Yoga trips or yoga destinations are becoming increasingly popular. There are thousands of places in the world where yoga retreats are organized, especially for those who want to truly relax, put their thoughts in order and come into harmony with their body.
There is something for everyone in the following yoga destinations, and everyone can learn something new. Here are the ten best yoga destinations in the world!
1. Nepal (Quiet and Serene Himalayas)
Nepal is an amazing country where nature has created unique conditions conducive to meditation and Yoga. Practice in the mystical places of Nepal, known for their unusual energy, will certainly give you a new experience – it will become an incentive for you and a starting point for further self-improvement.
Several options are available for you if you take a yoga tour in Nepal.
I. Yoga centers in Pokhara
Pokhara provides a huge variety of specialized centers where you can find harmony with your body and spirit. For example, Purna Yoga is a famous yoga center offering daily practice: physical asanas, breathing, pranayama, meditation, and additional healing methods – reiki and massage.
II. Yoga Centers in Kathmandu
You can take yoga courses with professional mentors at Kopan Monastery, located 25 km east of Kathmandu. Such a program consists of morning meditation, training, discussion of the morning lecture, meditation with a mentor, and reflection.
Longer immersion meditation courses are also popular here. Every year there are programs lasting one month, where you can communicate with members of the Sangha. Beside Monasteries, there are Yoga Studios in the Valley.
III. Yoga Trekking in Mountains
Hikers and yoga enthusiasts can combine their two passions on the classic trek route to the Annapurna, Langtang, or Everest region, where stops for Yoga and meditation are provided against the backdrop of the massive Himalayas of the world.
2. Rishikesh, India (Birthplace of Yoga)
Rishikesh is considered the yoga capital of the world and the “gateway of the Himalayas.” Some also consider this city the birthplace of yoga. The Indian city is located on the banks of the sacred Ganges. For Hindus, this is one of the most revered cities in the country, and for travelers, it is an opportunity to touch Indian wisdom from real teachers.
One of the famous yoga ashrams in the city is Parmarth Niketan, located next to the sacred Ganges River with over 1000 rooms, an 8-acre campus, and other facilities. It offers the perfect setting for Yoga and meditation. You can stay for up to 15 days, learning ancient science from experts. In addition, it is in this ashram that the annual week-long International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh is held.
The other best yoga ashram in Rishikesh is Sivananda Ashram, also known as the “Divine Life Society.” Dedicated to Swami Sivananda, its founder, the ashram imparts knowledge on Yoga, Hinduism, Vedanta, and other spiritual sciences.
Yoga classes are held daily, except Sundays, for both men and women: men practice in the mornings, women in the evenings. The ashram has a range of yoga courses, the most popular of which is the two-month yoga course. Meditation and pranayama are also taught at the ashram, with Iyengar yoga being the most common style of practice.
The other amazing yoga ashram in Rishikesh is the Yoga Niketan Ashram, where you can feel the union of body, mind, and soul. Ultimately, this state will lead you to the experience of divine bliss. Nestled among 7 acres of enchanting landscapes, the ashram is far from the chaos and civilizational world.
You can enjoy the peaceful environment of the ashram and, at the same time, gain knowledge of different styles of yoga practice. Sessions focus on all eight branches of Yoga per the Patanjali Yoga Shastra.
3. Bali, Indonesia (Mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism)
Indonesia is a classic destination for those who want to delve into the practice of Yoga. Within the island, we can find numerous resorts focusing their offer on their yoga classes since the environment could not be more idyllic.
Bali is one of the world epicenters of Yoga because Hinduism and Buddhism are mixed here, two religions that adopt Yoga as an essential part of their doctrine. The wonderful natural environment helps complete the experience of practicing Yoga.
And one of the most popular destinations is the Yoga Barn center, located on the paradise island of Bali. The place offers meditation classes seven days a week, among several other activities, with a view of paradisiacal beaches.
4. Ko Samui and Koh Phangan, Thailand (Detox Retreat)
The Thai islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are the ideal place to leave everyday life behind on a relaxing holiday: dreamy white sandy beaches, azure blue sea, lush green forests and parks, fascinating temples, and delicious food await you here.
