In order to practice yoga, you don’t need much in terms of equipment or space. Enough room to lay down a mat is more than sufficient. But the environment that you practice in does matter. Ideally, it should be airy, filled with light, energizing and calming in ambiance at the same time. Or in other words… your living room floor!
But once in a while, who doesn’t wish for a change in scenery? Moreover, an occasional getaway can be a good reminder of how important it can be to find time to do the things that we love. Even seasoned practitioners and trainers take off for a retreat or a teacher training occasionally in some far off, exotic locale like Bali or Spain.
All this should be reason enough for you to head off to a dedicated yoga retreat! With the recent boom in popularity for yoga across the world, there is no dearth of destinations that suit every lifestyle and budget.
If the thought entices you enough to look up your next holiday destination, we have the perfect solution for you. Without further delay, here is our list of happening yoga hotspots across the globe.
Benaras, India
Serious practitioners of yoga consider a visit to the birthplace of yoga an essential experience in a lifetime. But India’s singular magic can be as enchanting for laymen as it is for globe-trotting yogis —and what better place to start off than the spiritual holy town of Banaras (Varanasi).
An incredible place with sacred temples on the banks of the holy river Ganga is the right location to absorb real life experiences on various aspects such as devotion, service, and spirituality.
Rishikesh or the ‘world capital of yoga,’ is another one of the rare places in the world where you actually get to be trained by a traditional ‘Yogi’ dressed in robes! There are several ashrams where the traditional wisdom is imparted as well as resort’s off the beaten track devoted to yoga teacher training in the hills and also in popular seaside homestays.
Bali, Indonesia
There is much more to Bali than what’s depicted in “Eat, Pray, Love?,” the 2006 bestseller that has driven hundreds of thousands of (mostly) women to this obscure island in Asia. Bali is pretty much everyone’s dream vacation and also chock full of must-visit destinations for yogis of all hues.
A Balinese yoga retreat will let you escape to a beautiful and exotic haven away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can work out, meditate, eat healthy food or simply relax day long.
There is no dearth of experienced yoga teachers, studios and holiday retreats. Small fishing villages that dot the pristine coastline of the island is home to a collection of chic beach resorts and some of the region’s best snorkeling and diving spots. You get to practice yoga in the open air – on platforms that either overlook the azure sea, or rolling hillsides and fields.
For those with an interest in the exotic, an exposure to Balinese culture can be enthralling, especially for westerners. Holidays see batches of tourists from all over U.S. as well as Europe.
Nosara, Costa Rica
Well known for its biodiversity, surf friendly shores, adventure tours and friendly locals, Costa Rica also happens to be a top destination for yoga enthusiasts. Several yoga retreats are open throughout the year, with daily classes that are open to both locals and guests. Some boutique retreats are elevated above the surroundings with spectacular views of the ocean, rain forests and waterfalls making for a surreal setting to practice yoga.
In addition to yoga, wellness and education centers conduct workshops related to health, sustainable living, spirituality and personal growth. Numerous Eco-friendly retreats host specialized yoga vacations that also include organic meals that are farm to table and served in communal settings. A truly marvelous opportunity to indulge yourself while benefiting from rejuvenation in the bargain!
Costa Rica’s wellness capital, Nosara is an ideal place to space-out, rediscover one’s balance and fully embrace the yogi lifestyle. It is home to a health and environment conscious expat beach community that has for years drawn surfers, nature enthusiasts and yogis from around the world. A vast selection of lodgings are available – ranging from budget-friendly hotels and hostels to more upscale resorts and luxury property rentals.
Ibiza, Spain
More famous for its clubs and nightlife, it’s surprising that Ibiza is also a top destination for aspiring yogis, particularly the quieter north-eastern coastline. As the new year festivities wind down, the party crowds leave the shores, making it the perfect time to explore the island’s gorgeous landscapes and indulge in the natural bounty.
One can start off with some ‘surya namaskar’ or sunrise yoga on a deck overlooking the ocean, progress to some high-intensity interval training workout and end the session with a cooling dip in the sea. You can also partake in guided meditation sessions at some of the world’s most sacred and enchanting spots. If you feel up to it, you can try out Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), the new fad great fad that’ll have you look at even standard yoga poses in an all new perspective. (If you’re interested in SUP retreats, check out Kite West.)
During the downtime amid all the hectic yoga teacher training or off-days you can discover the hidden treasures of Ibiza – the pine scented forest paths, obscure bays with crystal clear water, uncovering quartz crystals and witnessing magical sunsets in the cozy lap of nature. The surprisingly healing vibes energize you for further adventures ahead or calm you down as you stretch out and relax after a day of exploring.
Be it a beach, a hilltop or mountain side, in the middle of the rainforest or paddy fields, these exotic destinations have no dearth of ideal spots for those looking to relax, reflect and rejuvenate their jaded minds and tired bodies with yoga, healthy food, and meditation.
A word of caution though: while most yoga retreats host retreat and training programs throughout the year, it’s always a good idea to book ahead during the holiday season.
