While many of us take vacations to escape the stress of everyday life, you can take your relaxation to a whole new level on a yoga retreat. These wellness escapes offer more than your weekly yoga class can, as you’ll be living and breathing a more Zen-like existence during a transformational getaway.
Put a little “ohm” into your next vacation at one of these yoga retreats.
Esalen Institute, Big Sur, Calif., United States
Along California’s central coast, Esalen Institute is a welcoming haven for those looking to nourish body, mind and spirit. The retreat sits on 120 acres of nature, including seaside cliffs, sandy shores and pristine forest. Yoga and meditation retreats are held regularly. After sweating through a yoga class, replenish yourself in one of the property’s natural hot springs.
Shreyas Yoga Retreat, Bangalore, India
Make the ultimate yoga trek to India and book a stay at Shreyas Yoga Retreat, one of the top yoga retreats in the world. Located on 25 green acres outside of the city, this upscale center takes care of every detail so you can focus on complete rejuvenation. In addition to yoga classes, you can take part in chanting sessions, massages and traditional ayurveda treatments.
Samasati Nature Retreat, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Retreat into the lush rain forests of Costa Rica, where you’ll have your own private slice of Caribbean shore to relax, meditate and practice your asanas. You’ll wake up with the jungle as your soundtrack, dine on fresh vegetarian dishes and spend your days immersed in yoga classes and meditation.
Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui, Thailand
On the shores of Koh Samui, you can spend two weeks on a personalized yoga retreat led by world-class instructors. Samahita Retreat offers yoga, wellness and detox retreats, as well as specialized retreats focused on goals like stress management or Thai massage. There’s no topping a chance to meditate on the sand as the Thai sun sets in the distance.
Kalani Retreat Center, Big Island, Hawaii, United States
Start your day with sun salutations on the southeast shores of Hawaii’s big island at Kalani Retreat Center. Lava flows into the ocean nearby, forming new earth in what the retreat calls a “rare and sacred connection to the creative power of life.” This wellness retreat offers hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga and restorative yoga, to name a few. Workshops, group classes and retreats are hosted throughout the year.
(Main image: Grand Velas Riviera Maya)
