10 Best & Classic Destinations for Yoga In The World

Best Yoga Destinations. Photo: KnowInsiders

Yoga is fast becoming popular in the world today, with many nations practicing it and even celebrating it on International Yoga Day.

2022 is certainly looking brighter with more and more countries opening their borders for international visitors. This means one thing for us: yoga retreats are back along with KnowInsiders' yearly rankings for top yoga destinations!

Which are the 10 Best & Classic destinations for Yoga In The World?

1. Kaliyoga, Puglia

2. Spain

3. Costa Rica

4. Paradise Plage, Morocco

5. Portugal

6. Sri Lanka

7. Mexico

8. The Yoga Barn, Bali

9. Italy

10. Thailand

*****

List of 10 Best & Classic destinations for Yoga In The World

1. Kaliyoga, Puglia

Photo: Seen in The City

Delicious food, beautiful surroundings and twice-daily yoga sessions make Kaliyoga a favourite yoga retreat with many. Including our staff!

Kaliyoga was founded in 2008 by teachers Jonji & Rosie Miles, and they’ve worked to create a retreat that truly fortifies the body, mind and spirit.

Here, you’ll stay in a trullo–one of those traditional, conical buildings the region is famous for. Your little house can be either shared, or you can stay alone for an extra fee. Meals are held in the centuries-old farmhouse set amongst the trulli, and the newly constructed outdoor yoga pavilion is where classes are held when the sun is shining (which is most of the time, thankfully!).

If the yoga isn’t relaxing enough, you can also choose from a wide range of spa treatments here, from deep tissue and reflexology to manicures and pedicures.

2. Spain

Photo: Yoga Practice

Spain has always been part of our ranking and it’s usually in the top three. So, there’s no surprise here considering its many wonderful places to do yoga.

Off the eastern Spanish coast, the Balearic Islands are among the very best places on Earth for a yoga vacation. Ibiza is the jewel in the crown, full of sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, lively nightlife, and silent retreats. And Mallorca, with plenty of historic sights, first-class restaurants, and amazing cultural events is an excellent choice as well.

Further south, the Canary Islands are a paradise on earth, featuring astonishing landscapes and perfect weather year-round. With all its mountains, it’s a perfect place to combine yoga with hiking.

Lastly, the secluded locations in the hills and valleys of Andalusia are ideal to go on a yoga & meditation retreat in Spain. And, on the other hand, the impressive architecture of the region gives a majestic and highly spiritual vibe making it a truly unique yoga experience.

3. Costa Rica

Photo: TripAdvisor

Costa Rica is best known for its biodiversity, rainforests , great surf, and friendly locals. The beautiful country also happens to be a top go-to for yoga lovers.

Lake Arenal

The regions surrounding Lake Arenal will have anyone feeling rejuvenated after their stay. Expect to be surrounded by mountain views, tropical patches of jungle, and not to mention volcano-fed hot springs!

Puntarenas

For a perfect combination of jungle and beach, Puntarenas is the perfect location to completely immerse yourself in nature. Make sure to stop by Playa Dona Ana, and join local surfers and yogis practice against the view of the most beautiful sunset you’ve ever seen.

4. Paradise Plage, Morocco

Photo: paradisplage

If you find tranquillity in being near water, then Paradis Plage is the retreat for you. Rejuvenate yourself every morning with the beautiful Moroccan sunshine, and awaken to the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping softly against the golden sand.

Paradis Plage is the first ever surfing, yoga and spa resort in Morocco. There’s obviously loads to do here, from sports and pampering to exploring the local culture. Hatha, Vinyasa, and Lin yoga classes are all offered during the day. Evenings can be spent dining on local delicacies at the retreat or in one of the many excellent surrounding restaurants.

Not yet a surfer? No worries! Excellent surfing instruction is included. And don’t worry: the waves here are pretty gentle. It’s a great place to learn!

All in all, Paradise Plage offers a sensuous and beautiful journey in health, wellness and cultural exploration.

5. Portugal

Photo: Lapoint - Surf camps

With more than 200 days of sunshine per year, picturesque cities, natural beauty and a laid-back atmosphere, Portugal is a great destination for yoga holidays. Here, even the smallest towns have at least one yoga studio and it’s common to find people practicing their asanas on the beach.

Also, Portugal is well-known for its surf and yoga retreats. Algarve and Ericeira are some of the top surfing destinations in the world, and if you’ve never surfed before, don’t worry as you can find tons of surf & yoga retreats for beginners.

If you’re looking for a bigger city, head to Lisbon where you’ll get the magic of Portuguese culture and art scene with plenty of fascinating history and street art in all of its neighborhoods.

