Soothe Your Soul at These Indulgent Yoga Retreats
Yoga vacations are the ultimate (re)treat. As well as getting to enjoy a glorious destination, you’ll be able to indulge in holistic activities that boost your mental and physical well-being. The best yoga retreats provide a complete break from the rush of everyday life.
Pick one of these yoga resorts and book a holiday that will leave you calm, refreshed and rejuvenated in every way.
Bali, Indonesia
The whole of Bali stands out as a fabulous yoga vacation destination. It’s also one of the cheapest places for yogis to escape to, as you can opt to either participate in classes at a yoga center and book cheap accommodation independently, or go all-in at one of the upscale yoga resorts.
There are dozens of yoga retreats to choose from, but one that stands out is Como Shambhala Estate — it’s the ultimate deluxe yoga experience. Whichever option you choose, the zen vibes and outstanding natural beauty of Bali will ensure that you are in full nama-stay-here-forever mode the entire time.
Lamu Yoga Festival, Kenya
The Kenyan coast is a magical place. Lamu is an island on the Indian Ocean where time slows down to a crawl, leaving you with plenty of time to bask on the shimmering beaches and watch dhow boats float dreamily by.
The Lamu Yoga Festival is a recent addition to the island. It takes place twice a year and offers 150 classes over four days, as well as activities such as a peaceful sunset cruise meditation on a dhow. This is the ideal yoga holiday if you want to include plenty of barefoot beach time and Swahili culture in your wellness routine.
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Ulpotha, Sri Lanka
Tucked away in the forests of Central Sri Lanka is one of the best yoga retreats in the word. The eco-village Ulpotha will appeal to all the nature lovers, with stunning scenery as a backdrop to classes. A string of mud huts surrounded by mountains, monkeys and sometimes even elephants are seen in the area.
Ulpotha is more of a community than a hotel and you’ll be welcomed here as if you were a distant family member. A peaceful hideaway, the gentle hospitality of Sri Lankans combines with expert yoga classes to help you relax fully in Ulpotha.
Rishikesh, India
Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is India‘s yoga capital and a renowned spiritual destination for studying yoga and meditation. Mesmerizing temples line the Ganges river, and yoga retreats are tucked away in the quiet forests surrounding the town. The most alluring of these is Ananda in the Himalayas, an award-winning retreat that caters to the high-end luxury crowd.
Describing itself as a destination spa resort, this is easily one of the best yoga retreats in the world. Here a combination of yoga, Ayurveda and organic cuisine will help you feel restored mentally and physically.
Koh Samui, Thailand
The paradisiacal island of Koh Samui is dotted with yoga retreats. With lovely ocean vistas and the scent of frangipani in the air, it’s easy to understand why yoga lovers choose this island to unwind. The top pick on Koh Samui is Absolute Sanctuary. It’s billed as a fitness and wellness resort, so the focus isn’t solely on yoga.
Healthy food, pilates and healing emotional therapies are all available as part of a holistic approach to physical and spiritual well-being. The spacious suite rooms surrounded by lush vegetation don’t hurt either.
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Silver Island, Greece
A private island that features more than 2,500 olive trees, flower-draped walking tracks, an ancient church and even a lighthouse, Silver Island is a unique island escape. Week-long yoga retreats here are led by hand-picked teachers and will lull you into a haze of restorative classes and golden sunsets.
You’ll get to enjoy all the finer aspects of Greece while on Silver Island, including delicious Mediterranean food, local wines and charming whitewashed houses.
Feathered Pipe Ranch, Montana
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll find this haven for conscious-living, peace and, of course, yoga. Yoga and well-being retreats are guided by expert teachers in the lush forested surroundings. The rustic environment encourages guests to reconnect with nature — often a much-needed reminder.
The facilities include a sauna and a hot tub, and accommodation is in cozy cabins overlooking a lake. For peace and quiet in a tranquil setting, this is undoubtedly one of the best yoga retreats in North America.
Destination Yoga in Puglia, Italy
Destination Yoga runs several yoga holidays across Europe. The standout option takes place in Puglia, in a whitewashed 16th-century farmhouse scorched by the Italian sun. There is both an indoor studio and an outdoor yoga platform, so guests can make the most of the sunshine and beautiful scenery. Tailored yoga classes take place twice a day.
In between, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the captivating local villages and landscapes, indulge in treatments in the spa, or simply relax by the pool. Being Italy, the food on offer is exceptional — it’s worth coming for the fresh salads and lemon cakes alone.
A trip to the Waitomo Caves is certainly illuminating, particularly if you want to learn more about the glowworms who call the caverns below home.
Mindfulness Journeys, Morocco
Imagine doing yoga in front of sweeping views of the snowy Atlas Mountains, then stopping by a hammam for a steamy scrub. This is what’s on the itinerary at Mindfulness Journeys Morocco, a retreat nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Moorish architecture, Berber culture and mouth-watering Moroccan cuisine combine to make this getaway truly unique.
Between the rose and fruit gardens are two pools, terraces where you can get comfortable on floor pillows and a fireside space for cooler evenings. All around are stunning views of the Moroccan countryside. One week of yoga in this location will have you feeling completely renewed!