10 Questions People Ask Before Their First Solo Retreat

Going on a solo retreat for the first time brings up a lot of questions — and if you've never done one before, that uncertainty can be the very thing that stops you booking. So we've pulled together the questions we hear most often from people considering a solo retreat, and answered them honestly, based on what actually happens once you arrive.

Will I Feel Awkward Going on a Solo Retreat?

This is the question almost everyone asks first, and the honest answer is: maybe for the first hour. Most retreats are full of people who've come alone. The shared structure of the days — meals, sessions, walks — means you're never really "alone in a room full of strangers" for long. By the second day, most people report feeling more at ease with the group than they expected, precisely because nobody is performing for anyone.

Do I Have to Talk to People on a Solo Retreat?

No. A good retreat holds space for both connection and quiet. You can join every conversation at the table, or you can eat in silence and take a walk on your own — both are completely normal, and neither will be remarked on. Solo retreats tend to attract people who understand this instinctively, because they've made the same choice themselves.

What Should I Pack for My First Solo Retreat?

Beyond the practical basics — layers, comfortable clothing, a journal, a water bottle — the most important thing to pack is low expectations. Don't arrive with a fixed idea of what you need to "get" from the week. Space to simply be, without an agenda, is often the most valuable part.

How Do I Choose the Right Solo Retreat for Me?

Think about pace before location. Some retreats are structured around long walks and physical movement; others are built around stillness, yoga, and quiet reflection. Ask what a typical day looks like before you book, and be honest with yourself about which rhythm you actually need right now, rather than which one sounds most appealing on paper.

Is a Solo Retreat Safe for Someone Travelling Alone?

Yes, particularly with a retreat run by an experienced host who's used to welcoming solo travellers. You're never navigating an unfamiliar place entirely on your own — transfers, accommodation, and meals are typically organised for you, and there's always someone to ask if you need help. Many retreat-goers say this is exactly why a solo retreat felt like an easier first step into travelling alone than planning a solo holiday from scratch.

What Happens During a Typical Day on a Solo Retreat?

Days usually open gently — movement or meditation before breakfast — followed by a mix of guided sessions, free time, and shared meals. The free time is often what surprises people most: real, unstructured hours to read, walk, nap, or simply sit, without needing to justify how you're spending them.

Will I Be the Only Person Who's Never Done a Solo Retreat Before?

Almost certainly not. First-timers make up a large share of most retreat groups. The nerves you're feeling now are close to universal, and one of the quiet benefits of a solo retreat is realising, often within the first evening, just how many other people share them.

How Do I Deal with Anxiety Before My First Solo Retreat?

It's completely normal to feel a flicker of anxiety in the days before you leave — new environment, new people, no one to lean on. Most of that anxiety dissolves within the first few hours of arriving, once the structure of the retreat takes over and you realise you don't have to manage anything yourself. If it would help, reach out to the retreat host beforehand with any questions; a quick reply is often enough to settle the nerves.

What's the Real Difference Between a Solo Holiday and a Solo Retreat?

A solo holiday puts all the planning and decision-making on you. A solo retreat removes it. Meals, activities, and pace are already set, which means the mental load of travelling alone — where to eat, what to do, whether you're doing it "right" — simply isn't there. What's left is much closer to actual rest.

Will I Come Back Different After My First Solo Retreat?

Not in a dramatic, overnight way — but most people do come home with something that's shifted: a clearer head, a slower pace they want to protect, or simply proof that they can spend time alone and enjoy it. The value of a solo retreat is rarely a single lightning-bolt moment; it's more often a quiet recalibration that becomes obvious in the weeks that follow.

Thinking about your first solo retreat? Explore our upcoming retreats and get in touch if you have any questions before booking — we're always happy to help.