Did you know experts believe that by 2020, the U.S. yoga industry will be worth as much as $11.56 billion? That’s a lot of cash!
With such a rise in popularity, it’s hardly surprising that more and more people are booking yoga retreats. With that in mind, we’ve listed some of our favorite destinations to help fuel you with inspiration for your next trip. Let’s dive in!
1. India
India is the birthplace of yoga, so it’s the natural place to consider going for a retreat. This country is the place to be if you want to learn from the most learned yogis.
As you may already know, today yoga is practiced in two different styles:
- Ashtanga
- Iyengar
So, you’ll be pleased to know the first institutes who founded these forms of yoga still operate in Mysore and Pune.
Alternatively, there are plenty of other centers offering visitors a fabulous place to retreat and focus on their spiritual journey. Do your research before you visit and make time to see as much of the country as possible.
2. Mexico
If you’re based in North America or Canada, then Mexico might be one of the easier destinations to access, especially in comparison to some of the other places listed here. For starters, the flight faires are much more affordable, and jet lag doesn’t pose as much of an issue.
So, all in all, Mexico is both a beautiful and practical choice for those wanting to get away for a yoga retreat. More specifically, the beach town of Tulum is a popular choice. What could be better than soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach in between yoga sessions?
However, if that isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other locations based on the West Coast and the Yucatan Peninsula that yoga lovers can enjoy.
3. Thailand
Yoga was massively influenced by Buddhism, so it makes sense that Thailand offers plenty of sanctuaries where yoga lovers can retreat.
In addition to yoga, Thailand has plenty of other features to explore, including:
- Delicious local food
- Interesting architecture
- Pristine beaches
- Gorgeous scenery
These are just a few reasons why hundreds of tourists flock to this beautiful country.
4. Indonesia
Most of the yoga retreats in Indonesia are based in Bali. Nicknamed the “Island of the Gods” for the spiritual vibes associated with this place, it’s ideal for anyone looking to participate in a restful yoga retreat.
Bali is home to a massive community of yogis both local and from abroad. If you’re looking to learn more about the practice, you’re in safe hands. It doesn’t matter what form of yoga or meditation you’re interested in; you’re bound to find a retreat that suits your needs.
Interestingly, the vast majority of yoga retreats in Bali are located near Ubud which isn’t close to the beach at all. Instead, it’s surrounded by acres of traditional-looking rice fields. The scenery is divine, so green and lush.
5. Costa Rica
The Costa Rican lifestyle makes this destination a fabulous yoga retreat. There are plenty of centers located along the gorgeous beaches here.
Other sanctuaries are based deep in the luscious rainforests, making Costa Rica an ideal destination for people wanting to soak up natures bounty.
One of the most popular places for a yoga retreat is Blue Osa. Here visitors can enjoy the sights of beautiful local wildlife including sea turtles, jaguars, and squirrel monkeys.
You should be warned: Getting to this sanctuary takes some time and effort but it’s certainly worth it!
6. Peru
Machu Picchu is a mysterious place; it attracts everyone from spiritual seekers to history buffs. This sacred site is unsurprisingly a top destination for yoga retreats.
Most of Peru’s best retreat centers are found in the mountain town of Cusco. For many, this is considered to be the gateway to Machu Picchu. A trip here will exceed all your wildest expectations. The ruins are stunning, and the scenery is like nothing you’ve ever seen before!
Pro tip: The town of Cusco is approximately 7,000 feet high, so allow yourself a few days to acclimatize before delving into the crux of your retreat.
For more information on all things related to yoga check out this website.
7. Morocco
If you’d prefer to head over to Africa for your yoga retreat, then Morocco is the place to be. This country boasts an up and coming yoga scene, so if you’re looking for somewhere that isn’t heaving with soul searchers, this is the destination for you.
Head over to their Atlantic Coast; this is peppered with retreat centers specializing in programs that combine both yoga and surfing together. However, if you’re not keen on water sports, there are plenty of places that offer yoga-only retreats.
Not only that, this gorgeous country serves some of the best food you’ve ever tasted, boasts beautiful architecture, and not to mention the perfect scenery- all in all, Morrocco is undoubtedly worth a visit!
Remember, you’ll need to be prepared to dress a little more modestly in order to respect Moroccan culture.
Did You Like the Sound of Any of These Yoga Retreats?
We hope this article fuelled you with ideas for your next few yoga retreats. It doesn’t really matter which of these destinations you choose, as none of them will disappoint. So, pick a place on the map and start packing!
Do you have any questions about what you’ve just read or about traveling more generally? If so, please feel free to drop us a line!
