Packing for a tropical yoga retreat and enjoy nurturing your yogi values.

January 01, 2018 1 Comment

So you booked a rejuvenating, de-stressing, re-inspiring retreat and are getting ready to pack.  Now the trick is how to pack what you need and not more.  Go lightly, maybe even with just your carry-on.

You know when you get there, other then your yoga outfits you will likely wear the same things and… mostly your bikini. I know I always pack way more then I use.

So based on what is most used for a tropical retreat,  here is some easy guidelines and styles that will carry your through your retreat and into summer.

Added bonus… since your are likely drawn to the aspect of yoga of elevating your being, why not extend those values into caring for the planet and people with your choices.

Here is a list that goes well with the Zen Nomad ethos of sustainable production and fabrics, social equality for the people making them, and celebration of local craftsmanship.

 

3 pairs of yoga pants..

Zen Nomad- Ellipse Capri: you will likely choose capri’s or shorts in super hot weather, rather than your full length leggings.   The organic, closed loop bamboo provides more breathability for your skin wellness then any nylon or polyester options.

 

Zen Nomad - Barcelona Harem Pant: For feeling the beach life vibe its nice to have something loose to lounge or restore in.

Zen Nomad - Highwaist Bike Yoga Short: cut to any length if you prefer it to be shorter. Let your legs be free!

2 sports bras. One to wash, one to wear.

Zen Nomad - Asymmetrical Yoga Bra: everybody's favourite, great comfort, style, softness and containment. (see picture above)

 Zen Nomad - Origin yoga bra: for extra support but still have a flattering neckline and soft fabric next to your skin.

 

 

3 tank tops. Take at least one top that isn’t super sporty, so it can be worn while sightseeing or out on the town.

Zen Nomad - Ruched Spine Yoga Tank: for a minimal modern aesthetic in super soft organic closed loop bamboo

 

Zen Nomad - : a tank with build in bra shelf for added support, so you don’t have to worry about wearing a bra with it. Works well for all sizes, everything stays in place!

Zen Nomad - : in linen - airy linen knit goes perfect over the asymmetrical bra, allows you to walk from the yoga palapa to your cabin or town with some stylish cover.

3 pairs undies, or more if you’re not up to doing some laundry in the sink.

1 pair socks. Even if you’re wearing flip-flopsmost of the time, you might need them for a hike in the jungle with your runners or hiking shoes.

1 dress or skirt for days off and dressing up.

Zen Nomad - Delphine Dress: Breezy linen , low cut racer back and draped cowl neck line… perfect for bikini cover up as you walk through town from the beach to your cabina or dressing up your yoga clothes as you go to and from practice. This will be one of the items you wear every day!

 

Zen Nomad - Racerback Tank Dress:  because you can’t resist having an easy to wear lbd dress that looks equally as good walking barefoot down the beach as it does eating dinner at the local beach restaurant gatherings with the magical strung up lights and tables for gathering and eating under the palm trees with reggae playing from the sound system.

 

Long or Mid length

1 shawl for sitting in meditation and for dressing up.

Mindful Necessities -  mediation shawl : these beautiful, light meditation shawls from the barbers daughter are seeped in intention, wrap one around you and it will be so easy to drop into meditation, and  be perfect for covering your shoulders on a cool night or from any little biting insects. (Gisele from Mindful Necessities is hosting a beautiful retreat in Ireland in June with mediation, yoga, mindful jewellery casting and water dousing F.Y.I )

1 swimsuit. A must if you’re attending a retreat in the tropics!

Leilanni - splash fiji bikini with Maiko Gubler print :  has some pretty beautiful looking swimsuits, made in Toronto and with patterns done in collaboration with some pretty cool artists.

 

Flip flops or other slip on shoes. Beach requires easy on, easy off shoes, but why go for the norm. 

Proud Mary -  Black 2 –strape sandal:  is Handmade in Lesotho, a South African country. Proud Mary works with global artisans in the developing world to create its line of 'ethnic-modern' wearables. By combining a modern design aesthetic with traditional methods of production Proud Mary bridges the gap between fair trade and on trend/fast fashion.

 

Marita Huurinainen- Luoto Wave Sandals: “A Finnish design innovation that combines the traditional wood bending technique with contemporary style.” The body of the shoe is made of Finnish birch and covered with palisander wood. Designer Marita Huurinainen's philosophy is that one should not create anything wasteful into this world. The designs have to be lasting in both their style and material, so that they may remain in use for several years, a lifetime and more in the best case.  

Comfortable walking shoes for sight seeing – here I would use your old sneakers you don’t mind getting wet, or go hard core in your bare feet.

Protection from the Elements

Lightweight long sleeved top 

Zen Nomad - Elvin top: in linen knit will give you a breathable light cover up, to either cover you in case of a cool evening or protect you from the sun if you have had too much.

 

Yoga mat. A travel mat and/or a mat sized yoga towel is perfect! If you don’t have one of these, you can fold up a regular yoga mat so it fits in your suitcase.

Manduka – eKO SuperLite Travel Mat 68″  :Weighs 2lbs, only 1/16” (about 1.5mm) thick and 68” long making easy to travel with because you can fold or roll it into your bag. Made from non-Amazon eco-friendly biodegradable tree rubber which won’t flake or fade. 

Hand towel. A microfiber towel will keep you from slipping on your mat, and can also be used to mop off sweat.

 

Mat wipes Freshen your mat after class with a   Linen towelette from Zen Nomad

 

Toiletries

Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap. Make sure its eco friendly and ok in the water because many tropical places have delicate water systems and we want to leave as light a footprint as possible!

Matter Company has an outdoors line with a shampoo/soap combo for outside.  Just get a small bottle and pour in what you will need for the week.

Laundry soap  Dr. Bronner’s for quick laundry in the sink.

Deodorant –  soap walla has a nice deodorant crème that was given a pretty great ranking on Kriss carrs natural deodorant ratings 

Made in small batches in her Brooklyn studio Soapwalla products are pure, effective, and trustworthy. Rachel visits suppliers to ensure they share Soapwalla’s value structure of respect, honor, authenticity, and transparency.

Toothbrush and toothpaste – Green beaver gmo free and fluoride free, with all natural ingredients you have heard of. And pretty awesome flavours

Minimal makeup: Tinted moisturizer, eyeliner, mascara, and a favorite lipstick/ gloss

Hair ties and/or Zen Nomad headband to keep your hair out of your face while practicing yoga

 

Tech Gear

Camera

Phone and charger – But remember its better to use as little as possible, you are hear for a reset after all, why distract yourself from mission let go!

Other

Meditation Mala - Mindful Necessities - Abacus Mala slides easily, for counting your 108 mantras!

Notebook and pen

Books. Bring some books that elevate your spirit and inspire you.

E-books are great so you can bring a few books to suit what mood you might be in!

 

 

 

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