Best yoga holidays to improve your wellbeing

It is impossible to talk about top yoga retreat destinations without discussing yoga's birthplace, India. If you want to learn sophisticated yogi techniques from eminent masters, then this is your place. Traditional yoga is seen as an integral part of Hinduism, so in India you are guaranteed more ancient and immersive yoga retreats to deepen and expand your practices. Indulge in yoga sessions under the trees, along the river banks, or on the beach, and explore the most beautiful locations India has to offer.

If you are planning to go on a yoga retreat, there is nowhere more perfect than Thailand, a relaxing and spiritual country with beautiful landscapes forming a mesmerising backdrop to your yoga journey. There are several yoga spots throughout the country. The magical mountains, white-sand beaches, lush jungles, clear blue water, and laid back pace of life makes Thailand highly conducive for yoga. The climate is also great for yoga, as the warm and humid environment will help you stretch more deeply to enhance your yoga practice. Thailand's wellness retreats are supported by the mindful culture and inclusive community, creating a lovely space for finding peace and inner balance.

Costa Rica is a dream destination for any yoga enthusiast. Gratitude, positivity, and a pleasant atmosphere prevail everywhere, making it an ideal place to seek healing and to centre yourself. The inspiring mountain views, the array of delicious local fruits and vegetables, the incredible nature, and the coastal and jungle experiences make Costa Rica a popular spot for yoga retreats. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the jungle and a vibrant green environment that lets you soak up the goodness... there is no better way to enjoy the country's beauty than on a rejuvenating yoga retreat.

Located on the shores of the Atlantic coast, Portugal has numerous beaches and tranquil landscapes, creating an ideal setting for deep meditation. Portugal is a brilliant place for a yoga and wellness retreat – here, the vibe is so relaxing and so powerful, with the warm weather and the golden shorelines, that you'll never want to leave. Yoga is very trendy in Portugal, so even in the smallest town you are bound to find a yoga studio that can teach you something new and improve your wellbeing.

The United States is the place where modern yoga evolved and is a great place for finding all sorts of excellent yoga retreats, from detox to meditation, and even combined yoga and surf retreats by the coast! The USA has many breathtaking contrasting landscapes: you could find yourself on a beautiful mountain, on the beach, deep in a forest, on a classic ranch... whether you are hoping for a peaceful getaway to practice yoga, or a meditation retreat to connect with nature, the USA can give you what you're looking for. Many yoga retreats in the states are dedicated to connecting with their natural environments, fostering a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-discovery. 

Morocco offers plenty of surfing sites, impressive food, and beautiful landscapes, which creates a perfect environment for yoga sessions. There is just something about Morocco which brings overwhelming peace and solitude that guides you to self-reflection. The blend of beautiful sights, exotic cuisine, influential culture, and epic history makes Morocco the best place for spiritual reawakening. Here you will be surrounded by an impressive array of gorgeous scents, due to the country's penchant for perfumes, floral oils, and spices. Some of these scents are used in yoga sessions around Morocco for aromatherapy, which creates a relaxing effect. Head for sunny Morocco and indulge in the beautiful beachside yoga retreats. 

Taking yoga sessions at the beach will help ease any stresses you've been carrying and will lift all spirits. Take a deep breath of fresh ocean air to clear your mind. At the beach, you experience more than just a posture and muscle workout: you will gain a new level of stability from taking yoga classes on the sand. Additionally, the sounds of the waves naturally drive you into a meditative mood, especially at sunrise or sunset, which promotes a mindful state and brings a sense of peace. The sunshine also has the added benefit of giving you a dose of vitamin D!

Spending time in Mother Nature has intense effects on our physical and mental wellbeing, and taking yoga sessions in the beautiful environment intensifies the experience. The natural world can really inspire you during a workout. Some yoga poses gained their names from animals and plants, and nature yoga encourages you to gain a new understanding of the pose and of your place in nature. Listen to birds chirping and the wind whistling through the trees while your eyes enjoy the natural colours: in connecting with your natural surroundings, you'll connect with the present without distractions.

If you are looking for a tranquil setting for a re-energising yoga retreat, consider a mountain escape. With a combination of hiking and yoga, you will be fully immersed in the landscape. The refreshing waterfalls, shady edges of the forests, sunny mountain peaks, and green meadows will inspire your yoga practice – the exceptional sceneries give you a chance to reconnect to yourself and to nature, bringing a sense of calmness you can take into your daily life. The mountain altitudes allow your body and brain to be more oxygenated, which stimulates your cardiovascular system to increase energy flow into the body.