6. Sri Lanka

Photo: Book Yoga Retreats

While Sri Lanka has been “up-and-coming” for a while, this beautiful island has been thrust into the spotlight in recent years. Although Yoga is certainly not new to the region (it’s just a stone’s throw away from India), more and more Yoga centers and retreats are opening up which makes Sri Lanka a perfect Yoga destination to deepen your practice.

Not only is Sri Lanka wonderfully lush, the tropical island offers blissful sunshine all year round in addition to a diverse range of picturesque landscapes from its verdant hill country to the semi-arid national parks and pristine beaches in south Sri Lanka or up along the east coast. The culture is rich and Sri Lanka is home to no less than eight UNESCO Heritage Sites, so you can plan a wellness-plus-cultural getaway easily.

Foodies will love the fresh and fragrant Sri Lankan cuisine on offer, with a number of incredible cafes and restaurants dotted around the island – make sure you always stop for a roadside coconut! Those who aren’t interested in attending a full Yoga retreat can simply check out drop-in classes which are widely available in central Sri Lanka.

7. Mexico

Photo: Air Transat

Mexico is the perfect destination to live out a unique yoga experience. Most retreats are held in paradisiacal places and it offers tons of different activities to inspire you to become a better yogi, relax and enjoy the moment.

You might find yourself participating in Mayan sacred ceremonies, singing in a Temazcal (a type of low heat sweat lodge), savoring the mouth-watering local cuisine, or just relaxing on its glorious beaches.

A yoga retreat in Tulum is anything you may dream of; it has a Zen atmosphere, some of the best wellness centers in the country, and a healthy lifestyle culture with lots of vegan restaurants around. On top of that, it offers tons of adventurous water sports.

Down to the Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Mexico, offering beautiful beaches, abundant marine life, water sports, and yoga retreats. Whether you want to stretch out on the beach, do some snorkeling, go fishing, or spend the afternoon on a sunset boat tour, you’ll find plenty of fun activities to complement your trip.

If you’re looking for a place to mix yoga with surf, go south to Oaxaca, where you can find great waves, good vibes and tons of surf and yoga holidays.

8. The Yoga Barn, Bali

Photo: The Boho Guide

This may not be the most luxurious of all the retreats on this page, but it could well be the most fun! In addition to loads of different classes to choose from, you’ll also find meditation classes. These include sound healing and Tibetan bowl meditation, for example.

There’s also an Ayurvedic spa and a gorgeous garden cafe that serves fresh and healthy vegan meals and beverages.

Located in lush Ubud, there’s also a sweet little hotel attached to this yoga phenomenon, so you can choose to stay here and do a retreat, or come and visit the Yoga Barn on your own time, from another hotel. And with year-round sun, you can work on your tan as you’re doing your warrior poses!

Best for: This is one of the best yoga retreats around the world for socialising with other yoga fans at the super sweet cafe

9. Italy

Photo: Book Yoga Retreats

Italy is, for good reasons, one of the most touristic countries in the world. But there are certain things that make it very special for yogis as well.

The mountain regions combined with charming coastlines make a yoga retreat in Italy an experience you won’t forget. Plus, as you know, the food is among the best in the world, making it a great destination to combine yoga with a culinary vacation.

Home to the most famous Renaissance artists, green landscapes, and the best yoga retreats in Italy, Tuscany could be considered the place with the most cultural and scientific influence in human history. From the Apennine Mountains to the beaches on the Mediterranean Sea, there are tons of incredible options for a wonderful yoga retreat.

Sardinia is a favorite for both yogis and surfers since it provides plenty of good surf spots. That said, it also offers remarkable landscapes where you can meditate or do sun salutations.

Sicily is famous for its historical richness, cultural diversity, upscale shops, rustic neighborhoods, fantastic natural sights, exquisite wines and mouthwatering food. And, of course, there are tons of yoga retreats in Sicily to choose from.

10. Thailand

Photo: NEUE WEGE Reisen

Thailand is a land of pristine beaches, unspoiled islands, majestic Buddhist temples, spectacular Khmer ruins and quiet villages. Thanks to its high spiritual energy combined with kind people and warm weather, Thailand is one of the top travel yoga destinations in the world.

Koh Phangan is probably the most popular place for a yoga retreat in the whole country. It offers a good balance between relaxation and partying. Its all-night full-moon parties have become famous worldwide, while its temples and beaches have all the harmony you need to find peace and do meditation.

Koh Samui’s green scenery and clear blue waters make it an idyllic place to find serenity on a short yoga trip. It’s also a good option if you’re looking to deepen your practice as there are plenty of yoga teacher training courses.

Phuket is another popular destination for yoga retreats. With over 30 beautiful beaches and dozens of luxurious resorts, it is ideal for a relaxing vacation where you’d have nothing to worry about but to enjoy yourself and do yoga.

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