The best yoga retreats in the world
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As yoga continues to ride the crest of a wave in the West, restorative retreats and focused getaways in pristine off-the-radar locations continue to be in demand. From a converted maharaja’s palace in the Himalayas to a working organic farm in Sri Lanka and cosy lodges deep in the Finnish snow, these unspoilt locales are where seekers can uncover a finely tuned blend of exceptional teachers, tailored therapies, outstanding food and time to embrace change – not just in body and mind, but in life.
Reclaim Yourself Retreats
With a keen eye for creating exceptional retreats in pristine off-grid locations, Jools Sampson founded Reclaim Yourself Retreats in 2009. Now with 20 sublime escapes in 15 destinations, from Finnish Lapland to Ecuador, Sweden, India, Bhutan, Japan, Spain, Scotland and beyond - each matched with stellar yoga teachers including London favourites Jean Hall, Zephyr Wildman and Adam Husler and New York’s Victoria Green, amongst others. While schedules will vary, guests can generally expect twice-daily yoga, outdoor adventures, steamy soaks, time for meditation and stillness, all supported by the best seasonal plant-focused cuisine.
Known for his signature alignment-based vinyasa, Adam Husler’s winter Finland Yoga Adventure focuses on balancing flexibility with mental and physical strength, and includes guided snowshoe mountain hikes, husky sledding through the forest and a traditional ice hole and sauna experience – plus the chance to see the mesmerising Northern Lights. The nourishing plant-centric meals are the perfect prescription for restful, well-deserved sleep under the dreamy stars.
Price: 4-night Finland Yoga Adventure is between £1,395.00 – £2,295.00. Retreats start at £425 for a UK weekend
Website: reclaimyourself.co.uk
Garrett Walsh/Algarve PhotographyCaza Fuzetta
In the unspoilt fishing port of Olhao in Portugal’s Eastern Algarve, Casa Fuzetta is a private sanctuary just a 15-minute drive from Faro airport. Here, global yoga leaders host annual retreats featuring yoga in its many guises, sound healing, dance, pilates and meditation (with Jilian Lavender from the renowned London Meditation Centre). The 12 ensuite double bedrooms are bathed in natural hues, showcasing vintage furniture and the finest linen, with ample cosy alcoves for guests to gather. The freshest market produce is assured at mealtimes, served with the finest attention to guests’ nutritional needs.
The magnificent stained-glass meditation sanctuary is a standout and the place for daily stillness, as is the muscle-melting and revitalising La Eva menu of body treatments. Visit the morning market and stop at one of the friendly family-run restaurants dotting the waterfront before hopping on a water taxi to pristine beaches on the nearby islands of the Ria Formosa.
Price: While retreat prices will vary with teachers and seasons, a 5-night retreat starts at £1650 per person, for shared room, fully inclusive/£2,250 single occupancy.
Website: casafuzetta.com
The Coach House, Monmouth
Tucked away down a countryside lane close to Newport in Monmouthshire on the Welsh borders, the Coach House is the dream of Olivia Clarke, a dedicated practitioner of Yin Yoga and Buddhist Mindfulness and one of the few Insight Yoga-accredited teachers in the industry. Often called the quiet practice, yin is deliberately slow and offers the perfect chance to release, recalibrate and renew.
With two stylish and super cosy ensuite double bedrooms, deep rest comes easy, with tasty breakfast hampers featuring local eggs, homemade fresh bread and granola, quality coffee and herbal teas ready to greet the day. Some guests self-cater, while others choose in advance from the menu of home-cooked soups, hearty stews, salads and desserts that are delivered daily.
Everyone will benefit from Olivia’s vast experience and empathy, and the daily 90-minute private yin class is a must. Outside of this, there is river swimming, mountain hiking and forest bathing all on your doorstep, or book an Ayurvedic or shiatsu massage, or reflexology by the niche team of exceptional therapists. Most of all, allow Olivia’s kindness and innate wisdom to gently ease frayed nervous systems and wash through weary bones.
