Yoga holidays abroad from Ireland: how to choose one for 2027

A few days of yoga somewhere warm can do you a lot of good. But retreats vary a lot, and the photos never tell the whole story. This guide covers what to weigh up when you book from Ireland: flights from Dublin, the weather by season, what the price covers, the size of the group and the questions to ask. At the end, you will find where we are planning to go in 2027.

What is a yoga holiday, and how is it different from a retreat?

The two names mean much the same thing: a few days away with daily yoga, good food and time to rest. A yoga holiday often means more free time in the sun. A yoga retreat often means more structure. Most trips mix both.

A day on a retreat usually has a rhythm. There might be a morning class, free time to swim, walk or read, a shared meal, and a slower class or a relaxation in the evening.

On our Málaga retreat, guests have written about sunrise yoga on the beach and a group sea swim. One called it "a brilliant few days away with a fantastic group of ladies".

How long are flights from Dublin to the popular retreat spots?

Southern Spain, Ibiza, the Canary Islands and Greece all have direct flights from Dublin. Most take between three and four and a half hours. On a trip of four or five days, a short direct flight leaves you more time on the mat and less in airports.

Sources: Aer Lingus route pages for Málaga, Athens, Lanzarote and Tenerife, and Trip.com for Ibiza. Times vary with the wind and the airline.

Check the journey at the other end too. Ask how far the venue is from the airport and whether a transfer is arranged. If the venue is on a Greek island, ask how you get there from the mainland, since some islands need a ferry or a second flight.

When is the best time of year for a yoga retreat abroad?

It depends on what you want from the week. Winter trips bring sun when Ireland is at its greyest. Spring and autumn bring warm days without the fierce heat. High summer brings heat and long evenings, and needs booking early. Pick the season first, then the place.

Sources: AEMET, Spain's state weather agency, 1981 to 2010 averages for Lanzarote, Tenerife South, Ibiza and Málaga; the World Meteorological Organization for Athens; Met Éireann for Dublin Airport, 1991 to 2020.

Averages hide the odd grey day. Málaga gets around 100 mm of rain in November, spread over five or six wet days, so pack a light jacket (AEMET).

• February in the Canaries suits anyone who needs light and warmth in the middle of an Irish winter.
• April in Greece suits people who like to walk and explore. Days are mild and evenings can be cool.
• July in Ibiza suits people who love heat, sea swims and long evenings. It is high season, so book early.
• November in southern Spain suits a gentle autumn break, with mild days after the summer crowds have gone.

What is usually included in the price of a yoga retreat?

Retreat prices usually cover your room, the daily classes and some or all of your meals. Flights, airport transfers, travel insurance and extras such as massages are often paid separately. Get the full list in writing before you pay a deposit.

Two retreats with the same price can be very different value. Check these points side by side:

• Is the room single or shared, and what does a room of your own cost?
• Which meals are included: breakfast only, or all of them?
• How many classes are there each day, and are they optional?
• Are flights included, or do you book your own?
• Is there a transfer from the airport?
• Are trips and activities included, or paid on the day?

Our retreats abroad start from €699. The full price for each 2027 retreat, and exactly what it includes, will be confirmed with the dates.

How big should the group be on a yoga retreat?

Smaller is usually better. In a group of about 15, the teacher knows your name, can help with your poses and notices when you need a rest. Very large retreats can feel more like a resort. Ask the organiser how many people are going.

Our groups abroad are about 15 people. That is big enough for a good mix and small enough that nobody gets lost. Past guests talk about meeting new people and connecting straight away.

Many of our guests first came to us through our weekly classes, but you do not need to be a regular to join a retreat. Most are women, many over 35, and beginners are always welcome.

What should you ask before booking a yoga retreat abroad?

Ask what the price includes, who teaches, what a normal day looks like, how many people are going and what happens if you need to cancel. A good organiser answers quickly and in plain words. If the answers are vague, keep looking.

1. What exactly does the price include, and what costs extra?
2. Who teaches, and will the classes suit a beginner?
3. What does a normal day look like?
4. How many people are going?
5. What are the rooms like, and can I have one to myself?
6. How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
7. What happens if I cancel, or if the retreat is cancelled?
8. Do I need travel insurance? The answer should be yes.

Before any trip in Europe, get a free European Health Insurance Card from the HSE. It covers necessary care in the public health system of other EU countries, on the same terms and at the same cost as people insured there. But it is not travel insurance, and it does not cover private healthcare (European Commission). Take out travel insurance as well.

Where is Grá Wellness going on retreat in 2027?

We are planning four retreats abroad for 2027: the Canary Islands in February, Greece in April, Ibiza in July and Spain in November. Dates, venues and prices are being finalised. Message Fiona to hear first when each one opens.

Spain in November is our annual retreat. This year's Spain retreat in November 2026 is nearly full. Our retreats fill mostly by word of mouth, so it pays to message Fiona early.

You can see all our retreats, at home and abroad, on the retreats page. If you would rather start closer to home, read what to expect on a yoga day retreat at Killua Castle.