Soul Seed Travel Guide: Why a retreat is perfect for solo travellers and where to go

For learning to surf

Break away from your daily routine and try something new. Come and feel empowered to believe in yourself while you learn to surf. Surfing is a powerful tool to connect yourself to the sea and its vibrant energy.

Balance your surfing with yoga and connect with your inner self, bringing together mind and body. This yoga and surf retreat takes place on the fantastic beaches of Santa Teresa and the wonderful nature around, while nurturing our body and mind consciousness, through yoga and healthy food habits.

Do you travel sustainably? Let’s use travel to sustain the world, not destroy it. Here’s a practical guide to responsible travel.

For breathtaking sunsets and nights filled with thousands of stars

At Vista Celestial you can enjoy daily yoga and meditation surrounded by the rainforest, tropical flowers, toucans, monkeys, parrots, and butterflies.

Enjoy the pacific ocean, primary rainforest, cloud forest and beach views from your private hacienda and infinity pool. The property is surrounded by lush primary rainforest and tropical trees and flowers. You will feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. All your senses will be stimulated by the exotic flowers and tropical rainforest.

Vista Celestial is the perfect place to just get away from it all, focus on your wellness. And you’re only minutes away from deserted beaches or hikes in the cloud forest above. You can be in two different temperature zones within minutes.

You will enjoy wonderful ocean breezes and rejuvenating natural beauty sleep. This wellness retreat has your health foremost in mind, maximising the use of organic foods and drinks, they don’t add unnecessary sugars or syrups, it all makes a difference. Choose your wellness package between 5-10 days.

For rest and relaxation

Anamaya, is a truly an exotic place, built on a cliff edge and overlooking the most incredible ocean views. The resort is next to an epic waterfall, surrounded by rainforests, and located in one of the world’s most beautiful tropical beach towns, Montezuma. “Anamaya” is Sanskrit for “good health” and to us that means great healthy food, rest and relaxation, exercise, and lots of fun and laughter. You will truly enjoy your meeting other “Anamayans” from around the world, and sharing this experience with your many new friends.

For an intense nature-immersion experience

El Silencio Lodge & Spa, is an inspired natural immersion retreat that celebrates Costa Rica’s charming cloud forest highlands. It features a 500 acre private cloud forest reserve and is flanked by the Juan Castro Blanco and Poas Volcano National Parks. This unique destination draws visitors who want to live an intense nature-immersion experience. Misty tropical cloud forest, roaring waterfalls, and colourful culture are showcased through heartfelt hospitality and upscale facilities.

Did you know that British Airways now offers direct flights to San Jose International Airport, as well as Liberia Airport. Cheap flights here.

Italy for Solo Travellers

With so much to see and do in Italy (as well as eat and drink), it’s a great choice for the solo traveller. You can choose a city or a quaint coastal town as your starting point, then head north or south and join one of these culture packed retreats to help you burn off all that pasta, wine and pizza.

For discovering this “it list” region of Italy’s rural heel

Join us for our annual Luxury Yoga Retreat in Puglia, from the 20th – 26th of September and discover this “it list” region of Italy’s rural heel. This wonderful retreat will enable us to experience the landscapes and activities of this incredible rising star of Italy.

Spend a week amongst fertile red earth, gnarled olives and turquoise seas. Tour through Puglia’s famous “Trulli,” white, cone-shaped houses in the town of Alberobello, a UNESCO heritage site where the main concentration of these trulli still stand.

One day is spent in the neighbouring region of Bascilicata in the town of Matera where we’ll enjoy the sites and unwind in a beautiful spa with treatments. The next day will be spent learning about the flavours of Puglia.

We start off with a cheese tasting and a visit to the town of Martina Franca. We will take in the gorgeous hilltop town of Ostuni, known as the White City, explore some of Italy’s oldest olive farms and enjoy a meal in a local restaurant.

Our day trips will allow you to experience the many unique landscapes and activities that this area has to offer. One night will be spent at an award-winning restaurant with a tasting menu + wine pairing. Next we have a day of relaxation planned at one of the region’s blue beaches and at a private beach club.

