We are less than two months to 2020 and I’m feeling burnt out — who is with me?! I have been finding myself searching for my next Yoga-centred getaway, and therefore are longing to take a while to fill my own cup. It feels like time to explore a new part of the world, be a part of the international Yoga-loving community and occupy my days with the clinic.
And guess what? Yoga retreats and health getaways are getting to be more and more popular among not only long-time Yoga practitioners but also people who have never stepped foot into a Yoga studio earlier. A Yoga holiday is able to help you unwind from the stresses of everyday life, remain active while on vacation, and find out more about Yoga or through your practice.
So if you are wanderlusting and craving just a bit of “me” time, I’ve awakened with some of my friends from the Yoga area to provide you this list of a few of the greatest Yoga destinations on the planet!insta
1. Sri Lanka
While Sri Lanka was “up-and-coming” for a little while, this gorgeous island has been thrust into the spotlight in the past few decades. Although Yoga is surely not new to the area (it is just a stone’s throw away from India), a growing number of Yoga facilities and retreats are opening up which makes Sri Lanka an ideal Yoga destination to deepen your practice.
Not just is Sri Lanka beautifully lush, the tropical island offers blissful sunlight all year round along with a diverse range of picturesque landscapes from its lush mountain country to the semi-arid national parks and pristine shores in south Sri Lanka or upward along the east coast. The culture is so rich and Sri Lanka is home to no less than eight UNESCO Heritage Sites, which means it is possible to plan a wellness-plus-cultural getaway easily.
Foodies will love the new and tasty Sri Lankan cuisine on offer, using several amazing restaurants and cafes dotted around the island — make sure you always stop for a roadside coconut! Those that aren’t considering attending a full Yoga retreat can only check out drop-in classes that are widely accessible in central Sri Lanka (I like Rukgala Retreat) along with south Sri Lanka (I recommend Talalla Retreat), or at Arugam Bay on the east coast.
2. Mysore in India
Mysore is located in Karnataka country in southern India and is still now among the Primary epicenters of Yoga on Earth. It’s but one of the most popular Yoga destinations and draws tens of thousands of Yoga fans to exercise, breathe and eat Yoga for months (months) in a moment. Not only can you get your fill of Yoga, but it is possible to also eat delicious and nutritious meals, take in the sounds and scents of the regional Devaraja market, explore Mysore Palace, chase waterfalls, place wild Asian tigers (or perhaps an elusive leopard!) In a few of the neighboring national parks and so on.
Though Mysore is famous for Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga, there are several yoga schools on the planet that also provide different types of asana practice. Occasionally you will find drop-in classes that you can attend, but these tend not to be held at the peak season from December to March. If you’re traveling to Mysore with the express intention of practicing Yoga, it is best to contact the school directly ahead of your excursion to inquire about their class schedule and costs for the dates that you’re in town.
Among the most amazing facets about travel to Mysore for Yoga is your active community; along with the plethora of Yoga schools, most Yoga teachers and professionals host workshops and courses throughout Mysore. You can register for the body, breathing, doctrine, or chanting workshops, or attend healthful and ayurvedic cooking courses in your spare time. The Ashtanga Community in Mysore Facebook group is my go-to resource for upcoming events.
3. Siem Reap in Cambodia
Siem Reap might not be a clear Yoga retreat destination, however, there is a couple of wellness and Yoga-focused hotels and centers offering multi-day retreats and mouthwatering healthy cuisine. In-between morning and day asana and meditation courses you’ll be able to jump around to the astounding Angkor archaeological complicated and research famous temples including Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, or venture to some of those lesser-known temples such as Neak Pean and Pre Rup.
I recommend checking out Navutu Dreams along with their stunning rooms and patios (I’ve stayed twice!), and I’ve also heard great things about Blue Indigo Yoga Retreat and the Hariharalaya Retreat Centre. During your time in Siem Reap, then you may also need to test out one of the many restaurants, cafés, and coaching centers specializing in helping young Cambodian individuals gain valuable work skills and employment opportunities. Here are a few unbelievable ethical eateries in Siem Reap!
4. Chiang Mai in Thailand
Thailand is one of my favorite countries in the world and I find myself moving back time after time for quite a few reasons, but to be honest that the amazing Thai food is motive! In particular, I find myself drawn to Chiang Mai when I feel as though I need a short break, particularly because it’s relatively simple to reach and has a good global airport.
This northern city is compact and easy to get around on foot or by songthaew (shared taxis), and you will find a lot of items to do in Chiang Mai such as visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, hiking through a cloud forest in Doi Inthanon National Park, temple leaping and talking about the meaning of life with Buddhist monks or stuffing your head with street food in the night market.
