Yoga isn't just about stretching and breathing it connects the body and the consciousness for the overall betterment of your health. Our bodies can achieve everything if we train our minds for it. Yoga, which translates to "union" is a combined system of physical and breathing exercises that unites your inner self with that of the universal consciousness. As we tackle high-stress situations nearly every day of our lives, a decent chunk of time should also be reserved for healing our minds and bodies. With little to no time for indulging ourselves in proper meditation this International Yoga Day, here is a list of beautiful retreats around the world where you can sneak away for a much-needed holistic break.
Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Ananda, an enchanting retreat, is tailored for individuals who have already embraced the transformative power of yoga. Its essence revolves around cultivating joy through harmony and dedicating oneself to refining the practice. Nestled atop a hill within the walls of a splendidly transformed palace once owned by a maharaja, this sanctuary offers an ideal environment to delve deeper into the realms of breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga postures. Alongside your journey, indulge in nourishing Ayurvedic cuisine, embark on invigorating hikes through the majestic Himalayan foothills, and surrender to the blissful rejuvenation of traditional massages.
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Villa Lena, Italy
At the heart of Tuscany between Pisa and Florence, this beautiful villa retreat offers customized programs for all guests. Their yoga retreat is tailor-made to suit the needs of the guests, with an in-house chef available at all times to bring you fresh farm produce. Take walks along the gorgeous gardens during autumn and participate in grape picking and truffle hunting led by their agricultural experts.
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Yoga Explorers, France and Morocco
Throughout the summer, Yoga Explorers holds retreats in France and Morocco. If you go to their French retreats, you can stay in their stunning Toulouse château, and in Marrakesh, have a colourful stay with various people and cultural experiences. All meals and accommodations are included in the retreat packages, along with necessary paraphernalia.
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Shambala Gatherings, Sweden
Set amidst the Swedish lakeside in the middle of the Bergslagen forest, Shambala Gatherings is a mere two-hour drive from the vibrant city of Stockholm. At Shambala Gatherings, screen time is replaced with enriching activities such as yoga, meditation, soul-stirring forest walks, and the harmonious melodies of kirtan, shared devotional songs. For an enhanced experience, indulge in additional treatments like water meditation, soothing massages, and craniosacral therapy. Throughout the year, instructors from around the globe curate a diverse array of themed retreats, combining the restorative power of yoga with the essence of Scandinavian friluftsliv&mdashembracing the concept of open-air living, and nurturing a deep connection with nature.
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Anamaya, Costa Rica
Located in the beach community of Montezuma, Anamaya is the perfect locale for all those who enjoy a lovely view while meditating. Anamaya, meaning "good health" in Hindi, is a boutique retreat centre and transformational health resort that lets guests participate in curated workshops and customized retreats throughout the year, with other activities like trekking and excursions around the area. There are also teacher training courses for instructors at the retreat.
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Tia Wellness Resort, Vietnam
At the Tia Wellness Resort in Da Nang, personalization is at the heart of every experience. From tailored daily meal plans designed to meet your specific nutritional needs to individualized yoga training sessions with a dedicated instructor, the resort ensures that every wellness journey is customized to your preferences. To enhance your stay, the resort offers a selection of master classes where you can delve deep into a range of topics, from the transformative power of breathwork to the graceful art of tai chi. At the Tia Wellness Resort, your well-being is their priority, and they strive to create a truly bespoke experience for each guest.
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Samahita, Thailand
Samahita is a slow-paced retreat which was established in 2003 and is run by world-renowned yogi Paul Dallaghan. The word "Samahita" means "centre," and it is the perfect place to perfect your breathwork and enhance your vitality through their expert programs dedicated to helping you achieve overall wellness. Take morning strolls along the waterfront and swim in the clear waters before taking your yoga classes on the beach.
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Cover photo credit Shutterstock
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