Many people think a yoga retreat is only for advanced practitioners—but often, a beginner who comes “just to accompany” ends up becoming a yoga lover for life (a good thing). Speaking with Michelle and Elda, two of the Modo studio owners featured on the Modo Retreats page, we explore a simple and important question: why retreat?
Jess Robertson and Michelle Corbeil—Director of Modo Yoga Danforth—chat about the beauty that is taking a break from routine
Jess: In your own life, how have retreats changed not what you do, but who you are?
Michelle: We lead retreats because we know firsthand their transformative potential. In addition to leading retreats, we attend retreats every year to fill our own cups.
Jess: How do you design a retreat schedule to balance yoga and down time?
Michelle: We design retreat schedules that strike a pretty great balance between digging deeply into the practice of yoga and leaving enough time for exploring the local sites and also for rest and relaxation. Most days will start with a longer more dynamic yoga class (between 90 minutes and 2 hours) that leads into brunch. After that, there is some free time. Some folks are all about lounging by the pool with a book while others want to tie on their walking shoes, while others are booking tours or spa treatments. We finish the day with another yoga practice that includes more therapeutic and introspective work before heading off to dinner.
Jess: What would you recommend to someone that comes on retreat with a big “to-do list self”? What gently brings them home to themselves?
Michelle: There is a special magic that happens on retreats. It is so much more than yoga in a beautiful location. The ritual of meeting yourself on the mat twice a day, leaning into deep conversations with new and old friends, and the proximity to nature reliably bring about a shift. People always seem to get what they came looking for, but not through ticking items off a list and over-scheduling their lives—quite the opposite. The skills of self-care and presence we cultivate on retreat are exportable skills and they come home with you.
Jess: How do you create community without forcing connection? Do you think community plays a part in the benefits of retreats?
Michelle: Yoga retreats are an opportunity to meet like minded people in a relaxed atmosphere. We hold gentle and safe space for all sorts of people but never force connection. There are always delightful coincidences and points of connection that arise organically, and the friendships from retreats tend to last. We have a no-yogi-left-behind policy so nobody will ever feel isolated unless they specifically come looking for some deep alone time. The interesting thing is that even when people start out looking for isolation, they usually find nourishing connections.
Jess Robertson and Elda Giardetti, Modo Yoga Hamilton Co-Owner ponder Why Retreat
Jess: How are Yoga Retreats unique in your perspective?
Elda: Retreats let people truly step away from their every day life—the practice just lands differently when you’re surrounded by nature, good food, and community. You slow down enough to actually feel your practice, not just do it.
Jess: How did you get into doing retreats?
Elda: I’ve always loved travel, and yoga is such a beautiful way to connect with a place and with people. It just felt like the perfect combination—movement, culture, and connection all in one experience.
Jess: What would you tell someone that is worried about doing a yoga retreat, or nervous that they won’t fit in?
Elda: You might be travelling alone, but you’re never alone. You end up in community—sharing meals, laughter, and sunsets with people who often become lifelong friends. Everyone is welcomed exactly as they are.
Jess: I love that. When people come to your retreat, what are they really seeking—beyond rest, nature, and yoga?
Elda: Connection. Clarity. A reset. Most people come looking for something simple—but end up reconnecting with themselves in a much deeper way.
Jess: I’ve definitely found that to be true as well. Can you recall a moment on retreat when someone softened and you could feel their life changing in real time?
Elda: Yes, there’s been lots of healing on these retreats—even when people thought they had nothing to heal. Sometimes it’s in a yoga class, sometimes around the dinner table—you just see them exhale and soften.
Jess: Mmm, yes. What retreat did you go on that inspired you to start offering retreats?
Elda: My first yoga retreat in Costa Rica years ago. I left feeling completely reset—lighter, more grounded, and more connected. I knew right then I wanted to create that experience for others.
