Planning

What to pack for an active week in the sun

By Claire

Open suitcase with a straw hat, sunglasses and travel essentials on a wooden floor

Packing for an active holiday is not the same as packing for a beach week. You will change clothes twice a day, sweat more than usual and spend time on rocky paths. Here is the list we use, refined over many trips.

Clothes for sessions

  • Three or four training outfits. Quick-dry fabrics wash in a sink and dry overnight in the sun.
  • One warm layer for early mornings and evenings, even in summer.
  • Leggings or long trousers for yoga and for walks through scrub.
  • A light waterproof from October to May.

Shoes

Shoes matter more than anything else on the list. Bring trail or walking shoes you have already worn for at least a few weeks; new boots on day one are the most common cause of blisters we see. Add trainers for circuits and sandals for the evening. Yoga is barefoot.

For the sun

  • A hat with a brim, not just a cap.
  • Sunscreen, and a stick for face and ears on walks.
  • Sunglasses that stay on when you move.
  • A refillable water bottle, at least 750 ml.

Small things people forget

  • Blister plasters and a small roll of tape.
  • A head torch, for evening walks and dark corridors.
  • A swimsuit you can actually swim in, plus a light towel or sarong.
  • Earplugs, useful in shared rooms and near village churches.
  • Any personal medication, in your hand luggage, with a copy of the prescription.
  • A small daypack for hikes and boat trips.

For the yoga room

Most retreats provide mats, blocks and straps. If you are attached to your own mat, a thin travel mat folds into a suitcase. A light shawl or long-sleeved top is welcome during relaxation at the end of class.

What to leave at home

Heavy jeans, more than one "going out" outfit, a laptop if you can avoid it, and anything you would be upset to lose on a beach. Most retreats have a relaxed dress code at dinner.

Travelling light

With quick-dry clothes and a sink, a week fits in hand luggage. It saves time at the airport and makes shared transfers easier. If you are going for a long weekend, our Easter breaks guide has a shorter version of this list.

Not sure what the week will involve? Read about a typical retreat day.