Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

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Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource

Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat

Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

India Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Jessica Lohrey

Have you ever thought about leading a retreat in the birthplace of yoga? This week I’m joined by Jessica Lohrey to discuss the benefits and realities of leading yoga retreats in India. From understanding the culture, working with local guides, and creating space for authentic transformation during your retreat, Jessica shares practical advice, moving personal stories, and insider tips. Whether you're planning your first retreat or just thinking about it, this episode will inspire you to explore the possibilities of hosting in India.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction: India as a Teacher 01:41 First Trip to India and Initial Retreats 04:46 Why India (and which students tend to be drawn there) 08:50 Cultural Experiences and Challenges in India 13:11 Integrating Cultural Practices into Retreats 20:56 Recommended Locations and Experiences 23:45 Advice for First-Time Retreat Leaders 28:34 Logistics and Preparation for Retreats 34:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:

Tree of India

Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessicalohreyyoga

Follow Tree of India on Instagram @treeofindia

Follow Tree of India on Facebook

Follow Tree of India on Youtube

Email Jessica Lohrey

India Yoga Retreat: Pros, Cons, and Tips PDF

Recommended Retreat Centers PDF

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource

Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat

Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Mallorca Spain Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Dagmar Spremberg

Does your spirit crave to feel reconnected to the earth? To be surrounded by the Tramontana mountains and crystal clear waters? This week, I’m joined by retreat leader Dagmar Spremberg to talk about Mallorca, Spain. Originally overlooked as a party destination, Dagmar now calls Mallorca home and has seen its transformation into a high-end retreat paradise. Together we discuss locations like La Serrania, Son Sion, and Osa Major that offer refuge for those seeking relaxation, recharging, and a quiet connection with nature. If you’re drawn to natural beauty and calming energy, this episode explores what makes Mallorca the perfect destination for your future retreats.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 02:23 Falling in love with Mallorca 05:11 Types of retreats that would work best in Mallorca 06:19 Mallorca compared to other parts of Spain 08:53 Pros and cons of leading retreats in Spain 12:16 Recommended retreat centers 14:01 Tips for avoiding the crowd EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:

Dagmar Spremberg Yoga

Follow Dagmar on Instagram @montezumayoga

Follow Dagmar on Facebook

Follow Dagmar on Youtube

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource

Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat

Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Italy Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Pedro Luna

If the idea of coastal sunsets and pasta under the stars is calling your name, a retreat in Italy might be your perfect destination. This week I’m joined by retreat leader Pedro Luna to talk about Italy as a location for hosting a retreat. Pedro has led multiple international retreats and shares two of his favorite retreat spots: Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreats and La Dogana in Tuscany. We discuss embracing the slow-paced Italian lifestyle, and his preference for working with local partners for renting venues. This episode gives insight into the financial, cultural, and logistical challenges that come with planning abroad. If you’ve been dreaming of hosting in Italy, this episode is full of practical tips. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:28 Starting a Yoga Retreat in Italy 02:12 Understanding Your Ideal Client 05:00 Finding Authentic Local Experiences 06:39 Working with Travel Partners 09:10 Financial Considerations for Italy Retreats 11:50 Challenges and Tips for First-Time Retreat Leaders 14:27 Recommended Retreat Centers in Italy 18:02 Final Advice and Contact Information

EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:

Next Level Yoga Community

Follow Pedro on Instagram @yogimemes

Contact Pedro Luna

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource

Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat

Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Greek Island Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Lily Dwyer Begg

Clear turquoise waters, a slow-paced lifestyle, delectable food, and rich history are just a few of the features that make the Greek Islands an ideal place to lead yoga retreats. In this episode, my guest Lily Dwyer Begg and I reminisce about a retreat that she led (and I assisted) this past fall on the island of Amorgos. The conversation highlights unique elements of Greek culture and local experiences that can be integrated into a retreat. We also spill the tea on which Islands off the beaten tourist path are most highly recommended by the locals. Tune in to get the inside scoop on leading a yoga retreat in the Greek Islands.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

02:04 Why Greece? Personal Reflections

07:03 How to Integrate Greek Culture with Your Retreat

14:20 Financial Considerations for Retreats

21:43 Potential Challenges

24:49 Choosing a Greek Island

28:08 Retreat Centers and Recommendations

37:55 Final Thoughts and Reflections

EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:

Lily Dwyer Begg Yoga

Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg

Follow Lily on Facebook

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource

Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat

Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Mexico Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Nathania Stambouli

If you’re considering a retreat in Mexico, tune in for inside tips from guest expert Nathania Stambouli who has led dozens of retreats there. You’ll hear about the unique aspects of different Mexican retreat locations and cultural experiences such as the Temazcal sweat lodge and Dia de los Muertos. We also explore practical considerations such as safety, tipping cultures, cash usage, and interfacing with the local population to support vendors and artisans.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introduction and welcome

