Stretch + Shine Yoga Holiday

What a 4-day retreat like this usually involves

A short retreat of 4 days is usually built around one or two yoga sessions a day, often a stronger class in the morning and a slower one later, with free time in between. It suits a long weekend or a first retreat, since you are not committing a full week, but the arrival and departure days take up a good share of it, so count the full days of practice before you compare prices.

Besides yoga, the published programme lists a hilot massage. If any of these is new to you, ask what a session involves; on most retreats you can sit out a session that does not suit you.

Meditation and pranayama (breath practice) usually runs as a short seated session before or after the yoga. If you have never sat for long, the how to meditate guide and what pranayama is explain what to expect.

The published group size is up to 18 guests. A larger group is more sociable, but ask how classes are split if levels are mixed.

Dates are flexible, so you choose when to arrive. The trade-off is that the group changes from day to day, and classes are pitched to whoever is there.

Questions to ask DRYFT before you book

• What is not covered by the published price? Flights, transfers, some meals and paid activities are often extra.
• Which dates are confirmed, and how many places are left on them?
• Who teaches the yoga, how long have they taught, and what level are the classes pitched at?
• Can the classes be adapted for an injury, a health condition or pregnancy?
• How do guests get from the nearest airport to the venue, and is the transfer included?
• What is the cancellation policy if you need to pull out, and does it allow a transfer to a later date?

How it compares with the other retreats we list

Length: at 4 days, it sits at the short end of the 7 retreats we list, which run from 4 to 7 days.

Location: it is the only retreat we list in El Nido. For drop-in classes nearby, see yoga studios in El Nido.

Price: 4 of the 7 retreats publish a price. Their lowest listed figures run from USD 377 to 2,700, and this one is the second lowest. Organisers price on different terms (per person, per booking, by room type), so compare what each price includes rather than the figure alone.

Getting there from Manila

Fly from Manila (MNL) to El Nido (ENI), or fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) and continue north by road. Island stays near El Nido add a boat transfer. Check current flight and ferry schedules before you book, and allow for weather delays between June and November.

Staying longer? The yoga trip planner lists studios, drop-in prices and events for your dates. To compare this with other retreats by month, length and published price, try the retreat finder.

Other retreats

• Surf, Movement & Creative Retreat, General Luna, Siargao
• 7 Days Yoga Retreat in Manila, Parañaque City, Metro Manila
• Women's Empowerment Retreat, General Luna, Siargao
• Soulful Adventure & Wellness Retreat, General Luna, Siargao

See every yoga retreat in the Philippines we list, and yoga events around the country.