>> "I also hear quite a few "I felt more productive, less stressed out" etc. remarks. I wonder if 10 days of relaxing on a beach wouldn't have a similar effect."
I've never been to one of these retreats but for a while I meditated twice daily, morning and evening for 15 minutes. I only did it for about 2-3 months. I had a similar effect while I maintained it. Not so much with productivity but I was definitely less stressed. So although I'm sure 10 days relaxing anywhere will help with stress, short daily sessions seem to have the same effect.
I've never been to one of these retreats but for a while I meditated twice daily, morning and evening for 15 minutes. I only did it for about 2-3 months. I had a similar effect while I maintained it. Not so much with productivity but I was definitely less stressed. So although I'm sure 10 days relaxing anywhere will help with stress, short daily sessions seem to have the same effect.