How To Plan Ahead To Attend a Retreat
If you are considering attending a retreat, you may wonder how far in advance you need to plan. Are you a hyper-organized trip planner or someone who prefers to go with the flow? Can you go on a retreat spontaneously, or do you need to book sessions weeks in advance?
The good news is that at Sedona Mago, we have retreats for all different types — the spontaneous, the planners, and everyone in between!
Read on to learn more about planning to attend a retreat and what kind of retreat best suits your planning style.
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How Far in Advance Do I Need To Plan for a Retreat?
Ideally, you’ll take two to three months to plan a retreat. This allows you enough time to book flights, manage childcare and pet care, take time off work, etc.
However, we all know that life doesn’t always allow for that. If you want to take a spontaneous retreat, it’s an option, too.
So, how far in advance do you need to plan for a retreat? It depends on a few variables.
Personality
A retreat is all about finding peace and centering yourself so you can return refreshed and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you.
If you want to know how far in advance you need to plan a retreat, consider your personality and what kind of planner you are. If you can’t relax until everything is settled, you’ll need more time to ensure flights are booked, the babysitter is available, the house is clean, and the laundry’s done. That way, you can get the most out of your retreat experience knowing your ducks are in a row and everything is going according to schedule.
But not everyone is an in-depth planner—and that’s okay! Some of us prefer to live spontaneously, and if that’s you, great news! There are lots of retreats, including Sedona Mago, that can accommodate a last-minute reservation.
Even if you cannot book an onsite retreat, Sedona Mago offers hoteling services that allow you to stay on the retreat property. This way, you can enjoy all Sedona Mago offers and create a custom retreat that meets your needs.
Enjoy meditating among Sedona’s breathtaking red rock formations and the healing beauty of Sedona Mago’s garden, lake, and rock labyrinth. You can even book healing sessions such as energy clearing and aura readings.
At Sedona Mago, we can match a retreat to any lifestyle.
Individual Needs
Many retreats last 4–5 days, with some lasting as long as a week. That’s significant time away from home, so you’ll want to consider your needs.
There are obvious things to consider, such as childcare, pet care, and time away from work. There are also more nuanced aspects you’ll have to think about. If you have a gluten allergy or are vegan, contact your retreat ahead of time to ensure they can accommodate those needs.
At Sedona Mago, we are happy to cater to individual needs and offer gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and pescetarian options at our retreats.
The Retreat Center
Just like high-end restaurants, retreat centers require reservations and often book quickly. Some retreat centers are booked so far out in advance they don’t allow for spontaneity.
There could be a few reasons why a retreat center is fully booked:
- Popular times of year
- Limited retreat openings
- Great prices
- Difficulty of travel
- And more
Do your homework to discover what kind of retreat you want to attend, and then see what their bookings look like. If they have limited openings, you may need to book far in advance to get a spot, which is great news for those who like having extra time to plan.
When Planning Ahead for a Retreat, Allow Enough Time for These 9 Tasks
How far in advance do you need to plan for a retreat? Sedona Mago Center for Well-Being and Retreat suggests planning your retreat at least two to three months in advance, but since every person is different, you’ll want to consider the following factors.
#1: Researching
People go on retreats for different reasons — from seeking spiritual awakening to improving physical health to just spending time relaxing in a beautiful place.
Think about what your goals are, and then look into the options. It may be helpful to ask yourself these questions:
- How far are you willing to travel for this retreat?
- How long do you want to be away?
- What is your budget?
- Do you have dietary concerns or food allergies?
- Do you require special accommodations, such as ADA–accessibility?
Do a little research to find the best retreat for you!
#2: Taking Care of Logistics
Arguably, the most important part of retreat planning is ensuring that the logistics are taken care of after you have chosen your retreat and set the date.
Here is a short list of things you should check for your trip:
- Travel arrangements: If your retreat requires travel, decide how to get there. This may include booking flights, renting cars, or updating your passport or ID.
- Lodging: Many retreats have on-site lodging, but if yours does not, schedule a place to stay well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Food and dietary concerns: Be sure your retreat can handle any allergies or food sensitivities you may have.
#3: Arranging Time Off From Work
You might like a spontaneous trip or retreat, but your boss would probably disagree.
Be sure to get time off work for your retreat. For some people, this involves submitting a request for PTO well in advance, so plan your retreat accordingly.