In Koh Phangan, you will find a lot of schools in the middle of the jungle, workshops, and master classes for the practice of Yoga. Also, you will find the popular detox retreats, in which the greatest possible state of well-being is sought through the practice of Yoga, healthy eating, and body energy.
Koh Phangan is one of the best destinations to do Yoga or take a spiritual journey because it offers spaces of peace and calm where you can cultivate your body and soul for the practice of Yoga and meditation.
5. Unawatuna, Sri Lanka (Peace and Joy)
Unawatuna in Sri Lanka is a yoga resort with golden beaches, secluded Buddhist temples, Ayurvedic centers, and cozy hotels. Palm groves and fruit trees surround the beaches of Unawatuna, and a natural reef ridge protects them from strong waves.
This place seems to have been created by nature to seek solitude within the self. The deep penetration of Buddhism into the islanders’ worldview creates a unique atmosphere of peace and joy. Be sure to visit this place, get rid of stress, and fill yourself with the energy of Sri Lankan nature.
6. Tofo, Mozambique (Untouched African Nature)
The next location is a town in Southeast Africa – Tofo, the state of Mozambique. Here, tourists from all over the world come to see a piece of the untouched nature of Africa.
This place combines stunning coral reefs inhabited by dolphins and humpback whales in the ocean and an abundance of fauna on land: elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and other representatives of the animal world of Africa. Such harmony is already meditative in itself!
Turtle cove resort is one to be recommended where masters from all over the world are at your service here all year round, ready to teach you how to fall into nirvana and achieve peace.
7. Tenerife, Spain (Philosophy of Yoga)
Tenerife is a place of “eternal spring,” At the same time, it is one of the central places in Spain, living with the philosophy of Yoga. It is worth noting the merits of the country as a whole; the country itself, for many years, falls at the top for yogis not only in Europe but throughout the world – in 2016, it took a proud fifth place.
In the capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz, you will find 43 centers to practice Yoga. However, you can also practice it in such beautiful places as the García Sanabria Municipal Park, the city’s lung, a beautiful and quiet park with fountains, flowers, and many places worldwide.
8. Costa Rica (Yoga Lifestyle)
Costa Rica is an exceptional destination for travelers seeking to combine the practice of Yoga with paradisiacal settings. The country lives up to its motto, “Pura Vida,” with a lifestyle in which yoga practice and holistic activities are increasingly important.
Hundreds of yoga centers and resorts have sprung up, attracting thousands of tourists. Depending on the practitioner’s interest, you can find an ideal location: sea or jungle, with the stamp of one of the happiest countries in the world.
9. Greece (Islands of meditations)
The Greek islands are one of the most majestic places on earth. Their pristine and clean beaches, crystal clear waters, and soft breezes can provide you with unforgettable experiences of Yoga.
Yoga in Greece is not as popular as in India, Nepal, or other countries. However, the pleasures of the search for knowledge, admiration of nature and the study of the universe, and the wisdom of the ancient philosophers will be no less.
It is believed that the Greeks practiced meditation several thousand years ago, or at least they had similar ideas about Yoga. The most popular yoga islands are located in the Aegean Sea, specifically in Crete, in the Cyclades group. But this does not mean that this is the only group of islands – many of them exist!
10. Hawaii, US (Mini yoga retreats)
Hawaii is one of the perfect destinations in the US for mini yoga retreats and long-term yoga teacher training. The retreat takes place on the coast of Kohala in Hawaii, where you can immerse yourself in silence and forget about everything.
The retreat center will let you get the most out of your holiday with over 50 acres of gardens, wild groves, an outdoor pool, a jacuzzi, a beautiful yoga studio, and a spa. Here you can learn different styles of Yoga such as Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Nidra, Anusara, Power yoga, and more.
The yoga practices and sun salutation in these fantastic places sound pretty impressive. All these are the perfect destinations for a warm and unforgettable yoga holiday and physical and mental exercises. Why wait? Grab your bags and passports and head to some of these amazing yoga getaways to experience you have never experienced before. But remember the organic vegetarian food and stunning beaches are not always perfect yoga adventure trips.