There's nothing on Earth as soothing, relaxing, rejuvenating, detoxifying and enlightening as yoga. A true healer is every respect; yoga powers your soul and allows you to connect with your inner self. It’s a new lease on life. But the benefits can’t just be described in words; you have to feel it for yourself by practicing.
Here are some of the best places on the planet to get a little tan, find your zen and work on your bend.
Reconnect with Your Inner Self - Bali
There’s something enigmatic about Bali. The moment you unroll your yoga mat on the beach, your stress will drip away. In Bali, there are more pervasive spas and treatment centers than yoga centers and schools, but Markandeya Yoga City is one of the largest in Asia. If you want a less commercial experience, head to Ubud, a village that is small in size yet colossal in beauty where the development drops off drastically. Ubud is laced with many studios, offering spiritual practices, fast paced vinyasa and power flow, against the backdrop of jungles, green rice fields, and beautiful mountain scenery. Some even offer a luxurious spa treatment after an exhausting yet enriching yoga session.
Get Rejuvenated - Greece
One of the most splendid places in the world to practice yoga, Greece is blessed with the presence of some of the inspiring sites in the world. The power of yoga combined with energy and rugged beauty of the Greek Islands can transform anyone. Silver Island, Ithaki, Amorgos, Crete and Skyros all take pride in offering unique yoga experiences. Explore these islands and practice your warrior pose while looking out over colorful coastal scenes and charming towns.
Find Refuge and Retreat - Thailand
India may be the originator of yoga, but Thailand has been the preferred destination of yogis for years. Koh Samui, Koh Ra and Koh Mak, are three islands that each boast stunning yoga retreats. Picture relaxing on the banks of crystal clear beaches, amidst the swaying palms, and impressive cliffs as your stress melts away. Many yoga centers in Thailand offer holistic therapies designed to reinstall the balance of mind, body and soul.
Where it All Started - India
As stated by legends, yoga was introduced to the world 5000 years ago in India. Since, a yoga trip to India has been a pilgrimage of sorts, designed to heal the body, mind and soul. Rishikesh, Goa, Kerala, Pondicherry, Chennai, and Mysore, are some of the best retreats in the country, which are laced with many centers equipped with state of the art facilities for a life-changing experience. Don’t miss the annual Yoga Festival in Rishikesh in Uttarakhand to learn about the new techniques from spiritual masters and revered saints. Rishikesh is also great for adventure enthusiasts.
Cleanse Yourself - Nepal
Not only one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, Nepal is also home to some of the most picturesque yoga studios. Here you can find retreats, which are a mixture of yoga and trekking. As you hike up a Himalayan mountain to practice your Warrior pose, channel your inner strength and take in the amazing landscape around you. Pokhara is a small town known for its spectacular scenery and adventure activities, and offers many day packages for travelers wanting a casual but authentic yoga experience.
Salute the Sun – The Bahamas
Usually, people define yoga as the discipline that unites the mind, body and soul. But for some yoga is more about exercise. For yogis looking to mix yoga and extreme sports, the Bahamas is the place to be. Yoga retreats here combine daily stretches with cardio in the form of surfing, paddle boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. For the water-inclined, there’s aqua yoga to try. As the name suggests, this form of fitness is all about doing regular poses and asanas in water. Yogis can also choose to stay in the plentiful ashrams and lodges to meet and greet like-minded travelers.