Where to go: retreat destinations compared

By Claire

The right destination depends less on the photos than on the season and the kind of week you want. Here is how the places we know best compare.

Crete, Greece

Mountains, gorges and long beaches, with good food everywhere. Spring (April to early June) and autumn (late September to October) are the sweet spots for walking and outdoor yoga. July and August are hot and busy. Read our Crete notes.

Kefalonia, Greece

Greener and quieter than many Greek islands, with steep coastal roads and very clear water. It suits fitness weeks with plenty of swimming. Best in May, June and September.

The Algarve, Portugal

Short flights from the UK, golden cliffs and mild winters make the Algarve the easiest choice for a first retreat. It works almost all year: walking in winter and spring, sea and surf in summer. Our Algarve guide.

Austrian Alps

For walking and mountain air rather than beaches. Late May to early October, with marked trails, huts serving enormous lunches and hotels with saunas to finish the day. Expect steep climbs and cool evenings.

Bali, Indonesia

The classic yoga destination, with a long tradition of teaching and plenty of choice from simple guesthouses to large resorts. The dry season runs roughly from April to October. The long flight makes a week feel short; ten days or more is better.

Vietnam and further afield

Coastal Vietnam offers excellent food and quiet beaches, and retreats there often combine yoga with cycling and cooking. Canada's Rockies host summer hiking retreats in spectacular, cooler surroundings. Both are long-haul trips best planned well ahead.

How to choose

• Short on time? Portugal or Greece, three to four hours from most UK airports.
• Want walking first? Austria in summer, Crete in spring.
• Want yoga first? Bali, or any Mediterranean venue with a covered shala.
• Travelling at Easter? See our Easter breaks guide.