Another day will include a winery visit with a tour and tasting, and yet another day with a visit to one of the area’s most picturesque towns with plenty of photo-worthy vistas and blue waters, followed by an amazing unique meal in a “grotto” overlooking the cliffs by the sea in Polignano al Mare.

We will round out the week with massage treatments and plenty of time to relax at our home-away-from-home with its beautiful pool, walking trails, and more.

For a luxurious, culture packed itinerary and spa pampering

Join us from the 2nd – 7th of October on this hidden gem of an island, Ischia, the “green” neighbour of Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Indulge in a thermal spa 5* hotel, just as the crowds leave, but while the water is still invitingly warm. We’ll taste mouth-watering cuisine, wine, and take walks to the mysterious castles, beaches, and gardens.

Daily meditation and yoga classes will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in their own personal practice. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and more vigorous vinyasa flow and ashtanga styles.

Considered the “green island” and visited by the more “in-the-know” scene, as contrasted by the neighbouring island of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, Ischia is a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples and one of the must-sees of the area.

Historically, the island has been inhabited by the Greeks, Syrausansa, Romans, Heruli, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Normans, Saracens, Turks, and Aragonese, and plenty of ruins remain to suggest the lineages of these colonies. With its wonderful climate, nice location from the mainland, and richness of therapeutic hot-springs, it’s not hard to see why it was a landscape worth fighting over!

Ischia was one of the world’s first health spa destinations. For centuries people have flocked to Ischia to indulge in its volcanic muds and waters, rich with healthful minerals. Doctors even prescribe stays here to reap the benefits of bathing in the healing springs. In addition to all its natural wonders, one of the most appealing things about Ischia is the hospitality of the people themselves. You’re sure to enjoy the island’s welcome and relaxed way of life while during your stay.

Greece for Solo Travellers

Escape to some of the most breathtaking parts of Greece, away from the tourist crowds where you can practice yoga, pilates, mindfulness and meditation against a backdrop of the beautiful Mediterranean sea.

For fun in the sun in Santorini

For a breathtaking and unforgettable sunshine Santorini yoga holiday, from the 27th June – 4th July come and join us on the magical island known for its beautiful blue and white churches and surrounded by majestic views of volcanoes in the backdrop, the crystal clear Aegean sea and stunning sunsets.

Get all the Vitamin D you could possibly need and more soaking-in the warm Greek summer sun. The wonderful heart-warming people of Greece, the food, and stunning scenery make it a very special location to retreat to. There really is nothing else quite like Santorini so it is a must-do holiday destination.

Your Santorini yoga holiday will include accommodation at a stunning boutique hotel, a wholesome organic breakfast of fruit, granola, meats, cheeses, yoghurt and more all freshly prepared, three hours of yoga per day, a two hour walking tour of the Santorini Coastline, and more.

Solo Travel in Greece: Tips for Female Travellers.

For sailing around the Greek Islands

Sailing the Greek Islands is a lifetime bucket list item that is every part as rewarding as you’d imagine it is. This Greek Islands yoga sailing retreat (available June to September) is based out of the Ionian Islands, which is located on the protected west coast of Greece, creating the perfect environment for flat seas, mild winds and the best leisure cruising areas.

This yoga sailing holiday starts off with an hour-long yoga class in a new secret location each day, whether it’s overlooking the bay, the beach or the harbour, but rest assured you wont have done a yoga class in a location like this before.

You will set sail for your daily beach stop, which includes some of the bluest, clearest water you’ve even seen with magical white cliffs towering over the beach. It truly is a bucket list trip.

For yogis looking for a teacher training course

This 200 hour ashtanga and vinyasa yoga teacher training hosted at the Urania Luxury Villas in Lefkada, is designed for all levels of yogis who want to connect with and deepen their practice, understand vinyasa flow sequencing and experience a well-rounded curriculum that will develop them into confident teachers.

