Browse the World's Best Yoga Teacher Training Retreats
Who is a yoga teacher training retreat for?
A yoga teacher training course is for anyone with a passion for yoga.
It doesn't matter if you're a complete beginner with only a few weeks of yoga training, or a seasoned yogi who has years of experience in multiple yoga styles around the world.
You'll find a wide range of retreats, with each tailored to a specific yoga style, level and yogic lifestyle. Some even cater to all levels, with highly trained teachers that adapt classes to your needs.
Yoga teacher training retreats are particularly suited for beginners who want to learn more about the ancient practice in a safe and supportive setting, or are looking for a new career path.
These intensive programmes are also ideal for those interested in deepening their discipline in a beautiful location and making real connections with like-minded yogis from all walks of life
Why go on a yoga teacher training retreat abroad?
Online yoga training courses and programmes close to home might offer a great introduction with course materials that cover yoga postures, anatomy and yogic philosophy, but a yoga teacher training retreat abroad is much more immersive.
On an overseas yoga teacher training course, you'll be pushed out of your comfort zone and experience a new practice like never before.
Classes are usually small and intimate, allowing you to bond with other yogis and receive personalised guidance and support from your yoga instructor throughout the retreat.
A yoga teacher training retreat is also a great way to travel and explore a new country.
Many retreats will include
outdoor adventures in nature, spa treatments, temple tours and delicious local feasts, allowing yogis to experience a new culture while deepening their chosen discipline.
What to consider when choosing a yoga teacher training programme?
Before you can pack your bags and embark on an intensive yoga teacher training retreat in a tropical paradise, there are a few things you need to consider.
If you have a full-time office job that requires you to be in the city five days a week, can you take time off work? And if so, how many days?
Depending on the programme, the length of a yoga teacher training course can be anywhere from 5 days to 50. Check your schedule and decide what you can commit to first before you book a month-long retreat.
There is also an incredible range of yoga styles to choose from.
You can go on a Hatha yoga retreat and flow through restorative asanas, or get your heart racing on a Hot yoga teacher training course with dynamic poses and daily meditation.
Apart from the yoga style, the course level is also an important factor to keep in mind.
Aspiring teachers that have never been on a yoga instructor course generally want to go for a 100-hour beginners course, while more experienced practitioners can choose from 300 to 500-hour yoga teacher training courses.
What else can I expect from a yoga teacher training retreat?
Although daily yoga practice, meditation and comprehensive lessons take up the bulk of a yoga teacher training retreat, yogis can look forward to a number of other activities.
Many yoga schools and retreat centres feature additional facilities like jacuzzis, swimming pools, saunas and spas to help yogis relax and unwind after a long day of learning.
If you’re interested in exploring a new culture and environment, there’s the option to combine your practice with various outdoor activities such as cave and temple tours, hiking excursions, surf lessons, and day trips to historical sites and local villages.
Top tips for aspiring yoga teachers
Whether it's your first time going on a yoga teacher training retreat or fiftieth, diving into a new yoga style in a strange country is a challenge.
You'll have to push yourself out of your comfort zone and grasp tricky techniques in a completely new environment.
It might sound a bit terrifying at first, but it's the best way to kick off your yoga teaching career, meet like-minded yogis and master a new practice.
To make the most out of your journey, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Popular yoga teacher training courses
When it comes to yoga courses, the options are endless.
You can flow through various yoga styles on a multi-style retreat, delve into holistic healing with yoga therapy training, or even learn how to teach yoga while balancing on a stand up paddleboard in the ocean.
Some of the most popular teacher training courses include:
- Hatha
- Vinyasa
- Bikram
- Yin
- Tantra
- Ayurveda
- Iyengar
- Ashtanga
- Prenatal
- SUP yoga
Choosing a course will depend entirely on the purpose of your retreat. Ask yourself if it is purely a personal practice, or if you're interested in pursuing yoga as a full-time career.
For those that are interested in becoming a qualified yoga teacher, you'll need to complete a 200-500-hour yoga instructor training course at a registered yoga school that is yoga alliance certified.
After completing the course and passing all the necessary tests, you'll be a registered yoga teacher (RYT) which will help you teach in yoga studios around the world.
Best destinations for a yoga teacher training retreat
Although there are many idyllic locations to dive deeper into your yoga studies, there are a few that stand out for their unique natural surroundings and spiritual roots.
These destinations are home to ancient knowledge, serene landscapes and renowned yoga schools, putting them at the top of any yogi's bucket list.
India
India is the motherland of yoga and Ayurveda.
In the sacred city of Rishikesh in
Uttarakhand, the holy river Ganga flows past golden pagodas and sacred temples.
Yoga therapy is a very popular course here, offering practitioners an authentic and in-depth study of holistic healing from respected gurus and healers.
The states of
Kerala and
Goa are ideal for those looking to fine-tune their practice in nature. Here, yogis can explore traditional shamanic healing in tranquil beach towns and dive into multi-style training courses with like-minded practitioners.
Indonesia
The next destination that should be on your list is
Bali in
Indonesia.
The small island is a renowned spiritual centre and a top spot to find your balance on a Yin yoga teacher training retreat. Yoga instructors and aspiring teachers trek from far and wide to soak up Bali’s powerful energies and ancient practices.
In
Ubud, yogis can practise teaching in a serene setting with daily trips to sacred temples and lush terraced rice fields.
Denpasar is a bit more lively, buzzing with tasty food markets and bizarre bedogols.
The United States
The United States might not be entrenched in ancient wisdom and spiritual healing practices, but its breathtaking natural landscapes make it a top location for
mindful yoga retreats and teacher training programmes.
In
Florida and
California, you'll find a plethora of yoga schools that offer high-quality courses in every style imaginable, from Kundalini and Vinyasa to spiritual and Sampoorna yoga training.
Cocoa Beach is also an idyllic spot for those yogis craving an intensive practice with plenty of sun, sea and surfing.
Southern Europe
Yogis can study the yoga sutras in a small class before plunging into surf lessons, restorative yoga on the beach or breathtaking hikes in the mountains.
If you're craving a sun-soaked getaway,
Spain won’t disappoint.
Practitioners can study key postures at a luxury retreat centre in the
Canary Islands, or build on their teaching toolkit in a beautiful
Barcelona villa.
In the serene
Aegean Sea, the islands of Santorini, Amorgos, and Kos are ideal for adventurous yogis, while the city of Athens promises transformative classes and awe-inspiring tours in the heart of Greece.
Italy and
Portugal are also popular destinations for a yoga teacher training retreat.
Aspiring instructors can pair their practice with refreshing outdoor adventures, relaxing spa treatments and delicious food and wine.
Join a yoga teacher training retreat and level up your practice in paradise
Whether you’re curious about Yin yoga or want to take the next step in your practice, a yoga teacher training retreat will not only teach you more about yoga, but yourself.
If you’re eager to elevate your skills and become a certified teacher, browse
Basubu and find the best yoga teacher training retreats in the world.
Master a new practice in paradise today with Basubu.