Having a passion for Yoga and travel, when presented with various offers to teach Yoga all over the world, I, of course, jumped at the opportunities that have since become my profession and created unforgettable memories that will last my lifetime.
Going on a Yoga retreat is one of the best ways to take your Yoga practice to the next level, revitalize from hard traveling and maybe even digitally detox if only for a few days!
Best Yoga Retreats
When Carri Uranga approached us to see if we’d be interested in posting an article about the best International Yoga Retreats around the world, we loved it. We enjoy practicing yoga and it has been an ongoing dream of ours to study for an extended period of time in an exotic location.
I’m inspired by these locations, and we hope that you are inspired too!
Samana Chakra, Mancora, Peru
While traveling in Central and South America for a year I was needing a place to chill, surf and do Yoga while my husband Chris had to return to the States to teach a course at a coffee conference. In addition to the Yoga, the appeal of Samana Chakra is its location.
While much of South America experiences cold water, this far North corner of Peru is blessed with warm Pacific water thanks to the Equatorial Current that creates the perfect temperature for swimming, as well as a left point break for surfing and windy afternoons for kitesurfing. Samana Chakra is situated on the beach and has 12 bungalows to host individual guests or group retreats.
The Yoga Shala is stunning with an elaborate thatched roof and stucco walls, but open windows and sliding glass doors to allow just enough ocean breeze to roll through. With 90-minute classes 6 days per week, a pool, delectable Peruvian cuisine, and enough activities to last a lifetime you won’t want to leave.
In fact, I liked it so much I returned in 2009 and 2010 to teach there for 3 month stints and will be heading there yet again this April! For more information visit www.samanachakra.com
Ibiza Yoga, Spain
I know, I know…Yoga in the party capital of Europe? That’s right! While Ibiza boasts some of the best beaches and parties in the world, there’s also another side to this hippy haven, especially in the Northern part of the Island where it’s more quiet, relaxed & subdued. When a friend of mine said she was teaching here in 2009 I got online to book a one week retreat.
Instead what I found was a volunteer opportunity. I applied, got the position and not only saw my friend that I hadn’t seen in a couple of years, but also got to spend 6 weeks basking in the Mediterranean sun! Ibiza Yoga has been running affordable retreats for over 12 years. An excellent vegetarian meal per day is included giving you a chance to savor local cuisine as well as 3 hour classes each day.
Another major draw is the location – a 5 minute walk from sparkling Benniras Beach where there are drummers every night at sunset and a beach party every Sunday complete with a full drum circle and fire dancers! For those still looking for more action, fabulous restaurants and clubs are just a short cab ride away; therefore combining the best of both worlds.
You never know who you’re going to meet. While some folks were keeping their eyes peeled for stars I was making connections that led me to yet another super journey – South Africa! For more information check out www.ibizayoga.com
South Africa Yoga
Up and coming on the international circuit, this magical hideaway combines top-level Yoga instruction and nutritional excellence with a distinct African experience while supporting local communities. Outside of the 2 hour Vinyasa classes per day, one can hike amidst spectacular beauty and natural surroundings, amazing wildlife and rock art, plus have the opportunity to volunteer at a local orphanage incorporating Seva (“selfless” service) into your retreat.
This 766 acre secluded farm built in 1872 is in the Eastern Free State 4 hours from Johannesburg and is the ultimate in peace and serenity. There is a pool, but my favorite spot was early morning on the front porch swing, watching the active birds in the elaborate gardens while overlooking the mountains.
A glorious way to have my morning coffee! Not far is the tiny country of Lesotho should you decide to make an adventurous side trip, which we did just for a day. book your own retreat at www.southafricayoga.com
The Hill That Breathes, Urbino, Italy
Recently named Best European Retreat by Natural Health magazine THTB is also regarded as the most irreverent retreat by The Guardian. With alternative holidays called “F**K it Weeks” and practice commencing in a geodesic dome it’s definitely a unique and distinctive experience.
They advertise “Peace & Pizza” and don’t take themselves too seriously. The wine flows as much as the Vinyasa. After all this is Italy!
Samahita Yoga Thailand, Koh Samui
With a more serious approach this center for classical Yoga and Holistic health offers retreats as well as the only teacher training program in Thailand for those looking to become a certified Yoga instructor. Since 2003 this hidden gem is extremely well respected in the Yoga community as Paul Dallaghan himself is world-class teacher.
They also host many famous Ashtanga practitioners like Kino MacGregor, Richard Freeman and Ron Reid all who studied with the late Sri Patthabi Jois. Retreats range from Yoga, Ayurveda and anatomy to health and wellness. Right on the beach surrounded by lush gardens, this is the place to get centered in Asia. www.yoga-thailand.com Read more: The Best Things to do in Koh Samui
Purple Valley Yoga, Goa, India
located in the “Motherland.” Purple Valley is situated on the Arabian Sea in Assagoa, North Goa at Anjuna Beach. An Ashtanga Yoga retreat hosting the likes of Chuck Miller, the fabulous Kino, Mark Darby, and Michael Gannon. If you are a lover of Ashtanga…enough said! http://www.yogagoa.com
Each one of these retreats offers a distinctive experience with it’s own unique focus. Whether you are looking to get involved in the local community or party in between poses you can do so all while delving deeper into your own personal practice.
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Yoga retreats are so wonderful, especially for allowing couples to really come together and reconnect as one. Thank you for sharing and I hope that others will follow the path! Namaste!
Agreed, we were just saying that we need to go on another yoga retreat, we seem to have lost a lot of our zen these days. 🙂
I LOVE yoga all over the World!!!
Great post. I am an ardent fan of yoga! But have never really tried retreats outside the country.
Have you been to any retreats international? Never see such an high end yoga retreat though. Looking forward to trying it out sometime! 🙂
India definitively is a good place for Yoga. I have been to Kerala for a 3 day Yoga retreat.Was amazing.
Thanks everyone! We’d be honored to have Deb & Dave at a training one day! Up next Peru in April then Italy in the fall. CU on the mat!
Will try to do yoga in Thailand. Great blog, just had tempted me to do yoga.
We really want to take a month and study yoga somewhere. All this hunching over a computer between adventures has made my body ache. I need a month to centre, stretch and strengthen again. These are great ideas!
retreats that specified are very nice..I want to add one more name in it that is “feathered pipe”.
Some of these looks so tempting! I really can’t wait to practice yoga in India.
I did my yoga teacher training with Carri’s company Drishti International Yoga Teacher Training, and can definitely recommend her as an awesome teacher. I’m going to go back to do my 500-hour training with her too. Would be great to see some fellow Planet D readers there!
Great to have a ringing endorsement from Victoria. Cheers.
I want to do a yoga/surf retreat!