Yoga is a great way to relax and reconnect with your body and mind. If you want real rejuvenation, a yoga retreat in one of these inspiring locations around the globe is the perfect way to disconnect from a busy life and find your inner balance.
Yoga retreats are getaways — whether to somewhere in town or an exotic location abroad — that focus on physical well-being and emotional health. Over the course of the retreat, you’ll participate in yoga and meditation sessions. Retreats often offer additional activities, restorative meals and rest time to help you recharge.
Traveling for a yoga retreat gives you a break from your day-to-day routine back home, letting you truly focus on meditation and restoration. You’ll be able to disconnect from daily stresses and responsibilities. A new setting, surrounded by beautiful sights and vibrant cultures, can help rejuvenate your mind and body. These unique destinations are some of the best countries to visit for yoga retreats.
Yoga retreats in North and South America
Spanning hundreds of cultures and environments, you have dozens of options for yoga retreats in North and South America. From the rainforests of the Caribbean to the mountains of South America, breathtaking settings offer a backdrop for the perfect yoga retreat.
Nature and yoga in Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are a unique backdrop for yoga and exploration. The islands are ecologically diverse and are home to many species that do not exist anywhere else. Yoga retreats on the Galapagos Islands often combine eco-adventures like hiking, snorkeling and wildlife tours with yoga practice.
For those looking to relax in nature, the Galapagos Yoga Retreat with The Travel Yogi features multiple, daily yoga sessions on lush acreage that is home to giant tortoises and wild horses. Day trips to explore the islands focus on conservation and education.
Because of the islands’ ecological significance, there is less development and infrastructure. Planning how to get to Galapagos Islands often involves flying into an airport on Ecuador’s mainland, such as Balta. Fortunately, many yoga retreats on the islands offer transfers to and from local airports.
Yoga and wine in Argentina
Among the many interesting facts about Argentina, the country has a vibrant culture, encompassing traditions from ancient peoples, the Argentenian gauchos and European influences. With cities, beaches, deserts, rainforests and mountains, you can enjoy your yoga practice in any setting you find most restful.
The Mendoza Province, situated in the Andes, offers a beautiful mountain setting. It’s also Argentina’s wine growing region. Yoga retreats and events at Yoga Along the Wine Paths bring together two cultural experiences in yoga and wine. Yoga sessions in the vineyards are followed by wine tasting for retreats that restore the body and delight the taste buds.
Yoga retreat in the rainforest in Costa Rica
For yoga in a tropical paradise, head to Costa Rica. Sparkling blue waters and white sand beaches or rainforests humming with life are the backdrop for your yoga practice. The Blue Osa resort melds with the natural landscape and was built with mindfulness and meditation in mind. Blue Osa yoga retreats are all-inclusive with classes from international instructors, eco-chic accommodations and farm-to-table meals.
You have the option to add on spa treatments for more relaxation. For those seeking out adventure, eco-tours, zip lining, yoga retreats for surfers and more can keep you active throughout your trip.
European yoga retreats
From the picturesque vistas of the Alps to the tranquility of the Mediterranean, yoga retreats in Europe are an opportunity to reflect and leave feeling renewed. On the Greek island of Santorini, yoga retreats through Adventure Yogi take place on a hilltop near Thira, giving you panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and caldera, a submerged volcanic crater, from the yoga shala. Compliment your yoga practice with Greek cuisine, wine tasting and sailing around the caldera on a catamaran.
At the Suryalila Retreat Centre in the Andalusia region of Spain, you’ll find serenity in the remote Spanish countryside. The resort is located among olive groves and sun-kissed hills with a variety of yoga facilities, including a geodesic yoga shala. Other activities include massage, horseback riding and local excursions.
Historic yoga retreats in Asia
The practice of yoga originated in Rishikesh, India. Today, a yoga retreat in Rishikesh provides an authentic experience in a historic setting. Parmarth Niketan Ashram is located next to the holy Ganges river and nestled at the base of the Himalayas. Daily yoga and meditation classes, the Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset and lecture programs invite pilgrims to live life as prayer. During a yoga retreat at the ashram, you’ll spend every moment connecting with the Divine and your inner peace.
Bali, Indonesia offers tranquility in a beautiful island setting. The Yoga Barn in downtown Ubud is a tropical escape that combines traditional yoga with Bali healing practices. They offer yoga retreats for healthy living, serenity, new mothers and more.
Unique yoga retreats in Africa
Culture, nature and adventure combine on a yoga retreat in Africa. On a Morocco yoga retreat through Nosade, you’ll participate in twice daily yoga and meditation sessions overlooking the ancient city of Marrakech. Daily excursions will then take you down into the city to explore historic mosques, palaces, marketplaces and local cuisine.
On the island of Tanzania, the Zuri Zanzibar offers a comprehensive mental and physical wellness program. Yoga, meditation, walks on the shores of the Indian Ocean and “wild fitness” at the outdoor gym can boost your health while explorations of the island and its Swahili culture can engage your mind.
Find peace and rejuvenation with a yoga retreat
Yoga has long been effective in promoting calmness, increasing inner awareness and creating mental clarity. Travel and exploration can have a similar effect. A yoga retreat to inspiring new destinations can be restorative for both your mental and physical well-being. As you plan your next escape, consider a yoga retreat in Asia, South America, Europe and beyond.
Norbert Figueroa of GloboTreks.com is an architect and travel writer on a mission to visit all 195 U.N. Recognized nations, and beyond. He shares his adventures and passion for travel, architecture and cultures on his blog and social media.