When trying to juggle everyday life, we often become worn out. We simply forget to take time to focus on ourselves. Yoga is a great activity that forces you to take that break from your normal routine. There are many fantastic centres around the world that offer specially designed programmes to incorporate yoga, nutritional training, breathing, and exercise to help restore harmony. Consider car hire to accompany your stay at one of the retreats below so you can make the best of local exploration in your free time.
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Skyros Holistic Holidays
This was Europe’s first answer to course-based holiday centres, with two locations on the Greek isle of Skyros. These centres are a particular appeal for solo travellers, but caters for all. All ages are welcome, families included, to build a diverse sense of community. Travellers have the option to take part in either the Writers course, or the Health and Wellbeing course, with these sessions running in the morning. There are then a variety of activities to choose from later in the day, such as art classes, yoga, Cuban salsa, windsurfing, and many more.
Thirty Eight Degrees North
These retreats started 5 years ago and are based in luxury hotels in Marbella and Ibiza. They were the first to organise this style of programme on the White Isle. Combining world class training with educational workshops, you’ll become fitter and stronger, mentally and physically. People of all fitness levels will benefit from healthy menus and classes such as Body Balance and Tai Chi.
in:spa
These health, fitness and detox retreats have been running for 14 years. An expert team of personal trainers, yoga instructors, nutritionists, chefs and massage therapists, are all on hand to assist with any advice you need. Based out of Cal Reiet in Mallorca, Marrakech in Morocco, and Southern France, a package of activities are planned to include your natural surroundings. The programme consists of deep tissue massages, cooking demonstrations, presentations on wellness and detox, and guided hikes.
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Wildfitness
With locations in Scotland, Crete, England, Germany, and Croatia, there’s bound to be somewhere you can really wind down. Here, you’ll become acquainted with the Wildfitness philosophy of mixing movement, playfulness and harmony with nature. Any bad postures, habits or movements you’ve developed over time will be reprogrammed to strengthen your body. Courses range in length from 2 days to 3.5 weeks. Group sessions are run 2-3 times a day based on natural movements. You’ll be prepared for when you leave the retreat armed with nutritional information and a better mindset.
Cas Gasi
This luxury boutique hotel has an in-house expert yoga teacher and nutritional expert. Take part in daily Vinyasa Flow style yoga and benefit from optional 1:1s. You can even have a bespoke programme planned for you incorporating the dry sauna, whirlpool, outdoor yoga deck, and fully-equipped gym facilities. The gym is built with full floor-to-ceiling windows so you have an incredible view as you work out. There are even beauty treatments and hair services available.
Breathing Space
A unique approach to relaxation, guests stay in the private villa belonging to the ‘Breath Guru’, Alan Dolan. Whether you’d like to focus on getting healthier, or you’ve got some mental/emotional issues that you’d like to deal with, you’ll be able to focus here. With the picture-perfect backdrop of Oasis de Nazaret in Lanzarote, you’ll learn breath techniques from daily 1:1 sessions and a group session. Only a maximum of 4 guests are permitted at any time so you’re guaranteed a stay free of disruptions. You have the option to add additional activities to your stay such as massages, personal training, or even volcano climbing. Located just 10 minutes from the stunning Famara beach, you’ll have time to relax on the shore or in the hot tub and pool.
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Vale de Moses
Nestled in the Serra de Estrela mountains in Portugal, this restored farm invites you to mud bathe in rivers, partake in daily yoga, and walk in forests. Have a health consultation, massage or acupuncture treatment in-between scheduled morning and afternoon classes. Re-connect with yourself at the heart of nature.
Plan your yoga retreat
We hope these recommendations of great yoga retreats around the world can help you finally take the plunge to book that much-needed trip for relaxation. Have you ever stayed at the retreats mentioned? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below. Would you recommend any other retreats that you’ve experienced? Don’t forget your hire car if you’re taking advantage of yoga retreats this year; you’ll want to make the most of exploring your new surroundings in free time!
Written by Jessica Juby.
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