01:01 Regions of Mexico that are ideal for retreats

02:31 Student demographics and preferences

04:19 Cultural insights and local interactions

08:04 Language and logistics

09:54 Financial considerations and tipping

16:21 Activities and cultural experiences

20:29 Potential challenges and opportunities

26:38 Recommended retreat centers

30:56 Final thoughts and advice for retreat leaders

EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:

SoulTribe Adventures

Follow Nathania on Instagram @soultribe.adventures

Follow Nathania on Facebook

Free Arm Balance Training

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource

Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat

Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

France Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Corine Englander-Bombled

Explore the diverse options for hosting yoga retreats in France with Corine Englander-Bombled, a seasoned yoga instructor who has lived in France for more than 20 years. Corine shares the unique appeal of various French retreat locations, from mountains to eco-villages to castles. She shares her personal journey, teaching experiences, and key tips for organizing successful retreats. Learn about the cultural nuances, financial considerations, and the importance of preparation and communication. Enjoy this detailed guide to retreats in France to inspire and inform your next adventure.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introduction to Retreats in France

01:55 Guest Introduction: Corine’s Journey

04:18 First Retreat Experiences

06:56 Running Retreats in France

12:28 Cultural and Practical Considerations

20:57 Recommended Retreat Locations

24:48 The Joy of Running Retreats

26:34 Advice for New Retreat Leaders

29:39 Conclusion and Contact Information

EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:

Sasa Roots

Studio Lotus 333

Follow Studio Lotus 333 on Instagram @studiolotus333

Follow Corine on Instagram @corine.sasaroots

Follow Corine on Facebook

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource

Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat

Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Costa Rica Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Dagmar Spremberg

Thinking of offering a retreat in Costa Rica? Dagmar Spremberg is a retreat leader who lived in Costa Rica for over 20 years. In this episode, she shares her insider’s perspective to help you speed up your planning process and avoid rookie mistakes. Topics include selecting the best time of year, dealing with climate and local wildlife, and financial considerations.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introduction to the Series and Episode

01:51 Dagmar's Journey to Leading Retreats in Costa Rica

03:01 Types of Retreats and Locations in Costa Rica

07:36 Financial Considerations for Retreats in Costa Rica

09:40 Retreat Center Operations and Payments

12:42 Daily Life at a Costa Rican Retreat

15:20 Challenges and Tips for Leading Retreats in Costa Rica

18:03 The Impact of Leading Retreats

20:25 Advice for New Retreat Leaders

22:26 Conclusion and next steps

EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:

Dagmar Spremberg

Follow Dagmar on Instagram @montezumayoga

Follow Dagmar on Facebook

Follow Dagmar on Youtube

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource

Stream Lily on Soundcloud

Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat

The right location can elevate a yoga retreat from excellent to unforgettable. In this episode, Mado and Lily explore the creative process of choosing a retreat location. They share real-world experiences and essential practicalities such as budgeting realistically, navigating contracts, understanding legal requirements, and site visits. Learn how to evaluate venue amenities, accessibility for all participants, the surrounding environment, and the overall atmosphere. This episode is packed with actionable advice for yoga retreat leaders but keeps the fun and joy of leading retreats front and center.

00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Location: How a thoughtful location choice impacts your retreat business over the long term

01:48 Key Considerations: Beyond the Instagram Photo: Go beyond the surface and learn essential factors most retreat planners overlook when choosing a location.

04:37 Balancing Costs & Value: Is Your Retreat Venue Worth It?: Learn how to strategically balance your budget with the value a location offers – and avoid overspending on things that don't matter.

08:08 The Key to Glowing Testimonials. How making bold decisions impacts the students you attract for a specific retreat - and their satisfaction with the experience.

11:37 The Location Selection Process: From Dream to Reality: We break down the exact steps to take, from initial brainstorming to narrowing down your top choices.

14:59 Contract Negotiation: Don't Sign Anything Until You've Heard This: Learn critical contract clauses you need to watch out for to protect yourself and your retreat.

18:22 Accessibility & Travel: Choosing a Do-able Retreat Location for your Students: Consider the budget, needs, and lifestyle of your students before choosing your retreat location.

23:18 Curating the Atmosphere: Setting the Stage for Transformation: Learn how to create an unforgettable atmosphere that aligns with your retreat theme.

27:09 Venue Evaluation: The Checklist You Can't Afford to Skip: Get an inside perspective on how experienced retreat leaders evaluate venues – including the hidden details that can make or break your retreat.

34:51 The Pros and Cons of Site Visits: When do you need them and how to adapt when they aren’t in the budget.

37:23 Final Tips & Encouragement: Your Dream Retreat is Within Reach: Leading retreats is incredibly rewarding and fun - enjoy these tips for getting started.

EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:

Lily Dwyer Begg

Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg

Follow Lily on Facebook

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource