Normally I’m not a big fan of yoga retreats for specific groups of people. Although, I’m slowly changing my mind about it.
This because I’m starting to feel that the hunger of connectedness is growing and it might be a good idea to connect with your fellow yogis and at the same time creating a brotherhood. This is why I’m going to start a series for some minority groups, starting with the LGBTQ-community.
Why start with this group? Well, besides that there are still a lot of prejudices about this group as well as punishments against it in some countries.
Going on a gay yoga retreat might be a great opportunity to release yourself from the stress of being afraid, being judged or even being rejected.
So, men out there, leave your Grindr at home because at these gay yoga retreats you won’t be needing it anyway!
Why Gay Yoga Retreats?
As I mentioned before, I’m not pro dividing everyone into groups. I’m a gay yogi myself and I have to say that whenever I go to a class, I hope to be surrounded by people who accept me for who I am.
Luckily, yogis are most likely to be open-minded and therefore there’s a lot of acceptance. And there are also quite some gay yogis in the yoga world as well I do have to add.
Besides this, what I also missed at most yoga classes and retreats is someone to share my experiences with. Not just to experience accepting who I truly am, but also on the constant struggles about it.
Therefore, going on a gay yoga retreat might be an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded yogis. It’s a great experience to share your fears and struggles with the people who have gone true the same.
And as a third point, you might find your future partner here as well ;). But that’s no guarantee of course.
Let’s begin with a couple of great gay yoga retreats especially for gay men!
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Gay tantra and yoga retreat in barcelona
Can Kushale
Prices start from US$ 430
August 2nd – 8th
4 days, 3 nights
If you ever felt to express your awareness through your sexuality, then that’s what you’ll be getting with Tantra. During this retreat, you can expect comradery and a very deep connection with yourself.
During this week you’ll be getting in touch with your first and second chakra to awaken the kundalini energy that’s within you. You’ll be guided and supported not just by the retreat leader, but within tantra the whole group will be safe and comforting for your expression.
Not just this but even the environment where you’ll be staying will be accommodating your process as well. You’ll be staying in the woods near Barcelona. So, the city isn’t that far away and is really a great way to travel from when you’d like to participate in this retreat.
Gay Yoga Retreats Europe
yoga and family constellations retreat in italy
Healing in the Willows
Prices start from € 919
From September 19th – 25th
I’m so glad I ran into this retreat during my search for gay yoga retreats! And I wouldn’t just say gay for this one, but really everyone is welcome who isn’t fitting the standard straight label.
So, whether you are a woman feeling like a man, a man feeling as a woman, or something in between, or neither, this retreat will be something for you.
The retreat facilitators, Matteo and Kim, will take great care of you. They are combining yoga with family constellations. I’d really love to explain it, but it’s such a deep and sacred practice, that I don’t want to do it any harm. For more information about it, you can have a look at their website.
The retreat is complete full board with delicious vegan meals! This doesn’t only make it suitable for basically everyone as even meat-eaters can go vegan every once in a while (in my humble opinion). And on top of that it’s more ecological as they work with as many seasonal products too.
This retreat fits into many of my articles, which makes in so lovable, but as this retreat is really about those who have a non-hetero identity, I want to emphasize it in this article.
There’s so much more to say about this retreat, but I’m running a bit out of space. And to be really honest, Kim and Matteo explain it so well on their website that I can’t just say too much about it.
This is a really deep-going retreat, so get ready to get into the depths of your being and soul and who know what you will discover!
Pictures by Healing in the Willows
GAY and allianced YOGA RETREAT IN France
Tom Barber Yoga
Price €1300
September
And then, a naked gay yoga retreat. Within this retreat, the organizer Tom doesn’t only like to welcome gay men, but also everyone that fits in the spectrum of gay, bi and transgender. As long as you see yourself as a man, you are welcome.
The group will be very intimate as there are only 20 participants allowed. This makes that you won’t have to be worried that you’ll get lost in the group. For everyone participating there will be space to share what’s going on and how to deal with it.
The retreat will be fully catered and the retreat leader Tom asks not to bring any recreational drugs or alcohol. This will make that the retreat itself is very pure and that you don’t escape your feelings by pushing them away again.
Throughout the year Tom also has other retreats, like a gay naked yoga retreat in Portugal. So be sure to check out his website every once in a while because they sell out really quickly!
Captain Jack Yachting
Prices Start At US$ 1927
Marmaris, Turkey
8 Day-Retreat
This retreat will take place in October, but it’s recurring twice a year! So even if this retreat is full or already past the date, keep a close eye on it, because it’s absolutely worth it!
The retreat itself will be taking place on a boat. So you can actually say it’s quite a private cruise as the yacht itself isn’t that big. And on top of that, this cruise will be for gays and clothing optional!
