The benefits of going on retreat - literally, retreating - have long been known. But the search for spiritual nourishment by learning yoga, meditation or by going on dextox, is stronger than ever. Meera Vohora takes a look at the fast-growing market.
The search for time out away from the rat-race is more pressing than ever: according to survey earlier this year, eight in ten workers feel they are unable to cope with demands made of them at least some of the time and more than half suffered ill health as a result of stress at work.
The growth of the retreats market has also been propelled by the desire for a holiday with a twist; as many as 69% of Brits are now saying goodbye to the traditional two week beach break and heading for more unusual activities, according to a Norwich Union report.
Yoga still features strongly, but the list of activities is growing fast, and now includes breaks focusing on life coaching, silence, meditation, surfing and reading.
Experiences overtake beach time
As a result, retreats and wellbeing holidays have taken the world by storm and several new companies have launched to serve consumers' growing appetite for R&R with some contemplation thrown in.
Zoe Stebbing, director of retreat website Lotus Journeys, confirms this shift: "We offer our customers wider experiences, not just yoga - detox, fitness, hiking, surfing. Retreats have become very popular as holidays are becoming more purposeful and holistic. People are stressed out and are looking for healthier breaks."
Victoria McClelland, product development director at travel company Wellbeing Escapes adds. "Retreats offer authenticity. People are leading busy lives and as a result, there are a growing number of people who know what they want from a holiday."
The Global Retreat Centre in Oxfordshire, offers participants a chance to restore balance and focus to their lives through solitude, silence and the study of spiritual values.
Gopi Patel, teacher and events coordinator, says: "In the search to manage the fast pace, many people are losing their connection with themselves and have recognized the need to re-empower themselves spiritually."
"Stress has always been there", qualifies Kerry Cousiounis, founder of The Spirit of Life Centre in Southern Greece. "What's happened now is that people don't just want to sit on the beach all day. They want the flexibility of a holiday whilst at the same time following a programme."
This holds true with both Wellbeing Escapes and Lotus Journeys, both of which offer boutique and personal experiences.
Chris Paris, a dedicated full time yoga teacher at Yogamaroc, which offers Ashram-style retreats in and around Morocco, has also noticed the shift.
"People want authenticity not plastic now. They are not fooled by glossy brochures in the same way they used to be. More activity and action holidays are happening because you get a real and interactive experience where you are faced with challenges."
Retreats or holidays?
As the market becomes increasingly competitive, many resorts are calling themselves retreats - but do they really understand this specialised marketplace?
McClelland comments: "I am against yoga teachers just setting up retreats. Increasingly customers are looking for lots of different experiences, some in comfort with good quality food, not just the basics."
But what's the difference between a retreat and a holiday? Yogamaroc's Paris comments: "On a yoga holiday, you can take as much or as little of the yoga as you like but on the retreat, you are expected to try and follow the whole program.
"There are a lot more people now who practice yoga to a very high level, and so want a more concentrated experience. This is what is driving the yoga retreat market."
Simply put, a yoga holiday is primarily an activity break. The atmosphere is often relaxed, and it is usually a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people. On a retreat, the yoga schedule is likely to be more intense, possibly including some meditation. The main focus is to deepen your yoga practice. "
So who goes on retreat?
The majority are women. As Stebbing puts it: "Young professionals with disposable income looking for relaxation," says Stebbing.
However, the market is changing. Stebbing has noticed a shift towards more men looking for a health break, and The International Spa Association (ISPA) reports that men now make up 36 percent of spa travellers.
Traditionally a solitary experience, there is now also a growing trend amongst couples.
Just how do people feel after going on these retreats? Feedback from two Lotus Journey's clients who went on retreats in Europe and India last year are that both loved their experiences:
One reports: "It was a unique, amazing experience, surrounded on three sides by the sea practising asanas in the blackness of the night and the food was delicious fresh fish and local curries."
Whatever your choice of retreat, the need for simplicity, time out and peace of mind are likely to figure high on the individual wish list. The market has never been better placed to cater for the "me time" drive.
Meera Vohora is a life coach and freelance PR. She can be contacted at: m.vohora@btinternet.com or on 0845 833 1374
Image source: Kindly provided by Lotus Journeys
