Have You Ever Wondered What Lies Behind the Doors of a Yoga Retreat?

Written by Christine Tsai | May 5, 2025

You’ve probably seen the photos—serene landscapes, candlelit rooms, people gracefully moving through yoga poses as the sun rises. But have you ever truly wondered what happens behind the doors of a yoga retreat? What draws people from around the world to take a break from their busy lives, turn off their phones, and step into a space devoted entirely to stillness, movement, and inner exploration?

It’s more than just a vacation. A yoga retreat is a deliberate pause—a chance to reconnect with yourself in a world that’s constantly pulling you in every direction.

A Day in the Life: Simplicity and Intention

Behind those doors, time slows down. Mornings often begin with gentle silence. No rush, no alarms blaring—just the sound of the ocean as our beautiful eco-chic resort is nestled up right along the beach. We begin the day by watching the sun rise quietly from the beach enjoying our first of many cups of coffee. By 7am the morning granola and fresh fruit is served and nothing tastes sweeter than fruit plucked right from the tree.

We slowly make our way to our morning yoga practice which sets the tone for the day: journaling, movement and sometimes meditation. After practice, we head to brunch, served buffet-style and always enjoyed with an ocean view. Meals at Amansala are truly something special—prepared fresh with local ingredients and a deep care for nourishment. Each plate is filled with vibrant fruits and vegetables, balanced with satisfying proteins. And let’s not forget the fresh juices—colorful, hydrating, and bursting with flavor. It’s honestly hard to put into words just how good the food is here. Every meal feels like a celebration of health and pleasure.

The rest of the day may include excursions such as a visit to the Mayan Ruins, swimming the cenotes or indulging in a massage treatment at the spa or mayan clay ritual from the beach, but mostly we read by the beach, take swims in the ocean or socialize by the pool. Or we simply rest—yes, rest is an integral part of retreat life.

The Power of Stepping Away

What makes retreats so powerful isn’t just the yoga or the quiet surroundings—it’s the space they create. Space to think, to feel, to let go of the constant buzz of to-do lists and social media. Many people say the most surprising part of a yoga retreat isn’t what they do—but what they stop doing.

You meet like-minded people. Sometimes you share stories, sometimes silence. Either way, you feel held in a community that values presence over performance.

Returning Home, Changed

The magic of a yoga retreat isn’t left behind when the retreat ends. The clarity you find, the breathing space you create, often follows you back into daily life. You might return to the same job, the same family, the same responsibilities—but with a deeper sense of calm and a renewed perspective.

So yes, behind the doors of a yoga retreat lies yoga and meditation—but also transformation, simplicity, and a reminder of who you are beneath the noise.

Join our next yoga retreat in Tulum from November 12 - 17th, 2026 for 5 nights/ 6 days! Check out all the details here.