What to Pack

When you’re heading off on a retreat, what you pack matters. It’s not about filling a case with ‘things’ but choosing what will support your rest, reflection, and a return to self.   

Here’s a few suggestions we believe will make your stay more comfortable but do ask if you’ve any questions.

Yoga & Hiking & Yoga Pilates Retreats in Spain

• First you’ll want to know that we provide quality yoga mats, blocks, belts & blankets (in the cooler months) so no need to bring any of these – unless you to.  
• Footwear.  If you’re joining our Yoga & Hiking Retreats, we recommend sturdy boots or shoes with good grip & arch support.  These are far better than regular trainers when hiking on uneven ground in the mountains.   For our Yoga & Pilates Retreats, trainers are absolutely fine for the guided walking tour. 
• If you want to use the onsite gym that’s found at all our yoga retreats in Spain, you’ll need trainers.
• Pack a light rain jacket (just in case!), a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses & a swim suit if you fancy a dip in the pool, the sea and the spa. 
• A small backpack to carry your water & essentials whilst walking.
• Any medications or supplements you need, plasters in case of blisters and, insect repellent if you find they’re attracted to you – we sometimes have mosquitos.
• For down time, comfortable clothing is perfect together with a sweatshirt/ hoodie or jumper in the cooler months.  Breathable thin layers are ideal for walking/hiking and cosy socks are a lovely to keep feet warm whilst padding around your room & at the end of yoga in savasana.  
• Three sets of yoga/pilates clothing is usually enough for most people on a 5-night retreat.  There may not  be a laundry service close to where you’re staying. 
• If you have sensitive wrists or knees, bring padding for the classes.  Good sports shops & Amazon sell great pads that are light for packing. 
• A European adaptor & USB lead to charge any devices you plan to bring.
• A hairdryer, shower gel & towels are provided. But, you might want to bring shampoo, conditioner & body lotion.

• Pack a journal & pen as you’ll be surprised what ideas & insights you’ll have when slow down, switch off & let your inner thoughts surface.  
• Plan to indulge in a little self-care while you’re away. Bring anything that will soothe you such as, your favorite podcast or playlist, books,  sketch pad & pencils/paints if you like to draw,  nourishing hair or face mask, body lotion or foot scrub, and maybe an uplifting essential oil like rosemary.  Sprinkle a few drops on your bath or shower tray can release a beautiful scent when the water hits it.

Note: Our retreat venues do not  offer currency exchange but ATMs & banks are nearby.  Any optional activities, therapies & airport transfers & paid in Euros cash.   

Soul Soothing Summer Retreat, UK

• Bring a Yoga mat – we have blocks, bolsters & cushions for you.
• If you have sensitive wrists or knees, you might like to bring a soft pad for hands & knees during yoga.   Amazon sell some great pads that are light & easy to pack.
• Footwear suitable for strolling along the cliffs and into town.  A rucksack & water bottle if you plan to be out for a few hours and waterproofs if rain is predicted.  
• The venue request that no outdoor shoes are worn in the house so you might like to bring some slippers or cosy socks to pad about in.
• Sun-cream, hat, sunglasses if the temperatures look to be on the hot side.
• Swim costume & towel if you’d like a dip in the sea.
• Comfy clothes to relax in during the day & evenings.  Bring a  hoodie or sweatshirt too for the evening outdoor experiences.
• Yoga clothing appropriate for the time of year & temperature.
• Insect repellent if you tend to attract biting critters & any medicines you need.
• Shower gel, soap, shampoo & any other toiletries you use. The venue has some hairdryers we can use.
• A journal & pen to jot down any ideas, thoughts or plans that surface whilst you’re on retreat. You’ll be surprised what comes to mind when your brain has a chance to switch off.
• Make the most of your time away by indulging in a little self-care. Bring along anything that’s soothing & pampering whether that be a hair or face mask or body scrub; rich body lotion; download your favorite podcast/playlists;  pack a good book; sketch pad & pencils if that’s your ‘thing’ and maybe an uplifting essential oil like rosemary.  Just a few drops on the bath or shower tray will release a beautiful scent when the water hits it.