“Yoga isn’t about tightening your ass, it’s about getting your head out of it.” — Eric Paskel
With International Yoga Day coming up on 21 June, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with sun salutations on vacation, whether to the sound of crashing waves or high up a mountain. And then to top it off (if we’re being completely honest), a giant breakfast buffet.
Read also: Beautiful Yoga Destinations for The Luxe Traveller
#1 Kamandalu Ubud in Ubud, Bali
Kamandalu Ubud is a five-star resort designed to resemble a traditional Balinese village. Against an enchanting backdrop (corny, but true) of the Ubud rainforest, yoga lessons are held at Rumah Yoga in the morning. Walks to the rumah, which means home in Bahasa Indonesia, are refreshing as you make your way through the jungle and breathe in the freshest of air.
#2 The Amala in Seminyak, Bali
In the ancient Sanskrit language, the word “Amala” means pure and unspoilt. Ergo, this is one wellness spa retreat that needs to be on any spiritual Nomad’s radar. The holistic spa is very well known on the island, as is the Wellness Studio with its daily morning and evening classes.
#3 KK Beach in Galle, Sri Lanka
Set right on the beach in Habaraduwa, yoga classes at this contemporary villa are held at 8 am, three times a week. Keep yourself busy with other activities here like cookery classes, excursions off the coast to spot blue whales and spinner dolphins, and boat trips to a temple island.
#4 Mia Resort Nha Trang in Nha Trang, Vietnam
The resort holds amazing classes for beginners and other levels of yoga, by a specialist Yogi named Udvelananda. When the weather is good outside, sessions are held right on the beach! Every class ends with a relaxed meditation and if you want the extra teaching, private classes for yoga, meditation and yoga therapy are also available.
#5 Ani Villas Thailand in Phang-Nga, Thailand
This lavish all-inclusive villa is one of the grandest we’ve ever seen! It’s just our luck that they’ve also got a fitness centre, with a yoga studio on the third floor that doubles as a scenic viewing deck. Your asana will be the only work you’ll need to do here, when you’ve got your own personal chef and butler.
#6 Trisara Phuket in Phuket, Thailand
Yoga and meditation are both specialities at Trisara, which in Sanskrit means the “Third Garden in Heaven”, by the way. The yoga sala at Jara Spa is situated by the shore and fringed with coconut palms. If you really want to break a sweat, take a Pilates or muay Thai class.
#7 Dedon Island in Siargao, Philippines
Yoga at one of the most beautiful islands in the world? Sounds good! Dedon Island’s own yoga teacher, James, has helped turn the resort into a yoga retreat. Classes are held daily in the treehouse, Mango Pagoda or indoors, depending on the weather.
#8 The Andaman, Langkawi, Malaysia
How often do you get to say you share a yoga teacher with a celebrity? Nepali-born yoga master Ekrah Gajurel, who has taught Sting and the Prince of Jodphur, offers classes for all levels and we love them! Guests at The Andaman can take up the in-house yoga programme that includes therapeutic classes and meditation aimed at reaching the entranced state of yoga nidra.
Move it.
Image credit: Main
