The experience of practising yoga by the holy river Ganges in Rishikesh is unlike any other yoga retreat. India is the ideal place to start your yoga journey because it is deeply rooted in yogic tradition. You don’t have to travel 14 hours to find authenticity. There are also yoga retreats near you.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is one of the most magical and beautiful places in the United States. It is considered a sacred place of healing and spiritual renewal by Native Americans. It is known for its energy vortexes and crystal shutters.
Aura readings are also available. Aumbase Sedona Adventures offers guided yoga hikes and vortex tours for nature-loving yogis. They also offer many classes, workshops and retreats. The annual Sedona Yoga Festival takes place in Red Rock Country. It attracts prominent yoga teachers, luminaries and influencers.
There are many hotels in Sedona that focus on wellness. The Amara Resort and Spa offers free yoga classes and is known for custom oil blends and chakra balance massages. Another option is the Enchantment Resort, which offers more than 100 weekly activities such as meditation classes and healthy cooking seminars. You also have access to the luxurious Mii Amo Spa here.
Hariharalaya, Cambodia
Hariharalaya means “Hari Hara Temple” in Cambodian. It is a village that dates back to at least 800-1000 AD. This is where the Hariharalaya Retreat Centre is located. It was once the Vedic capital of Cambodia. Every year the centre hosts more than 40 retreats focusing on Integral Yoga and Meditation.
The village is remote and has only recently been connected to electricity. This makes it an ideal place for a digital detox. The Bakong Temple is less than a mile from the retreat centre.
It depicts mythical creatures from Buddhist and Hindu mythology. A visit to Southeast Asia is incomplete without a visit to Angkor Wat. It is the largest archaeological temple complex in the world.
India: Rishikesh, Ganges Valley
Rishikesh is the ideal place to start a yoga journey. It is located near the holy river Ganges in northern India, in the Himalayan Mountains. This city is known as the birthplace and origin of yoga. Legend has it that a famous saint visited the river to do penance and was then recognised by Vishnu, the Hindu god. There are many temples and ashrams in Rishikesh that pay homage to him and offer a variety of workshops and yoga classes.
Phool Chatti Ashram, a retreat in a tranquil garden, is known for its silent retreats. A 7-day programme is available from $190. Ananda, a luxury spa resort in the Himalayas, is known for its Ayurvedic spa treatments and wellness classes.
Yoga and meditation classes are also offered. Organic cuisine is also available. You can book a room at this resort from $510 per night. Intrepid Travel’s 13-day Mountains & Mystics trip starts at $1,095 and includes visits to ancient temples in Old Delhi, the Dalai Lama’s serene Dharmasala and ends with a tented camp along the Ganges in Rishikesh.
Kripalu Centre for Yoga and Health, Stockbridge, Massachusetts
The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, a renowned centre for Ayurveda and Yoga, is located in the Berkshires. The centre offers a wide range of programmes, retreats and workshops for all levels. The centre is located on a 150-acre sanctuary in western Massachusetts.
You can join Kripalu for a day if you are new to it. If you are more experienced, you can consider teacher training or Dharma Mittra. We recommend including an Ayurvedic treatment such as the prana-restoring Abhyanga massage in any programme.
Yoga & Spa: Thailand
The Barai is an exclusive yoga retreat that offers a luxurious spa experience. While practising your yoga postures, you can improve your flexibility and mindfulness. A deep tissue massage can be a great way to relax your muscles.
Wellness consultations and goal setting can help you improve your lifestyle in the long term. Relaxing baths and crystal energy treatments can help you harmonise your body. This paradise of serenity can leave you with a toned body and a renewed motivation to live a healthier life.
Yoga and Beach: Vietnam: Fusion Maia Yoga
Fusion Maia is a resort with beautiful beaches and the crystal clear waters of the South China Sea. Private yoga classes are offered for all levels, making it ideal for yoga enthusiasts who want to enjoy the sun and fresh sea breeze. You can also join group fitness classes or take part in water sports.
Relax and unwind with the spa’s extensive pampering programme, which includes aromatherapy facials and flower baths.
Ubud, Bali
People practising yoga have made Bali a popular place after the release of Eat, Pray, Love. Ubud, which translates to “medicine”, has been a popular destination for yoga practitioners for many years. It is also a centre for holistic healers and rooted in Hindu spirituality.
There are many accommodation options depending on what kind of experience you want. For those looking for a structured stay with meditations, yoga sessions and full moon fire ceremonies, the Bali Silent Retreat is a good choice. The Mandapa A Ritz-Carlton Reserve (from $40/night) is another option. It offers a more structured stay with meditations, yoga sessions and full moon fire ceremonies.
Yoga and Ayurveda: India: Atmantan Yoga
Atmantan offers a deep-penetrating Ayurvedic oil treatment. Imagine being in a tranquil setting surrounded by mountains and lakes while practising spiritual meditation or yoga in the pavilion outside. An Ayurvedic holiday can help you relax and experience deep rest.
You can also pamper yourself with traditional spa treatments or therapeutic remedies such as Anja light therapy or body wraps. Learn about proper breathing to get the most out of your spa experience. Afterwards, enjoy healthy, delicious meals prepared with organic ingredients from the farm.
Yoga and Fitness: Thailand: Samahita Yoga & Fitness
Get active while walking on the beach. Samahita, a yoga and fitness retreat on Koh Samui’s south coast is where you’ll find Samahita. The retreat focuses on spiritual, mental and physical well-being. Samahita offers many mindful practices and stimulating fitness classes.
Samahita also offers many other activities, including sunrise watching and morning cardio exercises. You can also attend several yoga classes throughout the day.
Yoga and surfing: Bali: Ocean Soul Surf & Retreat
Enjoy a group surf session. Ocean Souls believes in holistic living and mindfulness. While surrounded by lush tropical plants, enjoy healthy food, massages and exercise.
This retreat is ideal for anyone looking to connect with other surf and yoga enthusiasts. You will feel refreshed and ready for healthy habits.
Yoga and Wine: Oman: Discover Zighy Bay Yoga
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to find ways to relax. Yoga outdoors is a great way to achieve this. You can connect with nature and get a great workout at the same time.
The fresh air can also help you relax and boost your energy. If you are feeling stressed, consider taking an outdoor yoga class. This is perhaps the best way to restore balance between your body and mind.
Zighy Bay in Oman is the ideal place for an eco-friendly holiday or healthy honeymoon. A yoga consultant can help you choose the best classes for your needs and goals.
Guided meditation, pranayama and other relaxing spa treatments such as a Thai or hot stone massage can help improve your mental and emotional well-being. Enjoy a delicious local wine while watching the sunset after a long day.
The Chopra Centre, Carlsbad (California)
The Chopra Centre is an innovative destination compared to the other places on this page. Deepak Chopra is the co-founder of this centre and a certified physician. He has integrated the Vedic science and philosophy of mind, body and spirit into modern integrative medicine and personal development.
It offers traditional yoga and meditation as well as a variety of workshops, retreats, seminars and courses. Chopra FIT, which combines traditional yoga with modern fitness programmes such as Core Fusion and TRX, is also offered. In addition, an introduction to Ayurvedic cooking is offered, which is easy even for people who are not familiar with knives.
