yoga travel 2023

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The Original Yoga Adventure Company

Consciously crafted life-changing trips, yoga adventures around the world.

The Travel Yogi is the Original Yoga Adventure Travel Company . We’re pioneers in the world of adventure and wellness travel. We offer the best yoga retreats and adventures through consciously crafted, culturally immersive itineraries with amazing yoga teachers guiding you through it all. You’ll go deep into the local scene, head off the beaten path, and delve into experiences designed to invigorate your being and create memories to last a lifetime! Find your perfect yoga adventure retreats with The Travel Yogi.

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Adventure Yoga Retreats

CURATED ADVENTURES

Handpicked yoga teachers, constant connectivity, active relaxation, discover a better way to adventure, the travel yogi difference.

Our adventures strike a balance between culture-packed, invigorating, one-of-a-kind natural adventures and world-class wellness travel. Our yoga adventure retreats are a unique way to experience the world. Soak into viticulture luxury on a France yoga retreat or experience our National Geographic Traveler-honored yoga retreat in Panama . Walk the streets and bike the countryside of Vietnam and Cambodia or discover the very best (and the hidden) gems on our Sri Lanka travel adventure.

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98% of travelers say they'll be back for another yoga adventure retreat with us.

Our Yoga Teachers

We’ve hand-selected yoga teachers from around the world to guide you during your Yoga Adventure Retreat. Meet our teachers below, connect with them on social media, and join The Travel Yogi community. 

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We’re yoga adventure retreats (not just yoga retreats) .

As yogis, we understand the importance of balance in life. We understand the discipline and benefits of a regular yoga practice. We also know we are here on this beautiful blue planet to truly live—especially when we travel. When we travel, it is clear that the heart wants what the heart wants—joy, connection, experience, consciousness, and adventure. We eat well, drink well, laugh, love, and try new things. 

If you are looking for a vegan-only, stay-by-the-hotel-pool kind of trip with a million chaturangas, we aren’t your people (and that’s totally okay). If you are looking for a balanced, carefully curated travel adventure experience, then we’re your people. If you are seeking adventure with a dose of wellness and consideration of sustainability and regeneration in local environments, we’re your people. 

What Is a Yoga Adventure Retreat?

Search “yoga retreats” and you’ll find a never-ending stream of glossy infinity pools and perfect scorpion poses. You’ll see sleek bodies and solitary meditation practices in remote locations. But, if you look a little closer, you’ll notice something is missing. You’ll notice the sterility, the travel-bubble lack of immersion, and maybe even forced authenticity

The Travel Yogi puts adventure and experience first. We consciously craft travel for adventurers seeking  immersive experiences . The Travel Yogi way is new languages mixed with laughter, clinking glasses of  old-world wine , and navigating adventure flows (or actually  navigating white water in Patagonia  if that is your thing). 

We are complex and curious humans seeking realness. And yeah, we are tired of the gloss: we don’t want that gloss. We want the condensation on windows from bus rides to wild places, dust on our eyelashes from a bike ride to lunch, and sand in our swimsuits from surfing waves on a quiet beach. Let’s say that again: we are tired of the gloss and we want real. 

ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)

These Are The 10 Best Yoga Retreat Packages Around The World In 2023

Experience some of the best yoga retreats around the world this year with something for every experience level.

Yoga and holistic programs are one of the many reasons people travel to destinations like Bali, Tulum, and northern India. Popular spots like these have tons of yoga retreat packages at some of the world's best holistic retreats to choose from. At these places, there's truly something for everyone - whether a beginner looking to find one's breath or an avid yogi seeking guidance in a specific area of one's practice. With that in mind, travelers looking for an unforgettable yoga retreat package this year should consider these ten programs around the world.

10 Shambala Gatherings, Sweden

This retreat in Sweden combines the beauty of joyous movement with the benefits of Yin Yoga to create a full experience for body, mind, and soul. The retreat doesn’t require any prior knowledge to participate in this program, and it includes moments of silence throughout the day for participants to turn inwards and reflect.

• Address: BORNTORPET 1, 739 92 Skinnskatteberg, Sweden
• Retreat Package Name: Nia, Yin Yoga & Meditations Retreat
• Duration: 4 days
• Price: ~$669 (6,990 KR)

9 Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand

This is a retreat with Yin & Yang yoga expert Simon Low on the idyllic island of Koh Samui. The goals of the program are to build flexibility and strengthen the body and mind while understanding correct alignment. Participants will also work to reduce stress and tension and adjust postural patterns.

• Address: หมู่ที่ 3 102 Laem-Set Rd, Tambon Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
• Retreat Package Name: Yoga For Health & Healing
• Duration: 5 days
• Price: Available through inquiry online

8 Willka T'ika Essential Wellness, Cusco, Peru

This retreat is hosted and led by Michelle Chua of Root2Rise Yoga and is the perfect blend of mindfulness, culture, and adventure. Travelers who want to see Peru and visit iconic sites near Cusco while still embracing nature and relaxing will find everything they’re looking for on this itinerary.

• Address: Paradero Rumichaka, Urubamba 08660, Peru
• Retreat Package Name: Release & Renew In Peru
• Duration: 10 days
• Price: From $3,660 per person

7 Anayama Resort, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

Anamaya Resort in Costa Rica is the ideal spot for a yoga retreat experience curated to the individual’s needs. They allow travelers to pay for a room by the week, with the cheapest option being a five-bed dorm room, and embrace the yoga classes and amenities of the resort during that time.

• Address: Anamaya Rd, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
• Retreat Package Name: Private/Create Your Own
• Duration: 7 Days
• Price: From $795

Related: Rejuvenate At These 14 Unique California Spa & Wellness Resorts

6 Mahatma Yoga Ashram, Rishikesh, India

India is a popular place for yoga retreats , specifically northern India because it is the birthplace of yoga. As such, it's no wonder India is home to some of the world's top yoga destinations . Yoga retreats at Mahatma Yoga Ashram start on a Monday, so travelers should plan arrivals for the day before on a Sunday. The location of this retreat is stunning, with mountains and the Ganges river to admire each morning and evening before and after yoga practice.

• Address : Lakshman Jhula, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137, India
• Retreat Package Name : 1 Week Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh, India
• Duration: 7 days
• Price: From $350

5 Doron Yoga, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Start this flexible yoga retreat on a Wednesday or Thursday and enjoy four days of relaxation and reconnection. The retreat includes yoga classes, meditation, a massage, and vegetarian meals. Accommodation options include dorm rooms and private rooms.

• Address: Sololá Department, Santa Cruz County, Tzununa, Lake Atitlan 07014, Guatemala
• Retreat Package Name: Yoga, Mindfulness & Wellness Retreat
• Duration: 4 Days
• Price: From $305

Related: Everything Visitors Can Do In One Day In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

4 Vikasa Yoga, Koh Samui, Thailand

Vikasa Yoga in Koh Samui, Thailand, is famous for its yoga teacher training program. The Refresh Retreat is designed for travelers who either want to brush up on the skills learned in a yoga teacher training course or experienced yogis seeking deeper instruction over the course of 100 hours.

• Address: 211 Bontji Moo 4, 84310, Thailand
• Retreat Package Name: Refresh Retreat
• Duration: 14 days
• Price: From $2,250

3 Pelan Pelan Bali, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Pelan Pelan Bali is a surf and yoga retreat that offers a wonderful combination of these two pastimes in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The Bali Yoga Retreat package includes other holistic experiences such as Balinese massages, a hot stone massage, a manicure or a pedicure, and a facial.

• Address: Banjar Batan Tanjung, Cemagi, Mengwi, Badung Canggu, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
• Retreat Package Name: Bali Yoga Retreat
• Duration: 7 nights
• Price: From ~$758

Related: 10 Tips & Things To Know Before Traveling To Bali

2 Blue Osa Yoga Retreat And Spa, Costa Rica

Blue Osa Yoga Retreat and Spa hosts lots of group yoga retreats each year, so there are plenty to choose from. In July 2023, the Rewilding The Heart retreat brings travelers to the magical Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica for a week of healing practices. The program includes yoga, meditation, sound healing, fresh food, and nature.

• Address: Osa Peninsula, Provincia de Puntarenas, Punto Jimenez, 1004, Costa Rica
• Retreat Package Name: Rewilding The Heart
• Price: $2,150

1 Amansala, Tulum, Mexico

At Amansala in Tulum, Mexico (a popular travel destination) , travelers can reconnect with their inner self through yoga, many unique meditation experiences , journaling, pilates, and beach walks over the course of 6 days. The retreat also includes two spa treatments, one Mayan clay treatment, and 3 healthy meals per day.

• Address: Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila KM 5.5, Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
• Retreat Package Name: Restore & Renew
• Duration: 6 Days
• Price: From ~$2,026.75

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The Best Yoga Retreats to Book

Pack your bags these mindful, magical destinations around the world promise to deepen your practice—while providing a much-needed dose of adventure..

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After years of more staying at home more than anyone would like, travel has finally resumed—including for yoga retreats.

Yoga retreats are a way to unplug from the outside world, dive deeper into your practice, and gain in-depth instruction from world-class teachers. Spending a few days practicing yoga in a gorgeous place? We can think of nothing better.

Whether you’re looking for a yoga retreat close to home or one on the other side of the world, we’ve got you covered. These stunning yoga destinations span almost every continent. Between oceanside California centers and Indian ashrams, every yogi will find their dream destination on this list.

Read on to discover our favorite yoga destinations around the world—and learn about their 2022 retreat offerings.

North America

Feathered pipe ranch.

Helena, Montana

Teacher and Yoga Journal cofounder Judith Hanson Lasater has been hosting yoga retreats at this spacious ranch since 1975. “It’s like summer camp for yogis,” she says. “Jaw-dropping scenery in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, magnificent food, fresh spring water, twice-daily yoga classes, and a week steeped in the silence of nature.” To pay respect to the sacred Native American land the retreat rests on, founder India Supera created the Feathered Pipe Foundation to help preserve ceremonial traditions of the Cree people. Feathered Pipe continues to foster humanitarian efforts that give life to new nonprofits while maintaining missions such as the Veterans Yoga Project and the Tibetan Children’s Education Foundation .

Visit: From late spring to early fall, you can enjoy a variety of health and wellness retreats at Feathered Pipe Ranch, including a weeklong Mindful Unplug Experience . See the complete retreat schedule here.

Upcoming retreats: 

• Time for YOU: Yoga & Ayurveda Women’s Retreat , June 1–4, 2022
• Balanced Being: Montana Yoga & Sound Healing Retreat , June 4–11, 2022
• The Body & Beyond: A Transformational Vinyasa Yoga Retreat , June 11–18, 2022
• Big Sky Bhakti Bliss: A Montana Yoga Retreat , July 9–15, 2022
• Cultivating Everyday Awe: Yoga, Nature And You! , July 23–30, 2022
• Energy Medicine Yoga: Finding Joy In The Sacred Science Of Yoga , August 20–27, 2022
• Transformative Yoga Therapy Retreat: Blending Strength, Softness, Relaxation & Play For Every Body , September 3–9, 2022

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

With an international network of 2,000 instructors teaching more than 700 programs to 30,000 guests a year, education is front and center at this verdant campus in the Berkshires. For the past decade, Kripalu has led the way in groundbreaking research on yoga and trauma in collaboration with experts from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Visit: You can opt to book a day pass or stay for an overnight, self-guided retreat .

Esalen Institute

Big Sur, California

This cliff-side retreat opened in 1962 with a series of workshops on yoga and personal growth. Key counter-cultural figures such as Joan Baez and Joseph Campbell were among its early guests and lecturers. Today, renowned wellness leaders and yoga teachers like Andrew Weil, Dean Ornish, and Janet Stone share expertise on trending topics, including the energetics of consciousness and meditation as medicine.

Visit: You can book a self-guided stay at the Esalen Institute or opt to attend a variety of courses or workshops .

Upcoming yoga, meditation, & mindfulness workshops:

• COME ALIVE: Meditation for People Who Can’t Stop Thinking , April 18–22, 2022
• Meditation and Modern Life: A Zen Meditation Retreat , April 29–May 1, 2022
• Effortless Mindfulness Embodied: Awakening, Glimpse by Glimpse , May 1–6, 2022
• Awake in the Wild Meditation Retreat: Opening to Joy, Wonder and Awe in Nature , May 6–8, 2022
• Radiant Rest Retreat: Yoga Nidra, Self-Inquiry, Sankalpa , May 13–15, 2022
• Amplified Yoga , June 17–19, 2022
• Resource and Renew: A 5Rhythms® & Mindfulness Workshop , July 11–15, 2022

Drala Mountain Center

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder’s vibrant mindfulness community has been growing since the 1970s when Tibetan meditation master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche—the 11th incarnation of the Trungpa Tulku—established Naropa University , a Buddhist liberal arts college, and Drala Mountain Center (formerly known as Shambhala Mountain Center) in a valley above town. While Rinpoche’s legacy has been rocked by scandal, Naropa and Drala remain pillars of Buddhist values and mindful practices.

Visit: You can visit Drala Mountain Center for the day or book a self-guided retreat .

• Retreat & Renewal , April 15–17, 2022
• Wisdom of the Body: Yoga and Meditation Retreat , April 21–24, 2022
• Sitting in Beauty: A 5-day Silent Meditation Retreat , April 26–May 1, 2022
• The Awakened Heart: A Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat | Extended , May 5–8, 2022
• Silent Meditation Intensive: The Cradle of Loving-Kindness , May 27–29; October 14–16, 2022
• The Art of Meditation: A Weeklong Retreat , September 11–18, 2022
• See the complete retreat schedule

Bonus: The Hanuman Festival , taking place July 14–17, 2022, attracts top yoga educators and teachers such as Sreedevi Bringi, Seane Corn, Tiffany Cruikshank, and many others.

Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

Los Angeles

Paramahansa Yogananda, one of the first Indian spiritual teachers to make his home in the West, called Los Angeles “the Benares of America” (Benares is another name for the Indian city of Varanasi) when he arrived in the 1920s. After setting up the Self-Realization Fellowship ’s international headquarters atop Mount Washington, he opened a clifftop compound in Encinitas and a waterfall and shrine-studded campus on Sunset Boulevard, where a portion of the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi are laid to rest. Today, the Lake Shrine —with its waterfront meditation garden and gold lotus–topped temple where resident monks hold services and give lectures—remains an oasis for contemplation.

