What to Pack for a Yoga Wellness Retreat
We have so many wonderful retreats planned for 2025 and 2026 and cannot wait to welcome you to our lovely handpicked venues in the UK and overseas. One of the most frequent questions we get asked by our wonderful guests is what to pack, so here are our top recommendations to include when packing for a yoga or wellness retreat with Zenaa in 2025 / 2026.
1. YOGA CLOTHES
Each of our retreats is built around our time together on the mat, with morning workshops of dynamic hatha yoga and evening classes of yin or gentle yoga. During our time on the mat, we recommend first and foremost, to wear something that is comfortable for you.
The morning workshops of dynamic hatha yoga will include flowing sequences to build strength and flexibility. Rest assured, there will always be modifications and variations to suit all ages and abilities, but in these sessions, your heart rate may increase, you may build up a sweat, and your muscles will know they are working. As such, we recommend a lighter fitness outfit – leggings or shorts, sports bra and a vest or t-shirt.
The evening classes of yin or gentle yoga will include more gentle movement and a longer relaxation or meditation. You will still work the muscles during these sessions, but may warm up more gradually, and will have a longer period to wind down and relax at the end. For these sessions, add some toasty socks, a long sleeve and a jumper or cardi to keep cosy.
Whilst there is no need to buy a new wardrobe for a retreat, it might be the lovely excuse you need to treat yourself. At Zenaa, we are always looking to reduce, reuse and recycle, and when we’re buying new, support local. For our lovely guests coming from our home city of Bath, UK, why not check out Bullfrog with their Sustainable Yoga range and their Eco Friendly apparel? We adore their ethos “Driven by hard work, honesty and making the world a better place, these values power the heartbeat that drives us every day”.
2. YOGA EQUIPMENT
At a Zenaa Retreat, a yoga mat and additional yoga equipment will be provided for the duration. If you would like to bring your favourite mat with you however, or any other bits of equipment, you are very welcome. This may be particularly relevant if you’d like an extra mat for padding, or have a trusty piece of kit which is perfect for you.
If you’re looking to purchase a new piece of equipment to mark the retreat and enjoy on your return home, we love the wonderful selection of handmade bolsters from Charlotte C King, or travelling abroad Angie B creates the most gorgeous and practical travel mats, both Bath-based businesses.
3. ACTIVEWEAR
Each of our retreats include additional activities ranging from guided walks, swimming in the pool or sea, a relaxing massage, artistic or creative workshops and much more. Whilst we are the first to encourage packing light (with leggings, shorts, sports bras, vests and t-shirts doubling up for both yoga and additional activities), we also recommend popping in some additional kit, depending on the location of your retreat, the activities on offer and the weather forecast! For our UK retreats, throw in a waterproof and sturdy trainers or boots for our guided walks. For our overseas retreats, sunhats, sunglasses, a lightweight long sleeve.
At Zenaa, we jump at any excuse to get in water – the sea, a lake or a glorious pool. The majority of our retreats will have at least one of these as an option. Pop in your swimming costume, an outdoor towel, and embrace the immersion.
If you don’t have the clothes or footwear you think you might need, why not try charity shops, pre-loved websites, or borrowing from a friend? A whole new outfit for half the price!
4. LITTLE LUXURIES
Finally we invite you to bring with you a little luxury or two. On a Zenaa Retreat, we build in downtime; time to rest, time to reflect, time that is just for you. This is the perfect opportunity to find yourself a space in the sun during our summer retreats, or snuggle up by the blazing log burner in autumn or winter, to truly relax. Bring your book, a magazine or two, or your sketchpad and pencils. Sit back, relax, breathe and enjoy…
Our final Bath-based business recommendation is for Positive Planner, who have a selection of beautiful journals to collect your thoughts and jot down your memories. Perfect to slip into your bag for a Zenaa Retreat.
Katie x
