Treat yourself to a retreat that will allow you to connect with your mind, body and spirit. Here are some of the best yoga destinations in the world, as well as some of the most extravagant experiences
The prevalence of yoga practice has increased dramatically in recent years, and now people of all kinds of cultures, physical stamina, and stature are regularly rolling out their mats to perfect their downward dog. While it can help ease the stresses of everyday life, there’s nothing like taking a real break to really find yourself. Kiwi.com offers 14 tips on the best yoga destinations, retreats and experiences around the world to help you plan your well-deserved spiritual getaway.
Classic
Ulpota, Sri Lanka
With a history that dates back 5,000 years, Ulpotha is the perfect place for yoga. The retreat, hidden in the Sri Lankan mountains between Kandy and Anuradhapura, has the reputation of being the best in the world.
Ulpotha is eco-friendly and vegetarian, and offers a range of Ayurveda programs, as well as yoga classes from the world’s best teachers. If you’ve ever dreamed of learning Sivananda in the shadow of a temple dedicated to Lord Kataragama, this is for you.
Yoga Synergy Program in Kamalaya, Thailand
the Kamalaya Koh Samui Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Retreat offers private sessions as part of their all-inclusive package Synergy Yoga Program. Each class is tailored to the yogi’s abilities and what they want to achieve. Kamalaya offers a range of rooms and villas buried in the dense Thai rainforest or on the beachfront.
Yoga programs at Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Recognized as the number one destination spa by Condé Nast Traveler in 2020, Ananda in the Himalayas offers a wide range of programs, tailored to the individual abilities of the yogi. A yatra (pilgrimage) to the spa will have you living in the viceregal palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal and sipping Darjeeling high in the mountains. And after detoxification, meditation and rebalancing, there are guided treks to enjoy the majesty of the Himalayas.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Sitting on one of the many paradise islands of the Maldives, the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a yogi’s dream. The hotel’s Ayurvedic spa and retreat offers yoga classes three times a day in open-air pavilions over the water or among the trees. Tailor-made private packages are also available.
On top of all this, the island is home to the only full-time manta ray research project in the Maldives. Their “Manta-on-Call” service will alert you as soon as a school of manta rays approaches, before taking you on an unforgettable dive.
Quinta da Calma, Portugal
One of the very first yoga retreats in Europe, Quinta da Calma is now easily considered one of the best in the world. Located a few minutes by car from the beautiful beaches of the Algarve, it offers the possibility of completely disconnecting from modern life. — there is no Wi-Fi in the rooms and there is no TV. Quinta Da Calma offers a full weekly program for its clients with private lessons and group activities.
Cool
Soul & Surf Kerala, India
Imagine waking up to a sun salutation on the cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, then spending the rest of the day catching the swells crashing the shore – or trying both at the same time. It is retirement Soul & Surf offers.
It’s the dream job of founders Ed & Sofie Templeton, who left everyday life in Brighton behind to travel the world and relax. Their business was successful and Soul & Surf has now been around for 13 years. Moreover, they even share their Spotify playlists:
Samasati, Costa Rica
Speaking of surfing, have you ever thought of Costa Rica? the Samasati Yoga and Wellness Retreat in the laid-back coastal village of Puerto Viejo helps its clients relax and discover their purpose through yoga. Surfing, guided forest hikes, swimming in natural plunge pools and bird watching are just additional opportunities. yes we want sign at the toptoo much.
Shanti Toya Ashram, Indonesia
Located not far from Denpasar on the island of Bali, the rural surroundings of Shanti Toya Ashram still provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Their One Week Retreat Package promises classes in several different yoga practices, such as Gokul Vinyasa yoga, Gokul Hasa yoga, and Yin yoga, massages, and Balinese cultural activities. And all of this at a much more affordable price than what you would pay for one of the most luxurious retreats, making Shanti Toya Ashram perfect for budget travelers.
Big Sky Yoga Retreats
Big Sky Yoga operates women-only programs based deep in the peaks of Montana, USA. Their retreats make the most of the Big Sky Country’s rural landscapes by offering horseback riding with “Cowgirl yoga” as well as cozy and authentic log cabin accommodations.
True to the mountain theme, Big Sky Yoga also runs retreats in the French Alps and Patagonia. If you can’t wait to unleash your inner mountain goddess, this is definitely for you.
Yogi Adventure Retreats
adventure yogi has curated some of the best yoga destinations and runs entire experience-based retreats. Whether it’s surfing in Morocco, meditating in Montenegro, or hiking in the Brecon Beacons, there’s always a relaxing adventure to be had. It’s about designing something different and creating an escape like no other.
Eat.Pray.Move Retreats
In addition to daily yoga classes, Eat.Pray.Move hosts a series of workshops to help clear the mind and redirect your energy to what makes you truly happy. How about a retreat in one of the most beautiful hotels in Marrakech, the Peacock Pavilions? Or a serene escape to southwest Iceland to be one with the elements? Eat.Pray.Move’s list of destinations is nothing short of impressive.
Eccentric
Doga, San Francisco, United States
Perhaps it’s not strange for all the dog-owning yogis who know how much their four-legged friends love to participate. Taught by Annie Appleby and her pup, Madison, Doga by YogaForce is a bonding experience between you and your best friend. Their courses have caused a stir and have been taught at Google and Bloomingdale’s, among others.
Bold Naked Yoga, New York, USA
The human body is something you should never be ashamed of, and it’s an idea embraced by bold nude. Their (private) lessons require you to leave all the paraphernalia of modern life at the door, and humble and empower yourself by learning as naked as the day you were born. This is a class to break free and challenge yourself like never before.
Laughter Yoga, Los Angeles, USA
Laughter is the best medicine, and Laughter yoga institute inspires you to connect deeply with your emotions. Its inventors, Madan and Madhuri Kataria, praise the benefits of their workshops on your physical and mental health. It will teach you to breathe like never before, and soon you’ll be laughing for absolutely no reason other than what you want.
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