Looking for ways to reset? A yoga retreat is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body - not only do you get a relaxing vacation, but it will also provide you with the tools to manage your stress once you get home and settle back into the routine. From stretching sore muscles, to improving flexibility and calming the mind, yoga has all kinds of benefits. Here at Plum Guide, we’re big advocates of treating ourselves every now and then. From a converted maharaja’s palace to a yoga and wine retreat (yes please), here is our expert guide to the best yoga retreats around the world.
The Olive Farm, Crete, Greece
A panoramic view of the sea at Balos Beach, Crete, Greece
Want to combine your love for yoga and food in one unforgettable retreat? The Olive Farm allows you to slow down and focus on the simple things in life - cooking, eating, practising yoga, and relaxing. Tucked away on a hillside in a village on Crete, start each day with a yoga session while looking across the plains to the White Mountains. Surrounded by birdsong (and the clucking of hens) as well as the scent of wildflowers and herbs, this is a place to truly immerse yourself in Crete’s rural peacefulness. When you’re not saluting the sun, get to know traditional Cretan cuisine - one of the healthiest in the world. Join a cooking class and learn to make delicious, nutritious, and seasonal dishes using homegrown ingredients.
Banquet of the Gods, Plum Guide home in Crete, Greece
Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh, India
Statues of sitting goddess Parvati and Shiva on the riverbank of Ganga, Rishikesh, India
Set in a splendid converted maharaja’s palace in the foothills of the Himalayas, this luxurious retreat is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to slow down and take a moment to reflect. Surrounded by 100 acres of virgin forest and overlooking the spiritual town of Rishikesh (where The Beatles sought spiritual enlightenment), there’s no better place to work on your breathing, meditation, and yoga skills. The extracurricular activities are just as nourishing - take a break from your yoga mat with a trek through the Himalayan foothills, a tour of the ancient temples, ashrams, and monasteries, or a quiet dip in the outdoor swimming pool set amongst shady foliage. You’ll want to namaste here forever.
Secret Yoga Club, Tuscany, Italy
A view over lush green fields and distant hills at sunset, Tuscany, Italy
Set amongst Tuscany’s gentle rolling hills and verdant olive groves, it’s difficult to think of a better location for your yoga retreat. Secret Yoga Club is an all-encompassing retreat, which also focuses on mental and emotional wellbeing. For those who want to get out of their heads and find real joy in their bodies, this is the place to be. Overlooking olive groves and vineyards, yoga classes here combine yogic wisdom with asana and pranayama. You’ll also benefit from philosophy workshops, breathing exercises, and meditation - you’ll find that the canny teachers have a way of making you look inward and address what’s really going on inside. If all that stretching and reflecting has worked up an appetite, you’ll be pleased to know that the food is exquisite. Seasonal Tuscan dishes use locally-grown whole grains, beans, olive oils, and vegetables, with a glass of organic Sangiovese to wash it down.
Over The Olive Grove, Plum Guide home in Tuscany, Italy
Tri, Lake Koggala, Sri Lanka
A group of fishermen on stilts in the at sunset, Sri Lanka
Nestled on the banks of the palm-lined Lake Koggala, Tri is a place to switch off in style, with terraces overlooking the water and private pools hidden amongst greenery. Yoga sessions are taught by Lara, the wife of the owner Rob Drummonds. An internationally renowned yoga teacher, her previous clients have included Sienna Miller, Russell Brand, and Gerard Butler. Held in a treetop sala above the bamboo grove, you’ll practise Quantum Yoga developed by Lara herself based on Ayurvedic principles. Take time to kayak around the lake, try stilt fishing, or curl up with a book in the glass-walled library. Be sure to take a tuk tuk ride to the iconic Galle Fort for a dose of culture and history.
