Last Updated At: 07-Feb-2025
After two years of cautious travel, invariably, many wannabe travelers are all set to throw caution to the wind. This is indeed a good time to plan a long pending vacation and hop onto a packaged tour offering a cocktail of experiences. But, if you wish to discover yourself and feel that it is time to check out who you really are, create a sync between your soul, mind, and body, or invite all the positive energies of the universe, try booking a yoga retreat. This tour will not be just about unwinding and relaxing. It would be about learning an ancient art that has been passed from expert yogis to their shishyas through generations.
Yoga is a great way to drive physical health by boosting mental wellness. Today, yoga is going through a revival phase, and millions across the world practice it daily as a part of their everyday routine. So, why not you? Often termed as wellness tourism in India, give it a shot book a yoga retreat in its place of origin, India. If, for some reason, travelling to India is out of bounds now, you can pick a popular yoga retreat closer to home. Thankfully, the yoga culture has grown in popularity in leaps and bounds in the past few years, and the pandemic has made many others realize its importance. Therefore, you are bound to get some fabulous options to book in your native country too.
Have a look at the 10 best yoga retreats in the world.
It is natural to start from the place of birth of yoga. Originating from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj,’ meaning the union of the individual yoga practitioner with self-awareness and consciousness, classical yoga dates back to about ten thousand years back, being mentioned in the Rig Veda. Maharishi Patanjali propounded it further. The modern form of yoga is Hatha Yoga which focuses on physical and mental well-being. Considering that the classical and the modern form of yoga evolved in India, there could be no better destination for a holistic experience. The good part is that the diversified geography of the country is dotted with innumerable yoga retreats. Some of the top yoga retreats in India are:
Read More : Yoga Retreats In India
This Yoga Retreat at Dharamkot in Himachal Pradesh is one of the best places to visit to learn and practice yoga. Be prepared for a short training regime at the retreat that will open your eyes to the essence of yoga. Surrounded by the Shivalik Himalayan range, this is the perfect destination for relaxing the mind, soul, and body.
The Ashram is located in Lonavala, between Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. It is an ashram dedicated to yoga - so you get options of different yoga programs to pick from. The unique thing about the place is the comprehensive attitude towards well-being - there are naturopathy and Ayurvedic centers to offer 360-degrees wellness to visitors.
Located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, it is one of the most respected and popular retreats in India. You will get customized programs that are designed to help you attain balance. In the lap of the Velliangiri Mountains, you will be a part of a guided meditation while refreshing yourself with the natural beauty around in your free time.
Read More : Places To Visit In India To Attend International Yoga Day
This retreat in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala is surrounded by serene bliss, this is a luxurious yoga retreat in India offering bespoke sessions per individual requirements.
The US has been one of the active yoga destinations in the world. There are some very good wellness retreats in the USA. The Sports & Fitness Industry Associations mentions that almost 16.9% of the total yoga practitioners in the world are from the US (in the age group 18 to 24 years). There are some excellent yoga retreats here where you can participate in personalized yoga programs, meditation, and massage therapy.
California is the number one hotspot of modern yoga if you move towards the West. The Golden State is considered the globe’s capital of contemporary yoga. Coming to the East, you have Florida, which has offered the best space for a thriving yoga industry. The year-round sunny weather is unmatchable, while the sight along the coastline leaves you rejuvenated and detoxed. Some amazing wellness resorts worth visiting in the USA are-
Nestled in the lap of nature, amidst red-rock Bradshaw Mountains, this retreat is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This wellness resort was frequented by affluent in the USA like Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, etc. The resort was closed down for several years but was reopened in 2019. It is truly an oasis for tired souls. Soak in warm thermal water and experience stress oozing away from every pore of your body leaving you relaxed and rested!
Read More : International Yoga Festival
Off the South Carolina Coast lies a beautiful resort on Hilton Head Island. It is one of the most visited wellness resorts in the USA. Practice yoga, join bootcamp, or engage in TRX, anything that helps you feel relaxed at the retreat and come back refreshed and rejuvenated.
It is difficult to leave out any part of the Indian subcontinent when talking about yoga. Sri Lanka has, for ages, been home to many Buddhist and Hindu revolutions. The entire island country is filled with spiritual essence, and that is evident when you visit Sacred Tooth in Kandy or the revered Naguleswaram Temple in Jaffna. Then, there is the Sacred Bodhi Tree, where Buddha is believed to have gained enlightenment.
Amidst this background, there are many centers dedicated to yogic practices. Some of these are:
Located in the Central Highlands, this retreat is surrounded by tea plantations, rice paddies, and mountain ranges. Here, you find the blend of Tai Chi with meditations in the morning, native Sri Lankan meals that detox the body, and more.