Price: From £150 per night for solo traveller/ £215 per night includes private Yoga and Mindfulness session and Meditation support
Website: thecoachhouseretreat.co.uk
Broughton Sanctuary
Deep in the Yorkshire countryside, Broughton Hall has been in the Tempest family for over 900 years, and today, under the watchful eye of current custodian Roger Tempest, it is home to one of Britain’s most ambitious nature recovery projects. Alongside the storied main house with its ancient heavy silk curtains and mahogany four-poster beds are several cosy country cottages with wood-burning stoves scattered across this vast land, with Avalon, the modern, cutting-edge wellness centre, at its heart.
Visit for a day, or enjoy one of the thoughtfully curated retreats featuring renowned advocates including Ruby Wax and Buddhist monk Gelong Thubten. To truly disconnect from the noise of life, the bi-annual, six-night Profound Rest immersion with Paris Ackrill (Tempest’s yoga-teacher partner) and meditation expert Cornelius O’Shaughnessy (founder of Bodhimaya) is a must. Days are filled with yin yoga, somatic exploration, sound baths, meditation, wild swimming, fire ceremonies and talks deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy, with the best home-grown (mostly) and home-cooked plant-forward meals to nourish and support your journey.
Price: 6-night retreat from £1,450 per person
Website: broughtonsanctuary.co.uk
Cindy GiovagnoliCliffs of Moher
Set on 10 acres of rugged Atlantic coastline, this niche collection of retreat buildings, gardens and yoga studio just minutes from the UNESCO-protected Cliffs of Moher on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic coastline has become somewhat of an icon. While yoga is at the heart of the experience, and people visit from around the world, the weekend Release into Joy retreat remains especially popular with the local market. Led by experienced founder Michelle Moroney and a niche team of dedicated experts, guests are drawn to the profound connection with the land and the founder’s deep commitment to inviting personal renewal.
The 15 cosy bedrooms are very much in synch with the unpredictable wildness and the delicious vegetarian meals (many nurtured in the on-site spacious organic farm) deliver the nourishment needed to truly soak up this magnificent landscape, with unparalleled views from the glass-fronted house and unforgettable daily hikes, swims and ice immersions, culminating in mesmerising sound baths and the gentle whispers from the Atlantic easing you into the deepest, soundest sleep.
Price: 2-night Retreats start at £600 per person
Website: cliffsofmoherretreat.com
Walter FischerComo Shambala Estate, Bali
Close to the centre of Bali’s forested heart and the city of Ubud, this idyllic estate first opened in 1998 as Begawan Giri, before being acquired as the flagship offering of Christina Ong’s COMO group. While much has changed over the years, the ethos continues to embody the island’s Tri Hita Karana spirit of harmony between humans and nature. Time-poor devotees from all corners of the world return time and time again to practice yoga, meditate, cleanse and recalibrate internal rhythms, guided by expert yoga teachers and resident Ayurvedic doctor.
The 30 distinct suites (spread over five villas) feature carved local wood and enjoy sweeping views of distant rice terraces, while the Ojas Spa itself ensures that this wellbeing paradise retains its prime position amongst discerning celebrities. Rise with the dawn birdsong and take the 100 steps down a ravine to plunge into the cool, silky, sacred pool below, watched over by an ancient Ganesh sitting with his garland of marigolds – spiritual spa experiences rarely come better.
When not meditating and practising yoga by the babbling Ayung river, avail of the very best Ayurvedic and Indonesian massages and explore the estate’s thick jungles and stone temples while sipping on steaming cups of the house ginger tea sweetened with local honey.
Price: 3-night retreat from £1,023 per person based on two people sharing
Website: comohotels.com
Samahita, Thailand
Samahita opened in 2003 and quickly became Asia’s foremost yoga retreat destination. It was founded by Paul Dallaghan who, with a PhD in Biological Anthropology and serious yoga and breathwork creds, is more interested in scientific research than celebrity endorsement. This charming, low-key retreat on Koh Samui’s southern tip enjoys 200m of direct beachfront with pared-back bedrooms overlooking the sea.
While some of the teacher training can be quite intense, Samahita attracts some of the industry’s leading experts, including Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor and yin specialists Sarah and Ty Powers. The cleverly constructed Yoga Core Cycle programme is equally beneficial for absolute beginners as for seasoned practitioners and includes five hours of daily exercise – spin classes, high-intensity core workouts, challenging dynamic vinyasa, relaxing restorative yoga, meditation and breathwork (Dallaghan’s passion) with practical advice on breathing techniques to combat stress and restore wayward internal rhythms.
