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From your home to the studio to across the globe, the best yoga destinations can be wherever you want them to be. However, there are a few places that top the charts. First of all, there is no place that is more or less suitable for practicing Yoga. That's because the practice of yoga is an internal and personal exercise fit for everyone. Yoga is universal which means whether you are practicing in your kitchen or in the mountains, you can enjoy the benefits, no matter where you are.
However, when it comes to yoga destinations, there are certain locations that are known to be the best. We are sharing those secrets with you so that when it comes time to plan your yoga getaway, you know where to start.
Read on to discover what are the top yoga vacations there are, and the retreat centers that are worth visiting to do yoga around the world!
Why Plan a Yoga Holiday
Yoga holidays can be a great fit not only for experienced yogis but also for travel lovers who are itching to learn yoga. Fortunately, there is a myriad of yoga retreats in the most scenic locations around the globe. And while practicing in your home or your local yoga studio might sound like a tempting and safer idea, why not plan something different and go for a yoga trip? That way, you can not only practice yoga but also feed your Wanderlust, which is the best of both worlds.
When planning a yoga holiday, a great idea is to pick somewhere with an abundance of nature. Why? Well, mostly because natural environments create the perfect setting for ultimate relaxation. If you flock to the great outdoors, you'll be able to disconnect from the outer world and enjoy your yoga classes even more. So lookup for the top yoga destinations in the world, and pick a place where you can fully enjoy your practice.
Top Yoga Holidays Around The World
India
Let's start with the obvious: India, which is the birthplace of yoga. One of the most famous yoga destinations around India is Rishikesh, also known as Hrishikesh. Located in the Himalayan foothills, the city is beside the holy Ganges River, and it’s a worldwide renowned center for studying and practicing yoga and meditation. Considered one of the most sacred locations in the world, Rishikesh is dotted with temples and ashrams, and it became very famous in the Western World after being visited by The Beatles in the late '60s.
When visiting this destination, be sure to mark your calendars for the International Yoga Festival, which held in Rishikesh every year. Since then many people from all corners of the planet go there to take courses and train how to be yoga instructors.
Along with Rishikesh and the Himalayas, there are other parts in India equal or even more invigorating to have the full yoga experience. The largest ashram is in Bihar (Sadaqat Ashram) and is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the reality of India. Other locations include Goa and Kerala, which are also very popular.
Indonesia in general, but especially Bali, is a prime yoga destination. Bali offers the ultimate relaxation around the nature experience, and you'll find yourself immersed in a pure meditative state in this destination.
A true health and wellness retreat, Bali is covered in lush verdant forests, ancient temples, rice fields, and turquoise-water beaches, which design the perfect yoga and mediation experience for those who are seeking some inner peace. Bali became even more popular after being featured in the book and movie Eat Pray Love. Aside from dozens of ashrams, Bali is also home to a range of cool yoga studios where you can book a class and have a yoga teacher training you.
Retreats in Bali have also gained intense popularity, and some of the most sought-after locations for yoga-practicing ar Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak are some of the top yoga destinations in Bali. In these yoga retreats, you usually kick off your day with some asanas in a natural setting, either on the beach, in the jungle, or at the top of a mountain. There are also breathing sessions, meditation classes, and holistic therapies to provide you with maximum relaxation.
If you are a true yogi, Bali will be on top of your list of the best yoga destinations around the world. And, in case feel like doing something different, take some time to uncover the top attractions in Bali.
Spain is primarily known for its rich and diverse culture, amazing food, and amazing beaches on the Mediterranean coast. With a scenic natural backdrop, the country also happens to be a prime yoga destination, as it offers travelers the perfect conditions for their practices.
Home to both sea and mountainous landscapes, as well as pleasant weather all year round, Spain has some world-class wellness retreats in destinations such as Tenerife, in the Canary Islands; Alicante, in Valencia, and even Ibiza. In general, there are many schools for yoga practice all over Spain, but you can also find secluded places to create your very own haven
In big cities like Madrid and Barcelona, yogis benefit from the variety of cool yoga studios and take an array of classes. They'll find anything from Hatha to Acro Yoga. After visiting and soaking in all of the excitement this Mediterranean country has to offer, you won't want to leave.