Edelweiss Yoga Chalet, Chamonix, France
A view of the Alps mountains and green trees reflecting in a lake, Chamonix, France
Chamonix isn’t just about skiing. Located at the foot of Mont Blanc’s majestic peak, the fresh mountain air and serene natural setting create the perfect setting for a little meditation. In keeping with traditional Alpine architecture, Edelweiss Yoga Chalet is crafted from beautiful local wood. The interior is cosy and warm, offering a welcoming space to anyone seeking time to disconnect from their daily routine - and reconnect with themselves. With the guidance of friendly and caring teachers, practise invigorating sunrise yoga or evening yin and nidra on an outdoor terrace, overlooking the green mountains and snow-dusted peaks. In your free time, make the most of your surroundings with a trek along one of the many mountain trails, or simply unwind in the wood-panelled sauna.
Powder Fields, Plum Guide home in Chamonix, France
Shambala Gatherings, Sweden
A small boat by a pier in a large lake, Sweden
Just a two hour drive from Stockholm, tucked away in the wild forests of Bergslagen, lies a tranquil lakeside retreat. Shambala Gatherings offers an ideal setting to log off and get back to basics. Your days will be packed with yoga classes, meditation, forest walks, horse riding, and dancing, as well as treatments such as massages and craniosacral therapy. Shambala Gatherings plays host to a range of international teachers who host themed retreats throughout the year, from self-care retreats for women to rewilding with yoga in nature. You’ll get to experience the Scandinavian concept of friluftsliv, or open-air living, and see how important spending time in nature is for your spiritual and physical wellbeing.
EcoYoga, Scottish Highlands, Scotland, UK
A view of Kilchurn Castle reflecting in a lake in front of green hills, Scottish Highlands, Scotland, UK
The unrivalled natural beauty of the surrounding Scottish Highlands puts EcoYoga firmly in our list of the best yoga retreats in the world. Encompassed by hills, lochs, and forests, this is a place to quite literally go off the grid. The approach here is to make sure you take the practice of yoga back home with you, helping you master an independent practice - rather than having a teacher instruct you the whole time. When you’re not busy in the studio overlooking the gorge of the River Liever, take advantage of the hot tub under a glass geodesic dome, soak in a bubble bath in a private glade at the foot of a waterfall, wander down to the loch for wild swimming, or hike into the hills for wildlife watching.
Nessie's Place, Plum Guide home in Scotland, UK
The Yoga Forest, Guatemala
A calm river and green trees at sunset in Semuc Champey, Guatemala
The town of San Marcos La Laguna on Lake Atitlán is well-known for its thriving yoga and wellness community. The Yoga Forest offers creative yoga sessions, re-energising Pilates classes, guided meditations, relaxing massages, and heartwarming ceremonies - think sound and cacao ceremonies, all with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. There are yoga classes for all abilities, in different styles such as jnana yoga, ashtanga yoga, bhakti yoga, and karma yoga. Home to natural springs and ancient Mayan altars, The Yoga Forest is a wonderful place to get in touch with your spiritual side - get closer to nature through outdoor activities including hiking and stand-up paddle boarding.
Sagrada Wellness, California, USA
Palm trees in front of brown hills, California, USA
Yoga and wine? This is automatically one of the best yoga retreats in the world for that combo alone. With its location in the heart of California’s Central Coast Wine Country, this rustic family-run retreat combines yoga classes with wine tastings from various local vineyards, served with a healthy home-cooked meal. Perched on a hilltop in San Luis Obispo County, you'll be treated to views of surrounding rugged mountains, farmland, and fruit trees. As well as yoga, you can trek the hiking trails, unwind in the hot tub, treat yourself to acupuncture, take a Pilates class, soak in the heated saltwater pool, or simply enjoy a moment in the reflection garden - to breathe in the fresh air.
Graffito Uno, Plum Guide home in Los Angeles, California, USA
Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui, Thailand
Clustered palm trees and clear blue water at a sandy beach, Koh Samui, Thailand
Centred around a 65ft swimming pool amongst tropical gardens and hillside views, Absolute Sanctuary certainly lives up to its name. Home to three yoga spaces, a health centre, pilates studio, and gym, this is a place you come to with a purpose - even if that purpose is to simply reset by the poolside (complete with its own juice bar). Yoga classes are led by Jana Braeuer, whose workshops are beneficial and, most importantly, fun. From familiar hatha to pelvic-loosening yin, the classes cater to all abilities. While you’re here, take advantage of the full roster of spa services like wraps, facials, reiki, and massages.