Chiang Mai is one of the very best Yoga destinations, and Yoga lovers will appreciate the many studios scattered around the city, offering many unique kinds of Yoga classes and educators from around the world. You can exercise Ashtanga in the morning at Wild Rose Yoga before jumping across town for an afternoon Yin and meditation class at Mobility Yoga. To delve a little deeper register yourself into the brief workshop on anatomy, inversions, Ayurveda, or trauma-informed Yoga just to name a few.
5. Bali in Indonesia
Many folks visit Bali to escape the hustle and bustle of town life, in search of a more peaceful lifestyle in tune with nature. And although it brings its fair share of Eat Pray Love Royal travelers as well as yogis, the island of the Gods has also become a favorite destination. It’s a little Yoga mecca for numerous classes and retreats and one of the best areas in the world for Yoga fans — here are a few of our favorite spots.
Located just a short 20-minute ride from Ubud, Fivelements Retreat Bali is one of our best escape destinations, as it actually pioneered spiritual wellness in relationship with local Balinese tradition. What’s more, their award-winning cuisine is yummy! Appreciate daily morning yoga courses in their lovely bamboo Yoga shalas surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Finish your escape experience with pampering spa treatments and a carnival equilibrium with a local healer.
COMO Shambhala close Ubud is undoubtedly among the most amazing retreat properties — immerse yourself in character with this luxury spa holiday, and place monkeys, squirrels, and other wildlife as a possible change from a warrior into downward dog at the open-minded yoga shala. The healthful cuisine rounds away from this other-worldly experience.
Not looking for a retreat but simply interested in linking with Bali’s yoga area? Then visit The Yoga Barn in Ubud. This location boasts six studios that also offer over 100 yoga classes each week, as well as breathwork and recovery sessions. There is even a healthy café attached to it, offering vegan, vegetarian, and raw cuisine. A number of decades ago, they also launched their guest house, which offers accommodation for yogis who are thinking about attending their retreats.
ALSO READ: Why Most Yogis Promote Apple Cider For Nutrition
6. Sayulita and Tulum in Mexico
Mexico is fast getting the Bali of the Americas when it comes to Yoga. Whether you’re into Acroyoga or even Ashtanga, Yin or Yang, luxury beachside retreats, or rustic jungle biking shalas, Mexico has something for everyone.
Sayulita is the greatest hippy-surf town with wealth and an assortment of yoga supplies. Boutique studios are scattered throughout the town, each offering immersion at the luscious greenery of Sayulita. The yoga vibe is centered on combining all elements of yoga with healing and holistic approaches. You’ll still find Power Yoga, Ashtanga and innovative Acro, however, you can expect high-quality teachers to go beyond the present to guarantee biking, breath and intention are in the essence of the practice.
If you’re looking for something more “instagrammable”, check out Tulum. The coastline is dotted with Yoga hotels, hosting open-air Yoga shalas with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. It’s the ideal place for the ultimate Instagram shot, some using more creative shots such as drone shots, or even people looking for perfect views to enable you to sink deeper into the Yoga practice. Only a brief and breezy cycle in Tulum city, you are going to find some soulful Yoga studios having a larger focus on creating a neighborhood, with teachers making Yoga relevant, accessible, and meaningful to everyone.
7. The Amalfi Coast in Italy
Yoga at the Amalfi Coast is an unforgettable adventure! The Amalfi Coast in southern Italy supplies an idyllic location to connect with your inner self as you enjoy breathtaking views of the turquoise Mediterranean ocean alongside a colorful landscape that rises steeply from the shore to the rocky mountain hilltops. Along with Yoga, you will find yourself enjoying farm and sea to table foods every day, embarking on cooking adventures using authentic local Italian nonnas, sipping on your way through wine tastings, along exploring exotic underwater caves called grottoes.
Yoga fans from the Amalfi Coast can learn more about the Path of the Gods, a famous route that connects the mountains of Agerola into the renowned coastal city of Positano — trekking this route enables you to some meditative state while smelling the fresh scent of lemon in neighboring trees and listening to the sound of waterfalls arriving from your Rio Canneto. If you find yourself a bit off the beaten path, do not fret, it’s a lovely opportunity to quit at Antonio’s for a day of olives, bruschetta with goat cheese, and a glass (or 2 ) of vino!