Some of the world's best yoga retreats can be found in Portugal. Located along the Atlantic Ocean, up and down the coast, there are hundreds of yoga retreats perfect for groups of yogis, big or small. You can even make a road trip out of it by starting in the south in the Algarve region and making it all the way up to Porto. Explore the beautiful national parks and pristine undiscovered beaches to connect your mind, body, and soul.
A great idea is to plan a yoga holiday with other yogi friends. But, instead of going to more busy and vibrant cities like Lisbon, you can head over to beach destinations in Portugal, which are the perfect place for relaxing yoga sessions. Some great yoga destinations in Portugal are the Vicentina Coast with its well-known beaches, and Ericeira, which also happens to be a fine surfing destination.
Sri Lanka is a genuine sanctuary of peace and well-being. Located in the Indian Ocean, the country is home to several protected areas, 22 National Parks, and more than 30 forests, which design the perfect environment for some open-air yoga sessions around nature.
There are many yoga retreats Along the Sri Lanka coast, which offer amazing views, daily yoga classes, and even surf sessions for some adrenaline.
And, during your yoga holidays in Sri Lanka, you can also take some time to explore the country, which is a popular destination for nature lovers. Include visits to the city of Kandy, the Yala National Park, and Little Adam’s Peak to your itinerary.
Costa Rica is mostly known for its idyllic beaches, rugged mountains covered with forests, volcanoes, and rich biodiversity. But the Central American country is also one of the top places for a yoga holiday. Paradisiac cities such as Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and Tamarindo, for instance, are known for having calm and pristine beaches, where travelers can indulge in some open-air yoga sessions.
Costa Rica also has a showcase of yoga retreats at Indonesian-style hotel boutiques, where guests can not only take yoga classes, but also enjoy some organic meals, and indulge in relaxing spa treatments.
If you already crossed India, and Indonesia off your bucket list, don't think twice, and pick Thailand as your next yoga destination. This budget-friendly destination is home to several yoga studios and retreats, which are spread all around the country, from Koh Samui to Chiang Rai.
Designed specially to provide guests with maximum relaxation and wellbeing, the yoga retreats in Thailand include gorgeous views to natural settings, and a range of activities such as journaling, pranayama sessions, dance workshops, and even yoga at sunset.
Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, the Shambhala Mountain Center is a six-hundred-acre mountain yoga retreat center beautifully surrounded by native forests, green meadows, and rocky peaks. The perfect place to go for a restoring weekend getaway, the center features daily yoga sessions, and mindfulness practices to rejuvenate body and mind.
Kripalu Center, Massachusetts
Kripalu describes their yoga retreat as an opportunity of “healing and renewal—a retreat experience to nourish mind, body, and spirit”.The experience features early morning yoga classes and a robust line-up of centering practices such as guided meditations. They also offer wellness experiences like a personal transformation workshop and a guided outdoor activity for people to connect with nature.
Firefly Resort Bali, Indonesia
If you’re looking for week-long retreats, Firefly Bali is the place for you. Regarded as one of the best wellness resorts for travelers that are seeking budget yoga retreats, the resort is surrounded by rice fields. For maximum relaxation, they offer breathing practices, daily yoga sessions, guided meditations, and other peaceful activities.
Yoga is in the Soul:
As we said before, there is no perfect or one destination for yoga. It's in the mind, soul, and spirit, which means you can take it with you anywhere. However, that experience intensifies when you are able to practice from the comfort of one of the world's premier accommodations. Book a villa, apartment, hotel, or hostel in any of these locations with CuddlyNest. Your yoga travels can take you around the globe and back. Let us know which of the best yoga destinations your adventures take you to.
Enjoyed the article? Let us know if you have ever been to one of the best yoga destinations listed above.
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