Yoga Retreats Around The World For That Soul Searching Vacation

As we saw in our last post (Introspective Vacations Inspired By Eat Pray Love), soul searching vacations are becoming increasingly popular, and rightly so! With our fast-paced, material driven lives taking a toll on us, it’s crucial for us to stop for a breather and look for that inner peace that will invigorate our souls, enrich our minds and rejuvenate our bodies to continue on this journey called life.

Unfortunately unlike the author of ‘Eat Pray Love’,  many of us can’t afford to traipse across the world to Italy, India and Bali to find ourselves, so we have to look a little closer to home. Here’s a look at some Yoga Retreats around the world for wherever you may be:

Kailasam Yoga Centre in Kerala, India -”Located in the beautiful village of Kovalam, in Kerela, South India, you never have to leave the resort premises to get the yoga holiday of your dreams. designated strictly for finding inner-strength, beauty and tranquility. British-born Diana draws on her Indian and European background to teach the classical Sivananda-style of Hatha yoga. There are 2 sessions each day, and while the morning sessions are more physical – touching on asanas (posture) and flexibility – the afternoon classes are designed to be more meditative. As a Kerala physician, Diana’s partner Mohan specializes in Ayurvedic massage treatment; which is a popular option for detoxification and to learn about South India’s ancient techniques and unique approach to healing. ” – Yoga Insight

Amrit Yoga Institute in Florida, United States- “Located in Salt Springs, Florida, this center is set in the tranquil beauty of the Ocala National Forest and run by run by Yogi Amrit Desai. Yogi Desai offers weekend, week long, and special one-day yoga retreats and events scheduled throughout the year based upon the Amrit Method® of Kripalu yoga, which has it’s primary focus on the mental, meditational side of yoga but also includes physical asana practice. His retreats range in price from about $295 for a weekend to $950 for almost a week. Some single classes or seminars are even offered for free. Accommodations are available on site and included in most packages, which also include meals.” Source

Clermont La Grausse, France - “Study with the highly experienced resident yoga teacher Dagmar at Domaine de la Grausse high in the French Pyrenées. The estate features an 18th century château with extensive grounds, two large yoga studios and accommodation in two newly-renovated traditional stone barns, fully-equipped for self-catering. With yoga classes morning and evening, there is ample time in the middle of the day to visit the waterfalls and cave paintings of the Ariège valley, take a barge on the underground Labouiche River, and explore the medieval strongholds of the Cathars.” Source

Gaia Retreat & Spa, Australia -”A stay at the Gaia Retreat and Spa in Byron Bay, Australia, feels like home away from home among a utopian panorama of hills and valleys for as far as the eye can see. Whether your intention may be to lose weight, detoxify, de-stress or get fit, or maybe you just need peace and serenity to regain balance and ground you in your own space and time. Gaia provides everything you require to help you on your path. Emphasis is on the cleansing of the mind, body and soul. Sessions occur twice a day and guests at Gaia are strongly encouraged to participate as frequently as possible for optimal results. Morning sessions are based on the Vinyasa style of yoga; while afternoon sessions concentrate more on core strengthening and meditation. Personal instruction and one-on-one attention guarantees a stress-free yoga experience, appropriate for enthusiasts of all ages and levels.” Yoga Insight

Pura Vida Retreat and Spa in Costa Rica – “Pura Vida, meaning “pure life,” is 100% committed to wellness. The most popular program is its Mind-Body-Spirit sessions, which incorporate many aspects of what is offered into one peaceful, but invigorating week. You can choose to do as much or as little as you’d like, while taking full advantage of the resort right in the midst of Costa Rica’s beauty. Yoga is a central component of Pura Vida and the facility and world-class instructors are without comparison. All levels are welcome and nurtured with the objective to improve quality of life and leave the guest feeling rested and re-energized. A large selection of yoga styles are offered such as Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar, Kundalini and Vinyasa.” Yoga Insight

COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali – “This residential health retreat promises total commitment to your improved wellbeing. Como Shambhala uses a holistic approach, offering guests new challenges designed to inspire a lifetime devoted to better health. Retreats, led by Visiting Masters, are specialist weeks focusing on subjects such as Yoga or Pilates. Usually they involve five hours of practice daily over a five-day period. They also include Learning Seminars and appropriate therapies.” Source

NaBalam Hotel in Mexico – “The NaBalam Hotel, on Isla Mujeres, in Mexico is a host to more than 20 yoga events throughout the year. It has become one of the most popular resort choices for nurturing the body and soul. This yoga-lovers’ sanctuary, caters to everyone from the beginner to the well-practiced expert. NaBalam’s yoga programs are a combination of mentally invigorating techniques, mixed with the bonus of beautiful and detoxifying surroundings.” Source

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Bahamas - “If you really want to get away from it all and recharge your Pranic (energetic) batteries, and are serious about your yoga, then what better place to do so than on a bonafide paradise island in the Bahamas? Nassau’s Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat follows a specific pattern. You’ll rise at 6 a.m., meditate through dawn, chant until tea time and do two hours of hatha yoga before breaking for your 10 a.m. vegetarian meal. The afternoon follows a similar pattern with a session of karma yoga, where you’ll help with ashram duties (known to non-yogis as chores). Nonetheless, this is all offset by the retreat’s island paradise, complete with crystal blue waters, white sands and swaying palm trees.” Source

*Photo credits:  photos by Sami Taipale and michelledwagner on flickr

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