The training gives a strong foundation to build your self practice. As your practice deepens, sharing your personal experience in the form of teaching naturally blossoms.

Through practical application and direct experience, you will develop the skills, tools and confidence to teach Vinyasa flow classes. You will connect anatomy knowledge to movement and continue your personal yogic journey.

Six months of regular yoga practice is recommended before taking this course. You will study and practice yoga poses, breathing techniques, meditation, mindfulness, intelligent sequencing, teaching skills and hands-on adjustments.

Theory will include Indian philosophy, yogic lifestyle, moral and ethical codes of yoga (yamas and niyamas), Eastern anatomy and alignment. You will teach your fellow students, giving and receiving constructive feedback throughout the course.

You will practice primarily Ashtanga and Vinyasa with exposure to yin and restorative yoga. By the end of the course you will practice the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series by yourself, teach classes based on the Primary Sequence, and create your own Vinyasa sequences. Come as a practitioner, leave as a teacher.

For a peaceful paradise escape

Join us for a 7 night summer beach yoga holiday in Corfu! (open April to October). Offering a beautiful yet tranquil alternative to the bustling, cosmopolitan beach of Acharavi, Almyros is a peaceful paradise escape, perfect for those looking to take a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We welcome couples; solo travellers and friends who’d like to combine their love of yoga with a sunshine holiday.

Located within the stunning Greek island of Corfu, our experienced and inspiring yoga teachers will challenge your mind and body, encouraging you to enhance your overall wellbeing through daily practice of yoga techniques.

With its rich, mountainous landscape, Corfu offers a beautiful view to its visitors. The northern area of the island has preserved its natural and architectural environment, making it popular with visitors and locals alike. Dominated by mountains, the island has a never ending expanse of rolling hills and blossoming trees, bursting with lush vegetation. Coastal areas offer tranquil white sandy beaches, while the shimmering blue sea provides a perfect backdrop to the green Corfiot countryside.

Corfu’s climate is another endearing feature of the island. Warm summers are relatively dry, with blue skies and a tranquil sea breeze, while winters remain mild with little rainfall. On average there are 3000 hours of sun per year on the island of Corfu, with an average daily sunshine amount of 8.5 hours.

The house is located right on the beach where you can spend your days chilling out in between the meals and yoga. The walk to the nearest town is about half an hour away, or an easy 10 minute cycle with the bikes we provide for free. In the town there is a supermarket, cafes and restaurants.

Having difficulty choosing which Greek Island to travel to? Have a read of our Wellness Travellers Guide to the Greek Islands.

Ibiza for Solo Travellers

Ibiza is one of our favourite Islands in the world!. As soon as you step foot off the plane you can feel the healing energies work their magic….and that’s even before the retreat starts!. It’s the perfect place for yoga, meditation, detox, wellbeing, beaching, guided walks, nurturing, unwinding, relaxing, pampering, spa time and plenty of YOU time!

For healing the soul

If you’re a fan of Kundalini yoga then this retreat is for you. This Soul Medicine Retreat takes place at the beautiful Xuclar Beach House, an elegant beach house set high up in the mountain surrounded by forest and opposite the beach.

This is true Ibiza style at it finest, an authentic Ibizan experience, with incredible sunsets and secluded spots for watching the sun go down. Each room is named after one of the glorious local beaches along this precious northern coast of the island and each room has stunning views either out to sea or of the mountains.

We heal the soul through connecting to nature, we heal the soul by being, by allowing, by feeling …. we heal the soul by listening to that still voice of the soul within and developing that dialogue.

The experience here is to really re-connect, to plug back in, to allow in the space to nourish, the time to replenish, the energy to open, the vibration to heal and the frequency to elevate

We go deep into exploring our connection to our purpose, our intuition, our feeling and we have an opportunity to listen to our soul and our souls calling and tune into what we really have come here to express, to make manifest, to experience, to vibrate.

