Photo courtesy of Silver Island Yoga

Taking time out of your hectic schedule to stimulate the mind, body, and soul may seem easier said and done.  But every now and then life calls for us to take a look inside our souls for a healthy, better way of living. That’s where yoga retreats come in handy. 

The practice creates a spiritual, mental and physical awareness for yogis, and the following serve it up for those craving an authentic experience away from the over-crowded yoga studies.  Not only do each of these yoga retreats create impeccable conditions for visitors wanting to perform their high lunges and planks, but they are located n spaces glorified by the beauty nature.

There’s no places like these sophisticated resorts to say Nameste…

Costa Rica: Luna Lodge

Close your eyes and envision the harmonious songs of howler monkeys echoing in the distance as your body becomes tickled by the gentle strokes of nature. Trees dripping succulent mangoes, papaya, pineapples, and bananas provide the freshest sip of fruit juice imaginable.  A place where majestic trails of gardens are decorated with a rainbow effect of flowers speckled across their grassy manes. Now you’re your thoughts drift a bit further by attempting your best downward facing dog under these impeccable surroundings.  Now open your eyes…

Believe it or not, these humbling experiences can come true, and they occur on the Luna Lodge’s 150-acre grounds.  Deeply buried in the jungles of the Peninsula de Osa, yogis migrate here to inhale the rich aromas of nature whilst impersonating the rainforest’s colossal plants with the tree pose.  The resort’s Retreat Center is set facing the azure Pacific and perched on rolling hills so guests can be completely submerged in the biodiversity of the forest. If you’re looking for complete Zen in the heart of a deep forest, this tropical oasis may just be the place to be.

Vista, California: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

You may not be in France, but this haven does a great job in creating that illusion, especially with its French-style architecture and a location etched into a Californian valley. The Cal-a-Vie Health Spa tranquil spaces create an invigorating atmosphere for yoga enthusiast with a variety of programs echoing their oms.

From power yoga, shoulder and vinyasa flow yoga to aqua and chakra yoga, there is no shortage of breathing and stretching practices here. Whether you’ve mastered the crane pose (balancing your body in the air with just your arms) or you’re new to the art, there is a class to suit every physical need.

Koh Samui, Thailand: Samahita Yoga

With the ebb of the ocean gently whispering in your ear, you’ll be entranced by the rhythms of the sea while stretching out those unwanted kinks in your body. This is how the Samahita Yoga retreat treats every type of yogi wanting to awaken from the realm of the unconscious with this view ahead. The Laem Sor beach is nestled at the feet of the resort, creating a picturesque calmness from the moments guests arrive onto its premises. 

Not only can yogis follow a vigorous stretching routine, they are also treated with healthy cuisine, a saltwater pool and therapeutic spa treatments which go hand-in-hand with the resort’s holistic approach.  Just imagine completely letting go while mediating in Samahita Yoga’s peaceful spaces.  You’ll leave feeling like a brand new person once this yoga-infused experience is over.

India: Ananda

There’s a reason why Ananda has attracted Hollywood elites like Oprah Winfrey. Whether it is its pristine setting in the foothills of the Himalayas or the essence of India seeping through its majestic halls, this luxurious retreat offers no ordinary experience. In fact, it combines Hatha yoga with the demanding needs of visitors to create an idyllic yogic culture tto create an energetic flow into the super consciousness.

Under the instruction of world-class yoga masters with an aim to help their students reach the ultimate joy that comes with yoga poses. They push the envelope a bit further so their students can embrace the powers of Sat-Chitt. Satyananda Yoga is also a form of the art that’s practice here for experts wanting to incorporate modern techniques with the sciences of the mind to reach their definitive yogic goals. 

Bahamas: Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat

Whether you choose to be alone or amongst the serenity of strangers, the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat is the ideal location to get your nameste on. This Bahamian vacation creates an exclusive yoga adventure for yoginis needing to recharge their batteries under the sun and amid the aromas of the salty ocean. 

After heading to the bottom of the ocean for snorkeling with exotic marine life, make your way to the retreat for a sand-in-between-your-toes yoga culture like you’ve never felt before. And who knows, after focusing on positive thinking and proper breathing skills as well as strengthening your limbs and relaxing techniques, you might find the perfect balance when jugging real life when you return home.

Mexico: Haramara Retreat

Let’s just say it won’t be hard to de-stress in this paradisiacal alfresco retreat, especially with both of its yoga shalas facing the Pacific. Ideal for lovebirds, singles and friends, the Haramara is an oasis situated in the center of some of Mexico’s most dramatic sceneries. Along with its calming yogic décor, guests here can explore the soothing spa treatments, take a cool dip in the pool and feast on healthy Mexican dishes. 

The Haramara Retreat’s mission is to cater its guests the only way nature can and to incorporate a mind-blowing body experience through stimulating yoga techniques.  Plus, with an eyeful of the lush Sierra Madre Mountains, there will be no hindrances when becoming one with the sounds of nature's call.

Greece: Silver Island Yoga

Created with the yoga enthusiast at heart, the Silver Island Yoga breathes the essence of the art of yoga throughout its entire 60 acres. But that’s what its visitors expect when they’re performing flexible movements, releasing their stress by empowering the mind with positive thoughts and giving the body the spiritual fulfilment it needs. Yogis here follow a yoga-infused itinerary where they are given snacks like Greek yogurt, Mediterranean cuisine and daily massages before heading to their sessions.  The more guests of this Silver Island Yoga stay here, the more likely they will be determined to follow its heavy yogic lifestyle even off the resort while under stress.