Do People Go to Yoga Retreats Alone?

In recent years, yoga retreats have become a popular choice not just for seasoned yogis, but also for solo travelers looking to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. One of the most frequently asked questions about these experiences is: “Do people go to yoga retreats alone?” The short answer is yes—many people do, and in fact, solo participation is often encouraged and even preferred by retreat organizers.

Do People Go to Yoga Retreats Alone?

A Global Trend Toward Solo Wellness Travel

Solo travel is on the rise. According to a 2023 report by Condé Nast Traveler, over 70% of wellness travelers are women, and the majority of them choose to travel alone. This aligns with findings from the Global Wellness Institute, which notes that solo wellness trips, including yoga retreats, have increased dramatically over the last five years.

Yoga retreats are uniquely well-suited to solo travelers. They offer structure, community, and purpose, which makes traveling alone feel less intimidating. Unlike general solo tourism, which can be isolating or logistically challenging, yoga retreats provide a safe, inclusive environment designed to foster connection and self-exploration.

What Happens When You Attend a Retreat Alone?

Most people arrive at yoga retreats as strangers—and leave as friends. Daily group yoga classes, shared meals, and optional excursions naturally create a sense of camaraderie. Many retreats, especially those in destinations like Bali, India, Costa Rica, and Thailand, are set up to accommodate solo guests, with communal dining areas, group activities, and intentional icebreakers built into the program.

Some retreats even offer shared accommodations to help solo travelers connect more easily and keep costs down. There is often a mix of personalities and nationalities, but what unites participants is a common goal: to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and enjoy the present moment.

Why Going Alone Can Be Better

Attending a yoga retreat alone comes with unique benefits. Without the distraction of a travel companion, solo participants often report:

• Deeper personal reflection

• More meaningful connections with others

• A greater sense of freedom and spontaneity

Many retreat-goers say the experience helped them gain clarity on life decisions, heal emotionally, or simply return home feeling energized and inspired.

Firefly Retreat: A Yoga Retreat for Solo Travelers

If you're searching specifically for yoga retreats that are built with solo travelers in mind, Firefly Retreat in Bali is a standout option. Located in the peaceful rice fields just outside Ubud, Firefly Retreat is designed especially for solo travelers, offering a supportive, all-inclusive experience where guests arrive and depart on the same dates to help foster a close-knit community.

Each week, around 10 to 15 guests from around the world come alone, joining together for yoga classes, herbal medicine workshops, cultural experiences, and healthy shared meals. With no option to book shorter or longer stays, the program encourages everyone to journey through the week together—building real friendships and deepening their practice in a safe and nurturing environment.

As Ariel, Firefly’s manager, explains: “Most of our guests come alone, and many have never done something like this before. But very quickly, they feel at home. That’s exactly what we created Firefly for.”

Final Thoughts

So, do people go to yoga retreats alone? Absolutely—and for many, it’s the best way to do it. These retreats provide not just a space to deepen your yoga practice, but also a rare chance to disconnect from your everyday roles and reconnect with yourself. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or considering it for the first time, attending a yoga retreat alone could be the beginning of something life-changing.

And if you're ready to take that leap, Firefly Retreat in Bali is waiting to welcome you.