#4: Working Ahead
Do you experience target=”_blank”post-vacation letdown? If so, you might have the same feelings after your retreat.
That’s why it is important to work ahead, so you don’t come back to an overwhelming environment. If possible, try to get some work done ahead of time, such as:
- Taking care of projects at work
- Doing basic chores, like washing sheets and towels
- Arranging for someone to take care of the house while you are away
#5: Budgeting and Saving
Depending on the cost of the retreat and travel, you may need to allow some time to budget and save (or plan to work extra) to have the money to attend.
Don’t spend more money than you can afford. By creating a budget and allocating disposable income toward your retreat, you can enjoy the experience stress-free!
#6: Thinking Proactively
Think about going to a retreat the same way you think about going to the doctor –- a preventative experience once or twice a year to ensure you are at your best.
Retreats offer invaluable benefits to your mental and emotional well-being. They provide a break for your brain and a reprieve from the constant problem-solving required for daily life. You can do this for yourself to improve your life and overall health.
#7: Preparing Mentally and Physically
To prepare for your retreat in advance, you need to be ready in two ways:
- Physically: You want to be prepared to get a good night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed. Pack earplugs, an eye mask, or even a small fan. Look at what your retreat provides — some are more rustic, while others are more akin to a fancy hotel.
- Mentally: If possible, take time before your retreat to decompress. Plan travel breaks, do breathing exercises, or put on a relaxing playlist to get yourself in the right mindset for your retreat.
#8: Planning for Your Return
To make your return home as smooth as possible, try accomplishing these things before you leave on your retreat:
- Clean your house: Coming home to a mess is never fun. Clean before you leave, and your future self will thank you.
- Put a meal in the freezer: Beat the post-retreat blues by having something easy and comforting to eat when you return.
- Put fresh sheets on the bed: Nothing says “welcome home” like falling into a clean bed.
- Make a to-do list for when you return: Worried about forgetting tasks while you’re away? Write a to-do list before you leave and post it where you’ll easily see it when you return.
#9: Packing
Last but not least, don’t forget to pack for your retreat! Here are a few tips:
- Check the weather: Just because the retreat is in the desert doesn’t mean it’s hot year-round! Sedona Mago Center for Well-Being and Retreat is located in the beautiful Arizona desert, but it can get very chilly in the winter, so you’ll want to pack accordingly.
- Bring your essentials: Bring any medications you may need along with any personal care items and electronics chargers.
- Check the schedule and dress accordingly: Dress for the activities you plan on doing. For example, if your retreat is physically demanding, bring comfortable clothes and footwear to accommodate.
- Don’t forget creature comforts: If your retreat lodgings are rustic, bring some items to ease the transition, such as your favorite pillow, a small fan, or a book.
How To Have a Meaningful Spontaneous Retreat
A spontaneous retreat can be just as meaningful and healing as a long-anticipated one.
If you are planning your own spontaneous retreat, try to match your needs. If you are reeling from a significant life event, consider something more relaxing and centering — like a yoga retreat. If you’re bored and seeking adventure, consider a more physically active and adventurous retreat.
Sedona Mago has everything you need for a spontaneous retreat. From hoteling service for last-minute reservations to yoga and tai chi among the red rocks, there is something for every kind of retreat attendee.
Scheduled or Impromptu, Sedona Mago Center for Well-Being and Retreat Is Your Choice for Personal Connection and Transformation
Sedona Mago offers a retreat experience like no other.
With programs based on ancient Korean wisdom, our retreats help you relax, recenter, and get in touch with your body’s needs. We offer three types of retreats:
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- Mago Core Programs: These programs are designed to help you connect with your needs and become the best version of yourself! They are perfect for beginners and are great for a spontaneous retreat.
- Journey Within Programs: Those ready to take their experience to the next level should consider a Journey Within Program at Sedona Mago. In these programs, participants hope to activate free-flowing energy, called Qi (Chee), and release negative vibrations that no longer serve them.
- Self-Mastery Programs: With self-mastery programs, those who are already familiar with Sedona Mago’s teachings can enhance their retreat experience.
- Personal R&R Retreats: Customize your program based on your needs to design your get-away experience. You can participate in one of our many offerings or recharge with your practice.
Sedona Mago Center for Well-Being and Retreat is located in the gorgeous Sedona desert, which offers peaceful vistas year-round. Check out our website to learn more about our retreats and find the perfect one for you!
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