Visit: You can reserve a time to visit Lake Shrine or submit a request to book a private retreat.

Krishnamurti Educational Center

Ojai, California

A bustling hub of ashrams, yoga centers, and spiritual retreats— and dubbed Shangri-La by locals (a nod to the surrounding valley’s cameo as the fictional utopia in the classic film Lost Horizon)—Ojai’s surrounding Topatopa and Sulphur mountains are what attracted Indian philosopher J. Krishnamurti in the 1920s. Today, his teachings continue via programs at the Krishnamurti Educational Center, which offers retreats, residential programs, and more.

Visit: The Krishnamurti Educational Center is open to the public. Check out the calendar to view upcoming events and learning opportunities.

Chopra Center for Wellbeing

Various locations

Through the Chopra Center, experts in hypnotherapy, integrative oncology, and pranic healing (a form of no-touch energy healing) combine holistic practices and Western medicine for a unique healing and wellness experience. Choose from a twice-monthly Health Retreat in Carefree, Arizona, where itineraries feature daily yoga and meditation, Ayurvedic meals, and spa treatments. Or, dive deeper into your practice with an immersive retreat at one of the Chopra Center’s experiences across North America

• Meditation Immersion in Maui, Hawaii; May 13–17, 2022
• Infinite Possibilities in Mont Tremblant, Canada; July 7–11, 2022
• Silent Awakenings in Yosemite, California; September 25–October 1, 2022
• Well Within in Rancho Palos Verdes, California; October 6–9, 2022
• 7 Spiritual Laws in Marco Island, Florida; November 30–December 4, 2022

Omega Institute

Rhinebeck, New York

While New York City has long been known as a hub for yoga and meditation, 90 miles north in the lush Hudson Valley lies a true respite from the hustle of the city—the Omega Institute. The sprawling, 250-acre campus was founded in 1977 as a hub for learning, spiritual exploration, and community. The campus also includes the Omega Center for Sustainable Living —a home to explore and learn about eco-friendly building practices—and the Women’s Leadership Center .

Visit: From May to October, you can sign up for Omega’s self-guided Rest & Rejuvenation retreats , where you can enjoy all the amenities of the campus in your own time (no workshop attendance required).

Upcoming retreats & workshops: 

• Practical Mindfulness , May 29–June 3, 2022
• Insight Meditation for Beginners , June 3–5, 2022
• The Yoga of Love , June 10–12, 2022
• Essential Kundalini Yoga , July 8–10, 2022
• Youth Yoga & Mindfulness , July 10–15, 2022
• Yoga Nidra with Tracee Stanley , July 15–17, 2022
• Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics , August 5–7, 2022
• See the complete schedule

Garrison Institute

Garrison, New York

Located on the grounds of a former Capuchin monastery, the Garrison Institute hosts multiple in-person retreats throughout the year. This center aims to address social and environmental concerns through a combination of reflection and action. Its specific focus on social initiatives will help you contextualize your practice in the larger world.

Upcoming retreats: Pause + Press Play , June 24–26, 2022. This retreat for women of color, hosted by Crystal McCreary, a Yoga Journal contributor, in partnership with Marla Teyolia, focuses on self-care and personal rejuvenation.

Mountain Yoga Festival

St. Anton, Austria

This event, held in the birthplace of modern skiing, offers a heavy dose of outdoor wellness. Intimacy is part of the draw: Fewer than 300 attendees and teachers from around the world gather to fill their souls with music and movement.

Upcoming event: September 1–4, 2022

Suryalila Yoga Retreat Centre

Cadiz, Spain

The Om Dome (an igloo-shaped yoga hall) at this Andalusian retreat might be the most magnificent place to practice in all of Europe, says yoga teacher Tiffany Cruikshank. The geometric studio was designed to resemble a Nepalese temple topped with a golden stupa. Wholesome farm-to-table organic meals are another reason Cruikshank enjoys leading retreats here. Regular teacher trainings by Vidya Jacqueline Heisel, founder of vinyasa-focused Frog Lotus Yoga, and Carol Murphy, founder of Green Lotus Yoga, are other highlights

Visit: You can opt to book a stay without attending a retreat at the center’s hotel. In addition to regular retreats, this center also offers horseback riding and teacher training. Yoga retreats are offered on an almost-weekly basis throughout the year and are hosted by a variety of teachers.

• Adventure and Yoga Retreat , April 30 to May 6, 2022
• Relax and Restore , April 30 to May 7, 2022
• Movement and Breathwork 6 Day Retreat , May 16–21, 2022
• Summer Sanctuary Retreat , July 3–9, 2022

Reclaim Your Self Yoga Retreats

Reclaim Your Self Yoga Retreats hosts numerous retreats throughout the year across Europe. With a focus on environmental sustainability and community care, the company offsets all guest travel emissions, supports small businesses and fosters connections with the outside world on every retreat.

Visit: You can book one of their upcoming retreats across Europe. Additionally, this summer, Adam Husler, a Yoga Journal contributor, will host a slow-living retreat called Norfolk Yoga Weekend (June 3–6, 2022) and Woodland Summer Yoga Weekend in Bath, England (July 8–11, 2022).

Blissed Yoga Retreats

Combining adventure-centric travel with a focus on wellness, Blissed Yoga Retreats fuses calming yoga retreats with community-based travel experiences.

Visit: In May, Travis Eliot, a Yoga Journal contributor, is hosting two week-long retreats with Laura Eckstrom in Dubrovnik, Croatia ( May 1–7 ; May 13–19 , 2022). Located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, this historic coastal city is the perfect place for a temporary escape.

Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat

Stanford, South Africa

Located at the Southern Tip of the African continent, this serene retreat center is a sanctuary that combines nature and sustainability with spirituality. Intended as a place to reconnect with yourself and with the natural world, Bodhi Khaya offers everything you need for a peaceful and remote retreat—including hiking trails, swimming ponds, meditation and yoga classes, and even a labyrinth.

Visit: Choose any weekend to book a personal retreat at Bodhi Khaya, which includes accommodations, three vegetarian meals per day, meditation, yoga, and the use of facilities. Additionally, each visitor will be given an indigenous tree to plant as part of their reforestation initiative. Or you can select one of the retreat center’s facilitated retreats .

Centre Ville Tagahzout, Morocco 

Over the past two decades, a booming surf-and-yoga scene has sprung up in this sleepy fishing village five hours south of Casablanca. Take holiday with Surf Maroc (one of the area’s first surf-yoga retreat companies) for daily “creative vinyasa, powerful pranayama, laughter yoga, restorative, yin, yoga nidra, and meditation.” Between yoga sessions, surf instructors provide hands-on coaching whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider. For a taste of the locale, the property’s neighboring rooftop yoga studio offers public classes and a chance to mingle with the local yoga community.

Visit: Book a stay at one of Surf Maroc’s three villas or opt to attend one of their yoga surf retreats , which are hosted on a regular basis.

Central + South America

Willka t’ika.

Cusco, Peru

Traditionally, travelers here head straight to historic sanctuary Machu Picchu—but culturally immersive retreats nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley offer a new draw of their own. Willka T’ika, an eco-friendly retreat center, incorporates Andean traditions and Q’ero healers. Portions of retreat proceeds support childhood education in remote villages. Organic gardening, sustainable living, and acts of generosity are all woven into the fabric of Willka T’ika.

Visit: You can book a stay at the center’s boutique hotel or choose from one of its many upcoming group retreats , which are hosted by a variety of studios and teachers.

The Yoga Forest

San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala 

Travelers looking to escape the growing yogi crowds in Mexico have set their sights on the emerging yoga scene in Guatemala, where, in the Mayan village of San Marcos la Laguna, The Yoga Forest sets the stage for responsible tourism, funding community projects such as shoreline restoration via reed planting and midwife education.

Visit: Drop in for a class or embark on a personal or group retreat to study Jnana, Ashtanga, Bhakti, and Karma Yoga with their pros.

Upcoming group retreats:

• Passion to Purpose: Yoga Forest Signature Retreat , April 10–15, 2022
• Guatemala Glow , April 16–22, 2022
• Reconnect Retreat , April 23–27, 2022

Blue Spirit Costa Rica

Nosara, Costa Rica

Universally considered a yoga mecca, Nosara is home to 32 retreats with serious yoga cred. Both Don Stapleton, longtime director of Kripalu, and Stephan Rechtschaffen, co-founder of the Omega Institute, set up yoga and wellness retreat centers here in the 1990s. At Rechtschaffen’s Blue Spirit, you can experience a learning vacation that includes workshops on unlocking your purpose and Rechtschaffer-led lectures on finding the path to longevity. Located in a blue zone (where a large percentage of the population lives longer than average), the vivacity of Nosara is intimately intertwined with its people and practices.

Visit: Blue Spirit frequently hosts yoga retreats, as well as teacher trainings . A variety of studios and teachers from around the world host retreats at this coastal sanctuary. Typically, at least one retreat is offered every week. See the complete retreat schedule here .

Havana, Cuba

Cuba’s dynamism reminds us that yoga is really about community. Eduardo de Jesus Pimentel Vázquez—the godfather of Cuban yoga—has trained more than 12,000 yoga practitioners through the Cuban Yoga Association, which he founded in 1990. He often drops in to teach a class during one of Mhai Yoga’s week-long retreats. Gorgeous views surround this Caribbean retreat center, including a direct view of the ocean from the rooftop. You’re just a few steps away from the beach at this slice of paradise.

Visit: You can book one of the retreats offered by a variety of studios and teachers throughout the year.

Jungle Bay Resort & Spa

Soufriere, Dominica

Since opening their rainforest retreat center in 2005, yoga teacher Glenda Raphael and her husband, Sam, have been pioneers of sustainable tourism, stocking up on goods from island farmers, local fishermen, and artisans. Yoga teacher Chrissy Carter has held numerous retreats here. Don’t miss Victoria Falls, Champagne Beach, and the Boiling Lake, the name given to one of the world’s few lakes that actually boils, says Carter.

Visit: Book a stay in one of the center’s gorgeous rooms or register for one of their wellness-oriented retreats .

Upcoming yoga retreats:

• Yoga Adventure Retreat with Sally Bassett & Kristen Barfield , November 5–12, 2022

Soulshine Bali Hotel & Yoga Retreat Oasis

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

There’s a reason Bali is famous for its yoga retreats. In the jungles of Ubud, musician Michael Franti invites guest performers to enliven the asana practices at his Soulshine Bali Hotel & Yoga Retreat Oasis. Of course, the island’s biggest party happens during BaliSpirit Festival , a week-long celebration that draws big names like Shiva Rea and Tymi Howard, plus local Indonesian presenters such as Aikikdo, Made Janur, and musician Krisna Floop.

Visit: You can opt to stay at the Soulshine Bali’s hotel or book one of the Soulrocker Yoga Retreats .

Upcoming retreats:

• Soulrocker Yoga Retreat , October 8–15, 2022
• Soulrocker Yoga Retreat , November 5–12, 2022

Dwarika’s Resort

Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal

If replenishment is what you’re after, then Dwarika’s Resort—tucked into the hillside just 30 miles from the Tibetan border—should top your short list. After a consultation with an Ayurvedic health care provider, you will be prescribed soothing appointments on your custom itinerary: time in the respiratory-cleansing salt house, a visit with the retreat’s resident naturopath, a walk through the meditation maze, sessions in sound- and color-therapy chambers, and stargazing with an astrology master. Yoga classes offer the ultimate view—distant snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan range.

Visit: You can choose to book a stay at this resort or select one of its multi-night packages , including a five- or seven-night Yoga Package .

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

Paro, Bhutan

Enjoy daily yoga and acupuncture sessions at this all-inclusive retreat center in Paro, Bhutan—a historic valley town surrounded by sacred Buddhist sites. Each room has views of the Eutok Samdrupcholing goenpa monastery, where resident monks welcome guests for morning meditation. Bhutan is known for its medicinal herbs, and guests are encouraged to join spa therapists on foraging excursions in nearby hillsides.

Visit: You can book your own stay at this center or select one of the four-night “Glimpse of Bhutan” or eight-night “Essence of Bhutan” packages .

Phool Chatti Ashram

Rishikesh, India

Rishikesht, nestled along the sacred Ganges River in northern India, is a preferred jumping-off point for many teachers and travelers making the pilgrim-age to the birthplace of yoga. Hindus believe that a saint came to the river to offer penance and was forgiven by the god Vishnu. Phool Chatti Ashram, a remote center in the Himalayan foothills, offers a seven-day yoga and meditation retreat for beginner- and intermediate-level yogis. You’ll engage in nature walks, various yoga practices, meditation sessions and traditional ceremonies over the course of the program.

Visit: The center offers Ayurvedic treatment sessions and Indian cooking classes , in addition to its seven-day retreat program (multiple dates throughout 2022).

This luxurious resort is famous for its Ayurvedic treatments. Located on a hill overlooking the city of Rishikesh, Ananda offers a variety of yoga and meditation retreats. The resort’s Yogic Detox Retreat is offered as a seven-, 14- or 21-day program. You’ll participate in Ayurvedic therapy sessions, individualized yoga sessions and a variety of wellness-oriented consultations. The resort’s other yoga-focused program, the Yoga Retreat, is also available as a five-, seven- or 14-day program.

Visit: You can opt to book a hotel stay at this luxurious resort or participate in a specific wellness program .

Sri Lanka has no shortage of stylish beachside yoga retreats, but world-class therapists and teachers—such as Parisian Alexandre Onfroy and Californian Rob Hess—make the trek inland to immerse themselves in local culture at Ulpotha. Located in a working rice village, a committee of locals take part in all decision-making, and guest fees fund a free area clinic. Eleven simple mud huts are sprinkled across 22 acres of dense forests, and monks still live in remote temples in the mountains above. There’s a dedicated yoga shala, but classes also take place beneath the branches of an ancient banyan tree.

Visit: You can opt to book a stay at this village or participate in one of their retreats .