The locals from the Amalfi are actually one of a type. They share their land and culture with thousands of tourists all summer long offering the maximum warmth and hospitality. Personally, the hidden jewel on the coast for me, is the little town of Praiano softly tucked away, boasting beautiful beaches, tasty restaurants, unmatched appeal. If you are lucky, on any given night a firework display will light up the sky in celebration of a few of their many Saint times or at the celebration of a local wedding.
8. Hoi An in Vietnam
Hoi An in Vietnam includes a phenomenal conscious community of locals and ex-pats so it’s not surprising that the scenic lantern-lined city has an excellent Yoga studio. Nomad Yoga Hoi An supplies a robust schedule that has many yoga clinics throughout the afternoon including Hatha, Yin, and Ashtanga. Community classes are held on the shore and all proceeds are donated to local charities.
There are frequently other mindfulness classes or gatherings such as women’s circles during the full moon, kirtan mantra chanting, meditation, and much more. Wellness retreats, yogic massages, and reiki will also be offered. Nomad Yoga caters to Vietnamese by applying local teachers to direct Vietnamese language courses.
I’d my 200-hour yoga instructor training course at Nomad Yoga and had a ton of encounters. The program is led by Indian and Vietnamese yoga teachers that also teach regular pupils at the studio. Nomad Yoga offers small group (less than 12 pupils) TCC throughout the year for a reasonable price.
9. Malaysia
Malaysia, my home state, is famous for its Petronas Twin Towers, also for becoming a melting pot of civilization. Stealthily, it is quickly becoming a popular destination for biking however that hardly comes as a surprise since Malaysia is a land surrounded by lovely beaches and stunning zen lakeside along with subtropical hotels are located in almost every corner of the nation.
Whether you’re new to Yoga or even a complete Yoga enthusiast, Malaysia is a Yoga destination that’s something for everyone! From pay-at-the-door walk-in classes or class passes that allow you to join any Yoga courses available in a list of gyms around town, you Will Surely be able to find something to render you more in peace with yourself. If indoor courses are not your cup of tea, combine the free Yoga class at KLCC Park every Saturday morning, or even sign up for one of many beachfront or eco-resort retreats available! After all, with Air Asia playing such a powerful function internally within the country, a flight to some of these beachfront destinations occasionally costs even under a bus ticket.
Ultimately, if you are wanting to take your clinic a little more seriously, there are plenty of Yoga classes and workshops available. In actuality, I completed my 200-hour training with the Malaysia Association of all Yoga Instructors (MAYI) a year or two back! Yoga is slowly but surely becoming a staple in many Malaysians’ lifestyles and the very best part is it won’t break the bank!
10. Big Island in Hawai’i
The Big Island at Hawai’i is one of the best destinations for Yoga fans. Twice as big as the other Hawaiian islands along using its vast diversity of nature and 11 out of this world’s 13 climate zones, Hawai’i Big Island is fascinating. Want to wake up to birdsong, ocean views, or the unmistakable silhouette of Mauna Kea in the distance? Then make your mat and roll it out to the front porch at one of the many beautiful places to stay. Have a deep breath of ancient Aztec wisdom and enjoy homegrown bananas and banana bread for breakfast after your practice.
The Big Island is a really spiritually uplifting environment to heal and grow. I am able to say that from experience, as I had been blessed to complete my 200-hour YTT on the magic grounds of Ahu Lani. Nothing helps to achieve inner balance quite like focusing on prana in the cool sea breeze, but aside from its stunning white, black, and even green sand beaches, it’s the Big Island’s deep and present connection to mother nature that makes it so very unique. In the search for internal serenity, the Big Island without a doubt is magical in finding balance in the body and mind and is likely opening the doorway to growing a step farther into oneness.
The Big Island contains lots of drop-in classes as well as week-long retreats and Yoga teacher training. Check out Yoga Centered along with Balancing Monkey at Hilo and Hawaii Beach Yoga in Kailua-Kona. From my experience, Ahu Lani is really a beautiful off-grid retreat sanctuary, ideal for bigger groups. Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center at Paho is also an excellent escape location.
Bonus: Home
Last but not least, Yoga retreats don’t have to be costly, and they don’t even have to be in another country! Though you might be yearning to hop onto a plane, train, or ship to break free from the “every day”, you could even DIY a short Yoga-focused getaway in your home — the whole idea of a Yoga escape would be to devote a day or few days to practicing Yoga and self-care.
So change your telephone to airplane mode, roll your mat out and take time for yourself whether it is an asana practice, meditation, or pranayama session. Delve deep into a Yoga book or two and eat and rest well, or check out a local Yoga festival or convention and consume teachings from experienced educators. There are several methods to immerse yourself in Yoga without packing a bag!