Bespoke Yoga Retreat vs Retreat Centre: How to Choose the Right Retreat for You

You’ve been holding space for everyone else for years — family, work, friends.

Now, the kids are grown, you finally have a little more time for you… and you’re wondering, what would it feel like to just focus on me for a change?

Maybe you’ve started looking into yoga retreats as a way to press pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect to yourself. But almost immediately, you hit the first big decision:

• Do you book into a permanent retreat centre or resort?

• Or choose a more intimate, bespoke retreat with a dedicated host?

I’ve attended both types as a guest. And while both have their magic, I want to let you in on what I’ve found makes the real difference… especially if what you want is a safe space to feel truly seen and heard.

Why I Retreat Every Year (and Why It Matters)

Once a year, I press pause. I step away from the “to-do’s,” the chores, and the constant demands of being there for everyone else.

It’s my time to breathe, reconnect to my inner world, and figure out what I really need — not the conditioning, not the expectations of others, just… me.

As a retreat host, I also go because I believe I can’t ask others to do the inner work unless I’ve walked that same path myself. And on a practical level? Being a guest lets me see the good, the bad, and the “hmm… maybe not like that” of how retreats are run.

The Pull of a Retreat Centre or Resort

The best thing about a yoga retreat is the connections you make

Let’s start with the big ones. Retreat centres and resorts are convenient.

(Although if you live in Tasmania, unfortunately there are no permanent retreat centres in the State).

You can pick your dates, browse the programs, and off you go.

I’ve done several — and here’s what I loved about them:

• Well-balanced programs with activities and free time.

• Options for different yoga styles and energy levels.

• Delicious food and beautiful surroundings.

• Experienced staff who know the drill.

• Extra treatments like massage or reiki right there.

But… here’s the flip side:

• To keep the lights on, they often host a lot of people. Forty guests in “quiet season” is not unusual — and that can make connection harder.

• You might be split into groups, have staggered meals, and see new faces every session. Lovely for variety, not so great if you’re craving deeper connection.

• It’s hard for one host to hold meaningful space for that many guests. Sometimes you only see them in passing, and those mid-meal, soul-nourishing chats? Not so much.

• In-house yoga at resorts can feel like a drop-in public class - there's no theme, you get cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all asana and there are often cultural differences like hands-on assists without consent.

The Intimacy of a Bespoke Retreat

Now, this is where my heart really lights up. A bespoke retreat, especially here in Tasmania, is usually capped at way under 20 guests. That smaller scale changes everything:

• You get to know the host and fellow guests beyond surface-level chit-chat.

• The space feels safe and intentional — you can let your guard down and go inwards.

• There’s room for meaningful conversations, the kind that stay with you long after you’ve gone home.

Of course, there are a couple of considerations:

• Dates and locations might be limited — you can’t just book any week you fancy.

• Hosting a retreat is a whole different skill from teaching a class. Do your homework: check testimonials, ask the teacher how many they’ve run, and make sure their style, philosophy, and values feel right for you.

• Ask yourself if you want a yoga retreat or a yoga-focused holiday? Again, these are different experiences and take different skills to host.

My Take?

Choose a yoga retreat that aligns with you

I’ve had incredible experiences at both types of yoga retreat.

One retreat centre visit gave me the clarity (and courage) to quit my day job, move to Tasmania, and create Santosha Yoga Australia.

I’ve also been on bespoke retreats that were more “pleasant weekend away” than true soul work.

So, which is better? Neither… and both.

It comes down to knowing what you want. If you want to be more than just a name on a sign-in sheet, to have someone hold space for you while you finally put your needs first, to truly come home to yourself — that’s where a bespoke retreat shines.

Because here’s the thing: you can book a yoga class anywhere. But a retreat that truly sees you? That’s rare. And it’s worth it.

Love,

Danielle

PS: I've been running retreats for nearly a decade. All retreats are intimate, custom-designed for the people attending, and set in stunning locations with fabulous people. If you would like to experience a retreat with me, join the waitlist for 2026 retreats: https://santosha.com.au/retreats#retreat-waitlist

A Santosha Yoga Australia yoga retreat