• Soul Awakening from Within with Jules Jenkinson , June 12–26, 2022
• Kundalini Yoga Remedy Retreat with Kiranjot , June 26–July 10, 2022
• Prana Flow Yoga Retreat with Rob Hess , July 10–24, 2022
• Sun & Moon Yoga Retreat with Tanja Mickwitz , July 24–August 7, 2022
• Soul Awakening from Within with Jules Jenkinson , August 7–21, 2022

Kamalaya Koh Samui 

Koh Samui, Thailand

Teachers Rodney Yee, Colleen Saidman Yee, Richard Freeman, and Mary Taylor are regular hosts at this retreat founded by John Stewart, a former monk who lived in the Himalayas for 18 years, and his wife, Karina, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, who built the seaside sanctuary around a jungle-shrouded cave that was once a spiritual retreat for Buddhist monks. Guests can book à la carte therapies and classes such as detoxification, Chi Nei Tsang, and Hatha Yoga, or multi-day packages meant to remedy modern ailments such as technology addiction.

Vist: You can choose to book one of the center’s multi-day wellness programs or opt to book a stay without participating in a specific program.

Hariharalaya Yoga & Meditation Retreat

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Teacher Puravi Joshi calls Cambodia one of the most peaceful places to practice. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Siem Reap at the Hariharalaya Yoga & Meditation Retreat, named after the Vedic capital of Cambodia. Temples dating to 800 CE surround the two-acre campus. A team of international yoga and meditation instructors lead six-day retreats with Integral Yoga, silent meditation, Dharma talks, and nourishing vegan cuisine.

Visit: You can opt to book a two-, four-, six- or eight-week all-inclusive retreat .

Australia + New Zealand

Gwinganna lifestyle retreat.

Tallebudgera Valley, Queensland, Australia

It’s not uncommon to see wallabies and ’roos hopping across the 500-acre grounds set high up in the ancient gum trees of the Tallebudgera Valley. Mornings focus on yin-inspired movements such as qi gong and restorative yoga, while afternoons are devoted to yang-type activities such as boxing and hiking. This wellness destination center hosts retreats on a regular basis, giving you the ideal opportunity to disconnect from the world.

Visit: You can opt to book a two-, three-, four-, five- or seven-night retreat package , or a three-night yoga retreat (2022 dates available).

Glenorchy, New Zealand

Six- and eight-day retreats , many led by yogi and founder Damian Chaparro, focus on rejuvenating mind and body against some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. Think sunrise yoga, kayaking excursions, and strenuous hikes on the trails of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and along the shores of sapphire-blue Lake Wakatipu. Days end with restorative yoga and nourishing, paleo-friendly cuisine.

Visit: You can opt to book a six- or eight-day retreat.

• Revive & Thrive , various dates
• Revive & Thrive Plus , various dates
• Core Reset , May 21–26, 2022
• Winter Wellness , various dates
• Awaken & Become , August 23–28, 2022
• Awaken & Heal , September 28–October 3, 2022
• Harness Your Habits , October 19–24, 2022

Byron Yoga Center

Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia 

The quintessential beach town, Byron Bay overflows with juice bars, organic cafés, and boutique yoga studios. Byron Yoga Centre, founded in 1988 by John Ogilvie, is one of Australia’s longest-running yoga schools. Ogilvie’s signature style of Purna Yoga focuses on integrating physical postures and philosophy

Visit: You can opt to book a seven-, five- or three-day retreat at the Byron Bay Wellness Centre. Retreats are offered on a weekly basis. Speciality retreats are also offered.

Upcoming speciality retreats:

• Women’s 3 Day Yoga Retreat – June 2022 , June 17–19, 2022
• Women’s 3 Day Yoga Retreat – September 2022 , September 16–18, 2022
• Women’s 3 Day Yoga Retreat – December 2022 , December 16–18, 2022

About our authors

Jen Murphy travels the globe reporting on adventure travel, wellness, food, and conservation. She writes the Wall Street Journal ’s What’s Your Workout column and is the author of The Yoga (Man)ual . Additional reporting by Kyle Houseworth, Ellen O’Brien, and Erin Skarda.

This story was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new information. 

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Relax & Unwind: World’s Best Yoga Retreats

Yoga can mix with luxury seamlessly, especially in retreats like these

By Elite Traveler

If city life is weighing you down, a gateway is the right choice. A seaside destination is an option, but if relaxation is the main objective, there is nothing more stress-relieving than a yoga retreat .

Not only they are the best way to unwind and find a little bit of peace, but they also allow their guests to learn managing techniques to face the stress and mundanity of everyday life, being taught by the best yoga instructors. In addition, most of these yoga retreats are in some of the most suggestive and picturesque areas of the world, they are meant to be a tool to reset and rewind from all points of view.

What is better than regulating your breathing while on a green grass terrace overlooking a beautiful sunset? Or a secluded stone temple surrounded by water? From the bright blue Aegan Sea to the tropical rainforests of Indonesia, the true yogic design and culture of these retreats promise to give every visitor an unimaginable yoga experience. Elite Traveler collated a list of the best yoga retreats in the world, perfect to reconnect with your inner goddess.

Ananda Spa, Northern India 

Nestled in the Himalayas and overlooking the holy city of Rishikesh and the beautiful Ganga River Valley is Ananda Spa . The luxurious Northern India resort has an array of yoga packages for you to choose from, as well as the opportunity to talk to one of their residential experts for a bespoke yoga experience personally tailored. The retreat’s philosophy is based on the balance of nature, the ways of the Universe and how the elements affected not just one’s physical but also their mental well-being, concepts that derive from Ancient India’s history. With balance and harmony at the front of its mind, Ananda aims to ensure balance and rejuvenation upon the end of the experience. 

A typical day at Ananda starts at 7.15am, with traditional Hatha yoga to prepare the body, followed by nature walks. Later in the morning, there are group morning stretches alongside a talk from the Visiting Master. Around 11am, the spa is available for treatments and the afternoon is characterised by various possibilities, such as cooking classes or a gym session with a personal trainer. After the 5pm’s meditation and Pranayama sessions, there is another educative talk about the principles of life. 

Post-Covid rejuvenation, ayurvedic rejuvenation, yogic detox, stress management and even sleep management are all part of the myriad of programmes Ananda offers. Each package goes from five to seven nights, and each day focuses on Hatha, Raja and Kriya yoga. 

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Villa Stephanie, Germany

Baden-Baden is one of the world’s most-known spa towns, and Villa Stephanie at Brenners Park Hotel & Spa is among Europe’s best wellness retreats. While yoga is not the only mainstay at the center, it is certainly one of the many options for yoga enthusiasts looking to heal their mind and body.

Villa Stephanie is connected to Haus Julius, which is a famous medical center surrounded by an elegant hotel and a tranquil spa and garden. As soon as you arrive, you will be greeted with a fitness watch to track your daily activities, and also a switch-off button, which entails all electronic devices to be taken and locked away for the duration of the stay. Guests can reside in varied kinds of rooms, but the Stephanie Deluxe Suite is by far the most comforting one. 

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Thanks to its extensive and well-equipped spa facilities, this resort has a lot to offer. The spa itself covers an area of 5,000 square metres, corresponding to an entire house, that has been dedicated to the world of relaxation. It includes a 500 square metre sauna, indoor swimming pool, plunge pool, private gym and a ladies-only sauna overlooking the gardens. 

While prices vary, Villa Stephanie’s activity program offers both personal training and group programs. All the programs focus on fitness , yoga and food to achieve a new level of self-awareness and grounding. 

Absolute Sanctuary, Thailand

Absolute Sanctuary also offers pilates classes / Image: Absolute Sanctuary

Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand offers the most breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, fusing the relaxation of yoga with the therapeutic appearance of the sea. 

This retreat bases its treatments on holistic approaches, with objectives revolving around detox, de-stress, weight management, lifestyle change and yoga and pilates. The Absolute Sanctuary is indeed a haven for yogis, offering up to 25 yoga classes a week and allowing guests to have the freedom to choose if and when they go. Seven days programs include two fresh juices a day, massages at the spa , colon hydrotherapy and full access to the steam room, pool and fitness studio.

Guests can decide to stay in different kinds of accommodation, from the basic Sanctuary Suite to the Sanctuary Superior, which also includes a terrace.

In addition, the establishment’s detox kitchen is also a useful tool to regain balance. It offers a satisfying menu filled with local fresh dishes to keep the energy levels up for the duration of the stay. 

[See also: The best wellness retreats in the US]

Como Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos

COMO Parrot Cay also includes tropical gardens and a west-facing beachfront / Image: COMO Parrot Cay

COMO Parrot Cay is located in the northern Caribbean, comprised of eight main islands and over 40 smaller cays, the resort being one. COMO Parrot Cay is a Caribbean island resort in Turks and Caicos, a secluded resort with its own array of private and pristine beaches.

The resort itself is made up of a bigger building with coral-ping roofing, on raised ground and it includes many types of accommodation. One wing includes 14 Ocean Facing rooms, five COMO suites and 26 garden-view rooms. They all have terraces and are separated from the beach by a tennis court.

Closer to the beach are the houses and villas, corresponding to six one-bedroom beach houses with plunge pools and three family beach houses, alongside five two-bedroom beach houses, two two-bedroom beach villas, one three-bedroom COMO villa and the unique three-bedroom Island Villa . 

Holistic therapy, yoga, diving and world-class cuisine are what you will get at this luxury yoga retreat . It comes as little surprise that the world’s best yoga instructors flock here to teach, including Helena Brower and Erich Schiffmann. As part of its 5-star luxury retreat, the COMO offers six complimentary yoga classes a day, healthy dishes and a full menu of Ayurveda treatments. In particular, the resort’s award-winning Shambhala Retreat offers yoga, pilates and relaxed spa treatments. 

An archipelago of eight islands and more than 40 cays make up this breathtaking paradise, so it comes at little surprise that the world’s best yoga instructors flock here to teach, including Elena Brower and Erich Schiffmann. As part of their 5-star luxury retreat , the Como offers six complimentary yoga classes a day, healthy dishes prepared at the Lotus Restaurant and a full menu of Ayurveda treatments to take your pick from.

Blue Osa, Costa Rica

As the website describes, Blue Osa in Costa Rica was born as a safe place where guests can seek answers to life’s biggest questions and sink into a deeper understanding of who they are. 

The peculiarity of this resort is that it’s a fully eco-friendly establishment , meaning that it uses mostly solar power for electricity and only locally-sourced food to feed the guests with the aim to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible. Yoga lovers are welcomed to year-round yoga retreats, which include farm-to-table meals, miles of secluded beach and full access to the Blue Osa Eco Spa, which is chemical-free. 

Alongside an open-air studio overlooking a private beach and tropical gardens, Blue Osa also offers long nature walks through the labyrinth, many shrines to reconnect with spirituality and even zen experiences.

Silver Island Yoga, Greece

Guests of Silver Island practice yoga twice a day / Image: Silver Island

Silver Island is a privately owned island in the Aegan Sea, offering a unique and exclusive Gree Yoga experience. This private-island yoga retreat has everything you need to leave the modern world behind. 

Its one-week-long retreats run from Sunday through to Saturday from mid-April to mid-October, following an all-inclusive set-up. The retreat itself is very small, with only six rooms to choose from. This is because Silver Island used to be a family home up until 2013 when sisters Claire and Lissa Christie started the retreat in what used to be their childhood house. It is a “self-sustainable, off-grid, untouched and grounded in nature retreat, in tune to the essence of the island”. 

Each of the Greek yoga retreats on the island of Oreoi is taught by hand-picked teachers, twice a day. Guests also have the freedom to meditate and journal their thoughts throughout their stay. Traditional styles of yoga such as Hatha and Vinyasa are offered as well as more restorative Yin style flows. Depending on the retreat, the focus may vary from meditational to Ayurvedic themes.

The locally sourced food is vegetarian, providing the visitors with the healthiest Mediterranean vegetables Greece has to offer. In addition, guests can choose from an array of activities like kayaking and painting. 

[See also: The best wellness retreats in Spain]

Bagus Jati, Indonesia

New Start, Rejuvenation Spa, Yoga and Ayurveda, Detox, Spiritual Healing and even Couple Wellness are all the kinds of retreats that Bagus Jati in Indonesia has to offer. Bali is indeed the world’s leading destination for yoga. 

Bagus Jati is a full-size resort, with luxurious villas with private pools, restaurants, cafes and even a waterfall. In particular, the superior chalet is the biggest accommodation on site, and the restaurant Paon Bali offers locally-sourced traditional Balinese cuisine. 

The resort, located in the middle of Bali’s tropical rainforest, promises guests a peaceful sanctuary with only exotic birds and fluttering butterflies to be heard during their stay. Their yoga retreats run from three to five nights including one yoga class a day, private yoga lessons, fresh meals and vegetable juices alongside customized Ayurvedic treatments. 

An open-air yoga studio is terraced amid the jungle giving guests a full view of the magical atmosphere and the rare opportunity to be at one with nature. 

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The Biggest Wellness Travel Trends of 2023, From Sound Baths in the Maldives to Recovery Lounges in Napa Valley

By Jen Murphy

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Going on vacation used to be an excuse to leave our diet and workout routines at home. These days, we plan trips rooted in relaxation, but also self-improvement and wellbeing. Wellness travel has become one of the industry’s fastest growing sectors, and hotels and resorts are taking note: It's no longer just med spas that are weaving diagnostics and medical-grade treatments into therapy offerings—at the newly opened Aman New York , for instance, you can get a cognitive health scan by day, and dine on stellar Italian food and catch a show at the hotel’s jazz club at night.

After a lengthy period of forced solitude during the pandemic, a closed-off indoor hideout is the last place most travelers want to escape to: People are craving physical activity, and increasingly seeking wellness in the wild: Mindful movement is a new buzzword, and travelers are getting their fix on newly opened hiking trails, pickleball courts, and even on skis and paddleboards. Plus, after all that physical exertion, there are recovery rooms to ensure you'll never have achy muscles. Not the outdoorsy kind? Resorts are offering everything from pottery to weaving and painting to center the mind—and keep us away from our screens.

