Yesterday was International Yoga Day! Coinciding with the first day of summer, the Summer Solstice and Strawberry Moon this week, we’re all for feeling the positive vibes. Here are 5 best yoga spots to get our ohm on when we need to align our chakras.
#1 Shreyas Yoga Retreat, India
Peaceful and private, Shreyas Retreat inspires to pamper tired minds and stressed souls. Offering the best of ambience and rejuvenation programme of Ayurvedic principles, this 14-room Relais & Chateaux retreat holds strongly in the philosophy, “Athithi devo bhava”, that literally means ‘a Guest is to be served as the Divine’. Expect personalised attention from the staff as well as nature’s finest and most native produce across 25-acres of greenery, waters and organic gardens. Meditate, stretch, soak and chant, in the guidance of long-time yogic professionals. As a full-fledged yoga retreat, you can find peace and comfort in the midst of Shreyas’ lush tranquility. It also isn’t named One of the Best Asian Retreats by Business Week for nothing, thanks to wellness programmes that encompass meditation, ayurvedic treatments, daily yoga, charity, overall wellness, weight management and culinary experiences.
#2 Kamalaya Wellness Resort, Koh Samui
Centered around a monk’s cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat, Kamalaya is a symbol of growth and unfolding of the human spirit. The award-winning resort offers a plethora of holistic and life-changing wellness programs, natural medicine and spa and healing therapies for detox, yoga, stress and burnout, fitness and weight control. You’ll find 59 luxurious rooms, 3 dining areas all serving detox menus, two pools, herbal steam cavern, yoga pavilions, meditation spaces and even an art gallery.
#3 Six Senses Yao Noi, Phang Nga
Six Senses Yao Noi sets the highest benchmark for island resort living in Asia. The attention to detail and focus on the unique destination reinforces the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The various Pool Villa accommodations provide generous personal space, infinity pools and a variety of glorious views over Phang Nga Bay, while Mountain View villas face a classic plantation of rubber trees. But it’s not just the natural materials, modern architecture, excellent personal services or the beautiful island setting that makes us so peaceful – we love the three exceptional detox programs, which include Discover Yoga, Yogic Detox and Yogic Sleep programs which range from 3 to 14 nights, and include personalised yoga, prayanama, guided meditation, cleanse, detox massages, detox scrub, body wraps, signature facials, and wellness menu amongst others.
#4 Fusion Resort Nha Trang, Vietnam
An individually oriented resort brand, Fusion Resort Nha Trang brings a new level of vegan luxury to the shores of southern Vietnam. This exceptional beach resort rests on the beautiful pristine coastline along Cam Ranh-Nha Trang, with 72 villa and suite options strategically positioned to enjoy uninterrupted 180 degrees ocean views. From pool villas to stylish suites, each guestroom is furnished with custom-made suspended bathtubs and canopy-hammocks that artistically complement the well-appointed modern interiors and includes options such as feather-free pillows, L’Occitane toiletries and vegan-friendly spa ingredients. Highlights include the Maia Spa experience with signature Chamveda therapies and wellness activities like yoga (included in the room rate), as well as the delicious vegan meals which are integrated into the vegan friendly spa programme!
#5 Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives
Inspired by the gently curving wooden forms of the local ‘dhoni’ fishing boats, Cocoa Island’s 33 over-water suites and villas boast a unique local aesthetic. Built of New Zealand pine with Kajan thatched roofs, each bungalow overhangs the lagoon, and features high raftered ceilings, glossy teak floors and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to substantial decks; the better to enjoy in the inside out blurring of space. The chic blue and white décor brings the sea, sand and sky into the heart of every room, while guests will also enjoy a plethora of outside adventures at the 25m infinity-edge swimming pool, open-air yoga pavilion, hydrotherapy pool, watersports and dive centre and the signature COMO Shambhala Retreat.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
