.
Mindfulness and meditation have emerged as powerful tools for maintaining mental health, and reconnecting with our minds, bodies and souls. This blog explores how our minds and bodies are connected, and why introducing mindfulness and meditation practices into your daily life can enhance your physical and mental wellbeing.
Cold water therapy has surged in popularity in recent years. Whether you're an athlete seeking enhanced recovery, dealing with inflammation, or simply looking to boost your mental and physical wellbeing, cold water therapy offers a natural and effective solution. This blog explores cold water therapy, how it works, different methods, practical safety tips for getting started, and how it can enhance your physical and mental health.
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting up close with majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and powerful elephants in their natural habitat, then an African safari is the adventure you’ve been waiting for. But beyond the excitement and awe, safaris play a crucial role in African tourism, conservation efforts, and local economies. This blog explores why safaris are so important for African tourism, especially for travelers who are eco-conscious and passionate about conservation.
This blog explores the therapeutic benefits of movement, focusing on hiking and yoga to enhance holistic health. It highlights how these activities improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. "Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." -- The Bhagavad Gita
We delve into the numerous reasons for embarking on a fitness retreat and highlight the many benefits they offer. For some, the idea of a fitness getaway might seem intimidating as it involves stepping outside of their comfort zone and deviating from their usual routines. However, embracing this challenge can be incredibly rewarding. Pushing yourself to try new things and continuously exploring your body and mind can lead to significant personal growth and a deeper understanding of your capabilities.
Many of us feel the need to be online and connected all the time, that's the fear of missing out putting us in a chokehold. In today's hyper-connected world, we're flooded with notifications, emails, and the never-ending scroll. That feeling is why we design immersive retreats, we're flipping the script and diving deep into the peace found in unplugging.
A high-altitude big day hike with some spectacular, otherworldly vistas. Recommended for those who are fit and sure on their feet. There can be sections of snow and ice to traverse over even in the height of summer. Make sure you align your hiking times with the cable car schedule (especially to be able return to Verbier!)…
This was one of the most scenic and enjoyable hikes of our entire time in the Swiss Alps. It is a challenging day out, with a couple of very steep sections. In particular, Col su Sarshlau is not to be attempted by those with vertigo. Avoid if the conditions are wet or slippery. The views are incredibly rewarding though…
This is a scenic, but accessible half-day hike. This is highly recommended for those who are not experienced hikers but still want to enjoy some dramatic views of the Grand Combin, and feel as though you are in high mountains. It is well marked and very secure underfoot the entire way…
These are some of the best novels set in Italy to inspire wanderlust and travel. I’ve made a selection of the top 7, with a healthy mix of genres, including history, crime, romance, and thriller. All have in common a superbly crafted landscape over which your imagination can roam…
Malina and I met in 2018 on a Botswana & Cape Town Yoga Safari. Malina was a guest on the retreat and we have stayed in touch over the years. She has had a varied career - journalism, communications, marketing, and business strategy - and is now turning her talents towards leadership coaching. Malina and I share a passion for adventure, nature, sailing and personal growth, and we decided to put together female leadership coaching experiences for you - in Italy and Norway…
Most of us have seen African animals in a zoo, or in a wildlife TV series or documentary. You might readily hear David Attenborough’s voice in your head, and perhaps you had a mangled collection of ‘Big Five’ soft toys that fed your imagination and wanderlust as a child. Seen in the wild, raw, and unspoilt African wilderness, these animals are something of a spiritual encounter…
When it comes to top spa destinations, people usually think of the elite Alpine resorts in Switzerland and Austria, Asian paradise settings, such as in Bali, or the Nordic saunas, steam-baths and ice-plunges in the Scandinavia. Croatia is a lesser known, yet no less impressive (and indulgent) spa destination. Travellers and spa-seekers alike are waking up to this and beginning to gravitate towards its stunning island resorts and inland retreats.
It is likely that you have heard yoga teachers casually announce in class that if you are on your ‘moon cycle’, or menstruating, you should avoid certain poses. Some yoga traditions - Ashtanga, for example - strongly advise against all yoga practice and exercise on the first few days on a woman’s cycle. This has been the ‘traditional approach’ …
Kenya is a top ecotourism destination. The top 6 lodges: Sirikoi; Olepangi Farm; Watamu Treehouse; Little Governors Camp; Porini Amboseli Lodge; Tawi Lodge.
What is ecotourism and sustainable tourism? Global tourism accounts for an estimated eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Tourism is a major international industry and a source of livelihood for hundreds of millions of people. The catchphrase from the Sustaining Tourism organization goes, “whilst not everything depends on tourism, tourism depends on everything”. What this means is that all aspects of the natural and manmade world - and where they intersect - are imperative to the continuation of tourism in any given area….
The northern white rhino species has been declared functionally extinct. The window period before the species is fully extinct is closing, as only two females remain in northern Kenya, Najin and Fatu. Najin is elderly and has health problems, Fatu is her daughter and although relatively young at 20 years, she cannot carry a calf to term. Scientists, spearheaded by a non-profit initiative, BioRescue, are on a mission to save the species by planting an embryo in a surrogate mother, Owuan, a southern white rhino…
In Ayurveda the menstruation cycle is considered to be a natural and powerful process of detoxification for the body that aligns to the 29.5 days of the lunar cycle. Like all bodily processes, menstruation is governed by the doshas. In fact, the cycle is divided up into different phases - Vata, Pitta, Kapha phases. If you have any imbalances in your constitution, you are likely to experience irregularities, pain, PMS, insomnia, and any number of difficulties…
There is no quick fix for anxiety disorder. As someone who has suffered from anxiety for much of my adolescent and adult life, I have learnt that it is best managed through implementing sustainable habits that you can integrate into your everyday routine. These include, enjoyable exercise; time in nature; a balanced, mindful eating routine; prioritising sleep; less screen and social media time; journalling; and meditation…
This is a useful and accessible introduction to yoga mudras, (sometimes called finger yoga), especially for those who are new to yoga. In this article we will explore the meaning of yoga mudras, the benefits, how to apply them into your practice, and some easy-to-follow examples of yoga mudras…
Is it safe to practice yoga on your period? To answer this question we have to begin looking at the philosophy of yoga: The same Vedic texts that the modern practice of Hatha yoga (yoga of postures and breathing techniques) are derived from are quite clear in their advocacy that a woman's cycle is both powerful and fragile. This is a time when you are 'full mooning'.
Aspects of yoga practice are concerned with the relational patterns between different areas on the hand and fingers and parts of the brain. Like the study of reflexology on the feet, the hands have been found to be highly sensitive, potent areas of neural and energy pathways and meridians. Drawing on this wisdom, it has become custom in some yoga practices to focus ...
The travel market is shifting towards three words: ‘meaningful’, ‘authentic’ and ‘wellness’. Particularly since the hiatus of the Covid pandemic, people have increasingly demanded more from travel. Without using AI, but rather leaning on my own lived experience as a travel business owner, I've put together a list of 9 ways you can make your next trip an enriching one.