There have never been more excuses to be well on our travels. Here are the wellness travel trends and destinations, resorts, and retreats that will entice you to reboot both mind and body in 2023.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The spa at Aman New York offers a cognitive health scan alongside your massage.

Diagnostics will dictate your itinerary

‘Preventative’ is the new spa buzzword, so don’t be surprised if your spa check-in feels more thorough than a doctor’s visit. The latest science-based technologies and diagnostic tools allow spas to customize stays with therapies that address everything from emotional health to bone strength. Swiss wellness brand  Chenot’s new flagship spa at the foot of the Swiss Alps on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland has an in-house molecular lab that uses mRNA-based testing to analyze genes associated with aging—and prescribes treatments accordingly. The Biostation at  Carillon Miami Wellness Resort  can run diagnostic tests on over 100 biomarkers like serum glucose and cholesterol, and uses results to create a roadmap for longevity. 

The new  Aman New York  is equipped with hospital-worthy advanced diagnostic technology including Optimization Analysis by SCANME which assesses the state of your musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular health, and other key health indicators and Brain Gauge Pro, a screener for cognitive health. This data is used to customize everything from a 90-minute therapy to a 12-week program that could include a cryotherapy chamber and LED/Infrared Detox Pod. Sensei, the longevity retreat brand from tech billionaire Larry Ellison and cancer researcher Dr. David Agus, recently opened a second outpost at Ellison’s exclusive 230-acre Rancho Mirage estate. Guests of  Sensei Porcupine Creek are sent a WHOOP 4.0 wearable strap to gather data on sleep, recovery, and fitness prior to arrival so staff can craft bespoke itineraries. And early next year, Six Senses will roll out a new program called MyCircadianDay in partnership with jet lag-aid app, TimeShifter at all of its locations. Advanced algorithms will help determine your chronotype, or the time your body naturally prefers sleep, and offer recommendations for when you drink, eat, sleep, and move.

Hôtel Belle Plage in Cannes

A room at Hôtel Belle Plage

Pro-aging (vs. anti-aging)

“Calling something anti-aging is becoming politically incorrect,” says Anna Bjurstam, founding board member of the Global Wellness Summit and Wellness Pioneer at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. “Pro-aging and longevity practices are terms you’ll be seeing more frequently.” 

Peptides, stem cells, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are the latest advanced therapies that promote youthful skin, she says. Cutting-edge technologies such as HydraFacial, which improves the appearances of dark spots and wrinkles, and Helight Pro, a device that emits red light diodes to revitalize cells, are on offer at recently opened  Villa Belle Plage at Hotel Belle Plage  in Cannes, France. Swiss skincare specialist, Guerlain, is using innovations like photobiomodulation, a form of light therapy that regenerates collagen and elastin, at its new spa at The Woodward —an Oetker Collection Hotel in Geneva.  In London,  Claridge’s first-ever spa boasts the U.K.’s only MLX i3Dome, an innovative three-in-one chamber which detoxes the body and stimulates cellular repair.

The spa at Alyeska Resort has a circuit of steamy pools and polar plunges, among other restorative offerings.

Soaking and steaming are the new socializing 

Scandinavians believe stress melts away faster if you socialize while sweating. The rest of the world is catching on by building sauna and hydrotherapy complexes with restaurants, bars, and even live music. In Alaska, Alyeska Resort ’s Nordic Spa, which will complete its third phase this winter, features a pool circuit of steamy 103-degree pools and polar plunges, a Himalayan rock salt sauna, Russian banyas, and cedar soaking tubs and barrel saunas; open until 9 p.m. with an onsite bar and restaurant, it’s certain to be this winter’s hottest après ski scene. At  Thermëa Spa Village , which recently opened two hours outside of Toronto, six saunas, two steam rooms, and multiple hot tubs and cold plunges are complemented by a biergarten, cocktail lounge, and farm-to-table restaurant. At the newly renovated  Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, you can watch live music performances while hopping around the outdoor complex of 41 soaking and plunge pools and eight Japanese-inspired Ofuro soaking tubs. 

Tom Vanderbilt

Vicki Denig

Jesse Ashlock

Charlie Hobbs

Turn to pottery or weaving as wellness travel trends to melt stresses away at the Royal Mansour's spa in Marrakech.

Not into meditating? Try arts and crafts 

Silent meditation sessions aren’t the only pathway to mindfulness. More spa resorts are challenging guests to be in the present by working the right side of their brains in fresh ways. Atelier d’Artiste, a new glass-paneled artist studio at  Royal Mansour , a grand riad hotel in Marrakech, offers guests the opportunity to be tutored in pottery, weaving, beading, and more by top master craftsmen. You may roll your eyes, but two screen-free hours spent crafting Berber-inspired necklaces rivals the relaxation you feel after a yoga class. And at  Bishops Lodge , a landmark property in Santa Fe recently revived by Auberge Resorts, local artists like Katie Rodgers, whose commissions include Christian Louboutin and Veuve Clicquot, lead workshops both on- and off-property in disciplines ranging from watercolors to chalk pastels. As a result of the pandemic-fueled pottery craze,  Blackberry Mountain , the wellness-minded sister property of Tennessee’s Blackberry Farm, has broadened its ceramics offerings from wheel-thrown and hand-building to include coil building, tile work, and raku firing—a 16th-century Japanese technique. Blackberry’s studio is equipped with six potter’s wheels and two kilns. Two- to four-hour classes have a 2:1 student-instructor ratio, and many guests take a class per day, according to the hotel’s art manager, Polly Ann Martin.  

A hot tub at Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection

Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection

Upstate New York is America’s new wellness mecca

For ages, travelers seeking a wellness reboot have headed West, particularly to California's pioneering retreats like the Esalen Institute, Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, and Golden Door. But a slew of next-level spa resorts opening in the Catskills and Hudson Valley are shifting people’s attention East. California’s beloved bootcamp,  the Ranch at Malibu , will debut a 25-room, lakefront outpost 45 minutes north of Manhattan next summer.  The Ranch Hudson Valley  will take the same no-nonsense, weight-loss oriented approach to programming but will offer abbreviated three- and four-day itineraries geared to the time-crunched East Coast crowd. Expect vegan meals, fitness classes held in a 2,000-square-foot gym, and endurance hikes on the trails of Harriman and Ringwood State Parks. The Chatwal , a Luxury Collection Hotel, in New York City recently opened a 10-suite sister property, the Chatwal Lodge on a 38-acre wilderness preserve in the Catskills. Here, a meander through old-growth forest trails in search of hawks and ospreys and the rhythmic cast of a fly rod on a quiet lake double as moving meditations. When  Wildflower Farms, an Auberge Resort Collection , opens in the town of Gardiner next fall, its spa, Thistle, will specialize in rewilding (the trend of reconnecting people with nature) guests with unique nature-based therapies like a forest immersion led by a reiki master and animal communicator who specializes in connecting energetically with animals and humans. There’s also a saltwater pool, herbal steam room, and hot tubs nestled in the meadows for some old school R&R.  Inness , a new golf club and hotel in the town of Accord, boasts yoga, Pilates and 60 acres of trails for hikes and runs, and will debut a kitted-out spa in 2023. And there are rumors of an outpost of SoHo Farmhouse opening in Rhinebeck. Not to be outdone, upstate grand dame,  Mohonk Mountain House , which welcomed its first guests in 1869, recently unveiled a revamped 30,000 square-foot spa rooted in mindfulness.

Recovery steals the spotlight

Elite athletes have long known the secret to performance gains isn’t double gym sessions, but recovery. When the  Six Senses Crans Montana opens in Switzerland this February, its spa will feature a biohacking recovery lounge geared at speeding up recovery. In Vail, Colorado,  the Hythe, a Luxury Collection Hotel has a recovery lounge that offers oxygen therapy plus equipment such as compression boots and heating and DIY massage devices. In Napa Valley, the restoration and recovery circuit at  Springhouse at Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Resort Collection , can cure everything from hiking-weary muscles to a hangover with therapies like a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and lymphatic system-supporting salt room.

 Joali Being in the Maldives offers sound bathing through a jungle path.

Mindful movement

The modern mantra, “sitting is the new smoking,” has made many wellness experts rethink the traditional path to mindfulness: stillness. The latest meditative activities are set in movement. New nature wellness retreats from  Nimmo Bay in British Columbia incorporate mindful kayak and paddle board excursions to floating docks where you’ll practice yoga or soak in a hot tub surrounded by ancient cedar trees. Adventure Collective Eleven Experience has introduced Eleven Life retreats at  Deplar Farm in Iceland and  Taylor River Lodge in Crested Butte, Colorado that feature silent Nordic ski excursions and snowshoe forest bathing sessions. 

In the Maldives, luxe wellness retreat  Joali Being  has even made the sound bathing experience a walking journey through a jungle path lined with 12 instruments that create different vibrations. During the pandemic, we rediscovered the joy of walking and some of the world’s leading trekking destinations are opening luxe new retreats where we can clear our mind and challenge our bodies. The recent completion of the 250-mile Trans-Bhutan Trail has given hiking fans a new bucket-list trek. Running the length of the Buddhist kingdom, the historic pilgrimage route takes in 400 historic and cultural sites set against snowy Himalayan peaks. Next September, andBeyond will open Punakha River Lodge in the Punakha Valley, giving trekkers a cushy new base for exploring with options for day hikes to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a Buddhist shrine, and Chimi Lhakhang, or the Divine Madman Temple. Nepal, another trekking paradise, will see the opening of Shinta Mani Mustang in May. The Bensley Collection Hotel will offer guided day hikes as well as multi-day treks up to the border of Tibet with glamping-style accommodations. Finally, if you really want to get your heart rate up, pickleball has replaced Peloton as the must-have fitness offering.  Rancho La Puerta in Mexico offers specialty pickleball weeks on its six courts, and recently revamped  Boca Raton hotel  holds clinics and evening socials for the sport, while  Carmel Valley Ranch in California hosts drill workshops and intro courses.

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USA TODAY 10Best

Center your mind at the 10 best yoga retreats in the US

Best Yoga Retreat Center (2023) April 14, 2023

Beyond deepening one's yoga practice, yoga retreat centers empower guests to disconnect from technology, detox their bodies and surround themselves with positive energy. A panel of experts joined 10Best editors to identify 20 of the top yoga retreat centers throughout the country, then readers voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best yoga retreat centers in the United States.

No. 10: Drala Mountain Center - Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

A typical day at the 600-acre mountain valley retreat may include morning and afternoon yoga, meditation, a walk to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya (a significant example of sacred architecture), meeting other participants over tasty meals and attending evening sessions that attend to body and mind. The variety of housing at Drala Mountain Center, which is surrounded by forests, meadows and the peaks of the Colorado Rockies, is varied to meet your budget and desired level of fellowship. 

No. 9: Yogaville - Buckingham, Virginia

Virginia's Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville sits upon on 750 rural acres and encompasses a teaching academy, organic farm, monastery, guest accommodations and sacred sites for prayer and meditation. Pack up your blocks and mat and sign up for one of the many diverse yoga retreats that coincide with the seasons, silent retreats or a personal retreat. Partake in the daily schedule of vegetarian meals, group meditation, hatha yoga classes, hiking trails and evening programs. 

No. 8: Retreat In the Pines - Mineola, Texas

Beginner-friendly and open to all women, Retreat in the Pines is a serene sanctuary offering all-inclusive weekend retreats in the Piney Woods of East Texas. You'll practice yoga both indoors and out, enjoy fresh meals, meditate and relax. You might return for a "Strength & Healing" retreat that incorporates even more yoga practices than the facility's other programs. 

No. 7: Big Sky Yoga Retreats - Bozeman, Montana

Yoginis who have a yearning for wide open spaces may want to consider an experience at Big Sky Yoga Retreats. Choose retreats such as "Dude Ranch Cowgirl Yoga" that deepens yoga practice and explores the horse-human connection for a "yeehaw meets namaste" retreat. Yoga classes accommodate all levels. The company also creates yoga getaways to places like the French Alps, Patagonia and Sicily. 

No. 6: Feathered Pipe Ranch - Helena, Montana

When it's time to refire neurons or your computer hunchback needs realignment, Montana's Feathered Pipe Ranch offers wellness and yoga tools from late spring to early autumn. Various retreats suit all experience levels in hatha, lyengar, vinyasa, bhaki and yoga nidra. Mindfulness and meditation sessions result in a real mind/body renaissance amid beautiful vistas in the foothills of the Rockies. Lodging ranges from chalet rooms and rustic cabins to tipis and yurts. 

No. 5: Mount Madonna Center - Watsonville, California

At Mount Madonna Center, there's something for yoga practitioners of all levels at retreats that include daily sunrise and sunset ceremony of lights events at the mountaintop temple, group mediation and asana classes, dancing and devotional celebrations. Get what you need from a personal retreat: daily yoga classes, vegetarian meals, swimming, or walking redwood forest trails.

No. 4: The Pearl Laguna - Laguna Beach, California

Cleanse, get fit and feel utterly renewed through yoga, organic vegetarian meals, sunset hikes along the beach and meditation at this intimate wellness retreat located in Laguna Beach, California. The program, which attracts an international guest list, is built on four pillars: Natural Exercise, Natural Food, Rest and Positive Loving Thoughts. The appealing menu during a weeklong retreat includes morning hikes through coastal canyons, two daily yoga classes, daily therapeutic massage and relaxation in a private room. 

No. 3: Arctic Hive - Wiseman, Alaska

If finding your "true north" means to gain insight by following your internal compass, straighten your path at Arctic Hive, 63 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The wilderness retreat center in Alaska's Brooks Range creates unforgettable yoga retreats under the northern lights. Guests dedicate a week to tune within via mornings in the yoga dome, coffee and a plant-based breakfast in the igloo, and outdoor adventures and cultural immersions. There's cabin lodging with mountain views, crafts, dog-sledding and a tour crossing the Arctic Circle and the Yukon River.

No. 2: Sewall House - Island Falls, Maine

A retreat at Sewall House may focus on Kundalini yoga, spiritual herbalism, women's mental health or the intersection of writing and yoga. All are open to beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Retreats are small and personalized.  Meals are vegetarian, mostly organic and prepared on-site.  Accommodations are private bedrooms in an historic rural New England home, located 30 miles from the Canadian border.

