Wellness tourism might be the latest trendy buzzword, but it's something that a growing number of us are starting to enjoy, especially post-pandemic. A desire to improve well-being while travelling isn't a new phenomenon, and no doubt we've all had a conversation with someone who's claimed to have 'found themselves' abroad.
Regardless, wanting to continue a mindful hobby like yoga abroad or further away from home can have various benefits for your mental and physical well-being. After all, holidays should be about relaxation and letting yourself recharge.
With various yoga retreats popping up over the globe, it can be hard to choose just where to head for. It's also worth mentioning that many retreats feature plant-based diets, some focus on sobriety, and others enjoy socialising and a glass of wine – so be sure to do additional research before booking.
The location and timing of the retreat, although perhaps obvious, is something really important to consider as many packages won't include flights and transfers, so be sure to plan accordingly.
The best 9 yoga retreats to try this year
Weekend Warrior, Sagrada Wellness
California, USA
Established in 2006, Sagrada Wellness in Santa Margarita, California, is known for its impressive saltwater pool and unique acupuncture services. What it does best, though, is hosting boutique-style yoga retreats on its 45-acre grounds. With a calendar full of retreats ranging from hiking and live music to wine and writing, there is something for everyone. This summer, the popular weekend warrior retreat spans three days and includes morning meditation strolls, yoga classes in a bespoke studio and even the opportunity to go wine tasting at a local ranch. Complete with a relaxation garden and hot tub usage available, the retreat also allows for plenty of free time for self-led activities.
How to get there
Fly from either London Heathrow, Gatwick, or City to either Los Angeles or San Francisco – from there, a car rental is required and takes roughly 3.5 hours.
Accommodation prices start from £870pp + tax for a communal bedroom with a shared bathroom; cottages for 2-3 guests are also available; sagradawellness.com
Glow, Fforest
Wales, UK
Situated in picturesque west Wales, a short walk away from the National Trust Penbryn beach in Ceredigion, lies Fforest's coastal glow retreat. This year, a retreat for women will encompass holistic yoga, a wild food walk, wild swimming and a woodfired sauna. Focused on promoting "active relaxation", this summer getaway aims to promote connecting with the outdoors both physically and mentally as the perfect combination to unwind. Beginning each morning with gentle flow yoga in a dedicated yoga barn, followed by a DIY breakfast, the structure of the weekend is fairly loose, allowing free time to enjoy the retreat's location and facilities. Yoga instructors Lolo Lam and Polly Mossman will be joined alongside local forager Jade Mellor and stitching enthusiast Lizzie Everard.
How to get there
London to Ceredigion is approximately 4.5 hours by car.
Accommodation price starts from £639pp for a single bed in a shared twin room with a shared bathroom; coldatnight.co.uk/glow-yoga-wellness
Sunshine Yoga, Adventure Yogi
Santorini, Greece
There are few better yoga backdrops than Santorini, with its unique volcanic landscape, black sand beaches, expansive views of the Aegean Sea and iconic white-washed buildings. You'll practice yoga twice a day, either in the indoor yoga shala or outside and, in between, can frolic around the villa sunbathing and swimming in the outdoor pool. When you're not posed in a downward dog, you'll spend your time exploring the magical island of Santorini, relaxing in sun-dappled cafes, watching sunsets or hiking to catch views of the Caldera. The trip comes complete with a chef who will cook up breakfast, lunch and dinner for the group, and rest assured plenty of feta shall be consumed.
How to get there
Fly from London Gatwick, Heathrow or City to Santorini, followed by a taxi to the retreat; taxi to and from the airport around €30 each way and cab sharing can be organised by Adventure Yogi.
From £1495pp includes accommodation, yoga classes, all breakfasts, five dinners and three lunches, adventureyogi.com
Yoga for surfers, Pumula Retreat
Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
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Pumula translates to 'place of rest', a theme that runs through this woodland retreat on the east coast of South Africa. Owners Lucie and Scott set up Pumula in 2017 and have gone on to host many different types of yoga retreats ranging from creative-focused activities to dealing with grief. This summer, Jim Harrington, a lifelong surfer and yoga teacher, will be leading a retreat for the more adventure-focused retreat goer. The five-day program will aim to encourage those already with some surfing ability to work on their skills alongside yoga and meditation sessions. This small and intimate retreat, with space for only 8-14 people, also follows a homemade plant-based diet.
How to get there
Fly from London Heathrow to Durban, South Africa – from there, Durban to Umzumbe / Mantis Moon is just under 2 hours via bus, followed by a 5-minute drive to the retreat.
