Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Yoga Holidays in Brighton
Established in 1994, Free Spirit Travel pioneered the concept of yoga holidays in the UK. Our expertise lies in curating unique travel experiences that combine yoga practice with serene destinations, offering vegetarian-friendly accommodations and expert-led sessions. With over 30 years of experience, we collaborate directly with yoga teachers to ensure high-quality instruction while providing access to unspoilt locations across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in a 90% rebooking rate, demonstrating our ability to match clients with tailored retreats that cater to all skill levels.We maintain personal knowledge of every destination through firsthand experience, ensuring informed recommendations that balance affordability with exceptional service. Our small team's deep industry expertise and dedication to sustainable practices have solidified our position as market leaders in yoga-focused travel.
Services
Yoga Holidays
Weekend Retreats
Teacher Training
International Retreats
Vegetarian Holidays
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience pioneering yoga holiday travel
- Our team personally visits all destinations to ensure quality standards
- We offer vegetarian-friendly options at 100% of our venues
- Our 90% customer rebooking rate demonstrates exceptional service quality
- We provide expert guidance matching clients with suitable retreat styles
What people say
Exceptional instructors
Beautiful locations
Personalised service
Vegetarian-friendly
High rebooking rate
Services
Yoga Holidays
Our yoga holidays combine expert-led sessions with curated travel experiences in serene locations. We offer daily practice opportunities alongside cultural immersion, with vegetarian-friendly accommodations at all venues. Designed for all skill levels, these holidays balance structured yoga sessions with free time for relaxation and exploration.
Weekend Retreats
Weekend retreats provide intensive yoga experiences in compact formats. These short breaks focus on deep practice immersion while maintaining accessibility for busy professionals. Participants benefit from expert instruction and curated venue experiences within condensed timeframes.
Teacher Training
We facilitate yoga teacher training programs through partnerships with experienced instructors. These programs combine technical skill development with practical teaching experience in authentic retreat settings. Participants gain comprehensive knowledge while learning from industry professionals.
International Retreats
Our international retreats span diverse destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Each location offers unique cultural experiences alongside yoga practice. From Mediterranean beaches to Indian wellness centres, these retreats provide authentic global experiences with consistent quality standards.
Vegetarian Holidays
All our venues provide vegetarian-friendly dining options, with many offering vegan choices. We ensure dietary requirements are met while maintaining culinary excellence. Our partnerships with venues prioritise organic and ecologically sound food practices.
People
Jilly Batchelar
Founder & Director
Jilly founded Free Spirit Travel in 1994 after qualifying as a yoga teacher. With extensive travel industry experience, she personally visits all destinations to maintain quality standards. Her vision created the UK's first yoga holiday company.
Debbie Kennard
Travel Specialist
Debbie manages flight bookings and travel logistics with 20+ years of experience in the sector. She specialises in finding cost-effective travel solutions while ensuring compliance with insurance and documentation requirements for international destinations.
Linda Garrick
Customer Service
Linda provides customer support with particular expertise in matching clients with suitable retreat styles. Her yoga teaching qualification helps advise clients on practice requirements and venue suitability for different experience levels.
Tony Batchelar
Web Developer
Tony manages the company's digital infrastructure, ensuring seamless online booking systems and website functionality. He maintains technical operations while supporting the team's digital communication requirements.
Questions
How do I choose the right yoga holiday for my experience level?
We offer retreats for all levels from beginners to advanced practitioners. Our team will help match you with suitable venues based on your experience and practice goals.
Are vegetarian options available at all destinations?
Yes, all our venues provide vegetarian-friendly meals with many offering vegan options. We ensure dietary requirements are accommodated while maintaining culinary quality.
Can I bring a non-yoga partner?
Many venues welcome non-participating partners. We'll recommend suitable options where partners can enjoy the location and facilities while you attend yoga sessions.
What travel documentation do I need?
We provide detailed guidance on passport requirements, insurance, and health cards. For EU travel, ensure at least 3 months validity beyond your return date.
How do flight booking guarantees work?
We recommend booking through ABTA/ATOL members with credit cards. Choose airlines offering COVID guarantees for refundable bookings if travel restrictions affect your plans.
What support exists for flight delays or cancellations?
We provide guidance on EU compensation rules and airline obligations. For delays over 2 hours, you may be entitled to assistance and compensation depending on circumstances.
