9 Types of Retreats: Their Purpose, Benefits, and More

Updated: 05 Sep 2024

Retreats are more popular than ever. And, with an expanding client base, retreat leaders are getting more and more creative with their offerings. Today, the countless niches within the retreat industry offer something for everyone. If you are interested in getting into the retreat business or simply looking for a retreat for yourself, you can learn more about the most popular different types of retreats below. 

Different Types of Retreats at a Glance

• Yoga retreats

• Couples retreats

• Silent retreats

• Medicinal retreats

• Postnatal retreats

• Fitness retreats

• Spiritual retreats

• Culinary retreats 

• Detox retreats

9 Popular Types of Retreats: A Breakdown 

Every type of retreat is created with a specific purpose in mind. Even the different types of wellness retreats offer varying benefits. A study found that retreats positively impact health and wellness that can be sustained even six weeks after the program.

Whether you are looking to rest and recharge or get inspired and energized, there is a retreat out there for you. Discover what each type of retreat offers in this overview. 

Yoga Retreats

Yoga retreats are, naturally, primarily centered around yoga practices. These wellness retreats aim to nurture participants' minds and bodies. The niche of yoga retreats can encompass a wide variety of retreats, with some being more advanced or more spiritually inclined than others. 

However, the typical yoga retreat will combine yoga practices, hands-on guidance, and free relaxation time. These types of wellness retreats also often feature personal growth sessions or workshops. 

Couples Retreats

A couples retreat is a unique getaway for romantic partners. This type of retreat’s purpose is to repair or foster a deeper connection between the two partners. In combination with group activities and exercises, couples retreats often include sessions with a licensed therapist. 

Silent Retreats 

Silent retreats can last anywhere from a single day to over a week. This is a different type of retreat than many others, as it is designed solely on the individual level. 

During silent retreats, participants get comfortable being alone with their thoughts as they abstain from verbal communication, reading, writing, drawing, and other distractions. In silence, participants seek to strengthen their mental fortitude and learn to stay present. Many people even work through significant life challenges.

Medicinal Retreats 

Medicinal retreats comprise a niche that encompasses many different types of retreats. This category of retreat centers around using plant medicine to help facilitate powerful experiences for participants. However, they usually also include a wide range of workshops and teachings.

Some of the main substances used in medicinal retreats are ayahuasca, psilocybin, DMT, and peyote. These programs are also often supervised by medical professionals to ensure guests’ safety. 

Postnatal Retreats

Postnatal, or postpartum, retreats are designed for new mothers, their babies, and oftentimes their families. Postnatal retreats provide a space to heal, bond, and unwind after childbirth by combining educational, spa, and medical services. These types of retreats may include gentle fitness classes tailored for postnatal recovery, lactation consulting, and workshops on infant care.

Fitness Retreats

Fitness retreats provide supportive yet challenging environments that help individuals meet their fitness goals. These types of wellness retreats primarily focus on physical exercise while offering a combination of nutrition and wellness coaching. Attending a fitness retreat gives participants the opportunity to work with experienced trainers and receive personalized instruction.

Spiritual Retreats 

Spiritual retreats are mostly centered around a specific religion or belief system. However, you can find a wide variety of doctrines within this category. During most types of spiritual retreats, participants will often practice prayer and hear teachings from leaders. Spiritual retreats offer the opportunity to strengthen participants’ connections to their belief systems and foster a community of like-minded people. 

Culinary Retreats

Culinary retreats are a unique kind of retreat that combine the joy of cooking with a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway. Guests of these retreats get to learn about new recipes, cooking techniques, and cuisines from experienced chefs. In between cooking, participants typically have free time to relax or explore the area.  

Over a few days or a week, a culinary retreat aims to fill your mind, heart, and belly. This type of retreat can be focused on a specific cuisine or, more broadly, offer a taste of many different cultures.

Detox Retreats

All detox retreats have the overarching goal of cleansing your body and mind. Within the niche, however, the methods and what exactly is being cleansed can vary widely. 

For example, there are digital detoxes, substance detoxes, and detoxes from general toxins. Despite different focuses, most detox retreats typically focus on a healthy regimen of whole foods, rejuvenating exercise, and uplifting workshops.

Some types of wellness retreats feature experiences like sound healing. 

Other Niche Types of Retreats

• Mental Health Retreats. Retreats that focus on mental health are designed to help guests learn to cope with stress and anxiety. They include care from licensed professionals and provide a calming space for participants to heal. 

• Weight Loss Retreats. Weight loss retreats are aimed at creating healthier habits around diet and exercise. While these retreats offer practical advice, they often also include support for the mental and motivational issues that can hinder someone from losing weight.

• Vegan Retreats. Vegan retreats center around creating a community and embracing the vegan lifestyle and values. At this type of wellness retreat, you can expect wholesome vegan meals, teachings on vegan principles, and usually yoga or meditation activities as well.

• Mindfulness Retreats. At mindfulness retreats, participants are given a supportive environment to increase their mindfulness via meditation. These retreats help you better manage stress and learn to be in the present moment.

• Wildnerness Retreats. Getting you outside and away from daily life, wilderness retreats offer the space to disconnect, relax, and immerse yourself in the environment around you. These types of retreats are often completely device-free and may include hiking.

Whether you’re a seasoned retreat leader or just starting out, understanding the diverse types of retreats available is essential to tailoring experiences that resonate with your audience. From rejuvenating yoga getaways to immersive culinary adventures, each retreat type offers unique opportunities to promote personal growth.

Interested in Launching Your Own Retreat?

With retreat clients around the world, we understand what retreat leaders need. Explore how Bookinglayer can streamline your booking process and enhance your guests' experience. With our intuitive tools, you'll be ready to dive into the world of retreats and create transformative experiences for both you and your participants.

To see if you're a good fit for Bookinglayer, sign up for a personalized demo. During this call, we’ll work to understand your specific needs and show you exactly what Bookinglayer can do for your business.

Retreats FAQ

How much do retreats cost?

Retreats can cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. These programs are typically all-inclusive, so the price varies with the retreat's duration and type of retreat. And, while retreats may seem costly upfront, there often aren’t additional expenses during your stay. 

How to host retreats?

If you would like to host retreats, you will first need to decide which type of retreat you want to host. With this in mind, you can select a location and begin building your program. On the business side of things, you’ll want to set up a marketing plan, website, and retreat booking system. 

What are retreats for?

Retreats are for self care, though the more specific aim may change depending on the type of retreat you attend. Whether it is a yoga retreat, a spiritual retreat, or a medicinal retreat, these programs are all about taking time to work on yourself. 

How long are retreats?

Retreat programs can range from a few days to a week or more. Each retreat offering is unique may have a different length, depending on the program content. Whether you are looking for a weekend experience or want to fully immerse in a 10-day program, there is a retreat out there for everyone.