For a plant based yoga and wellbeing retreat

This plant based yoga and wellbeing retreat from the 31st August – 7th September is a glorious 7 day celebration of oneness and the deep joy of community! One of the most incredible aspects of retreat is the healing, joyful power of living in community. Sharing each day, each meal and each practice as one, we will come together to remember and re-connect to unity. Within ourselves and all of humanity. To honour the divinity in all things. And rejoice in togetherness.

Using all organic high-vibration ingredients, yogic asana and cleansing techniques, naturopathic healing practices, inspiring workshops, beautiful treatments with world-class therapists, rituals, coaching and many other tools; this plant based yoga and wellbeing retreat is a complete game-changer on every level.

For deepening your yoga practice

These seven days immersive yoga retreats offer an invitation to explore, connect and go deeper through the practice of yoga into your own being. It is open to everyone whether you are just starting out on your yoga journey or well into your own practice. If you can breath, you can do yoga.

We have a program carefully designed to progressively take you deeper, experiencing complete presence, expanding, healing, honouring your soul, whilst at the same time connecting to other like minded people simultaneously on the same frequency.

Set on the magical island of Ibiza by the stunningly iconic bay of Benirras, experience the famous hippy drumming that takes place every evening at sunset, allow the tribal sounds and throbbing energy connect you to the beauty of the island and precious nature that surrounds you. But, beyond its gorgeous setting and inspiring location, Benirras delivers on a deeply spiritual level, providing a haven of happiness to all those who seek her shores, there we meet, completely immersed…and finally coming home to ourselves.

The program has the perfect balance giving you the right amount of time for practices, self reflection, growth, rest, fun, free time to explore the island plus added unique creative workshops throughout the week. Ever wanted to attend a Cacao ceremony, learn more about astrology or simply relax in consciousness through yoga nidra and sounds then join us on our next Immersive Yoga experience.

Soulful Ibiza Wellbeing Guide: Where to retreat, stay and yoga

Asia for solo travellers

Asia is abundant with healing and wellbeing retreats offering the perfect escape, and a chance to relax, practice yoga, meditate and focus on your health.

For a once in a lifetime trip to Kyoto

Join us for a special week of deep renewal in Japan from the 18th – 24th of April 2020 on this Culture, Renewal and Yoga retreat as we explore the power of ritual to bring us into the present moment and into the flow state. Stay in the historic heart of Kyoto, visit temples, enjoy cultural activities, tastings, yoga in a temple, and a Japanese spa day, all with the addition of workshops designed to help you find your own personal rituals.

Not only will we take advantage of the amenities and beauty of our hotel and the neighbouring temple for the week, but this retreat will also be full of culturally-rich experiences that will give you a full taste of the offerings of Japan. By being located in Kyoto, we get the balance of the city amenities, but also really get to sense the calm and spiritual side of Kyoto and the countryside.

You will feel as if they’ve stepped through a Japanese painting – with bonsai trees, wooden pagodas, and rock gardens (and we might still be able to see some cherry blossoms before the season ends). We’ll take a tour outside the city to the famous “Golden Pavilion” Kinkakuji and walk the way of the “Thousand Torii Gates” at the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Our days in the centre will include a visit to the famous market, participation in a traditional tea ceremony, temple visits, a special tea-focused activity with a local artisan….learning more about this special elixir, an evening walk through the Gion district where we’ll keep our eyes open for passing Geisha, and even a spa day at Kyoto’s premier luxury spa – complete with treatments and relaxation time fit for a Zen master.

For a healing detox with traditional Balinese healers

At the Fivelements Healing Detox Retreat in Bali, they embrace holistic Balinese-inspired therapies administered by traditional Balinese healers using ancient wisdoms passed down through direct lineage.

Following the Balinese principal of Sekala-Niskala, which holds that we all live equally in two worlds; the seen or conscious world Sekala, and the unseen or psychic world Niskala, the Balinese healers engage the help of the divine source during each healing session.

Recognising that optimal wellness comes from learning to love and respect the body, mind, and spirit, where health and well-being are a reflection of inner harmon, this 7, 10 or 14 day retreat provides a healing journey for detoxification and transformation.