Yoga, a discipline born out peace and harmony, should be a brand-new experience every time you hit the mat. So to embark on a yoga retreat, go big and go global. While traveling abroad, you’ll learn about other cultures and meet amazing people, which will heighten your yoga experience, creating moments that will last a lifetime. Begin your journey by researching top destinations for practicing yoga and properly prepare for the trip.
Image of woman practicing yoga by Jean Henrique Wichinoski via Flickr.
Retreat Ready
- Prepare your mind with a Sadhana, explains The Travel Yogi. A daily practice, such as breathing exercises or meditation, healthily prepares the body for travel.
- Tone down your yoga sessions, and don’t overdo it before the retreat. While going through your postures, use a travel mat to get used to the feel.
- Eat right. Yoga is about respecting your body and eating healthily. Adjust your diet in preparation.
- Make sure to gather your medical records, acquire medical insurance with a company such as HCCMIS and obtain the necessary vaccinations before leaving on your yoga trip to avoid any unnecessary delays.
As you look forward to your future yoga experience, follow your heart while choosing a destination and retreat:
Soulshine Bali
The Indonesian province of Bali is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world. People travel to this area in search of the holy waters of the Tirtha Empul Temple. Yoga enthusiasts can visit the Soulshine resort situated in the arts and crafts center — Ubud. Ubud is renowned for its dedication to yoga and meditation. Soulshine offers a Bali retreat that focuses on landscape and design to create harmony with nature. Traveling yogis pick from exquisite accommodations, such as the Lotus Villas and Sunset room that open up to the tropical gardens and open air studio. Choose from many different retreats, including: Rhythms of life, holistic yoga flow and the art of adventure.
Purple Valley Yoga
Situated in Goa, India, the Purple Valley Yoga retreat incorporates nature into the rituals of yoga. The resort’s beauty is defined by an abundance of greenery and white sandy beaches to create a relaxing environment. Classes include up to six morning sessions and four afternoon workouts in the tranquil tropical forest. The Purple Valley practices Ashtanga Yoga for yogis who want to add vigor to their routines. After a session, guests relax on hammocks hanging around the property. Dining includes vegetarian food served outside and buffet style and meals are prepared using local Indian customs.
Les Passeroses
Travel to Angouleme, France, to enjoy a unique boutique-style resort in the French countryside. Open May to October, Les Passeroses utilizes a refurbished barn for yoga classes. When not engaging in a workout session, guests can relax in a resort pool and elegant garden. Meals are homemade with pure organic ingredients. The resort offers spa-like massages, as well.
Yoga Safari Retreats
The bush to beach safari is an 11-day trip that begins and ends in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. This retreat program includes typical yoga conditioning classes but features an adventurous aspect. For example, guests can travel along the continent and observe native wildlife up close. The bush to beach safari also includes vegetarian delicacies, canoeing and an ocean expedition.
A yoga retreat is about more than just an escape to practice traditional disciplines. It can be a once-in-a-lifetime discovery inwardly and outwardly. Go outside your boundaries to experience eye-awakening moments.