No. 1: Himalayan Institute - Honesdale, Pennsylvania

For more than 50 years, the Retreat Center at the Himalayan Institute in the rolling hills of the Poconos has been a magnet for those seeking balance. Yoga retreats can address specific issues such as grief or they can combine yoga, ayurveda and hiking to nourish mind and body on the 400-acre campus. You'll experience restorative asana, pranayama and yoga nidra, which is a powerful relaxation practice with guided meditation. Lodge in simple and comfortable accommodations conducive to a peaceful stay and enjoy hearty vegetarian or vegan meals daily. 

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Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences.  Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as   Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGa l  

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The rise of wellness travel, from rewilding to yoga and pilgrimages

Having escaped the confines of the spa, wellness now influences the travel experience far and wide, offering new ways to discover the world.

The number of people concerned about their health and wellbeing has rocketed since the pandemic began. The stats are legion but among them, 80% of those surveyed by Public Health England in 2020 — in the first year of Covid-19 — reported wanting to change their lifestyle in 2021 to become healthier. Meanwhile, an Ipsos study in 2021 noted that 62% of Americans believe health is more important to them than before the pandemic. And this has, as countless more reports will attest, changed the way many of us want to travel.

Just over a fifth (21%) of global travellers are currently travelling for health- and wellness-driven reasons according to the 2022 Travel Trends research by luxury travel network Virtuoso, conducted jointly with YouGov. And its findings suggest this is likely to grow in 2023, with 29% of global travellers stating interest in travelling for wellness reasons in the future. Trends include travel to reconnect — with friends, family, partners or children — and a growing focus on sleep wellness. The research notes ‘the rise in apps like Calm and Headspace permeating travel products, providing flyers the ability to plug in and meditate while in flight’ — not to mention the growing number of sleep retreats aimed at aiding insomniacs.

“Health and wellness technology is moving forward at a very fast pace and creating exciting new possibilities that we’re exploring, from sleep therapy and guided meditation to dynamic bathing, cryotherapy and infrared saunas,” says Emlyn Brown, vice president of wellbeing at Accor, Europe’s largest hospitality and hotels company, which released the Health to Wealth white paper earlier this year.

“Guests now come to us loaded with their own health data,” says Brown of the ubiquity of smartwatches and fitness apps. “We’re exploring ways that we can create bespoke wellness experiences for our guests in spa, nutrition, fitness and sleep.” Accor’s Fairmont Windsor Park hotel, for example, is home to the UK’s first spa multi-person cryotherapy chamber. Hotels Pullman Paris Centre-Bercy and Pullman San Francisco Bay, meanwhile, equip guests with Dreem, a technology wearable that monitors breathing, brain waves, heart rate and sleeping patterns.

Wellness travel is clearly no longer something that’s confined to the spa, but it’s travelled far beyond the hotel, too. “Wellness travel has evolved and expanded to encapsulate all manner of experiences that boost travellers’ mental and physical health,” says Paul Joseph, founder of Health and Fitness Travel , a specialist tour operator for wellness breaks. “Far from the ‘fly and flop’ wellness holidays of old, we’re able to send customers on a hand-picked retreat that includes a tailored wellness programme — from personalised nutrition and exercise plans to one-on-one coaching and holistic healing therapies. Following the pandemic and in spite of the cost-of-living crisis, we’ve seen a marked increase in bookings.”

It’s what Expedia is calling a ‘no-normal’ era of wellness travel. “We’re seeing a new wave of interest in wellness retreats, and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond beaches and mountains,” says Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands. “Not a new normal, but people branching out to unexpected trends: the ‘no-normal’.”

The travel brand has seen a 30% increase in demand for wellness breaks between 2021 and 2022, and found that almost half (46%) of global travellers are more open to wellness breaks than ever before. And the quirkier, the better. Expedia’s Travel Trends report reveals activities as diverse as sylvotherapy (forest bathing), food bootcamps, chakra sessions, puppy yoga and laughter therapy were more popular than some standard spa offerings.

So, what exactly does ‘wellness’ mean today? According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) — the US-non-profit offshoot of the Global Wellness Summit, which has been driving research and business across the industry since 2007 — the term is varied. It can be associated with fitness holidays and adventure travel focused around improving a sense of wellbeing or life balance, along with the obvious mind and body retreats. And it’s a booming sector. GWI projects a 9.9% average annual growth in the wellness economy between now and 2025, when it will reach nearly $7 trillion (£5.5 trillion).

Meanwhile, US-based non-profit the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) was founded in 2018 with the aim of bringing standards to the growing wellness sector of the tourism industry, and defines wellness travel as simply that which allows the traveller ‘to maintain, enhance or kick-start a healthy lifestyle, and support or increase one’s sense of wellbeing’.

“What constitutes a wellbeing holiday is subjective,” says Justin Francis, co-founder and CEO of activist holiday company Responsible Travel . “I’d say a painting holiday in the Scottish Highlands or a wild camping experience can be as much about wellness as a vegan Pilates retreat. Wellness holidays simply allow you to rest and revive in your own way, mentally and physically.”

The company has added numerous nature-based holidays to its offering since the pandemic, in response to rising demand. It notes that activities like river kayaking are becoming more popular, and that interest in trips that give customers a chance to really focus on their physical wellbeing has risen almost 100% in the last five years. “We’re all much more attuned to the benefits of switching off our phones and being outdoors,” says Francis.

Active relaxation

It’s clear that well before the pandemic hit, our travel habits were changing. A McKinsey report in 2021 noted that 79% of respondents believed wellness was important, and 42% considered it a top priority, but in the preceding two to three years consumers in every market it researched reported a substantial increase (from 27% to 65%) in the prioritisation of wellness. Within the last decade, yoga mats have become the norm in hip hotels and gym access a hospitality standard, while spa-focused accommodation is ever-expanding.

Sports travel, with its tangible benefits and measurable outcomes — such as the number of miles hiked — is a thriving area of wellness. This boom in so-called ‘endorphin tourism’ attracts travellers seeking trips that give them a natural high — from desert marathons to trail running in the mountains. In Europe, the Alps have become something of an outdoor wellness playground. A 2020 report for France Montagnes, an association promoting French Alpine tourism, states that up to 70% of travellers see the mountains as a synonym for wellness.

“For several years now, and particularly since the post-Covid period, the mountains have been popular with visitors looking for an escape, nature and wellbeing, alongside more sporting activities,” says association president Jean-Luc Boch. The activities on offer range from the expectedly athletic to such specialisms as communing with nature while learning how to herd goats, meditative waterfall bathing, guided foraging for medicinal plants and mindful marathon running.

Cycling holidays have also boomed, with weekend/leisure bikers increasing between 30% and 60% across the UK and Europe between 2019 and 2022, according to European Parliament estimates. And surfing is seeing similar spikes in popularity. The International Surfing Association reported that around 35 million people surf worldwide, a figure it forecast to rise to 50 million by 2020, though it’s yet to release numbers. Whatever that number is, it looks set to increase further if the NHS starts adding to its ‘green prescriptions’ — issued for people to improve their mental and physical health by spending time outdoors in nature — by prescribing surfing as a treatment. A 2022 trial by select NHS trusts in England looked into the benefits of surfing for young adults with mental health issues.

Our increased state of ‘permanxiety’, be it fuelled by the stresses of modern life, lack of access to nature, economic instability, political turmoil or climate change, may be alleviated by travelling to immerse ourselves in the natural world, be it forest bathing, cold water swimming or mindful hiking. Travel, it seems, can be a proposition for salvation, not least among the booming number of people making pilgrimages. Both mainstream walking-tour operators and religious organisations are reporting soaring interest in such popular routes as the Camino de Santiago, with pilgrimages offering the chance for a hike to connect with yourself with others and with nature, even if religious beliefs don’t come into play.

But for some, this is exactly what travel, at its best, has always been about. Wellness was not something you singled out, found in a spa or were prescribed, but was about finding yourself out in the world, making connections with others or spending time in the great outdoors. Wellness was integral to the kind of travel that happened as slowly as time and money allowed, staying local, exploring on foot. Walking, for one, is something British travellers have long seen as vital to their health and wellbeing. Ramblers , a charity founded in the wake of the 1932 mass trespass on the Duke of Devonshire’s Kinder Scout grouse moors in Derbyshire, has received lottery funding in recent years for its Walking for Health initiative. The programme has seen some 70,000 people discover the benefits of a hike.

For many of us, working from home or a hybrid approach to work life has simply allowed more opportunities to do the things we enjoy. And the travel industry has responded with almost limitless options. Wellness has even infiltrated the traditional sand and sea resort-based breaks. Package tour operator On the Beach , for example, has curated a list of ‘dopamine-inducing’ destinations — places that boost the body’s natural feel-good factor with high-contrast colours and all-senses stimulation. Think: blue-and-white Greek island villages fragrant with wild thyme and oregano, or high-colour sights and jasmine-perfumed smells of Morocco.

Even Tui , one of the world’s largest holiday companies, is getting in on the act. It launched curated wellness breaks last year, a programme that partnered with television personality Davina McCall as a spokesperson for its ‘find your happy’ campaign. And in some ways, that’s what travel has always been about: getting away from it all, recharging, taking a break from the norm. But as travel and wellness become ever-more inexorably linked, our choices on exactly how we find our happy have become more nuanced and focused, immersing us in the outside world to soothe our inner one. Whether it’s working with a goat farmer in Morzine or running a marathon in a desert.

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Yoga, spas, meditation and more: 10 of the best UK retreats for 2023

Our pick of healthy getaways from the Highlands to the Isle of Wight aslo includes cold-water therapies and wild swimming

Hotel getaways, various locations

Seven of Warner’s country house hotels offer wellness breaks once or twice a year, with sunrise and sunset yoga, meditation and mindfulness, qigong and pilates, sound baths and health seminars. The retreats include access to the spa, pool and gym and have nightly live music. Locations are the newly renovated Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire, Bodelwyddan Castle in Denbighshire, Nidd Hall in North Yorkshire, Thoresby Hall in Nottinghamshire, Cricket St Thomas in Somerset, Littlecote House in Berkshire and Studley Castle in Warwickshire (pictured). From £404.25 for three nights, next retreat 10 February (Studley Castle), warnerleisurehotels.co.uk

Phone-free, Cumbria

Guests hand in their phones on arrival at the Digital Detox retreat held in a beautiful manor house near Penrith, just outside the Lake District national park, and don’t get them back until they leave. (Don’t worry, there’s a landline for emergencies.) The property, which dates back to the 14th century, is the ideal place to switch off from the modern world, without forgoing comforts such as four-poster beds, roll-top baths and log fires. The food is plant-based and there are five yoga classes, suitable for everyone, and lots of time in nature, from garden strolls to fell walks in the Lakes. From £495 for three nights, 10-13 November, reclaimyourself.co.uk

Outdoor adventure, Monmouthshire

Guests get back to nature on this Wild Wellness retreat, staying in Persian alachigh tents (similar to yurts) in three acres of semi-ancient woodland in Llanvair-Discoed, near Chepstow. Days are filled with outdoor yoga, paddleboarding on the Wye (even yoga on paddleboards, pictured) and foraging walks. Nights are spent around the campfire: cooking, toasting marshmallows, listening to Welsh storytellers and stargazing. No experience of the activities is needed and, like on most retreats, solo travellers are very welcome. The only prerequisite is that participants are happy to spend most of their time outdoors. From £630 for three nights, adventuretoursuk.com

Beach break, Cornwall

Cold-water therapies are all the rage, thanks to the popularity of “the Iceman” Wim Hof. His disciples – and the cold-curious – can take the plunge on a three-day retreat at Three Mile Beach in Gwithian Towans, St Ives Bay. The Wim Hof Method workshop involves alternating between an ice-filled oak barrel and a cedar-wood sauna, followed by a sound bath on the beach and a yin yoga class. The break also features a two-hour surfing lesson and a three-hour coasteering session. Accommodation is a beach house with a chill-banishing log burner, hot tub and barbecue. From £403pp for three nights, year-round, threemilebeach.co.retreat

Men-only, Devon

There are lots of women-only retreats, but comparatively few aimed at men. Enter Living Project’s Men’s Wild Weekend on Dartmoor, an adventure open to anyone who identifies as male. It is based at a rustic barn and includes hiking, outdoor yoga and wild swimming. But beyond mere physical exertion, it aims to create a safe space for participants to listen to each other, share stories and try to become the men they want to be: for themselves, their families and the planet. £325 for two nights, 20-22 June, thelivingproject.life

Seaside reset, Gwynedd

Partners Maggie and Graham host regular wellbeing retreats at their converted chapel in the seaside town of Tywyn, on Cardigan Bay. Their next events, in March, are called Spring Forward, and are designed to reawaken the body after winter. The programme includes twice-daily yoga, morning beach walks or runs, cycling, sea swimming, a waterfall dip, a sound bath, meditation and massage. After all that, guests can relax in the chapel’s zen garden, which has a hot tub and a firepit, and refuel with three vegetarian or vegan meals a day, plus snacks and afternoon cake. From £675, 9-12 and 13-17 March, sunsetbayretreats.com

Healing, Highlands

This intensive healing retreat is suitable for those looking to recover from stress, anxiety or trauma. Guests can camp or stay in glamping pods or a cottage in the crofting hamlet of Oldshoremore, near Kinlochbervie in the far north-west of Scotland. The retreats are tailored to individuals, but therapies could include EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing), hypnosis and/or CBD, combined with yoga classes, sound baths, breathwork, meditation, beach walks and journalling. It is open to any over 21, and applicants must complete a questionnaire and have a telephone discussion to determine their suitability. From £460 (camping option) for four nights self-catering, oldshoremoreretreats.co.uk

Women of colour, East Sussex

OYA runs supportive, celebratory retreats for women of colour. The next event, at Fair Oak Farm in Mayfield in early March, is called Moving Into a New Season. The first half of the weekend, Going In, uses silent meditation, circle sessions, movement, mindfulness and contact with nature to explore the inner self. The second half, Stepping Out, is focused on going back out into the world, and culminates in a fire ceremony. The whole experience is designed to help participants embrace where they are now and navigate their next steps. From £550 , 10-12 March, oyaretreats.com

Swim and meditate, Perthshire

Dhanakosa, a Buddhist retreat centre on the banks of Loch Voil in the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs national park, runs retreats themed on activities from tai chi to hillwalking, all with guided meditation. This summer, two week-long Wild Swimming retreats include several daily swims in lochs, burns, rivers and waterfalls – both quick dips and longer trips (the minimum requirement is the ability to swim two lengths of a pool unaided). Food is vegan and rooms are shared with one, two or three others. £100 booking fee plus donation (£400-£600 suggested ) , 16-23 June and 21-28 July , dhanakosa.com

Island escape, Isle of Wight

Balance + Glo’s Find Your Flow retreat near Yarmouth in the west of the island offers participants workouts on land and at sea. There is a mix of dynamic and restorative yoga – some on the beach or on paddleboards – and fitness classes. Other activities may include foraging, horse riding, walks or runs and art classes. Massages and other treatments are also included. Guests stay in a converted barn with sea views and footpaths to Colwell Beach, and dine on seasonal island produce. From £550 for three nights, 21-24 April, balanceandglo.com

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The Ultimate Guide To Yoga Teacher Training Abroad in 2024

Whether you are looking to become a yoga teacher and change your career, or just want to deepen your practice, learn more about yoga philosophy and immerse yourself in a different culture, doing yoga teacher training abroad (YTT) is an incredible life changing experience.

What could be better than exploring an exciting new destination and coming home as a certified yoga teacher!

To ensure this next step in your yoga journey is a fulfilling, transformative and unforgettable experience we have put together this comprehensive guide to yoga teacher training abroad.

Collectively, we have taken numerous yoga teacher training programs in India , Bali and Thailand so you can learn from our experiences before you take the plunge.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about doing your yoga teacher training overseas, from the advantages of doing a YTT overseas and the best YTT destinations for 2024, to how to choose the right yoga teacher training course and tips for planning your trip. We will also include some recommendations for your favourite Yoga Alliance approved international yoga teacher training programs.

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Certification Options for Yoga Teacher Training Abroad

There are so many options for yoga training that it can get quite confusing figuring out which is the best route to take.

This article mostly focuses on 200 hour training options because the 200 hour yoga teacher training course is the foundational yoga certification and basic requisite that is required from all yoga instructors who want to be qualified to teach yoga.

After you complete the 200 hour training you can deepen your knowledge with a 300 hour yoga teacher training course. You can also do both at once with a 500 hour yoga teacher training, however this is very intense so we recommend taking a break between courses to rest and integrate what you’ve learned.

If you are short on time and not concerned about becoming a certified yoga teacher you could go for a 100 hour program which will give you a good introduction. Some yoga schools offer the opportunity to come back and do another 100 hours at a later date so you can complete the training up to 200 hours.

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses

As well as the physical practice, 200 hour YTT’s also cover the theoretical, scientific and spiritual aspects of yoga. While a 200 hour YTT is the requirement for becoming a qualified yoga instructor, you don’t need to aim to teach yoga to benefit from doing it.

There are several good reasons to do yoga teacher training . Many people want to deepen their yoga practice both on and off the mat, be immersed in a healthy lifestyle, or have a spiritual experience. You can gain so much from the experience on so many levels even if your goal isn’t to change your career. The YTT’s we’ve attended have been about 50/50 for people wanting to teach yoga and those simply focussing on their personal practice.

Although some yoga schools do accept beginners, we recommend having at least 6 months of regular yoga practice to be  ready to do a yoga teacher training .

This is because doing a YTT is physically, emotionally and mentally challenging, but can also be a spiritual and truly transformative experience . You’ll find it a lot more enjoyable and less overwhelming if you are used to a regular practice, good level of fitness and have a basic knowledge of yoga.

Becoming a yoga instructor is more than mastering the physical practice or ‘asanas.’ As well as twice daily yoga classes, a 200 hour yoga program should include pranayama (breathwork) and meditation techniques and dive deep into yoga philosophy and history, alignment, anatomy and physiology, and teaching methodology.

The best yoga teacher trainings will also include plenty of practice teaching yoga and may include other activities like workshops, therapies, spa treatments and excursions to local temples. Always make sure any course you consider is with a registered yoga school and approved by  Yoga Alliance.

Online Yoga Teacher Training Courses

Another option for getting an international yoga certification is with an online yoga teacher training course . These are great if you don’t have the money or time to take off and do an intensive course.

When you do your yoga training online you can study at your own pace from home around your other commitments. You could get qualified by an Indian yoga school without ever traveling to India. However online programs can fall short of an in person YTT in many ways. Read about the advantages and disadvantages of doing yoga teacher training online to know more.

Reasons to do your Yoga Teacher Training Overseas

Before we dive into the best places to do yoga teacher training, let me explain why, in my experience, doing yoga teacher training abroad is a great idea and what you need to do to make sure you’re properly certified to teach anywhere in the world afterwards.

A YTT is a big investment of both your time and finances and doing your yoga teacher training abroad is often a more affordable option that allows you to get certified quickly.

Doing an intensive yoga teacher training program overseas is one of the most popular options. Many intensive 200 hour yoga teacher training retreats abroad take between 2 – 4 weeks to complete and most yoga schools include accommodation and food in the package. I recommend taking the longest time you can as it makes the experience more relaxing and more enjoyable.

Another advantage of doing a yoga teacher training abroad is that you’ll get to take time out of your normal routine to really reconnect with yourself and your body as well as taking your yoga practice to another level. You’ll be immersed in the yogic lifestyle, develop healthier habits, make new like-minded, life-long friends and get to explore the culture and spirituality. Take a look at our blog post on the benefits of doing yoga teacher training for more on why it’s such a transformative experience.

Many YTT’s are held in yoga hotspots and spiritual destinations so you can also explore temples, ancient sights, stunning nature and beaches. I recommend allowing time after completing your training to travel and explore as intensive YTT’s are just that – intensive.

The Cost of Doing Yoga Teacher Training Abroad

The cost of doing a yoga teacher training program overseas starts from around $1000 for courses in cheaper places like India but can be up to $5000 for more luxurious yoga teacher training retreats in more expensive countries, it depends on the destination, instructors and facilities.

Most YTT packages abroad include accommodation and meals, but don’t forget you’ll have to take into account the cost of flights, and possibly entry visas, into your budget too. Check Skyscanner for flight prices and book in advance for the best deals.

The Best Places to do Yoga Teacher Training Abroad in 2024

Now you know the benefits of doing international yoga teacher training, here are the best destinations for 2024. 

Many of these destinations are spiritual places that have also become wellness and yoga hubs with a huge variety of wellness and yoga retreats, spas, healthy cafes and other healing therapies available as well as a vibrant community of yogis and a rich spiritual culture to explore.

As the birthplace of yoga, India was once the main option for aspiring yoga instructors, but nowadays there are so many incredible yoga destinations and yoga teacher training retreats to be found all around the world so the options are endless.

In fact the choice can get overwhelming, so in this post I’ll reveal the top 6 very best places for yoga teacher training abroad to help you narrow it down and find the perfect one for you.

India may be the birthplace of yoga, but Bali is without a doubt the best place to do yoga teacher training in the world! 

Bali, Indonesia, is known as ‘ the island of the gods ’ due to the plethora of temples. It’s a deeply spiritual island and is the world’s biggest yoga and wellness destination. Even before ‘ Eat Pray Love ’ people have been flocking here in search of healing and spirituality.

Bali is a Hindu island, so it follows the same religion as India and is a great place to immerse yourself in the culture, spirituality and traditions of the ancient practice. After experiencing both countries, Bali offers a cleaner, calmer, easier and more comfortable experience than India, in my opinion. It’s much safer for solo female travelers too. 

Ubud , is the cultural and spiritual heart of the island with a long history of healing. Ubud is home to stunning temples, rice terraces and a sacred monkey forest, as well as countless yoga studios offering yoga teacher training programs, affordable spas and an amazing raw vegan food scene. Off the mat there’s plenty to do and a lovely community of like minded people to meet. 

Best Yoga Teacher Training in Bali – Yoga Union , Ubud

Our top pick for the best Bali yoga teacher training course is Yoga Union in Ubud. They have been offering respected and globally recognized 200-hour YTTs for over a decade. The comprehensive course takes 23 days and concentrates on Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow, catering to both aspiring teachers and committed students looking to enhance their practice.

You’ll practice in an open-air yoga shala with views over the rice fields and stay in a beautiful and peaceful resort, learning from experienced and enthusiastic international teachers. Delicious vegan and vegetarian food are included in the package and there is a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Prices from approx $2,200.

Bali offers the biggest selection of YTT’s in the world. If you prefer to train by the beach you can also find programs in places like Canggu, Ulu Watu and on the island of Nusa Lembongan .

Check out our guide to yoga teacher training in Bali for more tips and recommendations.

Read our complete guide to Yoga in Bali

Rishikesh, India 

As the place where both Yoga and Ayurveda, it’s sister life science, originated, India is still the best option for those looking for an authentic and affordable yoga training .

As well as learning traditional yoga from teachers for whom the yogic lifestyle is a way of life, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture, religion and traditions from this fascinating and deeply spiritual country that invented yoga!

One of the most popular places for yoga teacher training in India is Rishikesh . This holy town situated on the sacred Ganges river in the foothills of the Himalayas is known as ‘the yoga capital of the world.’

There’s a huge array of ashrams, yoga schools and temples in Rishikesh. Even The Beatles famously came here in the 1960’s to study meditation with their guru. You can still visit the ruins of the Beatles ashram or go rafting on the Ganges River in Rishikesh.

You can also do a YTT in Mysore , the birthplace of Ashtanga yoga, or Dharamshala – the home of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government in exile. Those looking for a beachside locations should consider Goa or Kerala in tropical South India. 

The cheapest yoga teacher training programs in the world are found in India. However, facilities in Indian yoga schools can be a bit basic and traveling India can be challenging, especially for solo female travellers so we recommend getting an airport transfer for a stress free arrival.

Make sure to read reviews before booking as sadly not all yoga gurus are the real deal and the style of teaching yoga in India can often be quite strict and regimented. Check out our comprehensive guide to yoga teacher training in India for more tips.

Best Yoga Teacher Training in India – Triguna Yoga School , Rishikesh

Our favorite Rishikesh yoga teacher training is offered by Triguna Yoga School . This 25-day, 200-hour program focuses on traditional Hatha yoga and also includes Ashtanga and Vinyasa classes. As well as the core YTT subjects you’ll also learn various meditation styles, such as Sufi and mantra chanting, and participate in a 4-day emotional detox program.

The curriculum covers teaching methodology, yoga Nidra, yogic cleansing techniques, and naturopathy. The training takes place at Dhyan Mandir ashram, with shared and private rooms available. You’ll also get airport transfers, all meals, and a sunrise mountain trip included in the course price.

If you are considering a YTT in India, check the real reviews from previous yoga students on a website like bookyogateachertraining.com first. This advice goes for everyone considering a yoga teacher training abroad, but even more so for India.

If you want India vibes but aren’t sure about visiting India itself, consider neighboring Sri Lanka or Nepal for an ‘India lite ’ experience. 

Read the complete guide to Yoga in India

Costa Rica is one of the very best places for yoga teacher training abroad with many courses being held in luxurious eco friendly jungle retreats. The abundant nature and positivity makes it the perfect place to connect to mother earth through your yoga practice.

This Latin American country is famous for it’s incredible biodiversity, natural beauty and commitment to sustainability with stunning, unspoilt rainforests, national parks, beaches, volcanoes and vibrant wildlife.

When you do a yoga teacher training in Costa Rica you’ll be immersed in the ‘ Pura Vida’ philosophy. Pura Vida means the pure life or the simple life. This attitude means Costa Ricans have a deep sense of contentment (like santosha in yoga) and are some of the happiest people in the world.

Some of the best yoga teacher training retreats in Costa Rica are held on the unspoilt beaches of the Guanacaste Province, Nicoya Peninsula and Puntarenas. When off the mat there is a vibrant yoga and surf scene to explore in cute beach towns like Tamarindo , Nosara and Santa Teresa .

Best Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica – Innersea Yoga Academy

Our favourite multi style yoga teacher training in Costa Rica is offered by Innersea Yoga Academy , located in the beautiful Uvita, Puntarenas. This 18-day 200 hour program is available year-round and offers daily asana and meditation practice, philosophy, ethics, and lifestyle classes, and the chance to learn 9 different yoga styles.

The yoga training program takes place in an intimate, secluded piece of jungle paradise with colorful birds, iguanas, monkeys, and sloths nearby. Each day begins with meditation and breathwork before the first of several yoga classes. The program includes shared accommodation and home-cooked meals in the price, making it excellent value.

See more Yoga Teacher Training courses in Costa Rica

Thailand 

With gorgeous beaches, islands, fascinating Buddhist temples and tropical weather, Thailand is another great choice for international yoga teacher training. 

‘The Land of Smiles’ is a Buddhist country with friendly people and a Zen like vibe. It’s also an easy and affordable country to explore, even for solo female travelers.

There are yoga centres in the jungles and mountains of northern Thailand. The city of Chiang Mai is full of ancient temples and the best place to be immersed in Traditional Thai culutre. Or, if you want to do your YTT on a paradise island, Thailand is your best choice with plenty of options on Phuket , Koh Samui and Koh Phangan .

The island of Koh Phangan is the best place in Thailand to do yoga teacher training. This island is famous for the Full Moon party but has another spiritual side. The many yoga retreats and tantra workshops in Sri Thanu has led the island to become one of the world’s best yoga hotspots. 

Best Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand – One Yoga , Koh Phangan

Our favourite yoga teacher training in Thailand is One Yoga ‘s 28-day 200-hour YTT on Koh Phangan. This comprehensive course is perfect for budding teachers and covers various yoga styles, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Restorative, and Yin yoga.

One Yoga has a team of experienced Thai and international teachers, and they also offer regular yoga and wellness retreats. During the YTT, you’ll stay at the oceanfront resort and enjoy healthy meals twice a day and magical island vibes.