Meals are generally buffet-style, featuring the daily fresh catch and wholesome home-cooked vegetarian dishes, alongside a detox corner of bone broths, salads and raw dips. After a few days, body and mind feel lighter and brighter as Dallaghan’s vast knowledge subtly nudges you towards fulfilling your dreams of retraining as a yoga teacher.
Price: From £760 for 7-nights fully inclusive Signature Yoga Core Cycle Retreat
Website: samahitaretreat.com
Ananda in the Himalayas
We all crave being still and slow in the face of life’s noise, and at Ananda, this is the order of the day. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, close to the ashram town of Rishikesh, the spiritual home of yoga is set in a former maharaja’s palace, surrounded by 100 acres of sal forest. It deservedly wears its crown as a globally respected authority on yoga and her sister philosophy, Ayurveda. Simply being here is soothing in itself, and while there is no obligation to follow a specific yoga agenda, it would be a shame not to avail of the outstanding teachers and the thoughtfully curated menu of treatments, all designed for deep self-reflection and initiating positive, lasting change.
The Ananda Yogic Detox programme uses traditional hatha yogic cleansing techniques (Shatkriya), Asana (Posture) and Pranayama (yogic breathing) to release deeply rooted muscular and neural tension and enhance vitality naturally and effectively. Early morning classes take place in silence, with poses held for a few moments and plenty of time for stillness.
Price: from £5,710pp for 7 nights, full board, including treatments and programme inclusions
Website: anandaspa.comUlpotha
Set on a sustainable organic farm in an ancient pilgrimage site on the western fringes of Sri Lanka, Ulpotha is the perfect antidote to modern life. Guests blend in with the locals in this collaboratively run working village. Dr Srilal, the resident Ayurvedic physician, designs personalised detoxification programmes for all. Some of the world's leading teachers from all walks of yogic life return every year simply because this rare blend of relaxed natural environment, deliciously fresh vegetarian cuisine (straight from the kitchen garden) and authentic Ayurvedic lifestyle heightens the benefits of every yoga practice.
With accommodation in mud-style huts overlooking the lush paddy fields and no electricity, hot water, or doors, this wifi-free zone is not for everyone, but those seeking peace and spiritual renewal tend to become hooked. Time seems to stand still here, and just being with yourself while you tune in to the haunting resonance of singing bowls or try swimming in the lake before lazily swinging in a hammock is when both body and mind can begin to feel whole again.
Price: Retreat for 14 nights from £2,560
Website: ulpotha.com
www.thepolizzicollection.com / Paul MasseyThe Polizzi Collection Retreats
This stylish trio that is Hotel Tresanton in Cornwall, The Endsleigh in Devon and The Star in East Sussex. are among the finest hotels in England, and surely the perfect wellness retreat locations. Here, rooted in the natural surrounds, Polizzi Retreats avails of the wisdom and expertise of the country’s most loved yoga teachers: Zephyr Wildman, Gianna Hewlett and Charlie Polizzi.
There’s something quite magical about November at the supremely cosy Tresanton Hotel in St Mawes, overlooking the postcard-perfect Falmouth Bay. Here, in between cosy fireside chats with home-brewed herbal teas and still-warm Tunisian orange cake, Wildman guides both established and budding yogis through twice-daily yoga and meditation practice, while Polizzi, a conscious breathwork expert, shares simple practices that will help us all better tune in to our internal rhythms and feel happier and more grounded within ourselves.
But, as with any discipline, it takes practice. This is your time to delve more deeply into the innate power of the breath, while also enjoying expertly delivered muscle-easing massages and invigorating coastal walks as you work up a healthy appetite for plates overflowing with simple fresh, seasonal ingredients cooked to perfection. Sleep comes easily snuggled up in the Mediterranean-meets-New England decorated rooms, and each new morning is welcomed with an (optional) sea swim just as the early winter sun breaks through the dark sky. The pace is slower here, the weather a little milder and without the hordes that congregate for summer sailing, it feels extra special.
