10 Yoga and Wellness Retreats Worldwide 2024 – Finding Peace and Health on Your Travels - Passing Thru

Bali, Indonesia

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Bali is a top destination for yoga and wellness, with its serene landscapes and spiritual atmosphere. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to September. Ubud, known as the cultural heart of Bali, offers a plethora of yoga retreats nestled among lush rice terraces and rainforests. These retreats often include meditation sessions, holistic healing practices, and organic food.

COMO Shambhala Estate Retreat Highlight:

Nestled amidst lush jungles, COMO Shambhala offers a holistic wellness experience with a focus on healthy living, including yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic therapies.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the local culture by attending a Balinese healing ceremony.

Travel Details: Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport and take a taxi or shuttle to Ubud.

Rishikesh, India

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Visit Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, between March and April or September to October for ideal weather. This sacred city on the banks of the Ganges River is dotted with ashrams, offering immersive yoga experiences. Retreats here often combine yoga with Ayurvedic treatments and spiritual teachings.

Parmarth Niketan Retreat Highlight:

Located on the banks of the Ganges, Parmarth Niketan is one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, offering traditional yoga practices, spiritual classes, and the opportunity to partake in the Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Insider’s Tip: Attend the Ganga Aarti, a spiritual river worship ceremony, for a unique cultural experience.

Travel Details: Fly to Dehradun Airport and take a taxi or bus to Rishikesh.

Sedona, Arizona, USA

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Best visited in the spring or fall, Sedona’s red rock landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for yoga and wellness retreats. The area is known for its energy vortexes, which are said to be conducive to healing and meditation. Retreats here often include outdoor yoga sessions, mindful hiking, and spa treatments.

Sedona Mago Retreat Highlight:

Surrounded by Sedona’s stunning red rock formations, this retreat offers healing Tao meditation, yoga, and personal transformation programs.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the numerous hiking trails for breathtaking views and serene meditation spots.

Travel Details: Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and rent a car for the scenic drive to Sedona.

Costa Rica

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With its rich biodiversity and tranquil beaches, Costa Rica is ideal for yoga retreats, especially from December to April. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone, is renowned for its wellness-focused lifestyle. Retreats here blend yoga with nature activities like surfing and jungle hikes.

Blue Spirit Retreat Highlight:

Located in Nosara, Blue Spirit offers a variety of yoga and meditation retreats in a serene setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a three-mile white sand beach.

Insider’s Tip: Visit a local coffee plantation to learn about sustainable living practices.

Travel Details: Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport and take a local flight or drive to the Nicoya Peninsula.

Tuscany, Italy

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Tuscany is best visited in the spring or early fall. The region’s rolling hills and vineyards provide a peaceful setting for yoga retreats, often held in restored farmhouses or villas. These retreats typically combine yoga with other wellness activities like wine tasting and cooking classes featuring local organic produce.

Ebbio Retreat Highlight:

Housed in a restored 13th-century farmhouse, Ebbio offers yoga retreats in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, complete with organic farming practices and nature walks.

Insider’s Tip: Take a day trip to a nearby hot spring for a relaxing soak.

Travel Details: Fly into Florence or Pisa airports, with car rentals available for countryside exploration.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

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Travel to Koh Phangan between December and March for the best weather. This island is a haven for wellness enthusiasts. It is known for its yoga retreats that often include detox programs, Thai massage, and meditation on serene beaches.

Samma Karuna Retreat Highlight:

This awakening and healing school, set along the beautiful beaches of Koh Phangan, offers yoga retreats focusing on self-discovery, mindfulness, and community living.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the island’s night markets for local crafts and street food.

Travel Details: Fly to Koh Samui Airport and take a ferry to Koh Phangan.

The French Alps

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Summer (June to August) is the best time to visit the French Alps for yoga retreats. Amidst towering mountains and alpine meadows, these retreats combine yoga with outdoor activities like hiking and mindfulness in nature.

Chalet Rosière Retreat Highlight:

A boutique chalet offering a unique blend of yoga and skiing or hiking, set against the backdrop of the stunning French Alps, providing a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Insider’s Tip: Participate in an alpine plant identification walk for a unique nature experience.

Travel Details: Fly into Geneva or Lyon airports, with transfer options to the Alps.

Maui, Hawaii, USA

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Maui is a year-round destination, but April to May and September to November offer the best weather for yoga retreats. The island’s diverse landscapes provide a perfect setting for wellness retreats, often including beach yoga, Hawaiian healing practices, and organic meals.

Lumeria Maui Retreat Highlight:

Lumeria Maui is an educational retreat center offering yoga, meditation, and horticulture classes, set in a stunning historic estate surrounded by tropical gardens.

Insider’s Tip: Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau to experience local culture and cuisine.

Travel Details: Fly into Kahului Airport, with car rentals recommended for island exploration.

Ibiza, Spain

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Ibiza, known for its clear blue waters and vibrant nightlife, is also a wellness retreat haven. The best time to visit is May to October. Retreats on this Mediterranean island often focus on holistic wellness, combining yoga with activities like paddle boarding and mindful eating.

Ibiza Retreats Retreat Highlight: Ibiza Retreats focuses on personalized yoga experiences, combining them with wellness coaching and mindfulness practices in the tranquil and beautiful setting of Ibiza.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat trip to the nearby island of Formentera for pristine beaches and clear waters.

Travel Details: Fly into Ibiza Airport, with taxis and buses available for island travel.

British Columbia, Canada

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Visit British Columbia during the summer for yoga retreats amidst its stunning natural landscapes. Retreats are often held in remote locations, offering immersive experiences in nature with activities like forest yoga, mountain hikes, and wellness workshops.

Hollyhock Retreat Center Retreat Highlight:

Situated on Cortes Island, Hollyhock offers a range of retreats focusing on personal growth and wellness, set in a beautiful, rustic environment with access to ocean and forest.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the local farmers’ markets for fresh, regional produce.

Travel Details: Fly into Vancouver International Airport, with options for domestic flights or scenic drives to retreat locations.

The Bottom Line

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Each destination offers a unique setting for yoga and wellness retreats, allowing you to find peace, rejuvenation, and health on your travels. Whether you’re nestled in the sacred mountains of India, basking in the tropical beauty of Costa Rica, or finding serenity in the rolling hills of Tuscany, these retreats provide an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and reconnect with yourself in some of the world’s most beautiful locations. Consider the local climate and cultural events to ensure the most enriching experience when planning your trip.

Kitty Holland

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