A few years ago, I began to loathe the Miami party scene. Same people, same places, every, single, weekend. Not to mention starting each week was brutal after spending the weekend filling my body with alcohol and unhealthy food. It was wearing on me and my waistline. The party friends weren’t cutting it anymore, and I needed a social circle that was interested in a healthier lifestyle. I had no idea where to start. Where do you find these people in a city like Miami?
Although I considered myself relatively “healthy,” my social life needed a makeover. Sure, during the week, I was hitting the gym, but I got distracted when my weekend social agenda still revolved around alcohol. Then, one of my friends mentioned she was going on a yoga retreat and suggested I should tag along. I thought to myself, how on earth am I going to be able to sit still for that long? Honestly, it sounded boring, and at the time, I had not yet discovered the benefits of yoga. If I was going to go on a vacation, I wanted to explore. I also had little experience with yoga didn’t want to be the only rookie on the trip.
Fast forward to a year later (I guess you could say I got curious), I began taking yoga classes once a week, and I was hooked. I’d like to remind you that I’m still an amateur, but the yoga community in Miami has offered so many great opportunities and friendships, making a substantial impact on my lifestyle. I have since revisited the idea of yoga retreats with a whole new mindset. With so many recommendations from fellow yogis, we have put together a list of the best yoga retreats, only a plane ride away.
1) South Africa’s Yoga, Surf and Safari Retreat
Start 2020 with the ultimate yoga adventure. This surf and yoga retreat curated by Love Surf Yoga (YSL) takes you down to South Africa for the perfect getaway for animal and beach lovers.
I was thrilled to find out you don’t have to be a pro to sign up. A mix of relaxation and fun, this nine-day trip begins with its first stop in Johannesburg, full of yoga, beaches, and safaris. That’s right, you will go on guided trips with expert staff for the ultimate safari experience. Then head down to the white sand beaches for surf lessons with a local surfer pro.
Safari visits, surf lessons, yoga, and meditation are all included. They provide excellent quality yoga and endless surf breaks.
2) Peru’s Machu Picchu Hiking, Yoga and Meditation Retreat
Knock another destination off your bucket list with a visit to one of the new seven wonders of the world. Machu Picchu offers breathtaking views and exploration of its ancient ruins. It is also a famous destination for yogis from all over the world.
This 10-day stay in Sacred Valley is located in a retreat center named Sach’ay Munay – a hideaway nestled away in a sanctuary of native plants and trees and is fed by a breath-taking waterfall. Here, all meals are created from locally grown ingredients and fresh food from their organic garden.
You will zen out to Vinyasa flows, daily yoga classes, and breathe fresh air that will fuel your mind and body. Start your day off with some guided meditation and then head out into nature for some hiking with a view.
The best part? This local NGO donates all profits from their retreats to contribute to local projects.
3) Austria’s Snowboarding and Yoga Retreat
Take off to the Alps and head to Austria for a winter-yoga holiday. At Chalet Rosière, you will relish in all the comforts of the winter while indulging in some relaxation and fun. This retreat combines snowboarding, yoga, and pampering all in one.
Start your morning with Vinyasa Flow yoga and breakfast with a view -then it’s off to the slopes. Experience all the holiday nostalgia in this winter paradise as you drift through the powder valleys and after, enjoy some s’mores by the fire.
Guests are welcome to submerge themselves in the hot tub after a long day on the slopes or visit the spa for a massage. Each day ends with a restorative yoga session along with a hearty vegetarian meal.
4) Chile’s Patagonia Adventure Yoga Retreat
Beginners and experts welcome. Explore Southern Chile’s natural beauty while you disconnect in nature in stunning Patagonia. A true nature lover’s paradise that includes volcanoes, fresh-water rivers, and the clean air of the outdoors.
Your private lodging awaits at a newly built Hostel with simplistic but elegant decor. Recommended for the adventurous hearts, as their activities include white water rafting, sea kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding in the national park. But, if you want to unwind, there’s a spa treatment waiting for you.
Get the most out of your yoga vacation with a variety of yoga classes from Hatha Vinyasa flow to gentle and restorative. Guests are encouraged to reconnect, rejuvenate, and relax while they reach outside of their comfort zone.
With many of these classes taught outdoors, who could resist these views?
5) Iceland’s Adventure and Yoga Retreat
A country famous for its astonishing landscapes and unique features, Iceland is the last on our list but definitely not the least of our best yoga retreats. Daily yoga and adventure await you on this 8-day yoga tour in the land of fire and ice.
The notorious blue lagoon is your first destination, where you will experience the natural geothermal waters heated by the volcanic activity underneath. You will find a melting pot of cultures of people who have traveled from all over the world to experience this phenomenon.
Each day is scheduled to include as much as the island has to offer. From horses to waterfalls and black sand beach to glacier hikes, this trip does not disappoint. Truly a once in a lifetime experience and a great way to make friends from all over the world, last but not least, on our list of the best yoga retreats.
