Travel mat

Normal yoga mats are around four to six millimetres thick and weigh just under three kilos. Since I like to train close to the ground anyway, I switched to a thin travel model. The B Mat is two millimetres thick and fits easily into any bag when folded. It’s made of non-slip rubber and will definitely have a place in my bag for Mallorca.

Pilates ball instead of bolster

My yoga teacher Iris gave me a great idea for the bolster: instead of taking the four-kilo monster with me, she recommended the Togu Pilates ball. «You can use it to support your back or use it as a meditation cushion. I’ve been taking this ball with me for 10 years now,» she explained. Of course, the ball isn’t as comfortable as my XXL bolster that I use to practise deep upper body stretches on, for example. But it’ll do for the retreat.

Quick-drying clothes

You know that I think loose-fitting yoga shirts are stupid. That’s why I’m packing tight and light tops for the yoga retreat. If necessary, I can wash them quickly in the hotel room in the evening and dry them on the balcony overnight.

Travel detergent

What do I use to wash my yoga tops on the go? None other than a classic tube of Rei hand detergent. All you have to do is put some water in the washbasin, add the Rei, put the clothes in, knead briefly and you’re done. My mum always used it and it still works great.

Hair ties

I have long hair. And Mallorca’s windy. See the problem? That’s exactly why strong hair ties are another essential in your luggage. More specifically, the power version from Invisibobble. I’ve been using them for ages and they’re the only ties that reliably keep my locks in place, even in upside-down asanas.

Thin, cotton blanket

Every yoga session ends with Shavasana, the corpse pose. In other words, you lie on the mat, stretch out all fours and go into deep relaxation with gentle music. For even more comfort, I cover up. A light cotton blanket, like this model from Lotuscrafts, will be the perfect companion in Mallorca. And my thick blanket will stay at home.

Microfibre towel

Here’s another product from the «dries quickly and weighs almost nothing» category. As I’ll definitely be sweating under the Spanish autumn sun, a light microfibre towel will also join me. That’ll save me from taking the spotless white hotel towels with me to training and getting into trouble afterwards.

Sweatproof sun cream

And last but not least: sun protection. I don’t need to explain why this is on the pack list. When I’m doing exercise, however, I prefer a light, gel-like texture. Because this still lets sweat escape.