There’s nothing like a yoga holiday to escape the hustle and bustle of life for a much-needed break. Aside from the daily yoga classes, your holiday will include ceremonial gatherings and meditation sessions while surrounded by tranquil nature. From laid-back retreats in the Lake District to luxurious yoga experiences in St Ives, these places offer the perfect setting for a relaxing yoga holiday.
1. Spain
Since Spain enjoys mild weather even during winter, it’s an ideal destination for a yoga holiday. In fact, a yoga retreat is popular in Spain, especially for those seeking to enjoy relaxation. Here, you can practice yoga surrounded by the breathtaking ocean views or meditate while listening to the relaxing sounds of nature.
Spain is one of the first European countries to embrace yoga around the 20th Century, so it’s clear why yoga is popular here. In addition, Spain boasts unique geography and has many scenic beach spots and charming places to practice yoga, which led to yoga retreats rising in popularity. One of the top destinations to practice yoga in Spain is Ibiza. While many would associate the island with wild parties, there are many secluded and quiet spots in Ibiza where you can practice meditation while surrounded by stunning nature views.
Fuerteventura is another popular spot for yoga holidays in Spain. It’s a tropical paradise blessed with sunny weather all year round. You’ll find many resorts on the island that offer yoga classes led by expert yogis. Some offer relaxation packages that include accommodation, meals, and yoga lessons, so take advantage of these.
2. The Lake District
Blessed with stunning natural scenery, glistening lakes and rolling hills, the beautiful Lake District is perfect for a relaxing yoga holiday. It’s a great place to soak up nature and enjoy a relaxing vacation. While on a break from your yoga sessions, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain climbing.
Going for a yoga holiday in the Lake District also allows you to explore fascinating places, such as Scafell Pike, the tallest peak in England. You can also go sightseeing and visit attractions like the Lakes Distillery, Derwent Pencil Museum, and the Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Most of the yoga holidays in the Lake District will include a stay in beautiful cottages. Aside from yoga classes, there are meditation sessions and other workshops to boost relaxation. These yoga holiday packages include healthy meals with foods meant to nourish your mind, body, and soul.
3. Italy
Italy is a truly stunning country with a rich culture and history. It offers almost any kind of holiday you can think of. If you’re here for relaxation, you should book a yoga holiday. Your yoga holiday in Italy can take place in a breathtaking setting, such as in mountainous regions, stunning islands, or charming lake towns.
The scenic lakes of Italy can make for a perfect backdrop for a relaxing yoga class. For instance, Lake Garda is a destination that charms many visitors for its tranquil atmosphere, an ideal spot for enjoying a yoga-centred holiday. You will find resorts in Lake Garda offering yoga classes for everyone from beginners to experts and includes organised outdoor excursions. Sicily, only a few miles from mainland Italy, is another fascinating destination to enjoy yoga. It’s a charming Italian region full of cultural diversity, historical richness, mouth-watering food, and exquisite wine.
If you imagine yourself practising yoga surrounded by stunning vineyards, head to Tuscany, one of Italy’s most popular destinations for yoga holidays. You can also choose to go to Sardinia for your yoga holiday. It boasts breathtaking natural landscapes where you can meditate and focus on your yoga classes.
4. Zadar, Croatia
Famous for its ancient ruins, beautiful islands, incredible beaches, and stunning sceneries, Croatia is the ultimate destination for a relaxing yoga break. Many places in Croatia offer yoga holidays, but the most popular is Zadar, a lovely city with many secluded areas, perfect for relaxing. You’ll also find plenty of lovely rental villas in Zadar, an ideal choice for those looking to unwind.
Lying along the Dalmatian Coast, Zadar is a historic destination offering an abundance of medieval ruins. While most visitors would come here for sightseeing, those looking to unwind will find plenty of hotels and resorts offering relaxation activities, including yoga. The wellness scene in Croatia is constantly growing. There are an increasing number of luxurious spas and yoga studios in Zadar and many other cities.
Although Zadar is a small island, it offers decent options for a yoga holiday. You’ll find many studios and retreat sites with yoga packages that include meals and accommodation. In addition, many restaurants on the island offer options for organic vegan dining.
5. St Ives, Cornwall
Cornwall may be more famous for being a destination for surfing, but it’s home to some picturesque towns with a relaxing atmosphere, offering the perfect setting for a yoga holiday. One of these is St Ives, a charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and a pretty harbour lined with art galleries and excellent restaurants. For such a small town, St Ives has a fantastic array of fun things to explore, giving you plenty of things to do other than practising yoga.
What’s great about a yoga holiday in St Ives is that you can do other fitness activities, which makes the experience even more exciting. You can try horse riding, hiking, surfing, and more. It’s also possible to take a boat trip to the nearby Seal Island. There are also options for private charters and fishing trips. On top of that, you shouldn’t miss famous attractions like St Nicholas Chapel, which sits on top of St Ives.
Aside from yoga, another way to unwind in St Ives is to watch the beautiful sunsets at Porthmeor Beach. It’s a fun place to visit, where you can sit on a picnic rug while enjoying refreshing drinks. Further down the beach, you will find beachside bars that often play music and serve cocktails.