Check out our guide to yoga in Koh Phangan for more info on the best yoga teacher training retreats. And there’s no shortage of choice in the rest of Thailand either – read our guide to yoga teacher training in Thailand for the best courses and travel tips.

Read the full Yoga in Thailand guide

Spain is the best country for yoga teacher training in Europe with great weather, beautiful beaches, lively culture, amazing food (tapas anyone!) and a huge variety of stunning destinations, yoga schools and courses to choose from.

Some Indian yoga schools even offer authentic YTT’s in Spain – perfect for those from the UK or Europe looking for a yoga teacher training abroad without having to spend too much money on travel.

From urban trainings in cool Barcelona, to island escapes, there’s no shortage of yoga trainings in Spain. The Balearic islands, including the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca , are one of the best places for a YTT in Spain.

Far from being just a party island there’s another spiritual side to Ibiza which makes it an amazing place for yoga training. Don’t miss sunset at Es Vedra, the spiritual heart of the island.

The Canary Islands are closer to Africa than mainland Spain and offer year round warm weather and sunshine. This means islands like Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are the best place for a winter YTT in the sunshine.

Best Yoga Teacher Training in Spain – Gayatri Yoga , Tenerife

Our favourite yoga teacher training in Spain is Gayatri Yoga ‘s 22-day 200 Hour program in Tenerife. Here you’ll train to become a Hatha and Vinyasa yoga teacher while enjoying the year-round sunshine and warm climate of the Canary Islands.

Twice daily yoga and meditation classes, as well as theory classes, are included, and you’ll have access to the school’s facilities such as a swimming pool, terrace, and chill-out zones. You’ll stay at the yoga ashram and participate in a self-catering, community-style environment where you can cook meals together using the school kitchen.

If Spain doesn’t excite you then charming Portugal and the stunning Greek Islands are also great options for yoga teacher training in Europe . You can combine yoga with surfing in Portugal or soak up the ancient culture, history and spectacular scenery in Greece or Italy.

See all Yoga Teacher Training courses in Spain

Mexico’s yoga scene has also exploded in recent years making this colorful and vibrant country a worthy addition to this list of yoga teacher training destinations. 

Mexico is such a fun and fascinating country to explore with ancient ruins, colorful colonial towns, lively feistas and amazing food. Some courses in Mexico also offer the chance to experience traditional healing therapies like cacao ceremonies and temazcal (traditional sweat lodge ceremonies) 

The best yoga retreats and yoga teacher training courses in Mexico are held on the beautiful beaches and islands of the Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya and Baja California, with Tulum and Sayulita being the biggest yoga hotspots. You can also find yoga centres in the jungles near ancient ruins.

Best Yoga Teacher Training in Mexico – Kootenay Yoga School , Isla Mujeres

Our recommended yoga teacher training in Mexico is the 15-day, 200-hour Transformative Yoga Teacher Training Program with Kootenay Yoga School . Led by experienced teacher Stephania Spitzer, this course is designed to inspire and challenge you to deepen your practice and grow internally.

You’ll enjoy daily yoga classes and an incredible manual to take into your teaching future, plus ongoing support and an inspiring community feel. The all inclusive course is held at Isla Vida, Isla Mujeres. With picturesque beaches, warm waters, and a colorful community rich with culture, this course is the perfect blend of education and relaxation in paradise.

See all Yoga Teacher Training courses in Mexico

Other YTT Destinations Worth Considering

The six destinations above are the very best places for yoga teacher training overseas with a huge variety of programs available and a thriving yoga community but they are not the only options.

Guatemala, Peru and Nicaragua also deserve a mention. There are some incredible spiritual yoga teacher training retreats held at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, in the Scared Valley in Peru and on the beaches of Nicaragua that are often much cheaper than the courses in Costa Rica and Mexico.

If you’re looking for a YTT in Europe also consider Portugal and Greece , and if you like the sound of India but aren’t quite ready for the craziness consider neighbouring Nepal and Sri Lanka . And you can also have an amazing experience yoga teacher training retreat in the US too!

To help you decide on the destination do a bit more research about the climate, culture, history and yoga facilities available to make sure it’s an environment that you would be happy to spend some time in.

How To Choose The Best Yoga Teacher Training Course

Yoga instructor training is a significant time and financial investment, so it’s important to do some research to ensure you pick the right destination and the right course for you. 

Once you’ve decided on your ideal location then look for programs on an unbiased site like bookyogateachertraining.com where you can search, compare and read reviews to find the best course that meet your requirements.

There’s many things to take into account when choosing a YTT including the style of yoga taught, the curriculum and certification you’ll gain, the location, facilities, duration and price and not forgetting the reputation of the yoga school and the qualifications of the teachers.

One of the first things you should check when considering a YTT is that it’s a registered yoga school approved by Yoga Alliance .  This means that the school’s curriculum meets all the basic requirements and that you’ll be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a registered yoga teacher upon completion. 

All 200 hour yoga teacher training programs should cover yoga philosophy and history, alignment and anatomy, meditation and pranayama (yogic breathing techniques and exercises), teaching methodology and include plenty of teaching practice.

When choosing your destination, consider which yoga styles you most enjoy and want to teach. For example, a traditional Hatha yoga training in India will differ alot from some of the more modern Vinyasa yoga styles taught in places like Thailand or Mexico.

You’ll also want to check the reputation of the school, the qualifications of the yoga teachers and what sort of accommodation and food is included.

Even if approved by Yoga Alliance, the standards and facilities of yoga centers can vary alot. A good way to know what to expect is by checking real reviews from previous students on a site like bookyogateachertraining.com

For more help deciding which course to choose read – How To Choose a Yoga Teacher Training Program .

Tips for Planning your Yoga Trip

Once you’ve chosen your ideal YTT you can start planning your trip and preparing for your yoga teacher training. From booking flights to packing and physically and mentally preparing there’s lots to do.

Flights, Visas and Travel Insurance  

The cost of flights, visas and travel insurance will also have to be taken into consideration when planning to do an international yoga teacher training. 

Traveling outside of the peak tourism season can help you to save money on flights, but check the weather first! We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on flights. You can search for the cheapest dates and airports which will help you find the best deals.

Also check if you need an entry visa to enter the country. Most of the places on this list don’t require visas, but India is one place that everyone will need to obtain a visa in advance of traveling. You can get an E-Visa online but remember to do it before you travel.

And make sure that you take out travel insurance that covers you for yoga and any other activities you might do during your trip.

Your own schedule will determine when is the best time for you to do your training, but you should also check the weather seasons for your destination if you plan to do your yoga teacher training abroad.

Many tropical locations have monsoon or rainy seasons which may negatively impact your experience. Doing a YTT in the hot season might also be too challenging. Generally the best time to visit tropical destinations is usually in the cool, dry, winter season.

Cultural Considerations and Packing

As well as the weather, you need to be aware of cultural differences in the country you plan to visit and pack accordingly. 

For example, India is still a conservative country and wearing tight leggings and crop tops could be inappropriate and attract unwanted attention. Long, loose, light clothing is best to cover up and beat the heat of India. Read more tips for female travellers in India here .

But also be aware that it’s not always hot in India. If you plan to visit Rishikesh or Dharamshala in the winter take warm clothing as mornings will be pretty chilly and buildings there generally don’t have heating. 

Other destinations don’t require you to cover up so much but you may still need a shawl or something to cover shoulders and knees when visiting spiritual or religious sites like temples or churches.

If you’re unsure what to pack, have a look at our complete yoga teacher training packing list . 

To make your yoga teacher training experience as smooth and rewarding as possible it’s also essential to prepare both physically and mentally. From practicing yoga every day to build up your strength and fitness levels to reading yoga teacher training books to give you a head start of some of the complex subjects you’ll cover. Check out our article about how to prepare for yoga teacher training success .

Final Thoughts on Yoga Teacher Training Abroad

We hope you’ve found this guide to yoga teacher training abroad useful. Remember that this experience is so much more than an essential step towards becoming a yoga teacher and that embarking on yoga training overseas is not just about the destination and cultural immersion, but the journey itself. It’s about the personal growth and transformation that happens within you, the connections you make, and the deeper understanding of yoga you’ll gain.

If you need more tips and inspiration for your yoga teacher training journey be sure to check out our other articles on yoga teacher training .

more Yoga Teacher training articles:

• Reasons to do Yoga Teacher Training (even if you don’t plan to teach)
• Are you Ready for Yoga Teacher Training?
• How to Choose the Best Yoga Teacher Training Program for you
• How to Prepare for Yoga Teacher Training Success
• Things I Wish I’d Known Before Doing Yoga Teacher Training
• Ways Yoga Teacher Training will Change your Life

* This post may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase through links on our site we may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products that we love and genuinely use ourselves. All prices stated are correct on the date of publishing, but can be subject to change.

© loveyogalovetravel.com 2022-2024. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to loveyogalovetravel.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Anna is a travel writer and yoga teacher. She travelled the world and then fell in love with Goa, India where she has lived for over 10 years.

Her blog www.global-gallivanting.com is a 'go to' resource for traveling in India. She has completed yoga teacher training in India and Bali.

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The 9 Best Travel Yoga Mats for Practicing on the Go, Tested and Reviewed

Stay in your flow with these supportive, portable yoga mats.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Mats We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Finding the right yoga mat is like reaching nirvana — once you do you’ll be in a state of bliss. Find one you can also travel with and that’s just icing on the cake. We tapped Mandy Ingber, yoga instructor and author of Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover to give us the scoop on what attributes you should look for in your next mat purchase. Ingber, who has been the yogi to several A-List celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Kate Beckinsale, suggested we make design, comfort, grip, and portability the standards we swear by, noting to pay special attention to things like a mat’s thickness, which if too clunky, can throw off your balance, and whether or not your mat feels like a Slip 'N Slide (not in a good way) or helps you stick your poses with no problems.

Armed with all of this insider information, we tested 40 different mats during multiple yoga sessions, taking careful notes and paying special attention to attributes like excellent balance of cushion and support, great grip, and portable features that made them easy to transport. Check out our favorite yoga mats for travel below.

Best Overall

Aeromat elite yoga pilates mat.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

It has a cushy and supportive feel.

The rubber smell, though slight, was bothersome.

When it comes to thickness, consider the Aeromat Elite Yoga/Pilates Mat to be the “just right” porridge, chair, and bed that Goldilocks commandeered in the classic kid’s fairytale. There’s just enough material to support and cushion your body as you flow from pose to pose, but not so much that it gets in your way or inhibits your ability to make solid contact with the floor. It also boasts a textured finish that ensures a secure grip, especially when things get wet. We were able to work up a good sweat without our hands and feet sliding around during testing. The surface also has built-in mesh to help your mat retain its shape. And when you’re ready to pack up and go: sling one of 12 calming hues (think celeste, dusty rose, sea glass green, and chai) across your shoulder (a harness is included with purchase). It’s super lightweight — essential for any portable exercise equipment — so toting it around will be as easy as child’s pose.

The Details: .25 x 24 x 72 inches | PVC

Travel + Leisure / Cindy Erskin

Best Overall, Runner-up

Jade yoga jade voyager mat.

• Design 3.9 /5
• Comfort 3 /5

The great grip keeps hands and feet in place no matter the pose.

Sensitive to smells? This mat has a strong rubbery one that lingers.

There’s nothing worse than having to constantly flow in and out of a pose to wipe the water away from your sweaty hands or feet. The Jade Yoga Voyager solves for this in two ways: its opened-cell surface easily soaks up excess moisture while the textured natural rubber enhances grip. Also, weighing in at just over 1.5 pounds, this lightweight pick is the perfect on-the-go partner, whether you’re headed down the street or across the country for a wellness retreat . Plus it folds down to the size of a yoga block , which makes storing it in a shoulder bag or a suitcase that much easier. Even better: every time you make it to the mat, you’ll know you’re doing so with Mother Earth in mind because this eco-friendly mat not only does away with synthetic rubbers (that’s right no PVC or EVA), using the natural kind by extracting the latex sap from rubber trees, but the brand also plants a tree for every mat sold.

The Details: .06 x 24 x  68 inches | 1.5 pounds | Natural rubber

• Travel + Leisure/Jennifer May

Travel + Leisure / Jennifer May

Best Portable

Nike training mat 2.0.

• Design 5 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

A little longer than an average yoga mat, it can accommodate folks up to six feet tall while still being super easy to carry.

While the extra cushion is great for bony joints, it does make balancing poses extra challenging.

Nothing can put the kibosh on a Zen practice quicker or be more cumbersome than a yoga mat that constantly keeps unfurling while you’re on the way to your next class. Thankfully, the convenient, adjustable strap that comes with the Nike Training Mat 2.0 helps manage this issue, allowing us to wrap it around both ends of the neatly rolled mat and comfortably carry this cushy two-pounder without experiencing any shoulder discomfort. Even better, for yogis who do a myriad of floor workouts (think Pilates, stretching, core work, and more), this high-density foam mat stands in the gap, making it an extremely versatile and well-padded option. In fact, it was so cushioned that we thought it could double up as a sleeping pad for camping , but the downside is that it may be a challenging surface for balance exercises.

The Details: 71.26 x 24.02 x 0.32 inches | 2.08 pounds | PVB and foam

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Lightweight

Lululemon the lightweight 5mm yoga mat.

• Portability 4.9 /5

This mat offers a solid, firm grip without being sticky.

If you’re a heavy sweater, you may want to steer clear because it tends to get slippery.

Don’t let this thin, featherlike yoga mat — which is light enough to take anywhere you want to flow — fool you: it’s still supportive and cushy enough to handle every pose from camel to headstand. The hundreds of mini rectangular nubs covering the top of the mat’s surface will help guide your hand and foot grip so you can easily maintain your balance in each of these poses and beyond.

We found this mat very easy to roll out and roll up, and it was supremely lightweight to carry. One thing to note is that the closed cell design doesn’t allow for the absorption of sweat, which can make this mat extra slippery. However, the mat was easy to clean post practice — simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep dirt, stains, and bacteria at bay.

The Details: 26 x 71 x 19 inches | 3.3 pounds | Foam

Best for Hot Yoga

Jadeyoga travel yoga mat.

This lightweight mat, which comes in two sizes, is easy to carry, so you won’t have trouble toting it to and from yoga class.

