If you are, like me, a newbie yoga enthusiast, or even if you have been practicing for years, you might be looking to take a yoga-themed holiday this year.

Luckily, there are literally hundreds of thousands of destinations that will accommodate any budget, and that you can reach no matter how far you wish to travel.

Here is our pick of the top seven destinations for yoga lovers:

Rishikesh, India

Probably the most famous yoga destination in the world, Rishikesh is often called the birthplace of yoga. It is a small town set snugly in the foothills of the Himalayas, with access to the sacred Ganges River. The town itself is home to countless temples and ashrams, and there are many yoga classes or yoga workshops you can choose to attend.

Ubud, Bali

Bali is another country that is famous for its yoga retreats, especially after Julia Roberts brought Eat, Pray, Love to the big screen. Ubud is the home of holistic healers and a sanctuary for anyone looking to practice meditation and take a couple of yoga classes in an incredible setting. Of course, while you are there, paying your respects to local deities should be a must, and you can also look into some alternative medical treatments.

Costa Rica

The country is home to not only some glorious beaches and amazing options for those looking for a holiday, but it also offers yoga classes in several retreats. However, you don’t have to sign up for a class to enjoy the benefits of yoga – you can take your own mat to one of Costa Rica’s amazing beaches, and practice on your own. Of course, spending the rest of your time at the beach enjoying the glorious sunsets will be an excellent contribution to your practice.

Thailand

Another exotic location, Thailand is well-suited to the more adventurous yoga lovers among you. While there are plenty of workshops and classes you can book into, practicing yoga at the end of a trek in the hills, or after a day spent outside exploring will provide a far more personal and unique experience, and allow you to take your practice to an entirely new level.

Boulder, USA

If you are a fan of the countryside, Boulder could be your ideal retreat. It is surrounded by mountains with plenty of trails to explore, creeks and valleys, and the city itself is home to students and nature lovers alike, where your yoga mat will not look out of place. The city also offers paddleboard yoga classes, where you can try something exciting and practice on the water. That would certainly make for a memorable experience, as you would teach your body something entirely new.

Spain and Portugal

Both of these European countries offer yoga classes anywhere you choose to travel. However, you can also add a cultural twist to your travels, and explore cities like Barcelona or Porto, and visit the glorious Algarve while enjoying your yoga retreat. If you are more of a fan of continental destinations and European culture, and would prefer to do a city break as opposed to a nature break, Spain and Portugal should be at the top of your list.

Iceland

A destination not quite like any other on this list, Iceland is an amazing backdrop for practicing yoga. Its unique volcanic nature, the snow and ice, and the crisp air will help you open up your mind like nothing else. True, you won’t be able to drop a mat outdoors and practice in your usual attire, but dressing a bit warmer and still venturing outside can be an excellent way to improve your practice.

Final thoughts

While all of these destinations are an amazing backdrop to your yoga practice, remember that you don’t need to travel far or wide to enjoy all the benefits of the mat. You can turn your hometown into the ultimate yoga retreat, just by visiting different locations every day to practice.

Nature and the great outdoors should be the kinds of destinations you seek out as part of your yoga retreat – but asanas in the big city can also help you unwind, relax, and reduce some of the stress you feel in your life. Wherever you choose to travel, make sure your mind and heart are open, and you are ready for the adventure.

Author Bio:

Sarah Kaminski is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She’s been a freelance writer for over a decade and loves researching health and wellness topics.

This article was submitted exclusively to CrystalWind.ca by Sarah Kaminski

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