The best May retreats to book ASAP
Because who wouldn't want to go glamping by a secret vortex in Joshua Tree?
For when your PTO days are precious and your trip-planning time is limited, there are retreats: organized escapes that have the added bonus of helping you master the yoga headstand, learn to prepare raw food, make it a week without talking, or just generally feel chill af.
While there’s sometimes “work” involved (hey, emotional breakthroughs don’t just happen), it’s a different kind of work than what you might usually deal with in the office and often happens far away from the stresses of everyday life. Best of all? You just need to show up at the retreat, and the rest is taken care of. (In case The Glassy’s ultra-curated city guides still require too much trip planning.)
Here are the top retreats around the globe this spring—from long weekends to multi-day intensives—that are so worth the vacation days.
Restival in Joshua Tree, CA
When: May 3-6
What: Restival had us at “secret vortex in Joshua Tree”. This glamping-ish wandering festival promotes digital detoxing and deep sleep in place of all-day drinking and late night revelry (plus you’ll have opportunities to take yoga classes, join woo-woo workshops, and even book a spot at a sweat lodge ceremony).
Workshop your Spiritual Business with Maha Rose in Hurley, New York
When: May 4-6
What: An upstate boot camp for healers, artists, and entrepreneurs who are ready to finally manifest those brilliant wellness concepts. Inside tip: The lodging is a bit rustic, but the MR crew is super attentive.
Yogascapes Majestic Sahara retreat in Morocco
When: May 7-13
What: A couple days wandering the desert—while journaling and meditating in what Yogascapes dubs “fancy” tents—is what Instagram dreams are made of. Sounds a little too rustic? The second half of the retreat happens from the comfort of a Marrakech riad, where you’ll have plenty of time to do the whole market-hammam-cooking class thing.
Soul Adventures’ Love Everything retreat in Ibiza, Spain
When: May 10-13
What: Focus on that four-letter word (that would be L-O-V-E—the stuff you give, receive, and have for yourself, natch) through Kundalini kriyas, meditations, and deep-dive workshops hosted at this mountain-side, beach-facing haven.
Yogascapes Find Your Flow retreat in Sicily, Italy
When: May 12-19
What: Marsala wine and mountain pose pairings FTW.
Ketanga Stronger You Retreat in Gulf of Papagoya, Costa Rica
When: May 17-21
What: Two-a-days? Yup—and they’re led by buzzy trainers Jess Glazer and Angela Gargano (who was literally voted Miss Fitness America in 2016), so if this sounds like your idea of fun, you’ll have someone cheerleading you through that millionth set of burpees.
Soul Adventures’ Vibrate at Your Highest Frequency in Ibiza, Spain
When: May 19-26
What: Seven days of Kundalini yoga and meditation (with some reiki and shamanic healing mixed in because YOLO) meant to clear energy blockages and help you get high on your own supply. Each day focuses on a different chakra—including the food you’re served up each day.
Yogascapes’ yoga retreat with Chelsey Korus in West Yellowstone, MT
When: May 24-27
What: This retreat hits the outdoor-wellness triple crown: hikes through Yellowstone National Park, campfires by your Under Canvas tent (think peak glamping digs), and daily yoga sessions with Wanderlust’s Chelsey Korus.
Surf With Amigas surf retreat near Chinandega, Nicaragua
When: May 26-June 2
What: Beginner-friendly waves are all within walking distance at this secluded, eco-resort in Northern Nica. If you’re lucky, surf pro (and retreat founder) Holly Beck will give you some tips.
Guru Jagat residency in Mallorca, Spain
When: May 28-June 2
What: Although you’ll have to sort through accommodations yourself, those looking to get some QT with Venice Beach’s Kundalini queen will have a week’s worth of classes from the Mediterranean island.