For multi-hour practice days, this thin mat may lack sufficient support.

When it comes to hot yoga, you should expect to sweat. While this may be good for helping to cool down your body, major water works also leave you open to slipping and sliding across your mat, which is a definite no-no, no matter what the position. Luckily, the Jade Yoga Travel Yoga Mat helps keep you grounded, literally, thanks to its open cell construction, which absorbs moisture, combined with its micro ribbed surface that offers a supreme grip. After testing this mat, we loved it for its exceptional grip that was suitable even with our sweaty palms. We also thought it felt lightweight, easy to carry, and we think it would stay rolled up in transit due to its grippy texture. Feel good environmental bonus: for every mat sold, the company plants a tree.

The Details: 68 x 24 x 0.125 inches | 3 pounds| Natural Rubber

Best for Beginners

Newme fitness instructional yoga mat.

Courtesy of Amazon

• Design 4 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

If you routinely deal with sweaty palms, this moisture-wicking mat will help rein in that excess water.

This mat molds to your body, leaving an imprint that doesn’t instantly go away.

Being a beginner in a room full of established yogis can feel super intimidating, but newbies can practice with more confidence thanks to the NewMe Fitness Yoga Mat. Doubling as an asana crib sheet, this handy yoga mat has 70 printed pictures of poses (think crow, cow face, corpse, among others) with their corresponding names in both English and Sanskrit emblazoned across its expansive surface. So, whether you need a quick refresher mid-class or help decoding what move the teacher is asking you to perform (we’re talking about you Chaturanga Dandasana!), this mat has got your covered. We also thought this affordable mat had a great grip that kept our hands in place and felt just as grippy as mats twice the price. It was very easy to roll up and carry around as well.

The Details: 68 x 24 x 0.2 inches | 2.6 pounds | PVC

Gaiam Premium Reversible Lunar Wave Yoga Mat

• Design 4.2 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5

It features an antimicrobial, waterproof layer that is moisture-wicking and nonslip.

This mat is on the thin side, so if your knees or wrists need extra cushion and support, go with another pick.

The small raised nodes covering this mat’s dual-textured sides gives it a gummy feeling that offers greater traction for hands and feet to keep you steady so you don’t slip. The result: a tremendous grip that verges on almost feeling sticky at times. Don’t let those little nodes fool you, though; they are tiny enough that they won’t disturb those peaceful moments on the mat, not even while you’re letting the day’s work sink in during Savasana. Did we mention we are also moonstruck by the stunningly painted design of moons in its many forms? FYI: if you are a visually stimulated person, a mat with a cool design, like this one, can make your practice more pleasurable, says Ingber. A handy bonus: with this mat you also get access to an online library of yoga content .

The Details: 8 x 24 inches | 6 millimeters | PVC, latex-free

Best Reversible

Manduka yoga mat.

There’s an alignment stripe down the center of one side, which can help better guide beginner’s with hand, foot, and overall body placement.

The mat’s surface is closed-cell, which means it won’t absorb your sweat or any bacteria, so you’ll have to be diligent about wiping it down post flow.

We love that this eco-friendly Manduka mat is not only free from harsh chemical substances but makes you feel like you are getting two mats for the price of one, thanks to the dual-hued sides. Regardless of what mood leads your color choice that day (we are super keen on the lavender/fig combo), you can always count on the mat’s firm, textured surface to add stability through traction. This well-designed mat held up in a variety of classes — flow, power, and hot yoga — but we think yogis interested in a more restorative practice might do better with a more cushioned pick. Bonus points: it’s light and easy to roll and fold, which makes it a great portable option for yoga-based travel .

The Details: 68 x 24 inches | 2.5 pounds | TPE

Travel + Leisure / Megan Hartig

Best Budget

Amazon basics yoga mat.

Amazon 

• Grip 4.5 /5
• Portability 4 /5

At half an inch inches thick, this cushy mat is a godsend for those with sensitive joints.

The thickness makes it slightly tricky to transport.

Shelling out big bucks for a mat can be super off-putting, especially if you’re a newbie and unsure if you’re ready to commit to getting downward-dog on the regular. Luckily this mat is very kind to your wallet—without you having to sacrifice on things that really count like durability, grip, and comfort. Those who spend lots of time pressing into their hands (think Crow or Wheel), will find the thick cushioned surface is gentler on wrists. We used it often for handstands against the wall and planks and never felt like we were slipping, even when sweaty. The ample cushioning also makes this a great choice for floor-based bodyweight moves (hello crunches!), too.

The Details: 73.2 x 24.3 x 0.5 inches | 2.45 pounds | Foam

Travel + Leisure / Michael Navarro

• Travel + Leisure/Michael Navarro

Other Travel Yoga Mats We Liked

These yoga mats didn’t make our main list, but they still scored well and had a few key standout features that placed them in a league of their own.

YogaAccessories 1/4-inch Deluxe Yoga Mat : At 74 inches long, this foam-based mat is longer than traditional ones, which tend to land around 68 inches, making it more amenable to those over six feet tall. It’s also extra thick, making kneeling poses like camel, low lunge, and cat/cow more manageable, especially for those with extra sensitivity in this area. That said, this 3.6-pound pick can be a little unruly when it comes to transporting it, making it less portable for travelers.

Lululemon The Mat 3mm : This barely-there option — it’s only 0.12 inches thick — is dual-sided, boasting one that’s sticky and nubby to keep you stable and grounded, while the other is smooth and cushioned for workouts that won’t leave you drenched (think a couple of quick stretches versus a full-on power flow). While we love that it comes in six gorgeous shades and has an antimicrobial layer that keeps mold and mildew at bay, we weren’t fans of how moisture marks remained long after we finished our last flow.

Blogilates Beginner Lightweight Yoga Mat: This mat — which is lightweight, easy to roll, and comes with its own carrying case — is the perfect companion for on-the-go flows. At 4mm thick, this thinner silhouette is great for those who who may need extra stability during a super active and balance-heavy practice (think: Power Vinyasa). As you flow from asana to asana across this 68-inch surface, you’ll be treated to a super grippy, textured surface (both top and bottom) that eliminates slippage. One drawback: hair and dirt are commonplace when using this mat.

For this article, we looked over results from two different yoga mat tests, in which we tried a total of 40 yoga mats. In the first round of testing we tried 19 mats from notable brands (think Manduka, Lululemon, and Jade) through three to five yoga classes per week over a four-week testing period. During this time, we assessed each yoga mat for its design, comfort, grip, and portability — all features that yoga instructor Mandy Ingber said can make or break a yoga practice. Testers continued putting these mats through their paces for an additional six months to collect long-term insights.

For our second test, we tried an additional 21 yoga mats during a yoga class, paying special attention to mat thickness, cushioning, support, and how easy they were to clean. After the class was over, we rolled and packed up the yoga mats, walking around the building, and going up and down stairs to take notes on how portable they were, if they stayed rolled up during transit, how lightweight or heavy they felt to carry, and how easy (or difficult) it was to reroll the mats and pack them up.

In the end, the standout mats put the kibosh on sweat (at least most of them), weren’t overly cushy but left our joints feeling happy, and offered a stellar grip when flowing through poses. Most of all, we felt they were portable enough to travel with.

Tips for Buying a Travel Yoga Mat

Don’t forget about weight.

Lugging around a super heavy mat can make any yoga feel less than Zen, especially if it saddles you with a heavy baggage fee at the airport. That’s why it’s wise to reach for more lightweight styles (think under 2.5 pounds) so you can easily transport it to your final destination.

Consider stickiness

As far as yoga mats go, stickiness is equivalent to traction.  So if you’re looking to lower your risk of slipping and sliding all over the place, the stickier, the better (PVC yoga mats have a pretty high stickiness factor). Also handy for staying power: mats with a raised texture.

Plan for extra support

According to Ingber, thinner yoga mats make great travel companions, as they fold easily and usually weigh less. She also notes that barely there mats “will often leave you feeling every bit of the floor,” which is why shoring up your practice space with a towel or shirt to counter any pain points (think wrists or knees) or cushion more weight-bearing asanas is advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions

First determine what type of mat you have, as some are meant to be folded and others rolled. If the former, follow the creases if they are apparent, or simply fold it small enough to fit into the storage space you are aiming for. The latter? Roll it as tightly and evenly as possible. Ultimately, the key is to make it work for the type of luggage you are using, whether that be a backpack, a duffel bag, a tote bag, or something else.

When not traveling, consider rolling up your mat and placing it in a mat bag. This will help you keep the practice surface clean, crease-free, and for the most part unscathed, especially if you have a furry friend roaming around your home.

From Astura Yoga Mat Detox to TreeActiv Yoga Mat Spray to Moxe Yoga Mat Cleaner , there are no shortages of quality sprays lining shelves that can help eliminate sweat, stenches, and bacteria. You can also go the DIY route, mixing apple cider vinegar in a 1:4 ratio and adding a few drops of tea tree oil. No matter what route you choose, proper cleaning will help extend the life of your mat.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Rozalynn S. Frazier is a multimedia journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on health and fitness. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and an avid exerciser, who routinely puts wellness tools and fitness gear through its paces to help access which products are worthy of praise. She has created content for SELF, Shape, Men’s Health, Real Simple, Oprah Daily, and Cosmopolitan, among other publications. Yoga instructor and author Mandy Ingber also contributed insights to this roundup, with all picks tested and reviewed by the team.

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Related Articles

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best cushioned
• Best reversible

The best travel yoga mats of 2023

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Flexible, travel yoga mats are specifically designed to pack down small and not take up too much room (or weight) in your suitcase or backpack. They're often thinner than your standard yoga mat and made from a more flexible material, both of which allow them to be stashed in small places but still provide you some cushioning as you move through asanas.

Our top pick is the Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat ; this mat weighs just 2.2 pounds and is extremely flexible, allowing it to be easily packed while traveling. For a budget mat, we recommend the Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat ; it's compact enough to fit into a suitcase or carry-on, features a grippy texture, and costs less than $20. 

With any yoga mat, the thinner it becomes, the less reliable it is, so it's important to look for a travel yoga mat that still has a good grip, is made of durable material to withstand folding and transportation, and is easy to clean. We've vetted the world of foldable, travel yoga mats to narrow in on the four best for every type of yogi and traveler.

If you're looking for a standard yoga mat, check out our guide on the best yoga mats, from yoga instructors .

Top picks for the best travel yoga mats

Best overall: Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat - See at Amazon The Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat weighs only 2.2 pounds and is highly flexible for travel, without sacrificing the quality of the materials.

Best budget: Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat - See at Amazon The Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat is a compact and grippy option with an under-$20 price tag.

Best cushioned: JadeYoga Travel Yoga Mat - See at Amazon The JadeYoga Travel Mat comes from one of the most reliable brands on the market, is 3mm thick, and comes in two lengths to accommodate taller people.

Best reversible mat: The Reversible Mat - See at Lululemon The cleverly named Reversible Mat from Lululemon is like having two lightweight yoga mats for the price of one.

Best overall: Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat

Pros: Folds down very small, lightweight, tear-resistant, natural rubber, sticky surface

Cons: Expensive, not a lot of padding

Long-time yogi and Hatha yoga teacher Christabel Lobo and Kasia Gondek, DPT, CSCS, a physical therapist in Southern California, both point to the Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat as your best choice for keeping up with your practice while traveling.

At 2.2 pounds and 1.5 mm thick, it's extremely lightweight and flexible, making it easy to fold up tightly and toss in a suitcase. Despite being so thin, the mat is made of a woven scrim so it won't tear or stretch in your suitcase.

It has Manduka's signature closed-cell design which helps keep the surface dry, as well, and creates a strong grip for sweaty hands, so you can even pop into a hot yoga class on your travels. All Manduka mats are made without PVC or potentially toxic plasticizers. --Rachael Schultz

Best budget: Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat

Pros: Affordable, very lightweight, meant to be folded

Cons: PVC material

If you only travel a couple of times a year, you don't want to drop too much on a mat. Infrequent travelers will love the Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat .

This one-pound mat is even more lightweight than Manduka's eKO Superlite but it's slightly thicker at 2mm thick. The whole mat folds down to a 10-inch-wide and 12-inch-long rectangle for easy transportation in a carry-on or overnight duffel bag. It's one of the most affordable options available, too.

I have a full-sized Gaiam yoga mat that's lasted me for several years with regular use, so I can attest to the quality of the brand's goods.

Best cushioned: JadeYoga Travel Yoga Mat

Pros: Natural materials, purchase benefits Trees for the Future, more cushioning

Cons: Heavier than many other travel mats, doesn't pack down as small as others

Nearly all travel yoga mats are pretty thin, which is frustrating if you have knee of joint issues. This 3mm-thick mat from JadeYoga is the best you can get for a mat that'll still roll up tight. What's more, the JadeYoga Travel Mat is available in 68-inch and 74-inch lengths, which offers taller people adequate space on the mat.

JadeYoga puts special attention on sustainability, and its mats are made of natural rubber sourced from trees with no PVC or other synthetic materials added. For each one purchased, the brand ensures a new tree will be planted.

A no-slip, open-cell (more absorbent) surface gives you a solid grip, and it features much more cushioning compared to other travel mats. At approximately 3 pounds, it's a bit heavier than others on this list, but that's a small price for more support. 

One downside is that, unlike most travel yoga mats, JadeYoga's rolls instead of folds, so it may be harder to fit in your luggage. On the other hand, the quality makes it a great multi-use pick for home practice as well as travel.

JadeYoga makes one of our favorite yoga mats for sweaty yogis , too.

Best reversible: The Reversible (Un)Mat

Pros: Reversible with a grippier side for when you sweat, very thin and light, antimicrobial

Cons: Not much cushion

One of the downsides of taking your yoga practice on the road is decreased access to the props and extras that make classes and at-home vinyasa sessions more enjoyable.

The Reversible Mat from Lululemon helps solve that problem with a moisture-absorbing polyurethane-coated layer on one side, and natural rubber on the other.

If you get super sweaty during vigorous practice, use the grippier side to keep yourself from slip-sliding off the mat. For more chill sessions, you can use the rubberized side. The mat also has an antimicrobial additive to help prevent mold and mildew, which makes for more peace of mind while traveling.

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