5 reasons not to DIY Wellness Retreat
Last month I did a DIY ‘self-made’ yoga retreat in Ubud, Bali. I enjoyed it. But - as someone who KNOWS retreats, yoga, self transformation and self development - it was missing so many key elements for true rejuvenation. I’m a yoga and pranayama (breath work) teacher, retreat facilitator, nature tour guide, and have worked behind the scenes of many tour companies - here’s what I think about DIY vs organised retreats…
Why go on a retreat anyway?
People ‘retreat’ for many reasons; rest and recovery, learning and growing, general health ‘kick’, meeting other like minded humans…etc. While I was at my retreat location I would ask every person I met - what brought you here? I got everything from ‘I’m looking for answers to specific personal questions’ to ‘I love going to the ecstatic dance classes’ (or any other specific workshops that were on the studio schedule), to ‘it had great accommodation that ALSO had yoga which was a bonus’. There are a myriad of ways and reasons to ‘retreat’ and to explore wellbeing within yourself.
So can you do it yourself?
Or SHOULD you, is the real question. In a world that encourages us to ‘do it all’, even rest and wellness can feel like another task on your to-do list. The idea of creating your own retreat—booking (relaxing and well located) accomodation, planning (healthy and nourishing) meals, scheduling activities and wellness practices (that are suited to your needs and intentions) — might sound either 1. Wonderfully curated because everything will be as YOU want it, or 2. Incredibly overwhelming because you have no idea where to start and there are way too many options…
Reality check: it often becomes more stress than it’s worth.
Investing in an organised retreat is not just about spending money; it’s about giving yourself the gift of true rejuvenation, tailored experiences, and freedom from logistics. Let’s be real, you’re probably GREAT at logistics - all the kids’ extra-curriculars, your teams’ spread of work projects, or even just figuring out your day to day life - you KNOW how to get things done. But…let’s be real, you’re planning to get AWAY from all that planning and let yourself fully exhale and rejuvenate from the inside out, right?!
Here’s why letting the professionals (like us) handle it is the best decision you can make for your well-being…
1. a retreat designed just for you
Organised retreats are meticulously curated by experts who understand what it takes to create a transformative experience. Every detail is thoughtfully planned to meet your needs and strikes the perfect balance between scheduled activities and free time. You’ll have access to a well-thought-out itinerary, but there’s no pressure to participate in everything. This structure helps you make the most of your time without the overwhelm of planning or decision fatigue.
DIY retreats lack this level of expertise and without professional guidance, it’s easy to miss out on key elements that make a retreat impactful—like activities designed to align with your goals or the perfect mix of rest and exploration, or even the deep connections that you’ll make with your fellow retreaters.
2. say goodbye to stressful logistics
Planning a retreat is no small feat. You’d need to;
Find the perfect location
Organise actually getting there (do you need to fly, drive, catch ferries?)
Arrange accommodation (close to what you want to do/need, while also being a relaxing space)
Plan and shop for meals (not to mention…NOURISHING and healthy meals)
Research and schedule wellness activities (the modalities, teachers and levels are endless…and the need for a cohesive progression of theming)
And don’t forget about the unforeseen challenges, like last-minute cancellations or an unexpected natural disaster. An organised retreat takes all this off your plate, allowing you to arrive, unwind, and focus solely on your own wellbeing and growth.
3. fully catered, so you don’t have to lift a finger
Imagine having every meal that you eat planned with your nourishment in mind—delicious AND tailored to your dietary needs - 3x per day. In contrast, a DIY retreat might mean hours spent grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning up, leaving you with little time to actually rest. Or - wasting time on Google Maps trying to find healthy spots that are nice while also suiting your needs.
4. built-in community and connection
One of the most enriching aspects of an organised retreat is the chance to connect with like-minded women in a space where even those that struggle to ‘make friends’ will find connection too. The stable and consistent group dynamic fosters deeper conversations, shared experiences, and friendships that often last long after the retreat ends.
DIY retreats can feel isolating, and even if you invite friends, someone (likely you) ends up managing all the details, leaving little time for meaningful connection. Often while we are going through transformative experiences, it can be useful to have people around you that you trust and that are experiencing a similar thing - you want to be able to talk about it and share your experiences. Sometimes you’ll also need to lighten up a little bit - if it’s just you then it can be easy to get stuck in your own ‘seriousness’ of personal development. Laughing and having fun with others can be just as healing as any deep yoga class or challenging hike ;)
5. access to professional guidance
From mindfulness workshops to guided hikes and yoga classes, organised retreats provide access to skilled facilitators who enhance your experience through skilful theming, progressions and support. These professionals help you explore practices you might not have tried on your own, leading to deeper transformation.
A self-made retreat simply cannot replicate the value of planned multi-session progressive and congruent practices. And - if you’re not even booking in-person classes to begin with, you’re left to rely on guesswork/YouTube videos that lack personalisation.
The cost of DIY vs. the value of an organised retreat
While a DIY retreat might seem like a budget-friendly option at first glance, the hidden costs—time, energy, stress, loneliness and missed opportunities—can add up quickly. Organised retreats, on the other hand, are an investment in your well-being, offering a seamless journey into rest, wellness, and self-discovery. You can’t put a price on the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is taken care of for you.
A ‘hidden value’ of going on retreat and investing in your wlbeing, is the ripple effects that this experience will have out into your immediate family, your workspace, your friend circles, and the wider community and environment around you. A well-rested, aware and nourished human can create TIDAL waves of impact across their lives. Imagine a version of you who is responsive instead of reactive, present instead of distracted, and feels clear and healthy rather than foggy and groggy all the time. Huge.
Ready to experience the difference?
At Active Rest Retreats, every detail is designed with you in mind—from restful accommodations to curated wellness practices. We not only guide you through the practices, but set you up for success beyond the ‘retreat’ with post-retreat resources, a continuing community and practices that are actually life-applicable off-the-mat. Your success is our success. With a focus on holistic wellbeing beyond the yoga, hiking and nourishing food - we work closely with local indigenous (Aboriginal Australian) guides to ensure a well-rounded approach of connecting to nature and Country.
Leave the planning to us and step into a space where you can truly rest, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself. Your journey to rest and renewal begins here…
Yours in yoga, breath & all things rest,
Sarah