Price: 4-Night retreat at Hotel Tresanton from £2,120
Website: thepolizzicollection.com
Ayurma at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
Spirituality lies at the heart of Ayurma, the Ayurvedic spa on the Baa Atoll in the Maldives. Here, Dr Arun Tomson and his team of doctors, naturopaths and experienced yoga therapists (trained at the world’s first University for Yoga in Bangalore) gently take clients’ pulses while subtly tuning into their minds.
At Ayurma, guests are encouraged to become the masters of their own wellbeing through Ayurvedic and naturopathic consultations, personalised yoga prescriptions and bespoke programmes combining yoga, chakra balancing and stress-relieving massages with breathwork, Ayurvedic herbs and delicious seasonal dosha-specific meals. The yoga is ideal for families with a joyful dose of lively sun salutations at the over-water pavilion each morning, outdoor anti-gravity sessions and daily live-stream Yoga-at-Home classes.
Simply walking from your ultra-private beach or water villa along the soft sandy pathway flanked by Tibetan prayer flags, tuning in to the sacred primordial “Om” emanating from hidden speakers instantly recalibrates, drawing body and mind into ease.
While manta safaris, myriad water sports and watching injured turtles being nursed back to health keep guests entertained, everything leads back to Ayurma, and the evening Rahumathuge Vaguthu (Earth blessing ritual) celebrating the earth’s gifts through song and dance is destined to bring tears of gratitude infused with hope for a better tomorrow.
Price: 3-day Yoga Therapy Programme start from £410 per person. Villa rates start at £2,020 per villa per night (excluding taxes)
Website: ayurma.life
Shreyas Yoga Retreat, India
Traditional yoga practices lie at the heart of one of India’s most loved yoga destinations, situated in 25 acres of lush gardens, one hour north-west of Bangalore. Ashram discipline and traditional yoga underpin the schedule at Shreyas, and the day begins with asana classes at dawn (gentle hatha and more rigorous ashtanga), meditation and cleansing yogic kriyas. For those seeking a more intimate exploration daily pranayama, meditation, yoga nidra, healing meditation and trataka (candle meditation) is available, tailored to guest’s personal journey.
Kind and experienced ayurvedic doctors prescribe bespoke mind-and-body treatments to heal and recalibrate weary souls, while medicinal, muscle-melting scrubs and massages using hand-picked fresh herbs delve deep to release chronic tension.
Scattered among the lush greenery of palms and aromatic fig trees are smart poolside lodges and tented cottages with private terraces. Mealtimes offer the chance to mingle with global high-flyers who come to find refuge and space, and comprise traditional vegetarian feasts availing of the abundance of local fruits and vegetables (think curry, Bengal gram lentils and barley roti) alongside light, nutritious European dishes. The atmosphere is decidedly laid-back here, with the ultimate goal being rejuvenation and relaxation, whether working through a full daily schedule, or just being in the land of the gods and absorbing the vibration of the daily Sanskrit chants.
Price: 7-night Yoga retreat £2,870 single occupancy
Website: shreyasretreat.comSOMA Byron
Although just a 10-minute drive from Australia’s coolest enclave of Byron Bay, there is nothing hippy-dippy about Soma, especially if you are serious about meditation and spirituality. Vedic meditation expert Gary Garrow’s reputation as “the teacher of teachers” has long been whispered about in wellness circles – his teachings are as relevant for the most driven seekers as they are to those new to spirituality. Since opening in 2019, this striking timber and steel building with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that frame the surrounding 22 acres of rainforest has earned its place on the global wellbeing stage. Its magic comes from the blend of relaxed luxury, deep teachings and the stunning geodesic meditation and yoga dome, which is where the transformation happens.
There is a real feeling of home here with comfortable guest rooms and a 20-foot wood dining table where guests gather for fresh seasonal Ayurvedic-inspired meals. Massages are available on request; these take place in a timber-clad cabin in the forest. “When we connect with our dharma or deeper purpose, life is more frictionless and beautiful,” Garrow says. And forging this connection lies very much at the heart of Soma.
Price: Retreat for 2 nights from £985 – £1,400 per person
Website: somabyron.com.au