Matt will be guiding you through this whole retreat. He’s really passionate about yoga and mindfulness and I can’t think of another guy that’s more appropriate to lead a gay awareness cruise.
Be sure to check it out.
LUXURIOUS GAY YOGA RETREAT IN GREECE
Angelos Steliou
Prices start from US$ 1.120
Various Dates Available
Mykonos has been known as the gay paradise for a while now, but on this retreat you’ll do much more than just going to bars and clubs. Within this retreat, the main focus is connecting with yourself and others through yoga and Qi Gong. And all of this while you’re bathing in some luxury.
It’s a stereotype that only women can enjoy a luxurious location like this retreat has to offer. Men shouldn’t always be buff and enjoying those manly things, whatever they are. At this retreat, you can enjoy the amazingly looking pool, enjoy some deliciously looking food and many more things!
Click here for more pictures from this retreat!
Picture by Angelo Steliou on Tripaneer.com
Cinq et sept naked gay yoga retreat France
Cinq et Sept Gay Guesthouse
Prices start from € 594
Various Dates Available
This retreat is completely focused on relaxation. You’ll be doing two yoga sessions a day with Nickles Spencer. Who has his own naked yoga classes in Vauxhall and Islington in the UK. Make sure you check out his website if you’d like to learn more about these gay naked yoga classes.
As I mentioned before, this retreat is all about enjoying yourself. It’s not preliminary based on yoga, but you can do a bit of whatever you’d like. Activities besides the yoga classes include wine tasting or going to the beach, or kayaking for the more active gay guy.
As you can read, there’s something for just anyone. And this price is actually quite amazing too.
They are also having a tantra retreat for those who are interested in getting a deeper connection with your fellow gay brothers. Or just if you want a deeper connection with yourself.
This link here, will take you directly to the Tantra brochure.
Pictures by Cinq et Sept
Retreat for gay & queer men Spain
The Rainbow Men
Prices start from US$1.300
Retreat in May or June
Duration of 7 Days
The Rainbow Journey Retreat offers a transformative experience for gay and queer men, set against the backdrop of the scenic Amara Valley Retreat Center in Spain. This multidisciplinary retreat promises a week of self-discovery, heart-opening workshops, and joyful activities tailored to the LGBTQ+ community.
Participants can expect a diverse range of activities, including daily yoga and meditation, emotional release sessions, movement workshops, healing touch and sexuality exploration, and discussions on boundaries and consent. Sharing circles foster radical listening, while performance arts and rituals enhance intimacy and communication. Nature excursions, relaxation, and playful activities complement the schedule, ensuring a holistic experience.
The retreat spans seven days, each day filled with engaging events. From intuitive storytelling and boundary-setting workshops to body acceptance exercises and healing touch sessions, participants embark on a journey of personal growth and connection. Nature hikes, artistic workshops, and movie nights offer additional avenues for exploration and relaxation.
Those interested in joining are encouraged to reach out for more information or to reserve their spot. Whether seeking personal introspection, community connection, or simply a week of fun and growth, the Rainbow Journey Retreat offers a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ men to explore, heal, and thrive.
CONCLUSION
That’s about it for some amazing gay yoga retreats. I hope there is something there for you! Please let me know in the comment section down below which one is your favorite. And if you decide to go, you are always very welcome to let us know how your experience was.
Now, it’s time for me to get my coffee and continue my day, all that rests for me to say is:
Nama-stay wonderful!
As someone who’s also part of the LGBT+ community, I really appreciate you taking the time to find these amazing retreats. I’m still a closeted bisexual so it’s somehimes hard for me to not speak freely about my sexuality and thus far, I haven’t found any support group where I live. We’re basicallu in 2020 and I still cant believe people have so much hatred towards the community that we’re forced to join certain groups just to feel accepted.
hi Stephanie, there is nothing to be worried about, if you’d like, i can give you a couple of retreats for women that are lesbian or bi if you’d like to hang out with some likeminded people?
Wow. You really got me with this article.
I am an amateur of this spiritual sport called yoga, as I like to say. This year I set out to see other cultures, people and discover the spirituality of the famous places for yoga. I would like to go to Bali, Indonesia where there are many people who practice this ritual and whom I have heard are among the best. I think the price of $ 300 is nothing considering the impressive locations and the wonderful landscapes where we can relax.There will definitely be 3 unforgettable days in Bali.
Thanks for sharing with us this amazing article. Wish you all the best !
Hey, Thank you for sharing your awesome collection . Let’s begin with a couple of great yoga retreat especially for gay men. I found many lovely place to start yoga retreat. Zipolite, Mexico. Connect deeper with other men under the guidance of Angelos Ananda. Alentejo, Portugal- This yoga retreat won’t only be a gay yoga retreat, but it will also contain nudity.
Thanks for reading Parveen! Enjoy your yoga retreat 🙂