Accommodation prices start from £303pp for a twin room with a shared bathroom; pumularetreat.com
Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center
Ubud, Bali
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With the entirety of its structure made from bamboo, the Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center (AYMC) is world-famous for a reason. Having only opened in summer last year, the centre is the latest addition to the Alchemy group, which began with a vegan restaurant in Ubud, and now also includes a holistic clinic and a raw vegan culinary school. The yoga practised here benefits from the surroundings of permaculture gardens and stunning copper roofs. Designed to leave as minimal impact on the planet as possible, AYMC's classes tend to focus on six themes, these being earth, water, fire, air, ether and krama. The earth, water, fire, and air classes feature varying levels of proficiency in yoga, some appropriate to beginners with a focus on breathwork and others for the more advanced with challenging poses and sessions that will definitely leave you a little sweaty.
How to get there
Fly from London Heathrow to Ngurah Rai – from there; a taxi will take roughly 30 minutes.
Good Vibrations, The Breathing Space Yoga
English Harbour, Antigua
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If you're looking for a complete mental and physical reset then The Breathing Space's latest excursion might just be for you. Set in a stunning marina in Antigua, Good Vibrations is Koral-Leigh Webb's wellness retreat featuring daily yoga, pilates, barre and meditation. Returning back this year to Energie – a holistic hub overlooking Falmouth Harbour, Good Vibrations takes full advantage of its whereabouts with trips out to see Pigs in Paradise, an island boat trip and various culinary delights along the way. In terms of yoga, a mix of sound therapy-led sessions and breathwork make for the perfect opportunity to connect back with your body.
How to get there
Fly from London Gatwick to Antigua – from there, a bus will take roughly an hour, and a taxi will take around 20 minutes. Alternatively, flights can be arranged via their travel partner Liv & Travel.
Prices start at £2295pp, including accommodation at Energie Antigua, breakfast and dinner, all yoga and other classes, hikes, exclusive dining experiences and transfers; thebreathingspaceyoga.co.uk/good-vibrations
Yoga & Hiking, Cliffs of Moher Retreat
Co. Clare, Ireland
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Situated on Ireland's famous Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher Retreat offers views over the Atlantic like no other. The retreat was set up by husband and wife duo Micheal and Michelle and offers a range of weekend yoga courses designed to make the most of the unique space. Alongside yoga, the retreat offers wood-fired hot tubs, a sauna, country lodges, organic produce from an onsite farm and even a 5-acre forest garden. The Yoga & Hiking weekend makes the most of the surroundings – pairing restorative movement and yin yoga workshops with oceanic views and hikes along the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way.
How to get there
Fly from London Gatwick or Heathrow to Shannon - from there, a car rental is required and will take just under an hour.
From £755pp includes three nights luxury accommodation, three vegetarian meals each day, yoga classes and excursions; cliffsofmoherretreat.com
Gaia Wellness Retreat
Quebec, Canada
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Fifteen minutes north of the picturesque village of Wakefield, Quebec, lies Gaia Wellness Retreat – a yoga haven surrounded by 55 acres of forest. If you're looking for a place that truly connects you with nature, Canada's scenery will do just that. Gaia offers a range of year-round retreats for those looking to experience Canada's milder summers or snow-capped winters. Weekends at Gaia range from instructor-led sessions to those focused on meditation and connecting with the mind. This summer, Gaia Fest is taking place on the last weekend of August, complete with a lineup of DJs and artists alongside expert yoga instructors.
How to get there
Fly from London Heathrow to Ottawa (non-direct flight) - from there, transport from Ottawa to the retreat can be organised for a small fee via Gaia. Alternatively, fly from London Heathrow to Montreal - from there, the retreat is around 2.5 hours away by car, or to Toronto, - from there, the retreat is around 4.5 hours away by car.
From £470pp includes a two person digital detox weekend with use of all onsite facilities, cookery classes and yoga sessions;gaiawellnessretreat.com
Purple Valley Yoga
Goa, India
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Purple Valley Yoga is an Ashtanga-focused yoga retreat, meaning it concentrates on one of the most classical forms of Indian yoga. Ashtanga yoga is regarded as one of (if not the) hardest yoga styles, as it gradually increases in difficulty through six different levels. That said, Purple Valley welcomes all abilities, including those new to yoga. Close to the Arabian Sea, the retreat offers one- and two-week classes with various highly sought-after instructors.
How to get there
Fly from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Goa (a stopover in Mumbai, New Delhi, or Bangalore will be required) - from there, the resort is happy to organise transfers from the airport.
From £800pp includes a one week retreat focused on an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga in shared accommodation; yogagoa.com
