Nervous about joining a retreat? You’re not alone.

Here are the three most common fears I hear about joining a yoga retreat.

After hosting over 40 international yoga retreats, I have noticed that there are a few common pre-retreat questions or things that people are often nervous about, before joining a retreat. 

First of all, I love when you share your questions and concerns with me! It helps me to get to know you and understand you as a human being, prior to spending time together on a retreat. Your questions also allow me to curate the retreat schedule and some of the activities in order to meet the needs and individual personalities within the group.

Before a retreat, I always send out a participant questionnaire. And on this questionnaire, I not only ask the participants what they are excited about and looking forward to, but also what they might be nervous about. 

Jump directly to our upcoming yoga retreats in Croatia: Brac Island June 2026 and Vis Island July 2026

Here are the most common questions or concerns that people have, prior to joining a retreat. You may recognize yourself in some of these, or have some other questions of your own. Please feel free to reach out to me and we can chat more about joining a retreat with us.

“I am an introvert and I feel intimidated by group activities. What if I need alone time during the retreat?”

You’d be surprised as to how many introverts end up joining our retreats! Although our retreats are full of fun and some group activities, as a retreat host, I am mindful about scheduling “white space” in the calendar for rest and alone time.

Some days you may feel like taking a hike by yourself for some quiet time, and other days, you may feel like joining a small group for lunch or a beach excursion. There is always time and space for you to decide what feels good for you. In addition, the venues I choose have plenty of spaces (indoors and out) for you to relax and enjoy a quiet moment on your own when needed. 

Previous retreaters say they love the retreat set-up because it allows them to travel “solo”, while never feeling lonely.

By the way- I, too, need my own alone time and purposefully schedule in time for myself to have a siesta, or some time alone to read, journal or go to the beach.

“I am a beginner to yoga.
What if I can’t keep up with the rest of the group?”

Something special about our retreats is the diversity of the women who join. From various ages- women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s – come together for a beautiful retreat experience and always end up forming amazing connections. Our group members come from a variety of backgrounds, ages, and different levels of experience. 

Because our groups are intentionally small, never more than 15 participants, I am able to provide necessary accommodations and modifications during the yoga classes when needed. 

You are welcome as you are. There is never any pressure to perform or meet a certain standard or “level” of yoga on our retreats.

“Jennison’s retreats are a magical blend of peace, joy, and fun. Open to everyone at any level of yoga- and Jennison provides modifications for different body types, injuries, etc., without making those in need of the modifications feel awkward or embarrassed. The activities are varied and well thought out, with ample time for rest and relaxation as well. The food is delicious! The emphasis is on kindness and gentleness to self and others, and without any sense of being judged for not being “zen enough” or bendy enough or anything else. Whoever you are is enough and is welcome. A truly special pocket in time.” – L.H.

“I am nervous about joining the retreat alone. Does everyone already know each other?”

“Do I need to sign up with a friend in order to book a shared bedroom?”

Although many of our participants are often repeat-retreaters, not everyone knows each other. The retreat groups form friendships very quickly because of the way our retreats are designed to offer space for depth and quality time. So, our photos often reflect these beautiful connections, but more often than not, these are newly formed friendships. How cool is that?

Coming on a retreat on your own is such a beautiful way to travel the world and experience a yoga retreat. It gives you the time and space for reflection and rest, without the pressures of typical group travel. Plus, you have daily check-ins, like group meal times at the beginning and end of the day, so you can enjoy a moment of connection and laughter with your fellow retreaters. 

You are absolutely welcome to book a spot in a shared room, even if you are traveling on you own. I will pair you up with another solo traveler, who just might be your future BFF!

I hope this helps to address some of the questions you may have about joining one of our yoga retreats. Let me know if there is anything else you are curious about! Looking forward to seeing you in class, or somewhere in the world, very soon.

xo,
Jennison